B2B Concert of Prayer – Finding Hope #786

Posted on March 13, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 786

“Finding Hope”

Romans 5:4 (ESV) …endurance produces character, and character produces hope…

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The title: Success.
The image: A quarterback being sacked…hard.
The caption: “Some people dream of success, while other people live to crush those dreams.”

The above describes a wall poster from an internet business that sells demotivational items.  Their tag line reads: “At Despair, Inc. we have a dream. To help crush yours.”

The classic definition of despair is to lose, to give up, or be without hope whereas hope is defined as the desire for something with the expectation of attaining it.  What forces have come to bear to crush your dreams … your hopes?  Who or what has ‘sacked’ your dream of success?  Hope stems from where we place our faith and trust.  When faith and trust are misapplied, our hope is easily crushed.

Some may trust in their physical appearance, talent, or athletic ability for their hope of continued contracts, endorsements and financial security and success.

Others may have trusted in the principle of compound interest, placing their hope in their investment portfolios for an early retirement and a life of ease.

Still others may have trusted and had faith in their employers, working diligently for decades with the hope that their retirement pensions would be their reward.

We have seen time after time how fleeting and insecure beauty, health, athleticism, stocks, & corporations are.  All these things are temporary and without guarantee for the future let alone tomorrow.  When our faith and trust is founded on the temporal things of this world, then the basis of our hope is exceedingly fragile.

Who or what are your hopes and dreams founded upon?  Are the desires of your heart so narrowly focused as to be limited only to the temporal things of this life without consideration for an eternal life to come with Jesus?  The only guarantee worthy of our trust is the guarantee of God’s love and faithfulness found through the truth of His Word.

Jesus answered them…in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. – John 16:31

No matter how difficult your circumstances may seem at this moment, there is hope to be found through Jesus Christ.  It is through the power of His Name and the indwelling Holy Spirit that you can find the strength to endure as you develop the character of Christ by abiding in His presence.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; – 2 Cor 4:7

It is through abiding with Jesus that we develop our faith to believe and the faith to hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.- Romans 15:13

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Death in the Pot #785

Posted on March 4, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 785

“Death in the Pot”

2 Kings 4:39-41 (ESV)  One of them went out into the field to gather herbs, and found …wild gourds, and …cut them up into the pot of stew, … But while they were eating of the stew, they cried out, “O man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. He said, “Then bring flour.” And he threw it into the pot and said, “Pour some out for the men, that they may eat.” And there was no harm in the pot.

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I love a good stew where the variety of ingredients, while each maintaining their distinct character, harmoniously contributes to the overall flavor, color, texture, and aroma of the food.  Like a good stew our country, metaphorically known as ‘The Melting Pot’, is great because of its diversity of people.

What happens then, when a ‘wild gourd’ element of our population challenges the morals and guiding principles upon which America is founded?  Should what has made us American be diluted to satisfy the desires of a minority influence?  The answer seems to be logically, no.

However, that is what we have done and continue to do.  The removal of prayer from our schools in 1963 established the religion of secularism for America.  Denying our unborn the right to life soon followed.  Censorship of all that is associated with the Judeo-Christian God in public and governmental places continues.  The challenge to our Pledge of Allegiance’s ‘One Nation under God’ phrase as well as the ‘In God We Trust’ phrase on our currency is in the forefront.  The very definition of marriage is being challenged and the list goes on.

This is the poison in our melting pot society like the wild gourds that brought death to the pot of stew from our reference Scripture.  When America became ‘Faith Neutral’ and turned its back on the one true God, it also lost its moral guidance system and there is now ‘death in the pot’.

We see the death of Christian moral values in American society every day.  We see the death of moral absolutes of what is right and wrong.  The ingredients for the death of our culture and society are now simmering in the melting pot that is America.

From our reference Scripture, the wild gourds represent the outside influences that attack the Judeo-Christian moral underpinnings of America.  These wild gourds also represent the immoral influences that we also allow into our families and homes as well as our places of work.  These influences bring poison and death rather than nourishment to our spirit, mind, and body.

The flour that Elisha had the prophets add to the stew to neutralize the effect of the poison represents the sanctified Body of Christ, the church in America.  In order to make flour the chaff and other impurities have to be removed before the grain is refined.   The Christian church in America is made ‘to be flour’ by the redeeming power of the cross of Jesus Christ and further refined through sanctification by the Holy Spirit.

