Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Do you remember the words of this song? "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!" These words penned by Joseph Scriven in the 1800's ring so true today. All too often, prayer is a last resort instead of our first response. Yet, Oh how we need the Lord! Jesus said, "Without Me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5) What a wonder that we can come to the One who spoke the world into being, and cast all our cares upon Him, for "He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16) He knows all that you and I go through. He knows the cares that we carry, and yet Jesus says, "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:29) We miss out on the joy of His presence, and the peace that passes understanding all because we don't come. Which, when you think of it is CRAZY!!!Remember that Jesus said, "I am with you always." OH how we need to live more and more aware of His presence! "In His presence is fullness of joy!" (Psalm 16:8-11) So, as the Apostle Paul (writing from prison) urges us on,..."Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!...Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Then He gives the solution for stinkin' thinkin'! Paul continues, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. The things which you learned and receive and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you!" (Philippians 4:4-9) Think of it! Because the God of peace is with us, we can have the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds through Christ! We are actually commanded in the Word, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts!...and be thankful!" (Colossians 3:15)
..."What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!" Again, the Apostle Paul writes in light of spiritual warfare, and in light of some who have shipwrecked the faith. "Therefor I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercession, and giving of thanks be made for all men!" (1 Timothy 1:17-2:8) Prayer is such a key ingredient in our walk with the Lord! It is like breathing! You cannot live without it! The Word of God says, "Beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God." (Jude 20-21) In a time when the love of many has grown cold, don't allow your heart to grow cold! "Stir up ~ Fan into flame ~ the gift of God that is in you!" (2 Timothy 1:6)
Let the Lord not only stir your heart and set you ablaze for His glory, let God use you to touch the lives of those around you.There are hurting people all around us. There are souls that are blinded and bound for destruction all around us. May the Lord light a fresh fire in our hearts for souls! All around us people need Jesus! Everyone will be either in heaven or hell for all eternity. The need is urgent! Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and let the Lord use you to share the Good News! (Acts 1:8) Jesus is the only Hope of salvation! The Word of God calls us to snatch souls from the fire! (Jude 22-23) "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!" (Romans 10:13-15)..."How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!" (Isaiah 52:7) Let your light so shine! (Matthew 5:16)
Thank you for standing with us in prayer! It has been a joy to watch the Lord open doors for His Word. It is a great joy to know that we are just seed planters! Some plant, others water, but God gives the increase! (1 Corinthians 3:6) It is never in vain! The Word of God says, "So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it!" (Isaiah 55:11) Please continue to pray that the Lord would give wisdom and boldness as we continue to take the Good News of salvation into the highways and hedges! Pray that the Lord would move upon hearts, and bring brokenness over sin, and godly sorrow working repentance. We must redeem the time for the days are evil. Jesus calls is to "Watch and Pray!" (Mark 14:38) One of the most powerful, yet most neglected ministries of the church is the ministry of prayer! No Prayer = No Power! Jesus said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer!" (Matthew 21:12-16)
If you would like to get involved in the outreach ministry you can reach me at 716-397-6099. If you are able to join us for prayer we meet Wednesdays at 6:30pm at Lakeside Bible Chapel. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY WITH US! If you have any prayer requests, please feel free to email them, and we will pray for them during the prayer meeting.
We thank the Lord for you! May the Lord continue to fill you to overflow for His glory!
Until we see Jesus! ~\o/~ Maranatha!
Jeff and Rachel Mohl
Jude 20-25
R-U-Blazin4Jesus? (FaceintheBook)
