Ps. Adrian Rogers from Love Worth Finding Ministries is one of my favourite preachers - and he is one of the soundest bible teachers I know. So have reproduced his message on The Privilege of Prayer below. It cuts to the heart of matters!
The Privilege of Prayer
taken from a message given by Adrian Rogers
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
Prayer is our greatest Christian privilege and our greatest Christian failure. Now there are some valid questions concerning prayer. In my study I’ve tried to think through some of these and I want to give you some brief insights.
Why should we pray when God already knows our needs?
We do not pray to impress or inform God, but to invite Him. We pray to fellowship with God, so He can develop and grow us, and because we depend on Him.
For what is it proper to pray?
There is nothing in life that is outside the reach of prayer. If it concerns you, it concerns God. We sometimes try to divide life into secular and sacred. We’ll pray about the sacred parts but handle the secular parts ourselves. Pray for everything.
Does God hear the prayers of the unsaved?
Cornelius was an unsaved man, but God was aware of his prayer as told in Acts 10. God can hear the prayer of an unsaved person, but we, who are His children, have been given so much more – His promises found in His Word.
Why should we pray in the name of Jesus?
God promises that He will give us what we ask for when we pray in the name of Jesus (John 14:13-14). When asking in Jesus’ name, first consider:
His Approval – Does Jesus approve this thing?
His Authorization – Is it something He has authorized?
His Acclaim – Is it for His glory?
Does God always give us what we ask?
No, and thank God! Sometimes we ask God for the wrong things (Numbers 11:11-15; Matthew 20:20-22). Other times our prayer perhaps is not answered because there’s sin in our lives (Isaiah 59:2; Psalm 66:18).
Does prayer change the mind of God?
No, it does not. Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. Prayer is laying hold of God’s will. God is a changeless God (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). But God will do things when we pray that He will not do if we don’t pray (James 4:2). Prayer effects what God does, but does not change Him.
What do we do if our prayers are not answered?
Persist – There is a time to keep praying. Daniel prayed for three solid weeks about a matter before God sent an answer (Daniel 10; Luke 18:1).
Desist - There’s a time to quit praying. Paul prayed three times for God to remove a thorn in his flesh. God did not give Paul what he asked, but God gave Paul something better than he asked (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).
Should we expect miracles when we pray?
Never get in the habit of saying what God cannot do. You will find clusters of miracles in Bible times. They gave glory to God, validated His identify, and advanced His work. But these are not normative. God is still a God of might and miracles (Jeremiah 32:17). If God has a miracle for you, He’ll give you miracle faith!
Can our prayers override the will of another person?
No, God has given man a free will (Revelation 22:17). If God were to force one person to be saved, He’d have to force all six billion people on earth. However, we can bind the powers of darkness and bring God’s influence to people in prayer. God does not force salvation, but He frees people to be saved.
Does God have favorites whose prayer He hears?
God will hear your prayer just as quickly as He hears mine, Billy Graham’s, or anybody else’s (Psalm 65:2). However, there are certain people that if I have a prayer need, I’ll go to. I know that they believe in prayer; therefore, I can ask them to pray. God has intimates, but He doesn’t have favorites.
How can I know the will of God in prayer?The prayer that gets to heaven is the prayer that starts in heaven. We just close the circuit. The will of God is what you would want if you knew everything from God’s viewpoint. The key is to abide in Christ. If you abide in Him (John 15:7), you will find that God will guide and direct your prayers, and you will be praying in the will of God.
Don’t wait until you have all of the answers before you pray. You don’t have to understand electricity to turn on the lights. “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”
Friday, September 18, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Hearing God's voice
Last Sunday, I went for a pre-trip briefing for my upcoming visit to the Mt Carmel School of Ministry in Israel. There, I met a fellow Wesleyan for the first time, a fellow-tripper. She invited me to attend a small group session at church yesterday night, because her group would be learning to listen to God.