American Christians have the power to restore moral health to our country.  Recently, an ABC News correspondent commented on the upcoming Super Tuesday Primary saying ‘If the evangelicals turn out to vote…they could make a difference’.  The preface ‘ If ‘ bothered me. The idea of an apathetic Body of Christ should never come to anyone’s mind.

The church in America must be salt and light and like the flour used by Elisha, we must neutralize the effects of the death that is in the pot called America.  Rise up church this election year and vote for those who can work to restore America’s moral foundation on the truth of God’s Word.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – It is Personal #784

Posted on February 26, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 784

“It is Personal”

Acts 9:15 (ESV)   But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

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“I know, I know.  We are Your chosen people.  But, once in a while, can’t You choose someone else?” – Tevye, from Fiddler on the Roof

Have you ever felt like everyone and everything in the world was against you only to have a well-meaning friend say ‘Hey, you don’t have to take it personal’?  Perhaps you do your best to preserve the integrity of your Christian walk before God and your fellow man, yet you see those who live in open debauchery prosper while you struggle with trial after trial.  You can relate to Tevye’s comment to God because it feels, well, like its personal.

It is personal.  But that does not mean that God is being mean-spirited and needlessly picking on you.  That is not the nature of Father God.  It does mean that God is working out His plan in your life for your good, the good of others, and for His glory.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Being Christian means much more than joining a church social clique. It means wholeheartedly and steadfastly serving Him whether we are in the difficult trenches of life, the dry valleys, and fertile plains or on a high mountain top experience. We can take it personal as God does a work in our spirit to shape and mold our character for His greater plan and purpose.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

It is difficult to be in this world and not be part of it.  It is hard to maintain an eternal perspective when our flesh desires the material comforts and the relationships that we are sometimes denied for a season as we step out in obedience to God’s call upon our lives.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. – Matthew 19:29

By His indwelling presence we have to dig deep and gut through our emotions to experience His peace.

“…in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:31

May you take it personal realizing that it is the loving hand of the Master Potter that molds you and shapes you.  May you take it personal as you acknowledge His steadfast love and presence in all of life’s circumstances.

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:21

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love, Obedience, Peace, Perseverance, Purpose, Relationship, Service, Trials | Leave a comment

B2B Concert of Prayer – Repulsive #783

Posted on February 19, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 783

“Repulsive”

Proverbs 26:11 (ESV)  Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

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We have all probably witnessed and been repulsed by the sight of a dog retching up a slimy mass only to return to it and eat it again.  No matter how much we like to consider our dogs to be ‘family’ they are and always will be animals.  They will act and react according to their animal passions and instincts, even to the point of engaging in what we consider to be repulsive behavior.

There are many documentaries and books on the subject of ‘The Human Animal’ today. The theory is that our instincts and behaviors remain rooted in our animal ancestry from which we have ‘evolved’.  To deny a Creator God and subscribe to the theory of evolution is foolish.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” – Psalm 14:1a

It truly is the fool who denies God and chooses to live on an animal plane of existence seeking primarily to satisfy human passions and lusts. The Psalmist continues to write concerning the fool:

They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good. – Psalm 14:1b

It is not that they do not know about God.  All of mankind is without excuse for failing to acknowledge God.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. – Romans 1:19

Even more foolish are those who have a depth of understanding of God’s Word and yet twist and corrupt its truth for personal gain and to satisfy the lust of the flesh as they lead impressionable people astray.  Peter writes that it would have been better for them to never have known the way of righteousness than to have known and turned away from it.

What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:22

Just as we are repulsed by some animal behavior, imagine how repulsive our sinful behavior can be to God – we who have been made in His image. Having accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are born again by the Spirit of God.

We know that our old selfwas crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. – Romans 6:6

When we purposely turn our backs on God and choose to return to a sin habit we are disgracing God’s Grace.  It is detestable in His sight.

