Monday, December 27, 2010

Soul's Physician

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Meet Jesus : Soul's Physician

Matthew 9:12: But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13: But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

“If you have everything you need physically, mentally, and emotionally and are healthy, why would you need a doctor or consultant?  The well folk don’t need help, but the needy.  But shake your brains and learn what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the perfect in their own minds, but those that realize their needs to a new way of thinking and living.”

 

Ever thought of your soul needing a physician?  That would be Jesus.  The influence of the influx of the world into our soul requires a constant physician. Over the years, I’ve found it valuable to listen in on the words of wise men and women on a regular basis.  The world spews some pretty tough and ugly words as a matter of normal course.  Listen to the world and you will believe that the only way to true happiness is sex, beer, fast cars, a 60” led/lcd/hd/tv thingamajiggy with phones that walk, talk, and stalk and a bag of chips.  Good words negate the poison and set a right direction. Yet, even all of the wise words have to be sifted.  I need a standard and a cleaning agent.

 

Jesus offers both.  Mercy and truth form a standard and cleansing comes through His blood.  Righteousness, the ability to confidently stand before Him with no thought of judgment or punishment, comes through the sacrifice of His life.  When I can stand in confidence, I can freely give up errant thoughts knowing I am accepted in Him.  I can freely take up good thoughts knowing He will work in me to bring them to good success.

 

All of us are welcomed into that healing relationship.  This is a free clinic.  There is no charge. Pained, stained, and ingrained stinkin’ thinkin’ can be exchanged for pure, cleansed, healthy thoughts 24/7.  Oh, He does want your life in exchange.  You would give up that old, hard heart for a new soft one right?  You would continue to give away the old, dirty, sickly stuff in your mind in exchange for clean, new purified and strong thoughts, right?

 

ACT!  Dump some junk out of your soul.  Pick up the ugliest thought you have and throw it out.  Find a good clean new thought in Jesus to replace it on the shelf of your soul's closet.

 

PRAY!  Father, it would be great if you just took this old mind and replaced it.  I know You have given me a new heart as I repented.  Help me to keep the process of mental cleanup going continually.  Stuff gets in.  Stuff corrupts my thinking.  I come to You honestly with some sickened thoughts of a sinner saved by grace.  These days, the world presses with wrong directions and my flesh misses the turns needed to get me where I need to go.  Purify, Father, my thoughts every day like a clean shower.  Build right thinking according to mercy and truth that wisdom would prevail.

 

 If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know.  Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. .  www.prayermetro.com   Phil@prayermetro.com

 

 


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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Better Than A PEZ, Evotion.

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Dignity Dispenser: Better Than A PEZ

Matthew 9:10-13(liberally interpreted): While Jesus took some moments to rest and eat at the house of friends, many neighbors, street folk, and just downright hardcores made their way in and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the settled pastors and community leaders and self-satisfied noticed, they spewed fresh poison into the ears of his disciples.  “Why is your leader sitting with ‘those’ people, who are not worthy of time or attention?”

 But when Jesus heard their words and discerned their intentions, he spoke strongly.

“If you have everything you need physically, mentally, and emotionally and are healthy, why would you need a doctor or consultant?  The well folk don’t need help, but the needy.  But shake your brains and learn what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the perfect in their own minds, but those that realize their needs to a new way of thinking and living.”

 

As a child,Evotion, the PEZ candy dispensers always lightened my eyes.  The public gumball nickel (now quarter) dispensers at the front of so many stores always cried out for the precious few pennies in my pocket.  A few times I used the gumball dispenser and enjoyed every chew, but not too many.  The pennies were too precious.  Put together over a few weeks, they would buy a comic book or some bigger piece of candy.  Even the PEZ dispensers were a rare treat.  Anytime I bought a PEZ or bought a candy from a gumball machine, it was like a six inch boost in stature.  This was something special.

 

Funny how we walk by joy even when there is enough in our pocket.  I just never believed there would be enough for me.  Even though I could always cut another lawn or sell another newspaper on a street corner or pick up another bottle along the road and redeem it, I never believed there would be enough if I did not squirrel it away.  Those types of experiences,Evotion, build in us a resistance to joy. 

