Welcome to The Belonging! We are a Church that loves God and loves people. We are passionate about seeing people encounter God through worship, and experience the freedom that comes through knowing Jesus. Whoever you are, and wherever you come from, you are welcome!
The power of prayer is an incredible thing. At Philanthropy, we know that prayer is something important – but let us attempt to explain how much the Lord blesses us every day. About a year ago, Philanthropy started The Prayer Wall based on a story of a personal battle with cancer, and a mission set on our hearts from one of our customers. A random interaction turned into a very important day for all of us.
Each year, students gather around their school's flag pole for SYATP - the Global Day of Student Prayer. This year, SYATP is on September 25 and we want to show the power of prayer in the Nashville community.
The following article, containing dozens of spiritual quotes by our United States Presidents, is taken from Ed Moore's book, Prayer Force One: Across America. It is presented here in order to preserve the foundations of our nation's spiritual heritage. You may order Ed Moore's book by clicking on the book at the right.
A clarion call has been made to gather the saints for a grassroots effort across the state of Tennessee. We will serve those in authority from the Courthouse to the White House. We will serve through intercession for and interaction with governmental leaders in order to impact our cities, our state and nation. We will not only minister to those in the high place, but also those in the forgotten place. We will discern the heartbeat of cities and communities from mayors and city and county officials to determine how we can best serve those in authority. May we rise up rather than fall back in this hour and walk through the gates of government to serve with the heart and mind of Christ.Setting: A stormy sea. Waves are covering the ship.
A group of followers panic and are fearful.
Their leader is in the ship with them, but he is sleeping through the storm.
They awake him and cry out, “Don’t you even care that we are perishing?”
Their leader gets up and calms the sea and waves.
The followers are surprise that He is able to do that.
Now, you know I am referring to Jesus and his disciples on the stormy sea. Read Mark 4:35-41
Christians, people that follow Christ, go through scary things like that storm.
How do we react?
The followers in the boat had probably been in a storm before. Perhaps they remembered those storms in the midst of the present storm. We know they feared future peril because of what they asked Jesus. “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” No doubt, they feared the worse.
They approached Jesus, who was at rest, with fear & unbelief.
When a ‘storm’ or bad circumstances, similar to past ‘storms’ or bad circumstances, get‘into our boat’,and we haven’t gotten enough rest, we may panic, and we may also bring the future into it, (worrying about, what may be). This, my friends, is a lot of worry, it could even be, a frenzy!
Jesus addressed His followers. “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Jesus addressed the storm. He spoke to it. “Peace be still”
I want you to think about it like this, Rest got up and stilled the storm.
So what is this rest I’m talking about?
Jesus Christ! He is our rest!
Read all of Hebrews chapter 4, but here is an excerpt (1-3)
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest:.
We need to stay aware Jesus, our rest, so when bad circumstances begin to slam into our ‘boat’ we will have peace and faith. When we’re well rested in Him, we are more likely to trust Him, Who is in the same boat with us, (in our hearts) and not fear the storm raging on the outside of us.
Rest. . . Look to Jesus. . .Look to His Word. . .Believe His Word.
Circumstances change, Jesus and His promises stay the same.
Be prepared. Pray and think about beneficial things long before the ‘storm’ comes.
PEACE IS A PROMISE
Pray and give thanks: Be careful (or anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Think Strong: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:6-8
Sometimes when we pray, we are just telling God about our problems. I don’t think He minds this, because He loves us, but we should never forget to ask. Ask for wisdom. Ask for discernment. Ask for protection, or whatever is needed, then believe, so peace can come.
When we are looking to Jesus, reading our Bibles, praying, fellowshipping with other believers, learning, growing in Him, we will be more rested and ready to tackle when the attack comes.
Here are some biblical examples of promises given and received from Hebrews, chapter 11, please read the entire chapter, but here are some examples. Keep in mind that these people of faith participated in the outcome.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 6
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country…(8-9)
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 11
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;…esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. (26-27
When we pray about things and trust God, that is good, but I also believe we should become actively involved with the outcome. . .by seeking, looking into things prayerfully (there's lots of resources out there), taking action, helping others!
When we go through ‘storms’ and Jesus gets us through them, it’s not just for our benefit. We learn things that can help others. Also, when they see us go through ‘storms’ in a way that illustrates to them that we have help, Jesus is in the ‘boat’ with us, it will witness to them. They will want Him in their ‘boat’ too.
So, let us act like Jesus is in the same boat. . .with us, shall we?
PEACE IS A PROMISE
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
PEACE IS A PROMISE
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
PEACE IS A PROMISE
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:26-27
Pray for peace.
Lord Jesus, thank you for leaving us Your peace. Daily lead us in the way of that peace. You are the God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace in believing so that we may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. May we be perfect, of good comfort, of one mind, live in peace and may Your love and peace be ever with us. Amen Romans 15:13, 2 Cor 13:11,