May you have the commitment and conviction to not allow your sinful nature to have control.  May God’s Holy Spirit make any sin issue that you are repeatedly drawn to as repulsive in your sight as it is to Him.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. – Gal 5:24

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B2B Concert of Prayer – There is a Cost #782

Posted on February 12, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 782

“There is a Cost”

Luke 14:25 (ESV) Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

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Jesus had a way with words.  He knew what was in the heart of man and with laser-like precision He directed His questions and teaching to get right to the root issue.  Sometimes Jesus used extreme words to get His point across.  He talked about plucking out one’s own eye and cutting off one’s own arm and He said it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

In our reference Scripture there is a large crowd of people following Jesus.  As they walked along I imagine Jesus was aware of all of their individual thoughts and reasons for following Him.  Some were sincere disciples.  Others I am sure were only curious crowd followers hoping to see a miracle.  So Jesus turns and speaks to them in a manner that was sure to get their attention.

He sets the standard for discipleship as being a wholly undivided commitment to Him.  He tells them that they have to ‘hate’ all other relationships in comparison with their relationship with Him.  The word ‘hate’ seems hard, harsh and absolute.  In the original language it means to love someone or something less than someone else.  It means to renounce one choice in favor of another.

There is a cost associated with being a Christian.  Following Christ, being salt and light in the workplace and the unbelieving world will cost us certain relationships, habits and affinities. Are we willing to pay the price?

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:27

What affinity, relationship, or desire has Jesus asked you to set aside in obedience to His call?  What is the cost of discipleship for you?  Are you refusing to pay the price and going away sad like the rich young ruler who loved his wealth more than he loved Jesus?

… any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33

Perhaps you are obedient in serving Christ but are harboring resentment for what it has cost you.

No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. – Luke 9:61

Following Christ requires a wholehearted, complete commitment to Him.  Matthew left his tax collection table and immediately followed Jesus in response to His call.  Peter and Andrew left their nets immediately and followed Him. We cannot be lukewarm about discipleship. Our Christian character must be evident 24/7.  We are disciples in Christian church circles and we remain disciples when we are in our workplaces and among the worldly.  Salt must remain salty.  The light of Christ must not be hidden in some contexts and allowed to shine in others.

May you willingly pay the cost in response to God’s call to follow Him.  May you experience the joy and peace of God as you serve Him with integrity in discipleship.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Respect #781

Posted on February 5, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 781

“Respect”

Romans 13:7 (ESV)   Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

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To respect someone is to esteem them for their worth or excellence.  To give respect is to be courteous, loving, and caring toward them.  It is easy to respect some people and hard to respect others.

Have you ever found it difficult to respect certain people?  Perhaps there are people in your family or those you have known or worked with for whom you are unable to respect.  How then do you treat such people?  Is respect owed only to those who love, care, and respect us first?

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. – 1 Peter 2:18

God’s Word is clear about our need to show love to all, even to those who are hateful toward us.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:44

Our ability to respect others stems from the abiding presence of God’s Holy Spirit.  It starts with respect for God.  God is not ‘The man upstairs’ or ‘The Boss’ or ‘The Big Guy in the Sky’.  These flippant references to Almighty God  fail to show proper respect that is due His Holy Name.

We then need to have respect for ourselves.  Do you care for yourself?  Are you concerned with your spiritual and physical well-being?  Many people are their own worst critic.  They lack self-esteem and fail to respect who they are in Christ.  Through Jesus Christ we are transformed into a new creation.  We are born again by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.  We have a living hope for eternal life beyond that of this world and we have a God-given purpose to fulfill in this life.  Knowing this should energize us. Who we are in Christ is worthy of our respect.

Our respectful, personal relationship with Jesus allows us to see others through His eyes.  His abiding presence empowers us to forgive others as He forgave those who persecuted and crucified Him.  Our ability to respect others and see their value and worth is powered by God’s love for them.

Do all people act in such a manner that is worthy of respect?  No. But neither do we.  We need to allow Christ in us to manifest His grace of courteousness, caring and love, even to those who are hateful toward us.

In summary, we owe respect for our fellow man that He created in His own image.  Respect begins with God and continues with understanding who we are in Christ.  Respect is then manifested through God’s love and grace shown to the world through us as we move through this life in His purpose and will.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – The Root of Dysfunction #780

Posted on January 29, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 780

“The Root of Dysfunction”

James 3:16 (ESV) …For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

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Consider the internal combustion engine for a moment.  There are numerous parts and components that must all work in a prescribed order for the engine to function properly and perform in accordance with its normal intended purpose.  Note that when one or more of these parts or components do not contribute fully or fail altogether then the engine will run abnormally or not at all.