 

Personal dignity is so fragile.  Our world defines it.  Our desires define it.  People around us define it.  Not until many years later did I decide that dignity was a God-given commodity dispensed when He took the care to breath His breath into these clay pots of men and women.

 

Jesus reeks with dignity.  He is a dignity dispenser.  Unlike the PEZ, which would run out of candies, He cannot run out of dignity.  Unlike the gumball machine that takes the only nickel in my pocket, it oozes from Him at every touch.  No one is up or down in His eyes or His treatment.  Just being around Him causes us to feel better about ourselves.  Now, that doesn't mean we feel better about our behavior.  He challenges our behavior while making us feel dignified, accepted, and encouraged.  

 

When we spend ourselves for those who are hungry, they are affirmed and dignified.  When we spend ourselves on behalf of others, our dignity as God-breathed creations is amplified and certified and enabled to rise to our consciousness.

 

ACT!  Spend some dignity today.  Find a person feeling low and just spend time with them.  No big discussion.  Just give them you.  It dignifies.

 

PRAY!  Padre Dios, Father God, help us to receive the dignity of Jesus today.  Embody in us His love and absolute acceptance of each person as a person and as Your specific creation.  Lead Evotion and me to the person, who needs a little time, today.  Help us to simply listen and live life with them instead of trying to "help" them.  Help us dispense dignity.  Help us to take up personal dignity in You instead of in accomplishments and acquisitions.

 

 If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know.  Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. .  www.prayermetro.com   Phil@prayermetro.com

 

 

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Friday, December 17, 2010

The Call

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The Call

Matthew 9:9: And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

 

Matthew or Levi, he went by both, is changed at this moment of encounter.  Here he is going about the business of tax collecting, and Jesus calls for a change.  All of us face life changes at times.  The change of call is enormous in comparison to most. Matthew responds.  Matthew allows the call to change.  What will you do when Jesus calls?

 

ACT!  Examine your call from Jesus.  Write down a one sentence charter that explains what He wants you to do.

 

PRAY!  Father, am I following the call You designed for my life?  Am I collecting taxes, and you want me to be writing a gospel?  Am I going through the motions, and You want me fishing for men?  Can I do both?  Answer me, Lord, and I will follow.  Open my understanding and I will flow with Your will.  Call, and I am willing and ready.

 

 If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know.  Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. .  www.prayermetro.com   Phil@prayermetro.com


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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Power to Evotion

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Power To Us

Matthew 9: 8: But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

 

You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you cannot do.
— Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Not many are astounded when an NFL defensive lineman sacks the quarterback.  Impressed, but not astounded.  It is explained as a matter of play and expertise and passion and execution.  Everyone is aware that on the next play the same lineman could be on the ground writhing in pain from a twisted knee or pounded shoulder.

 

Not many are astounded when a business takes off making large profits.  Number crunchers and marketers can explain.  Passion, play, expertise and execution again explain the situation.  It is not a phenomenon, but a plotted course of action and results.

 

Then there are moments when God steps up, steps in, and does something none of us can explain.  Then we become astounded.  Well, some do.   Others begin to explain the interplay of passion, play, expertise and execution.  Others start to find ways to explain away the intervention of God and take credit to men.  We fear what we do not understand.  Explanations give us a way to rationalize away fear instead of facing what is bigger than us.

 

Society has become overly desensitized.  Science seems to have all the answers.  Media portrays scientific investigation as an all powerful means coupled with mental acuity to solve any dilemma on our crime shows.  Aberrant social thinking and action of deviants is equalized with the crime solvers as a yin and yang balance.  Powerful images bombard our psyche until we can’t see the difference between normal and abnormal.  Our fear of the unknown is assuaged by scientific explanation and hope in something we can touch and see and feel.

 

Take time to experience some wonder this Christmas season.  Look at some beauty and thank God for the experience.  Be amazed that He entrusted men with such abilities.  Be awed with a light display.  It can be fearful to admit we do not know.  It is frightening to not understand.  But, when we face our fear and admit our powerlessness and lack of understanding, a world of wonder is opened to enjoy.  Thank God, He exposed an distributes such power to men and women that it cannot be explained.