I started practising listening to God or Hearing God's voice as part of the Wesley Prayer Team. I love it because it makes our relationship with God come alive when we realise He loves us enough to speak to us, He wants to commune with us, He knows us. The Word of God says "My sheep know my voice" (John 10:27) - would it be that every child of God is able to appropriate this truth, to seek to know their Master's voice, and to hear from Him directly.
Anyway, so I eagerly said yes, and attended the meeting last night. And as usual, had a great time! I felt the moment I got there that it was a divine appointment - and so it was. We spent time in little groups of threes listening to God for each other.
There is always a risk in giving a specific word. If its wrong, it's major oops. But if it's right, what an encouragement it is, for both the giver and the receiver. So it was for me last night.
A young lady in our group shared that she felt God was asking her to trust Him. For what we didn't know. So we spent some time listening to God for her. And then I sensed God saying, "Tell her not to worry about where she's going to stay." Hmmm. I asked her, "Are you looking for somewhere to stay?" That's when she shared that yes, she's getting married in two months' time, and she and her husband-to-be have been fretting that they would not be able to get their flat in time because the existing tenants were still living there. WOAH!!!!! She was surprised by the specific reassuring word she received from God, and I was greatly blessed, because once again, I left last night praising God that truly He knows everything that is on our hearts and our every anxiety.
Our Abba Father knows everything about us, and He cares, and He will provide for our every need. Hallelujah!
I started practising listening to God or Hearing God's voice as part of the Wesley Prayer Team. I love it because it makes our relationship with God come alive when we realise He loves us enough to speak to us, He wants to commune with us, He knows us. The Word of God says "My sheep know my voice" (John 10:27) - would it be that every child of God is able to appropriate this truth, to seek to know their Master's voice, and to hear from Him directly.
Anyway, so I eagerly said yes, and attended the meeting last night. And as usual, had a great time! I felt the moment I got there that it was a divine appointment - and so it was. We spent time in little groups of threes listening to God for each other.
There is always a risk in giving a specific word. If its wrong, it's major oops. But if it's right, what an encouragement it is, for both the giver and the receiver. So it was for me last night.
A young lady in our group shared that she felt God was asking her to trust Him. For what we didn't know. So we spent some time listening to God for her. And then I sensed God saying, "Tell her not to worry about where she's going to stay." Hmmm. I asked her, "Are you looking for somewhere to stay?" That's when she shared that yes, she's getting married in two months' time, and she and her husband-to-be have been fretting that they would not be able to get their flat in time because the existing tenants were still living there. WOAH!!!!! She was surprised by the specific reassuring word she received from God, and I was greatly blessed, because once again, I left last night praising God that truly He knows everything that is on our hearts and our every anxiety.
Our Abba Father knows everything about us, and He cares, and He will provide for our every need. Hallelujah!
The Secret to Winning Spiritual Wars
Read this article previously on intercessors and it struck a chord and left much to ponder on ... so am reproducing it here. It's by Rebekah Montgomery - Editor, Right to the Heart.
The Secret to Winning Spiritual Wars
Rebekah Montgomery
Editor, Right to the Heart
There was a crisis with my children and I was a long way from home.
And I had no one on hand to pray with me.
This was ironic. At the time, I was serving on the staff of an evangelical conference for over 1600 kids roughly the same age as my own children. Even so, there was only one person I felt free to ask to pray with me. She smiled compassionately and said she would pray for me. I suppose she did — I don’t really know because I didn’t hear her. But I desperately needed someone to pray for me.
Fortunately, I belong to an Internet loop of women who not only will pray for me, but also email to me their prayers on my behalf. I cherish these women and my faith is bolstered from their prayers.
Sometimes, when the pain is very deep, you need someone to do your praying for you. The Bible has a name for these people: intercessors.
Warriors in Heavenly Places
Intercessors are a rare breed of spiritual warriors who set aside their own needs on behalf of others and strap on holy armor to do battle with evil forces in the heavenlies. These people are near to the heart of God because they lay down their lives for their friends. In a way, you might call them living martyrs.
