Pray With Our Hearts

"Pray with our hearts"

 Once we learn to pray with our hearts,

and not our lips;

We truly begin to have a conversation with God.

Celebrate Palm Sunday

Celebrate Palm Sunday  It is the Sunday before Easter that begins the Holy Week. It is the day that we remember and celebrate the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem as Savior and King. As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal treatment. The hundreds of people shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

5 Things about Palm Sunday that Remind Us Christ is King:

1. God's Word tells us the people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, laid them out on the ground before Jesus as He rode into the city. The palm branch represented goodness and victory and was symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over death.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Cor. 15:55

2. Jesus choose to rode in on a donkey, which directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy of Zech. 9:9. In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey. The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them showed that they came with peaceful intentions. Jesus even then reminded us that He is the Prince of Peace.

“Rejoice, O people of Zion!  Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you.  He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—   riding on a donkey’s colt.”        Zech. 9:9

3. When the people shouted "Hosanna!" they were hailing Christ as King. That word actually means "save now," and though in their own minds they waited for an earthly king, God had a different way in mind of bringing true salvation to all who would trust in Him.

They thought that He would establish an earthly kingdom, but it is a heavenly kingdom that He intends to establish in our hearts, in our lives.

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!" Ps. 118:26

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Rom. 10:9

4. The Bible says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem. In the midst of the praise of the moment, He knew in His heart that it wouldn't be long that these same people would turn their backs on Him, betray Him, and crucify Him. His heart broke with the reality of how much they needed a Savior.

But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep.  “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42

5. To celebrate Palm Sunday is to remind us that the reign of Christ is far greater than any the mind of man could ever conceive or plan. Man looked for someone to fight their battles in the present day world. Yet God had the ultimate plan of sending His Son to fight the final battle over death. This is the greatness of why we celebrate this week. Because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, we can be set free of death.

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,'"John 11:25

We have so much to be grateful for God.

The enemy knows that, and you can bet, he's going to do everything he can to try and distract us away from the true meaning of living for Christ means. Don't let him win.

May God direct our thoughts and attention towards what matters most, Jesus Christ our King...

Let's choose to focus on worshiping our Lord, thanking Him for the gift of His sacrifice, celebrating the power of the Resurrection, and the new life found in Him alone.

Grace.

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Cor. 9:15

H e came that we might have an abundant life, not just on the afterlife, but even right here, right not NOW!

Adam and Eve were defeated because of the sin of disobedient.

Jesus is victorious because He was obedient, even to death on the cross.

Philippians 2:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

8     he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

We can be victorious by being obedient.

Let us celebrate Palm Sunday  and Let us die to sin daily and live in obedience to God.   Let us put to death the desires of the flesh.

Romans 13:12-14 New Living Translation (NLT)

12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Romans 8:12-13New Living Translation (NLT)

12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters,[a] you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature,[b] you will live.

Colossians 3:5,9,10

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.

9 … for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Walk by faith and not by sight

We really need to walk by faith and not by sight

Then Jesus told him, 

"Because you have seen me, you have believed; 

blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

John 20:29

Walk by faith and not by sight,

that what we should be doing.

Have a will to fight and do not give up

Have a will to fight and do not give up even amidst troubles, problems or sufferings. 

You may be sad, disappointed, heartbroken or even scared.

But wake each day with a new sense of hope,

have a will to fight and do not give up easily.

The Lord our God is our strength, our hope and our help in times of need.

Be a prayer warrior

You can be a prayer warrior for God...

Through prayers, God accomplishes great things for His glory!

Jesus died for our sins

Jesus died for our sins

He came to pay a debt He didn't owe,

because we owe a debt we cannot pay.

Jesus died for our sins

Let us put aside the deeds of darkness

Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Romans 13:12

New Living Translation

The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.

God's love is always greater than your disappointments

God's love is always greater than your disappointments...

Here's a simple prayer to lift your spirit:

Lord, when I lose hope because my plans have come to nothing,

help me to remember that Your love is greater,

is always greater than my disappointments 

and that Your plans for my life are always better than my dreams.