 

You might find yourself catching a moment that is unexplainable other than the fact that He just stepped into your life for a moment and performed a special act.

 

ACT!  Where is that moment?  Give God a chance to reverse a medical issue through prayer that seems intractable by science.  Let God find a job for a friend instead of the job search agency.  Face a fear and allow God to intervene.

  

PRAY! Father, it is comforting to be afraid.  My fears only open doors of opportunity for You to intervene.  Why should I be afraid if You are on my side?  Why would I ever stop at fear?  Fear only opens the door for You to step in and amaze me.  Build confident trust in me and in Evotion.  Let us look into the eyes of the unexplainable and say, “Fear, I see you.  I face you.  I allow God to deal with you.  I will be amazed that God gives such power into the lives of men and women.”


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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Evotion, Go Home.

 

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Go Home

Matthew 9: 6: But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.  7: And he arose, and departed to his house.

"It is not what you say, it’s what they hear" Red Auerbach

Restoration is a subject of wide berth. Jesus was focused on restoration of this man’s life. The last instruction is the one he heard. Go home. Get back to living. Go find some good family time. Live your life. Get on with enjoying why you are on planet earth.

ACT!  So take a moment to find some area of life and living you are missing because of a pain or problem. Press through. Rise up and just walk away from the pain and go on with living. 

PRAY! Father, life presses. Pains persist. Problems pursue. You are here. You are crying out, "Get up and go home. Get back to getting on with life." Let Evotion hear those words today.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Arise Forgiven

 

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Arise Forgiven

Matthew 9: 5 So, what do you think? Is it easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven or arise and walk?"

What do you think? What is the difference? If both result in the same freedom, is there a difference? If the effect is the same is the difference important to anyone?

Someone made a comment in jest about sitting in the front of the room like at church. I jested back about he must have a Pentecostal background because Catholics and Baptists sit in the back. It was good fun. Does it make a difference whether you sit in the front or the back or in the pew purchased by your great grandfather?

Does it make a difference whether you dance or sing or clap or use instruments or sit quietly?

If in doing what you do you are fully engaged in worshipping and communing with God, does it matter?

If in doing what you do you are fully engaged in religious expression and have no idea what communing with God is all about, does it matter?

You decide. You know what I think? If you say to me, "Arise and walk", and I get up free and forgiven, I will rejoice. If you say to me, "Your sins are forgiven", and I rise up and walk, I will rejoice.

ACT!  Have some fun worshipping God in a way unfamiliar. Go to a full gospel service and sit in the back. Go to a Baptist service and sit in the front. Go to a group of Brethren and just sit quietly. Take your bible to Starbucks, have a cup of coffee, read and pray quietly. Get up at 2am and walk the floor while talking to God. Do something that is not your norm. Then write me and tell me if it makes a difference. Maybe it will, just because it is different and you are more attentive when doing something outside your norm.

 

PRAY! Father, somedays I think You enjoy having so much variety. Some days You enjoy helping us understand the strength of results versus actions. Some days You just love us. In fact, every day You just love us. You love us into being free and happy and whole in thought and heart and body. Take us to that place of enjoying being Yours.

 

 

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

How does liberty affecte Thanksgiving for you, Evotion.

Colossians 3:1 If thenyou have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

What a weak week it has been for two weeks.  My oldest son has been deployed to a dangerous assignment.  A great friend in the battle for unity in the Kingdom moved over to spend all of his time with the Father.  After struggling, I discovered the router in my home is acting up and keeping me from doing normal activities like studying Spanish, and Facebooking, and talking to you.  Thank God we can pray no matter what.

Faithful in War: Faithfulness in my son as he engages his assignment is a joy to this father’s heart.  Danger exists in all places at all times.  He has chosen to engage and confront and defend and be faithful to his conscience.  Our lives have liberty because he choses service.