Dysfunction, by definition, means ‘bad, ill, or abnormal work or purpose’.

Now consider the proper order, function, and intended purpose of your family, local church body of believers, work team, division, or corporation. Are these entities functioning like a finely tuned NASCAR engine?  Are they fulfilling their intended work or purpose?  Or are they fraught with internal strife and friction, coughing and sputtering along or completely broken down?

Like sand in the crankcase and fouled spark plugs, jealousy and selfish ambition are roots of such dysfunctionality.

Are you a Christian believer in a dysfunctional environment?  If so, God’s Word instructs us not to be the cause of such strife due to our own envy and selfish ambition.  Our attitude must be the same as that of our Lord.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves …  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God … made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant …  – Phil 2:3-7         

Are you surrounded by dysfunctional hostile environments?  Do you dread going to work, church, or even your own home because of the tension that exists there between people?  You have the power, through Christ Jesus, to effect positive change in the midst of such disorder. Far too many Christians flee the battle front only to be confronted with the same circumstances along another front elsewhere.  We need to stop running and put on the full armor of God in order to stand our ground against the enemy.  Remember that the enemy is not your coworker, spouse, or the person sitting next to you in church.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

As Christian believers we need to pick up the sword of the Spirit and wield it in prayer and watch God move to bring order where there is chaos and disorder.  Watch Him bring His peace where there is dysfunction and turmoil.

May God give you His wisdom and discernment to pray specifically in the power of His Holy Spirit as you intercede on behalf of those caught up in dysfunctional environments.  May the Holy Spirit empower you to be salt and light in such environments.  May God move quickly to bring order and peace in answer to your prayer.  To God be all the glory and power and praise. Amen.

Posted in Authority, Business as Mission, Character, Holiness, Hope, Love, Marriage, Peace, Perseverance, Prayer, Purpose, Service, Trials, Workplace | Leave a comment

B2B Concert of Prayer – Vultures #779

Posted on January 22, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 779

“Vultures”

Matthew 24:28 (NCV)  Wherever the dead body is, there the vultures will gather.

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I gazed out the window while eating lunch the other day and noticed a lone vulture circling off in the distance.  Soon, another vulture joined in the circle pattern.  In short order there were many vultures all circling like a slow tornado swirl indicating the general location of a dead or dying body.  Road kill does not remain very long on the roads here in Florida.

As I watched the vultures swirl, the words of Jesus came to mind as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke when He was teaching them about His second coming and how to recognize the signs of the end times.  There is much debate among Biblical scholars as to why Jesus chose this metaphor to answer His disciples’ question and there are various interpretations of it.  The fact remains that when we see vultures gather we can conclude that there is death in the vicinity.  So how do we apply this to our lives?

I live and work in the vicinity of one of our Nation’s wealthiest and fastest growing retirement communities.  People are drawn here for the ‘good life’ and they are actively seeking to grab all that they can during their remaining years in this life.  Sometimes it seems that, like Lot, I have pitched my tent near Sodom and Gomorrah.

One does not have to look far to see the vultures gather and swirl around the spiritually dead and dying.  Numerous vice peddlers, from tobacco and alcohol to gambling and sex clubs, have set up shop in the vicinity.  It has been reported that the rate of sexually transmitted disease is running rampant in this particular community.  One doctor is quoted as stating that she treats more cases of herpes and HPV in this community than she did when she practiced medicine in Miami.

The vultures also gather to take advantage of the physically and mentally infirm of this population.  Home improvement ‘handymen’ make promises, take cash, and then disappear or at best do a partial and shoddy job.  Insurance salesmen cold call door-to-door and entice the vulnerable to buy inferior products for which these salesmen are paid a hefty commission.

Some medical practitioners seem to be no better than the ‘snake oil’ salesmen of the 1800’s.  Medicare billing fraud, over prescribing pain medicines and the lack of depth during doctor visits essentially takes the ‘care’ out of the term ‘medical care’.

Do you see the vultures gathering anywhere near your circle of influence?  The call of God is for you to bring His life to that area.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:4

God wants us to be salt and light in this dead, dying, and dark world.