Amen.

Be strong and courageous

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you;

he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

The Difference

The Difference

I got up early one morning

And rush right into the day,

I had so much to accomplish

That I didn`t have time to pray.

Problems just stumble about me

And heavier came each task

“Why doesn`t God help me?” I wondered,

He answered “But you didn`t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty

But the day toiled on gray and bleak

I wondered why God didn`t show me

He said “but you didn`t seek”

I tried to come into God`s presence

I used all the keys at the lock,

God gently and lovingly chided

“My child you didn`t knock “

I wake up early this morning

And pause before entering the day

I have so much to accomplish

That I have to take time to pray.

Rest and Peaceful Sleep is one of God's Greatest Gifts

"It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones." Psalm 127:2

Why toil and labor so much for material wealth or material gain, well in fact "The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need."  and that "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19.

Tigil!

I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; 

like a weaned child is my soul within me. —Psalm 131:2

Ang buhay ay isang napakaabalang gawain. Tila may laging higit pang mga bagay na dapat gawin, ang mga lugar na dapat puntahan, at mga taong dapat makilala. At habang wala ni isa man sa atin ang gusto ng isang buhay na puno ng hindi makabuluhang mga bagay-bagay na gawain, ang mabilis na takbo ng buhay ay nagbabanta na nakawin sa atin ang katahimikan na kailangan natin.

Kapag tayo ay nagmamaneho ng kotse, ang mga palatandaan na nagbabala sa atin upang huminto at iba pang palatandaan o babala sa atin upang bumagal ay nagpapaalala na upang maging ligtas hindi natin dapat idiin ang ating mga paa sa gasolinador sa lahat ng oras. Kailangan natin ang mga ganitong uri ng mga paalala sa lahat ng aspeto ng ating mga buhay.

Ang Salmista ay malinaw na alam ang kahalagahan ng oras na kalmado at tahimik. Ang Diyos mismo ay "nagpahinga" sa ikapitong araw matapos ang Kanyang gawain. At sa higit pang mga mensahe na ipangaral at mas maraming mga tao pang kailangang pagalingin, si Jesus ay lumayo mula sa maraming tao at nagpahinga (Matt. 14:13; Mark 6:31). Alam niya na hindi tama na maging mabilis ang buhay sa lahat ng oras samantalang ang sukatan ng ating buhay ay nagrerehistro na "pagod" na tayo.

Kailan mo huling nasabi ang mga salita ng salmista, "aking itinahimik at pinagpahinga ang aking kaluluwa"? (Ps. 131:2). Lagyang mo ng isang babala ang iyong abalang buhay. Maghanap ng isang lugar na maaaring makapag-isa. Iwaksi ang mga bagay na makakaabala sa iyo mula sa pakikinig sa tinig ng Diyos, at ipaalam sa Kanya makipag-usap sa iyo habang binabasa mo ang Kanyang Salita. Hayaan mong panariwain Niya ang iyong puso at isip na may lakas upang mamuhay para sa Kanyang kaluwalhatian.

Ang buhay ay maaaring maging dahilan ng aking pagkapagod at pag-alala minsan. Gusto kong ihinto sa ngayon bagaman, Panginoon, at magbigay ng panahon upang manahimik ang aking kaluluwa sa Iyong harapan. Mangusap Ka sa akin mula sa Iyong Salita. Iyo nawang muling panariwain ang aking isipan at baguhin ang aking lakas.

Stop and take a break from the busyness of life so that you can refuel your soul.

Solitude, A Time Alone With God

SOLITUDE

SOLITUDE is a time when we withdraw from the company of others in order to give God our UNDIVIDED attention.

-          Shut out external stimulation

-          Allow ourselves to become QUIET.

Solitude is an OPPORTUNITY, not  an obligation.

We need to plan HOW we spend our time with God. For example:

                Silent listening                      Scripture reflection             Prayer                   Journaling

                A slow meditative walk       Worship music                     Singing praises

A plan helps us to stay FOCUSED.