Faithful in Peace: Faithfulness in Dr. Client Wilburn to continually speak on non-violence in our streets and unity among the churches has been an inspiration to me.  Time with him as a friend will be sorely missed.  Our churchified world is still massively split along racial and cultural lines.  These things ought not so to be.  Our lives have had more liberty because of his choice of service.

Faitthful in Compassion:  Faithfulness in Dr. Carillo and the people of CAREVI in Matamoros to stay in the service of Christ though war rages in the streets is an inspiration to me.  For a few days people were afraid to go out to services due to battles between military and cartel mafia.  The people continue.  Our lives have more liberty when our neighbors have more liberty through service.

Faithful in Service:  Faithfulness in Pastor Velio Estrada and the people of Tabernaculo De Fe as we celebrate today the breaking of ground on a new facility is beautiful.  For years, they have done as others and occupied the abandoned buildings from which white churches have fled to more suburban ground.  These facilities were not made for urban ministry and do not fit the needs of the people.  Through faithful attention to service the people have prospered and are building a new Oklahoma City.  Our city is seeing more liberty because of these choices.

Faithful in Character:  Faithfulness in business and community and education displayed recently in the Oklahoma City Character Council awards stirs my heart.  How beautiful is the message businesses like Jasco, schools like Christian Heritage, prisons like Mabel Basset and individuals give out.  Faithfulness counts.  Character counts.  Thanks, Tom.  Our lives have more liberty because of these choices.

A little disruption in my life because the router for my wireless is dying seems like such a nit.  In the grander schema of God, there are big items needing big attention.  The things of heaven are the things of earth.  In this life we can bring the blessing of the Heavenly Father every day in some way to some person in the cause of liberty and justice while pursuing happiness.  The will of the Father be done on earth as it is in heaven and heaven is on earth.

I am thankful for the service of others in the cause of liberty of morality, character, Christ-likeness, culture, and community.

May Evotion be blessed with abundant liberty this week.

May Evotion discover many areas to which you can speak blessings in thankfulness.

May Evotion enjoy famiy and friend.

Stay faithful in service, Evotion.

Stay blessed.

You are loved and prayed over even when the router is down.

 

ps.  You can help the people of CAREVI (Casa De Restaracion Y Vida - House of Restoration and Life) through a tax deductible gift to PrayerMetro, 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok, 73099 or gifts of toys sent to the same or hosting a toy box collection in your congregation or group.  Call me if you would like a box.  The last batch to go down will leave Oklahoma City the week of the 12th.  The congregation now has enough money to buy a roof and men to do the work through help of people here and in Mexico. 

 

 

 

 


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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Knowing Hearts, Evotion.

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Knowing Hearts

Matthew 9: 4: And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts"

An old friend reminded me this morning of an ancient saying, "And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!"

Every day we get that opportunity. What happens when you withhold? What happens when you are hiding intents by not speaking? What happens if the other withholds? When you want to believe in a relationship, you speak. Jesus wanted a good relationship with these even though they seemed against Him.

Yesterday I had a string of meetings that were all about messages and words. Lawyers debated disclosure language. Marketing executives debated targeting right segments. Sales executives debated response words in emails for prospects. MBA students debated areas of impact on our business plan. IT executives debated what to fix and when. Consultants quizzed me. All of it was words. What was really in their hearts?

Some did not like my chosen words. Others softly considered them. A few hotly resisted them. Many took on joy and surprise and excitement. The lawyers wanted a few days to debate them (duh!). A couple of friends cried with deep emotion. Through all of that, I had to sort my own responses and emotions.

Words are powerful. They communicate disgust, joy, relief, confidence, confusion, peace, and trust. Not expressing them can communicate distrust or assent or anger or fear or apathy. The problem in not speaking them is that the other person has to make up in their mind what you think and feel. You may not agree but they may think you do. You may agree, but they don’t know. That leaves the relationship in confusion.

Silence often communicates assent. I worked in a company once where that was stated meeting policy. We were not expected to speak, we were required to speak. Silence can communicate a lot of other positions. Know which you want to communicate and get it out.