Strategic planning, talent and training are fine and good, but spiritual battles are won or lost based on intercessory prayer. Ministry advances — or retreats — based on it.
Moses learned this. As the Amelekite army was confronted, Moses stood on top of a hill overlooking the battle holding the staff of God. The Israelites gained ground when he held up the staff: they lost ground when Moses’ arms grew weary and set it down. Finally, Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms until the war was decisively won. (Exodus 17)
What did Moses, his fellow intercessors, and the Israelite soldiers learn from this? What should we know for our personal and ministry battles?
The army of God moves forward on its knees. Hold up the staff of God and advance. The Lord is our banner or war flag. Fight spiritual battles any other way and you will ultimately lose ground.
Here’s what you need to know to be an intercessor and to form an intercessory team around you and the ministry God has called you to:
Intercession is a sacrificial gift of self. Intercessors become spiritually one with those for which they pray, so generally speaking, if you intercede in person, women should intercede for women, etc.
True intercessors sign on for the duration of the battle. They continue to pray until the battle is finished and God — not you — is victorious.
Intercessors pray from knowledge. It is important that intercessors pray for specific needs as well as general needs.
Intercession is work. The disciples slept through their big intercessory moment in Gethsemane. You’ll be tempted by the demands of your flesh, too.
Intercessors will go through a transforming process. The Holy Spirit thoroughly cleans intercessors. After purifying, He blesses them with depths of knowledge and understanding of Him that is beyond the norm.
Ask God to lead an Aaron and Hur to you. Don’t feel you need thousands of “prayer partners.” That would be wonderful, but what you really need are a few who take intercession seriously.
As the Lord builds trust, be vulnerable and admit when you are weary and your arms need to be held up.
Intercession is a mutual spiritual responsibility. If God sends you intercessors, be prepared to hold up their arms too.
© Rebekah Montgomery 2009
For reprint requests, contact Rebekah at her website, www.RebekahMontgomery.com.
Rebekah Montgomery, author/speaker/teacher, is a gifted, dynamic communicator. She is the author of more than five books and has penned 1,100 articles. She shares tough real-life topics and biblical application in a simple easy to grasp manner. To book Rebekah for your next event visit www.rebekahmontgomery.com. Rebekah is also the editor of Right to the Heart of Women and a publisher at Jubilant Press.
The Secret to Winning Spiritual Wars
Rebekah Montgomery
Editor, Right to the Heart
There was a crisis with my children and I was a long way from home.
And I had no one on hand to pray with me.
This was ironic. At the time, I was serving on the staff of an evangelical conference for over 1600 kids roughly the same age as my own children. Even so, there was only one person I felt free to ask to pray with me. She smiled compassionately and said she would pray for me. I suppose she did — I don’t really know because I didn’t hear her. But I desperately needed someone to pray for me.
Fortunately, I belong to an Internet loop of women who not only will pray for me, but also email to me their prayers on my behalf. I cherish these women and my faith is bolstered from their prayers.
Sometimes, when the pain is very deep, you need someone to do your praying for you. The Bible has a name for these people: intercessors.
Warriors in Heavenly Places
Intercessors are a rare breed of spiritual warriors who set aside their own needs on behalf of others and strap on holy armor to do battle with evil forces in the heavenlies. These people are near to the heart of God because they lay down their lives for their friends. In a way, you might call them living martyrs.
Strategic planning, talent and training are fine and good, but spiritual battles are won or lost based on intercessory prayer. Ministry advances — or retreats — based on it.
Moses learned this. As the Amelekite army was confronted, Moses stood on top of a hill overlooking the battle holding the staff of God. The Israelites gained ground when he held up the staff: they lost ground when Moses’ arms grew weary and set it down. Finally, Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms until the war was decisively won. (Exodus 17)
What did Moses, his fellow intercessors, and the Israelite soldiers learn from this? What should we know for our personal and ministry battles?