“You are the salt of the earth … “You are the light that gives light to the world … Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:13

May you know the power and strength of the indwelling Holy Spirit as you put on the full armor of God in order to do battle in the power of the Name of Jesus. Bring the living water of Christ to those who are dying of thirst.  You will know where they are by the sign of the vultures circling overhead.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Leadership Integrity #778

Posted on January 15, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 778

“Leadership Integrity”

1Chronicles 21:1-19 (ESV) Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” But Joab said… Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” But the king’s word prevailed against Joab … But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”

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Del Suggs, Leadership Development Speaker and Author, defines a leader as one who inspires others to know, to do, or to be.  He further defines leadership as the process by which a person influences others, facilitates action, and guides change.  When there is a lack of leadership presence or a failure in leadership integrity people become easy prey for negative influences with disastrous consequences.

This was Satan’s intent when he incited David to succumb to the sin of pridefulness which resulted in the death of seventy thousand people of the nation of Israel.  The enemy uses similar tactics today to take down leaders from all walks of life: elected government officials, military leaders, Pastors, CEO’s, managers, and even heads of households.

One does not have to look far to see the resulting chaos that stems from the failure of integrity in leadership in our society today.  Look at the poverty, suffering and death that have resulted from corruption in governmental leadership ranks.  Look at how the lust of this world, its greed and pride, causes churches to split, companies to fail, and our  youth to lose their innocence.  Look at the rise in crime statistics with root causes stemming from broken family units.

Jesus taught lessons in maintaining integrity in leadership.

Avoid self-interest and be selfless, seeking always what is the best for others. …let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. – Luke 22:25

Be a wise steward of all your resources.  Develop the people you lead and view them as appreciating assets, not as expendable commodities.  And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?” – Luke 12:42

The attitude of heart called ‘Servant Leadership’ is contradictory to this fallen world system where the prevailing idea of rank having its privileges reigns. Yet this is the heart attitude that Jesus lived, taught, and proved to be effective.

There is an awesome responsibility that comes with the leadership positions given by God.  What leadership position has God called you to?  Husband? Parent? Pastor? Regardless of the scope of your leadership responsibility, whether a family unit or a government entity, the Lord will hold you accountable for the integrity of that office.

Pray for the spiritual strength to lead with the integrity, wisdom, power, and love of Jesus Christ.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Let It Go #777

Posted on January 8, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 777

“Let It Go”

John 8:31- 32 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

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Monkeys are easily snared and caught by exploiting the fact that once they have a grip on what they want to hold on to they refuse to relax their fist and let it go.  Hollowed out coconuts with an access hole large enough to let their hand through but not large enough to let a fist full of goodies back out is used to trap them. The same principle is employed in other parts of the world using termite mounds or other suitable ‘anchors’ that will keep the monkey in place long enough for the hunter to capture or kill it.  The monkey’s refusal to let go effectively traps it.

What are you holding on to that hinders your freedom?  What won’t you let go of that has you trapped and vulnerable?  Are you a victim of your own refusal to let something go?

Some people have a grip on things from the past that entrap them.  It may be past hurts that they refuse to let heal.  They seem to always serve up the same cup of bitter bile in conversations. This bitterness and unforgiveness eventually alienates them from friends and family alike and more importantly it hinders their walk with God.

…if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matt 6:14

Others have a grip on the present material wealth and things of this world that have become a snare to them.  Their hearts hear the call of God to share, be wise stewards, tithe, help others in need, yet they cannot let go to the extent that God’s Holy Spirit has prompted them to.

…Jesus…said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. – Luke 18:22

Still others have a grip on their fears and worries for what might happen in the future that hinders their freedom in Christ. Their tight fisted grip is on the tangible things that they trust and rely on instead of trusting in God by faith.

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life … But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. – Matthew 6:25

Freedom comes through heart knowledge of the truth of God’s Word which comes through His abiding presence.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:17

May you no longer be victimized by your own stubborn refusal to let go of your past as well as things present and future.  May you relax your grip and let go of all that hinders your walk with the Lord.  May your open hands be free to reach for the hand of Christ and heed His call to ‘Come, follow Me’.  May you know the joy, freedom, and power that come through His abiding presence in your heart.

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