The ability to respectfully disagree is one of the most sacred expressions of trust. When we can disagree, we trust the goodwill of the others involved. Open discussion and disclosure brings clarity. You might lose a friend for a moment, but if their heart is right and you prove true and reliable, they will be back with more trust later. Jesus confronted their silence. He wanted disclosure and communication.

Due season is when the word is needed. Leaving them unsaid too long can result in not having another moment to express them to an open ear.

Seize the day. Build some trust. Express yourself. Emote. Clarify. Trust the goodwill of others. Use wisdom. Use words. Trust is built on open communication agreement and disagreement.

ACT!  Sometimes the right thing means confronting. Unlike Jesus, we can’t see into the hearts of others. Don’t assume, ask. Don’t presuppose, open the communication so they have a change to speak back. Prime the pump.

PRAY! Father, looking to clarify when a relationship is at stake can be frightening. Help me. Help my friend, Evotion. Help us to speak our minds to find the hearts of others. Embrace our words with love and truth and mercy. Let them hang as pearls about our neck to bring grace and favor with You and others. Let the meditations of our hearts and the words of our mouth be acceptable in Your sight. Let them be true and just.

 

 
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Monday, November 1, 2010

On Election Day - Pray for courage to be who you are, Evotion.

 The Irregular Daily Dose

Work Day Devotions That Work - On Election Day

Blasphemy

Matthew 9:3: And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

The amazing truth is that no matter how much good you do, you will be dissed.  Yep, people will dis you.  If you heal, they will dis you. If you touch with care, they will dis you.  If you encourage, they will dis you.  If you slip, they will dis you.  If you stumble, they will dis you.

Someone will always be looking to take you down. Someone will always be ready to accuse you of doing something wrong.  If they can't attack your actions, they will attack your motivations.  Do they know them?  No, but they can make them up for their convenience.

So, remember you are in great company.  Even Jesus was called a blasphemer.  He was accused of not loving His own father and not respecting His own Dad.  How ludicrous, but when did people stop short of ludicrous?

ACT!  Do the right thing.  Say the right words.  Stand by the right friend.  Be the right person.  In spite of the accusations, stay right, do right, say right.

PRAY! Let courage sweep over my friend, Evotion.  Let power to do the right actions and say the right words pour over Evotion.  Yes, Father, You are able to make us able.  Your courage is available to move us into the next courageous act.  Help us to not give up in the face of accusations.  Help us to not fear the face of men and women and be faithful to who we are and what we need to do.


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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Have some cheer, Evotion

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Their Faith - His Cheer

Matthew 9: 2: And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

 

When Jesus arrived at his own city, there were people ready. They knew Him.  They knew His compassionate heart. They knew His response to help.  They knew His quick ability and willingness to forgive and restore.  They knew.

 

So they brought a friend.  They brought someone who had lost hope.

 

Immediately, Jesus brought cheer out of His bag of blessing.  He answered with cheer.  Certainly, the man was lacking in cheer.  Jesus brought what no one really expected.  Along with health and forgiveness, He brought cheer.

 

ACT!  Do you have a friend who needs some cheer?  Can you bring him to the place where you expect Jesus to arrive? 

 

PRAY! Father, Jesus is full of cheer.  In a world of pain and problems, Jesus has cheer. His cheer comes alongside healing and forgiveness.  Bring cheer to my friend, Evotion .  Bring a smile to the heart.  Pour Yourself over my friend, Evotion.

 

 If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know.  Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. 

 

 

 


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Monday, October 25, 2010

Your Own City, Evotion.

The Irregular Daily Dose

His Own City

Matthew 9:1: And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

 

 

Each of us has a place called home.  There is that city we call our own.  Jesus had that place also.  When life gets a little crazy, we need our own city.  That place here we are aware of the customs and the customary is important in times of stress.

 

Where do you get away after stress and rejection?  Why do you go there?  What drives you back to the comfort zone?  It is a good thing to have family and friends to whom we can  retreat and relax.

 

ACT!  Needing a little respite?  Take it.  Don’t hesitate to go where you are comfortable and loved in times of stretch.

