Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! I trust all is well in your world today and that you are appreciating the change in weather. I know that we don’t always want rain but we sure need it. I even thought I heard the earth breathe a “thank you” for a little drink! Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to send a little “rain” from the throne room to you. I think I have heard more than a few people asking for “soul-reviving rain”…in fact, I have heard a few new songs with that theme. So, to quote an old chorus: Send down the rain, oh glory, send down the rain!
I am still reading my book on the “Year of Living Prayerfully” by Jared Brock…and as blessed as I was in some parts, I am challenged and heartsick in others. He has been exploring what he calls the “outer limits” and areas of the world that are quite different. In the section about the “outer limits” – I went with him, so to speak, to some gatherings held by Christian ‘stars’ and spiritual motivators…it wasn’t good. I, also. went to perhaps the polar opposite of what I understand Christianity to be at a ‘primitive church’…it wasn’t good either. The motivational spiritual sort of thing was interesting…it wasn’t good either. No wonder the world looks at Christians and the church with such scepticism.The part of the journey that took me to Korea was quite insightful.
This morning I want to give you a few more quotes to ponder: “In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grace is the most predominant attribute of God” – Charles Spurgeon … “Prayer is our declaration of dependence upon the Lord” – Philip Yancey … “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid” – Frederick Buechner … “It’s the first effect of not believing in God that you lose your common sense” – G.K. Chesterton … “To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees” – Billy Graham … “We are too busy to pray, and so we are to busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results” – R.A. Torrey … “Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and pentinence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine” – C.S. Lewis … “Man still does not realize the spiritual power that [the Holy Spirit has] given to him” – David Yonggi Cho … “Prayer is where the action is” – John wesley.
I am going to leave you with these words of worship: “So, I raise my hands until my strength has faded – Stand in honor ’til my knees give way – I will lift my voice and shout a grateful song – I will sing, O I will sing until my voice is gone” Travis Ryan
Enjoy the day – Shalom!