The Power of Prayer

Abraham Lincoln is not alone in rising to greatness through a life of prayer. In the Bible, from the very beginning, we see this pattern. In the book we are currently studying, Joshua, we see a man who learned the power of prayer during his time as an aide to Moses. Prayer set Joshua apart from the rest of Israel. When Moses climbed Mt. Sinai to receive the Commandments from God, Joshua remained nearby on the mountainside…praying!

The strength of man alone does not accomplish the purposes that God has in mind for His people. It is only when we humble ourselves before Him in confession, supplication, worship and thanksgiving that he moves in us and through us to accomplish His will.

Jesus tells us, “when you pray, go into your room…close the door…and pray to your Father…then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt 6:6).

The public success of Lincoln and Joshua came not from their might, but from their private humility before Almighty God. They found victory when they fought on their knees.

Join me, in the month of August, in a greater commitment to a life under-girded by prayer. Let’s daily learn to fight on our knees for the lost and the needy in our community. Let’s daily learn to fight on our knees for the strength and the unity of our church. Let’s daily learn to fight on our knees against an enemy, the devil, who works tirelessly to thwart our plans, weaken our resolve, and break apart our relationships. Let’s break through together. Let’s see revival before this year is done! (more details forthcoming; expect great things)

YOUTH CAMP MEMORIES

I will be at the Power Plus Youth Camp this whole week with about 30 of our wonderful youth and courageous youth sponsors! I’m excited! I’m praying the LORD moves powerful upon us and sets all of our hearts on fire for His purposes, for His mission. I’m praying we all walk away fully realizing life isn’t about glory or pleasure for me, but instead glory and honor to Jesus! Pray with me! Pray for them! May the glory of the LORD fall on them all this week!

My experiences at Youth Camp as a teenager were tremendous and God changed my life each and every time. At camp I dedicated an entire week to seeking after Him earnestly. Youth Camp gives kids this opportunity, and if they take it seriously, they will never be the same. Why was it so powerful for me and life changing? Here is what I believe:

1. Teenagers are tired of playing religious games. They want it to be real or they want to walk away from it to find something that is real. They have an incredible need to be led, to be challenged, and to see for themselves the love and power of God. That was me years ago too, and it is the same for today’s teens as well.

2.  The principle of “seeking God earnestly” (Jeremiah 29:13) is never more intense for them than at Youth Camp. We live such busy lives that on an average day most Christians simply give God their leftover time…not quality time. There is no power there. But the power of God falls on us when we seek Him earnestly, and that takes time. Youth Camp provides that time. I still remember those moments when I heard from God and felt His presence at Youth Camp! It was just “wow!”

I AM KIND…what is your superpower?

Galatians 5:22-23 teaches us about the fruit of the Spirit. One of the fruits is kindness…”but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,  goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Last year our church began a partnership with a mentoring ministry—Kids Hope USA (http://www.kidshopeusa.org/). It is an exciting program and has caused Wednesdays to be a favorite day for me each week. Now, on Wednesdays I have the privilege of mentoring a 1^st grade student at Shadycrest Elementary School and we are having a great time of learning and growing together. Each trip I see a sign outside a teacher’s door that says, “I’m a teacher, what is your superpower!”

I love it…but it provoked me to thinking about the literal supernatural powers that Christ gives us through the empowering work of HIS SPIRIT in us. It’s the “Grace Fruit” we have been talking about in our current sermon series at Shadycrest. Have you ever thought about the fact that you have been given SUPERPOWERS! Praise the LORD; yes you have!

Can you think of someone right now who has been mean to you? They have mistreated you in the past? Your easiest response is to have nothing to do with them; however, I suggest that you do  something kind for them, especially if this person is in your family or is someone you see often. The purpose of kindness is not to make them burn with shame, but to bless them. If you do, God will reward your kindness. It is hard to do, and you may have to pray hard and long before being truly ready to do it…but do it anyway!

Booker T. Washington, the first President of Tuskegee Institute faced a great deal of hatred and abuse as he worked to educate African-Americans during the time of Jim Crow laws in the south. Through it all, he demonstrated the kindness of Christ to his enemies. He once wrote: “I will not allow any man to make me lower myself by hating him. The only way I can destroy my enemy is to make him my friend.”

In August 1998 when George H. W. Bush accepted the Republican nomination for President, he said, “I want a kinder, gentler nation.” Five months later he was inaugurated as our 41st President. Do you recall what his first official act was as Chief Executive? He led us in prayer. May God give us more leaders who lead us in prayer.

It’s amazing that President Bush said that one of our greatest needs is to become a kinder, gentler

nation. If it’s true of our nation, it’s also true of our churches, and our homes, and of each of us. We certainly need a kinder, gentler culture, and a kinder, gentler world.

Unfortunately, it is too common for “good, religious people” to be as mean as a snake. I’ve had more than one server in a restaurant tell me the rudest folks are the church people who eat out for Sunday lunch—and they say, “they’re the worse tippers!” OUCH! I agree with the little girl who had spent all day with some of these “good, religious people.” During her bedtime prayer she prayed, “Dear God, please make all the bad people good; and make all the good people kind.”

We must be kind to one another. Yes, we must be much kinder to one another than we presently are. One thing we say around here a lot is the phrase, “I might need to change.” It is a reminder that we haven’t arrived yet and Jesus is still working out His will and good pleasure in each of us who believe in Him. Kindness isn’t natural. It is supernatural, and we need to rely on Him to create kindness within us each and every day.

In Jesus name and for His glory I will be kind…what is your superpower?