The army of God moves forward on its knees. Hold up the staff of God and advance. The Lord is our banner or war flag. Fight spiritual battles any other way and you will ultimately lose ground.
Here’s what you need to know to be an intercessor and to form an intercessory team around you and the ministry God has called you to:
Intercession is a sacrificial gift of self. Intercessors become spiritually one with those for which they pray, so generally speaking, if you intercede in person, women should intercede for women, etc.
True intercessors sign on for the duration of the battle. They continue to pray until the battle is finished and God — not you — is victorious.
Intercessors pray from knowledge. It is important that intercessors pray for specific needs as well as general needs.
Intercession is work. The disciples slept through their big intercessory moment in Gethsemane. You’ll be tempted by the demands of your flesh, too.
Intercessors will go through a transforming process. The Holy Spirit thoroughly cleans intercessors. After purifying, He blesses them with depths of knowledge and understanding of Him that is beyond the norm.
Ask God to lead an Aaron and Hur to you. Don’t feel you need thousands of “prayer partners.” That would be wonderful, but what you really need are a few who take intercession seriously.
As the Lord builds trust, be vulnerable and admit when you are weary and your arms need to be held up.
Intercession is a mutual spiritual responsibility. If God sends you intercessors, be prepared to hold up their arms too.
© Rebekah Montgomery 2009
For reprint requests, contact Rebekah at her website, www.RebekahMontgomery.com.
Rebekah Montgomery, author/speaker/teacher, is a gifted, dynamic communicator. She is the author of more than five books and has penned 1,100 articles. She shares tough real-life topics and biblical application in a simple easy to grasp manner. To book Rebekah for your next event visit www.rebekahmontgomery.com. Rebekah is also the editor of Right to the Heart of Women and a publisher at Jubilant Press.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Singapore's calling and destiny
At YWAM class yesterday, we had Joseph Chean come talk to us about missions. It was an inspiring class.
One thing that struck me deeply was just how God's hand had always been on Singapore. We are a tiny red dot nation, located in the backwaters of Southeast Asia. But God knew he had a destiny for our little land. And He sent missionaries from the early days to evangelise our forefathers.
So shortly after Stamford Raffles arrives to found Singapore in 1819, the first Protestant missionary sets up a local ministry here. In 1826, the Anglican church is founded in Singapore. In 1835, the Armenian church, founded by the Sarkis Brothers who built our iconic Raffles Hotel, is built. The missionaries also set up schools and hospitals - praise God for them! In 1885, Rev William F. Oldham arrives to head the work of the Methodist Church of Singapore - I grew up a product of the Methodist Church!
In the 1930s, John Sung - known as the Billy Graham of Asia - preaches in China and the overseas Chinese population in Southeast Asia. Wikipedia says by 1936, it is believed that more than 100,000 Chinese were converted through his ministry. Today, some in Singapore are second or third-generation Christians because their parents or grandparents believed in God after hearing John Sung.
In 1978, Billy Graham preached in Singapore, and people crowded into the 55,000-seat National Stadium each night to hear the message. More than 19,600 people - many of whom are leaders and pastors today - surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. It was Billy Graham who called out Singapore's destiny - saying God wants our little nation to be the 'Antioch of Asia' ... a hub or stepping stone for the rest of the world into Asia. I think our strategic location in the middle of key trade and air routes is no coincidence!
I was almost in tears when I considered our illustrious Christian heritage. What are we after all? A citystate with no natural resources and no hinterland, and just over 4 million people. It is a miracle that we survived independence, let alone be transformed from a third-world country to a first-world nation in one generation. For that, we have to thank God and the leaders He gave us. Indeed, in Singapore, we have been blessed beyond all measure - both materially and spiritually. And now, we have this amazing calling as 'Antioch of Asia' - to send out missionaries, to bless the Asia people materially, to be a place of refreshing and refuelling for the church workers in our neighbouring lands.