Experiencing Solitude

1.       Find a quiet place that is free of distractions

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark,

Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place,

Where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

Then, because so many people were coming and going

that they did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to [his disciples],

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

(Mark 6:31-32)

The location Jesus chose were  PEACEFUL and quiet.

We need to pay attention WHERE we meet with God.

2.       QUIET yourself in God’s presence.

Breathe deeply                      Slow down

3.       Tell God what you need.

Use a simple a simple prayer:

“God, I just want to be with you.”

“God, I need your guidance.”

“Lord, I want to feel your love.”

Be clear about what you would like to receive from God.

4.       Use SCRIPTURE to listen to God.

Read it slowly and deliberately.

Notice the word or phrases that stand out and speak to your heart.

What thoughts or emotions do you experience?

5.       Be fully present.

Remind yourself that you just need to be yourself with God.

Give him your undivided attention.

Anticipate distractions by:

-          Ignoring them

-          Writing them down on a piece of paper for later

-          Incorporating them right into your prayers

Wandering thoughts:  aren’t always a barrier to prayer, maybe a guide for prayer.

Speak to him directly about whatever you are thinking or feeling.

6.       Respond to what you hear God saying to you through Scripture or in prayer.

Speak to God about what you have sensed and felt and heard. Respond verbally or by writing in a journal.

Start with: “God, what I hear you saying to me is...”

7.       Express gratitude and commitment.

Spend a few minutes thanking God for his presence with you.

Express your commitment to respond faithfully to whatever it is you have heard from him during this time.

“Give ear to my words, Oh Lord,

Consider my meditation;

Hearken unto the voice of my cry,

My King, and my God.

For unto Thee will I pray,

My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning,

Oh Lord, in the morning

Will I direct my prayer unto Thee and will look up.”

Psalm 5:1-3

Three Ways to Become a More Loving Person

Three Ways to Train to Be More Loving

1.       LISTEN.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry. James 1:19

2.       USE TOUCH.

UCLA study: We need at least eight to ten meaningful touches a day for our emotional health.

3.       SPEAK WORDS OF LOVE.

Jesus, the Word who became flesh, was “full of grace and .... truth.”  John 1:14

Words of grace                                                    Words of truth

                Comfort                                                                 Forgiveness

                Encouragement                                                    Reconciliation

                Care and Concern                                                Addressing Conflict

Everyday Relationships Spiritual Gauges

EVERYDAY RELATIONSHIPS

Spiritual Gauges

CULTURE  are external, superficial signs or practices that set one group apart from another.

For scribes and Pharisees: observing strict dietary laws, rigidly keeping the Sabbath, and circumcision.

“Spirituality wrongly understood or pursued is a major source of human misery and rebellion against God” Dallas Willard

What are some wrong ways people in our day gauge spiritual health and maturity?

Do you sometimes use wrong spiritual gauges? What are they?

The Right Gauge

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?

 Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and

with all your soul and with all your mind.”

This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

(Matthew 22:36-40)

The right gauge is LOVE.

If I have not love – even if I am knowledgeable, even if I do miracles, or give myself up as a martyr – I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

God is not interested in some abstract thing called your spiritual life.

God is interested in your LOVE LIFE.

He wants you to be filled with love – love for Him, and love for people.

What barriers keep you from being a more loving person?

Using the Right Gauge: Training Vs. Trying

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.

They do it to get a crown that will not last;

But we do it to get a crown that will last forever”

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

To Train means to BUILD my life around activities I can do that will enable me, over time, to do what I cannot do by direct effort alone. Dallas Willard

Train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 4:7

Everyone who is fully trained will be like [their] teacher. Luke 6:40

Training is an indispensable ingredient for pursuing spiritual transformation.

We will have to train to be loving.

The purpose of such activities is not to demonstrate how spiritual we are.

Training activities exist to help us grow in love for God and other people and to become more like Christ.