                           

PRAY! Life stretches me, Father.  Over and over I find myself in need of the comfortable and common to restore my soul.  There is that place I call my city, my refuge, my comfort.  Take me there, Father.  Be my home in time of stretch.

 


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Sunday, October 24, 2010

What reason do we have for departing from Jesus' influence, Evotion.

Irregular Daily Dose

Departed

Matthew 8:33: And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34: And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

 

Our lives are full of such inequities.  At one moment we want Jesus.  At the next moment we don't want Him.  In our torments and fears, our patience for His presence is absent.  We want Him to move, and we want Him now.  Once the threat is gone, we tend to want to go back to our normalcy.  The very items in our lives that brought on the torment are welcomed back.  Jesus is given the boot.  We slip back into our pains slowly with a dull, methodical rhythmic pattern of self inflicted wounding through sin.

 

ACT!  Don't slip back.  Don't let the old style of life creep back in and chase Jesus' influence away.  Make a concerted effort today to unearth some old sin pattern into which you are slipping back.  Re-invite Jesus to chase it out.

 

PRAY! What a wonder You are, Father.  When I fall, You are there.  When I slip, You are there.  When I stumble, You are there.  Place my feet on the Solid Rock.  Deliver me from my fears.  Let them not overwhelm me.  Banish them so that I might enjoy time with You.



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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Demon Buster

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Meet Jesus : Demon Buster

Matthew 8:28: And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29: And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30: And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31: So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32: And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

 

Who ya gonna call when life gets tough?  Jesus. 

 

Who ya gonna call when the seas get rough?  Jesus.  

 

 Who ya gonna call when the devil gets into your stuff?  Jesus.

 

 Who ya gonna call when you have had enough?  Jesus.

 

ACT!  Call on Him for deliverance out of the toughest situation you have.

 

PRAY!  Father, I am ecstatic that I serve a tough God.  Jesus is un-intimidated by the most fearsome nightmare situations.  Father, I need that.  Father, right now let me hide myself in the ability of Jesus to face the greatest torments of life.  Holy Father, grace over me and deliver me from all evil.  Cause love to pour over my soul and into my heart.  Let me see clearly the love of Jesus.
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Nonplussed

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Nonplussed

Matthew 8:23: And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

24: And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25: And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26: And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27: But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

 

How easy is it to rattle you?  That is a stiff question.  Each of us has a level at which life will rattle our composure.  For Jesus there appeared to be none.  He approaches situations as if He owns the world. He does.  Remember that He is on your side.  What is His is ours.  If He doesn't get rattled by a tornado, a typhoon, a hurricane, a sea storm, or any disease or devil or person, then neither should we.  Be changed by staying around Him.

 

Life has been challenging over the last decade.  It seems that every year becomes more intense than the prior one.  The years are not long.  The years are not wrong.  They are just full.  Greatness touches every day.  That can get old.  Blessing touches every moment.  That can get emotional.  Jesus learned to rest easy in the midst of the struggle of life. 

 

At the home of a friend, I was impressed at his calm in the middle of many children.  They were happy, rambunctious and just being kids.  Nonetheless, that constant noise and press can make your nerves come loose.  He handled it well.  The joy of seeing someone doing what they love to do even in the middle of the press is wonderful.

 

ACT!  Unravel your last rattle.  Ponder what rattled you last.  Maybe in the last few minutes or hours or days.  Is it still around?  Was it worth it?

 

PRAY!  Father of comfort and all rest.  Unravel my rattles.  Let me have the testimony of great faith in You.  Let me have the witness among men that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  Encourage confidence in me to face the gravest threat with a simple, "Yes, Lord, this too shall pass."  Help me to boldly stand in my place in You in all storms of life.



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Saturday, October 2, 2010

Unrelenting Love for Evotion

  The Irregular Daily Dose

Work Day Devotions That Work

Unrelenting

Matthew 8:18: Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. 19: And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20: And Jesus saith unto him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

21: And another of his disciples said unto him, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.” 22: But Jesus said unto him, “Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”

 

Excuses

Our human tendency is for excuses.  The opportunities of the moment are quickly passed by for the excuses of a lifetime.  One wants comforts and a secure destination.  Another wants to seal the family fortune and let the past generation find finality.  Jesus wanted them that day.  Jesus wants those who will go where there is no promise of a comfortable destination.  Jesus wants those who will go and let the prior generation either come along or resolve life on their own.  Jesus is unrelentingly in motion toward heaven.