As I was reminded of the torchbearers - the men and women God sent our way to point the way to Christ - I thank God for their obedience. Truly God, you have done this. May we do the same for those who do not yet know Him.
Postscript: In 2017, Lou Engle released a prophetic word over Singapore. 2018 marks the 40th year of Billy Graham's word to Singapore that we are an Antioch to Asia. 40 years is a significant timeframe in the Bible, as it denotes a generation. Would we come into fulfillment of our calling and would we care enough to contend for it, or would we be satisfied with where Singapore is now? Would we pay the price for our nation to come into its fullness of all God has for us? To read what he said, click here.
One thing that struck me deeply was just how God's hand had always been on Singapore. We are a tiny red dot nation, located in the backwaters of Southeast Asia. But God knew he had a destiny for our little land. And He sent missionaries from the early days to evangelise our forefathers.
So shortly after Stamford Raffles arrives to found Singapore in 1819, the first Protestant missionary sets up a local ministry here. In 1826, the Anglican church is founded in Singapore. In 1835, the Armenian church, founded by the Sarkis Brothers who built our iconic Raffles Hotel, is built. The missionaries also set up schools and hospitals - praise God for them! In 1885, Rev William F. Oldham arrives to head the work of the Methodist Church of Singapore - I grew up a product of the Methodist Church!
In the 1930s, John Sung - known as the Billy Graham of Asia - preaches in China and the overseas Chinese population in Southeast Asia. Wikipedia says by 1936, it is believed that more than 100,000 Chinese were converted through his ministry. Today, some in Singapore are second or third-generation Christians because their parents or grandparents believed in God after hearing John Sung.
In 1978, Billy Graham preached in Singapore, and people crowded into the 55,000-seat National Stadium each night to hear the message. More than 19,600 people - many of whom are leaders and pastors today - surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. It was Billy Graham who called out Singapore's destiny - saying God wants our little nation to be the 'Antioch of Asia' ... a hub or stepping stone for the rest of the world into Asia. I think our strategic location in the middle of key trade and air routes is no coincidence!
I was almost in tears when I considered our illustrious Christian heritage. What are we after all? A citystate with no natural resources and no hinterland, and just over 4 million people. It is a miracle that we survived independence, let alone be transformed from a third-world country to a first-world nation in one generation. For that, we have to thank God and the leaders He gave us. Indeed, in Singapore, we have been blessed beyond all measure - both materially and spiritually. And now, we have this amazing calling as 'Antioch of Asia' - to send out missionaries, to bless the Asia people materially, to be a place of refreshing and refuelling for the church workers in our neighbouring lands.
As I was reminded of the torchbearers - the men and women God sent our way to point the way to Christ - I thank God for their obedience. Truly God, you have done this. May we do the same for those who do not yet know Him.
Postscript: In 2017, Lou Engle released a prophetic word over Singapore. 2018 marks the 40th year of Billy Graham's word to Singapore that we are an Antioch to Asia. 40 years is a significant timeframe in the Bible, as it denotes a generation. Would we come into fulfillment of our calling and would we care enough to contend for it, or would we be satisfied with where Singapore is now? Would we pay the price for our nation to come into its fullness of all God has for us? To read what he said, click here.
Monday, July 20, 2009
God's assignments for us
"About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" I asked. "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 9My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. "What shall I do, Lord?" I asked.
"Get up," the Lord said, "and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do." (Acts 22:6-10)
Jesus had assignments for Paul. Likewise, I believe God has assignments for us all. Recently at YWAM, we have been learning about calling and destiny. What is our calling? What is our destiny?
Some lessons: God is liberal with our destiny. And He has big dreams for us. He called Gideon a mighty man of valour, before Gideon ever achieved anything for God.
Was at a bookshop recently, and noticed that there are plenty of self-help books and books on self-esteem. Self-esteem and self-confidence are wonderful, I thought. Especially the right esteem about ourselves in God's eyes.