You asked for STRENGTH, and God gave you DIFFICULTIES to make you STRONG;

You asked for WISDOM, and God gave you PROBLEMS to SOLVE;

You asked for PROSPERITY, and God gave you BRAINS & SKILLS to WORK;

You asked for COURAGE, and God gave you DANGER to OVERCOME;

You asked for LOVE, and God gave you TROUBLED PEOPLE to HELP;

You asked for FAVORS, and God gave you OPPORTUNITIES;

You received NOTHING YOU WANTED... but received EVERYTHING YOU NEEDED.

Review the Day with God

Review the Day with God

1.       Be still for a moment, and quiet your mind.

2.       Acknowledge that Jesus is present, invite him to guide you.

3.       Recall the beginning of the day when you first woke up. Watch that scene, as if on video. What is your reaction to what you see? Talk to God about that.

4.       Continue through the video of your day, going from scene to scene. As you reflect on each one, some scenes may fill you with gratitude, others with regret. Speak directly to God about this.  You may also want to pray for some of the people you interacted with during the day.

5.       End your review with a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s mercy and love. Ask him to refresh you as you sleep.

Two thing s will begin to happen:

·         You will become aware of recurring negative patterns.  This will:

o   Cause you to grow tired of your regrets.

o   Increase your desire to grow and change.

·         You will begin to be awed by God’s presence in the ordinary moments of your life.

Every Ordinary Day In Jesus’ Name

LIVING IN JESUS’ NAME

Every Ordinary Day In Jesus’ Name

The Apostle Paul believed the place to grow close to God is precisely in our DAILY lives.

“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

“I am with you always...” Matthew 28:20

The heart of spiritual life is to do EVERYTHING with Jesus, in his name – the way he would do it in our place, knowing he is actually present.

What living in Jesus’ Name might look like in your life:

waking up              eating breakfast   driving                    working 

watching TV           worrying                                doing ordinary household tasks

shopping                doing everyday relationships

One Day At A Time                               We can only live in Jesus’ Name ONE day at a time.

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

If I am going to learn to spend an ordinary day with Jesus, it will have to be THIS day.

It doesn’t mean doing new things.

It means doing things you’re ALREADY doing, but in new ways – in Jesus’ Name.

Challenges to Doing Life in Jesus’ Name

What daily activity(ies) is(are) hardest for you to do in Jesus’ Name, and why?

 Beginning the Day with Jesus

According to the Old Testament, the day begins EVENING.

“There was evening, and there was morning – the first day.” Genesis 1:5

“Thinking about night as the beginning of the day reminds us that everything doesn’t depend on us.  We go to sleep, but God is working all through the night.  So we don’t have to be anxious or rushed.  When we wake up, we simply join him in his work.”

- Eugene H. Petershon

Sleep       Sleep is an act of WORSHIP.

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.” Psalm 3:5

Sleep is a GIFT from God.

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves.” Psalm 127:2

Get enough sleep.     FATIGUE is one of the greatest barriers to prayer and spiritual growth. (If Satan cannot make you sin, he will make you Busy)

Resolve conflicts before going to bed.

“It is a decisive rule of every Christian fellowship that every dissension (disagreement/ conflict) that the day has brought must be healed in the evening.  It is perilous (dangerous/ unsafe/ risky) for the Christian to lie down to sleep with an unreconciled heart.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Ephesians 4:26-27

Invite Jesus to be with you when you wake.

Pray a simple prayer: “God when I wake up, I want my first thoughts to be about you.”

“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.” Lamentations 3:23, NLT

Waking Up            Renew your FAITH to Jesus.

Speak to Jesus about any anxieties or concerns you feel.

“For Christians, the beginning of the day should not be burdened and haunted by the various kinds of concerns that they face during the day.  The Lord stands above the new day, for God has made it. All restlessness, all impurity, all worry and anxiety flee before him.  Therefore, in the early morning hours of the day, may our many thoughts and our many idle words be silent and may the first word and the first thought belong to the one to whom our whole life belongs.”

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (You must unload your burdens before him)                        

Acknowledge your DEPENDENCY on Jesus.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Learning to Find God in Each Moment of the Day  (Chorandeo – an audience of One)

We need to develop the skill of identifying God’s presence in our lives.