 

Garbage Man

At breakfast one morning a friend looked into the eyes of another friend.  Piercingly, he declared, “You are the garbage man!”  They had been discussing activities in the community.  The one was talking about going into hard places.  There he developed and discipled people in this gospel lifestyle.  His friend saw a thread.  The thread was finding struggling situations and bringing those in them to fruitful fields. The thread was tenacity and insight and time and effort.   The thread was taking what others reject and bringing people to full fruit.

 

Smelly Love

Take what others throw away and apply strong action.  Most will avoid it.  Jesus embraced it.  It is His daily bread and unrelenting task.  It meant not having a home at times.  It meant not being followed into the hard spots.  It meant  smelling like a portion of mankind with which friends are unfamiliar. 

 

Unfamiliar Odors

What is not ours and is not familiar looks and smells like garbage.  I remember working in nurseries as a young parent.  Changing my child’s diaper was easy.  Changing the diaper of a friend’s child was horrid.  The smell was unfamiliar.  At times, I would lean over a trash can in case I could not handle it. My stomach might revolt. 

 

Lift

This month, be a special blessing to some minister.  For the most part they are “garbage men”.  They take our hurts and pains and help us through to new light and life.  They could use a lift this clergy appreciation month.

 

ACT!  Release an excuse that has been keeping you from full commitment to Jesus call on your life.  Think about how you would live if you had no financial attachments or no expectations of tomorrow's fortune.

 

PRAY!  Father, I am so weak.  My strength is small in the challenge of adversity.  Jesus came with no guarantees of comfort or family or home.  He thought it not something to be grasped to be resident with You as King of the Universe in heaven.  He left throne and comfort to live among men.  Help me have His way in me.

 

 



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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Evotion, Unswayable Moments

  The Irregular Daily Dose

Work Day Devotions That Work

Unswayable

Matthew 8:16: When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

 

Unswayable

The unstoppable, unswayable nature of Jesus challenges my thoughts.  His persistence in the face of challenge is incredible.  Think about this situation.  He had just had a hard day, found Peter's mother-in-law sick, settled down for a meal and relaxing with friends, and then the someone raps on the door.  "Jesus, come out quickly there is a mob of sick, demonized, bleeding, open-wounded, moaning people out here who want to see you." 

 

Response

How would you respond?

 

Healing

He healed all that were sick.  He cast out the spirits with His word. 

 

ACT!  The next calendar challenge that comes to you, stop and take care of the interruption for the other person immediately.  See what happens.

 

PRAY! Father, I want to be able to have the presence of mind of Jesus.  How incredible that He could stop at anytime and concentrate totally on the one pressing need in front of Him.  Teach me, Father.  Teach me to be ever able and ever present for people in need.

 



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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Family Love


  The Irregular Daily Dose

Work Day Devotions That Work

 Family Love

Matthew 8:14: And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15: And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

 

Special

For all of us there are those special people we call family.  They may or may not be blood family.  They are special.  They are family.  For Jesus, Peter and anyone special to Peter became family.  This was Peter's mother-in-law that moved the compassionate hand of God.  There is no hesitation in these verses.  It appears that Jesus went right to Peter's mother-in-law.  Immediately, He healed family.

 

New Family

A new person came across the pastor’s path that week.  She was new to town and visiting church with her boyfriend.  On a follow up phone call, he found she had been sick for two days.  While getting acquainted a little more, he gently led into prayer.  The presence of God was sweet.  She needed that family touch.

 

ACT!  Got family?  Maybe someone in your extended family or friend's family is ailing in heart or mind or body.  Reach out a hand of friendship to them in prayer.  Let them know.

 

PRAY!  Father of health and life.  I bring my family of friends before Your throne.  Take them into Your protection and love.  Take them into Your healing presence.  Bring them great joy today in You in Jesus.


