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.
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.
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!
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.
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.Busy, busy, busy! We are all so very busy! If we’re not careful we can forget about what is most important in the midst of all our busyness!
Christians should always put Christ first. When we put Him first, we will automatically do what’s better, for others; for ourselves! The Helper of humanity never grows weary from hearing from us when we bring to him our troubles, fears and failures. Sometimes we grow weary of others when they come to us with theirs though. God desires to help us; give us peace and joy. That’s who He is! He wants us to sail through life with strong faith, and He can help us with that. So let us let Him drive our ‘faith’ sail! Here are some ways we can put Christ first in the midst of all our busyness and let him guide us. . . drive our ‘faith’ sail, so we don't shipwreck!
1. We can be obedient to God in the midst of all our busyness, remembering Him in all our actions; in all our decisions. We can only obey what we know. Know what God’s will is by knowing His Word. For example, we know from the Holy Bible that God does not want us to lie, so we must never justify lying, not even ‘white lies’.
We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29
2. We worship God and God alone in the midst of all our busyness. We must never bow down to ‘idols’. Idols of silver and gold; idols of fame and fortune.
Jesus said. . .You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ Matthew 4:10
3. We can walk in love in the midst of all our busyness. When we’re busy, we can forget common courtesies and at times, get downright rude. Whatever we think or do, we must ask, what would Jesus do?
Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4. We can be thankful to God in the midst of all our busyness. Everything we have, we have because of Him, so thank Him!
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3;17
5. We can be mindful of who we’re listening to in the midst of all our busyness. We should judge what we’re hearing from people, whether we hear the words face-to-face or from various media. We should judge what we’re hearing against God’s truth, and we can only do this if we put God’s truth in our hearts. Yes, there are many voices out there, including our own. Some are inspired by truth, some are opposed to truth. We hear things from family and friends, from the pulpit, at work, at play, from the news, from movies and books. These words come from the inner beliefs and God experiences these people have had. We do not necessarily have to oppose what they say or even comment on what they say, we just choose or choose not to agree with what they’re saying. The point is, we can be conscientious listeners. We can pay attention to what we’re listening to. Put it under God’s light! And we must never, ever speak contrary to what we believe.
. . .for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. Matthew 12:34-35
Jesus gave a contrast between Martha and Mary. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
We don’t want to forget the most important part of a sermon, a speech, a movie, a book, a wedding, etc. . .
Martha forgot the most important part of her busy day. . .Jesus!
Let us not forget Jesus in the midst of all our busyness!
Let us pray. .
Lord God, help us in the midst of all our busyness to put You first. Give us ears to hear Your truths. Help us obey You over people and worship You alone. Help us do everything that we do in love and always seek Your ways. Help us trust you along the way, giving You thanks in all things, and may we do everything for the sake of Jesus. In His Holy Name we pray, amen.