Until I read this in the notes a friend shared with us this evening, and it makes so much sense: "Self-esteem is focused on self. Christ-esteem is recognising I’m filthy, sinful and have no good apart from God – I look to Christ – Jesus alive in me. I don’t have to struggle because my self is dead. And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
"You can be everything you want to be – that’s the world view. But what does Jesus want me to be? That's the kingdom view."
"Don’t discourage children and their big dreams, but refocus it to how they can align their dreams with God."
Prayer today: Father God, I want big dreams. But I want them to be aligned with your big dreams. My vision, no better how big, is still much smaller than yours; because you are a Big God, and you are liberal when it comes to destinies. Help me to live the fullest life that you intended me to live when you conceived me in your mind. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Get up," the Lord said, "and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do." (Acts 22:6-10)
Jesus had assignments for Paul. Likewise, I believe God has assignments for us all. Recently at YWAM, we have been learning about calling and destiny. What is our calling? What is our destiny?
Some lessons: God is liberal with our destiny. And He has big dreams for us. He called Gideon a mighty man of valour, before Gideon ever achieved anything for God.
Was at a bookshop recently, and noticed that there are plenty of self-help books and books on self-esteem. Self-esteem and self-confidence are wonderful, I thought. Especially the right esteem about ourselves in God's eyes.
Until I read this in the notes a friend shared with us this evening, and it makes so much sense: "Self-esteem is focused on self. Christ-esteem is recognising I’m filthy, sinful and have no good apart from God – I look to Christ – Jesus alive in me. I don’t have to struggle because my self is dead. And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
"You can be everything you want to be – that’s the world view. But what does Jesus want me to be? That's the kingdom view."
"Don’t discourage children and their big dreams, but refocus it to how they can align their dreams with God."
Prayer today: Father God, I want big dreams. But I want them to be aligned with your big dreams. My vision, no better how big, is still much smaller than yours; because you are a Big God, and you are liberal when it comes to destinies. Help me to live the fullest life that you intended me to live when you conceived me in your mind. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The heavens are telling of the glory of the Lord!
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings, and crowned him with glory and honor (Psalms 8:3-4)
Recently, I saw a Louis Giglio video on the stars that God created. Before this, I thought stars were little twinkling things in the sky (a misnomer probably caused by the nursery rhyme one learnt at kindergarten). When I realised that some of the stars in our universe are way way bigger than Earth, it took my breath away. It really caused my mind to be quite blown away. And this is just fingerwork for God!!!!
What a Great God we serve!
Recently, I saw a Louis Giglio video on the stars that God created. Before this, I thought stars were little twinkling things in the sky (a misnomer probably caused by the nursery rhyme one learnt at kindergarten). When I realised that some of the stars in our universe are way way bigger than Earth, it took my breath away. It really caused my mind to be quite blown away. And this is just fingerwork for God!!!!
What a Great God we serve!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Christian the Lion
Saw the book on Christian the Lion at the bookshop today, and remembered what a wonderful story it is. This is a true story... and the following is an account from Wikipedia: "Christian was a lion originally purchased by Australians John Rendall and Anthony "Ace" Bourke from Harrods department store of London in 1969 and ultimately reintroduced to the wild by conservationist George Adamson. One year after George Adamson released Christian to the wild, his former owners decided to go looking for him in Africa to see whether Christian would remember them. Surprisingly, he did and with him were other lions in the pride who were also friendly."
This is so immensely touching. Impossible? On this earth, it's very likely a one in a million ... but I am looking forward to when Christ establishes His kingdom, and when even the predatory animals become peaceable :) Just like Christian the Lion.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6)
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 65:25)
This is so immensely touching. Impossible? On this earth, it's very likely a one in a million ... but I am looking forward to when Christ establishes His kingdom, and when even the predatory animals become peaceable :) Just like Christian the Lion.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6)
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 65:25)
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