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Sunday, September 26, 2010

Faith Brings Health


Faith Seeker

Matthew 8:5: And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,6: And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

 7: And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

8: The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9: For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

10: When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

11: And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12: But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13: And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour

 

Faith Honor

Faith is honored by God.  Faith based in understanding of authority, moves God quickly.  In our journey in this life, it serves us well to remember how Jesus honors faith in authority.  Remember, His authority was so evident the people marveled.   Authority is important to Jesus.  He looks for those that understand and invoke His authority through faith.

 

Taylor's Preparation

In preparation for what he knew would be a demanding life in missions, the young Hudson Taylor would sleep at night in the cold with little to no blankets.  He rigorously worked on his endurance and ability to go without food for long times.  Later in the inland part of China, this rigor would prove valuable.  Food was scarce and had many unlikely forms.  In faith, he deprived himself of comfort in order to bring the comfort of the scriptures to others.  To him, faith was a matter of absolute trust that God could sustain and provide.  His faith was rewarded over and over and over in new believers added to the kingdom and leaders to continue the work added to the kingdom.  His faith was rewarded with endurance to complete the task assigned to him of his Father.

 

ACT!  Do you have a situation requiring authority?  requiring faith?  Invite Jesus into it.

 

PRAY!  Father, I place myself and my friend, Evotion, under the authority of the name of Jesus.  Even as the centurion placed his servant under Jesus' authority, so do I place me and my household.  Cover the property entrusted to me.  Cover my family's health.  Cover the thoughts of my mind.  Take my friend, Evotion, into that place of trust and provision in Christ.

 


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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Customary

Customary

Matthew 8:2: And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3: And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4: And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

 

Clean or No Contact

Under the covenant, a leper was required to be declared clean by the priest.  Also, he was required to stay away from other human contact.  Jesus supported the law.  Even knowing the man was no longer a leper, Jesus asked him to handle it according to the custom of the people.  He was not interested in putting fear in people or disturbing the custom without need.  He is considerate of others, their customs, and the law of the land.

 

ACT!  How can you honor a custom of someone you know?  Is there a custom in your workplace that you have been violating?  Think about it.

 

PRAY!  Father, give me the sensitivity of Jesus to customs.  In my limited life, I only see through my filters.  Help me to see what is important to others.  Help me to build their comfort so that they might receive the rich treasure of Jesus in me.

                                                                                                                                                    

 

The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is concerned about assisting the faith community in effective measures in serving the community.  I invite you to take a day and dedicate time to learning, meeting others, and open discussion.  These issues discussed on this day are a concern and a responsibility for each faith leader. 

FAITH COMMUNITIES WORKING TOGETHER TO PREVENT SEXUAL & INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE  

Space is LIMITED! Register by October 15,2010.

Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Organization:____________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ E-mail:__________________________________

Fax registration information to (405) 524-0711 or email to amy@ocadvsa.org

Featuring Keynote Speaker Phil Larson, Prayer Metro!

Phil has worked in the faith community in Oklahoma and nationally for three decades. Leadership in fathering initiatives among hundreds of congregations and community organizations communicates his passion for healthy families. PrayerMetro undergirds pastors with prayer and personal counsel. A unified force of people of faith alongside government, education, business, and community establishes social stability and peace.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 from 9:15am—2:00pm

Moore Public Library—Conference Room "A"

225 S. Howard, Moore Ok, 73160

Forum is free and lunch will be provided at no cost to participants.

Following the Keynote there will be a panel discussion on sexual abuse,

human trafficking, and more! The panel will include Phil Larson from Prayer Metro, Ann Lowrance from OSU-OKC, Mark Elam from OATH, Deb Stanaland from YWCA, and Jennifer McLaughlin from OCADVSA.

Intended audience: Faith Leadership, Lead Ministers, Youth & Children’s Ministers, Board Members.

Phil Larson, as a minister of the Christian gospel for over 30 years and a businessman and a child abuse investigator, has worked in many situations involving various Christian denominations and differing sizes of congregations.  He has counseled pastors, women, men, and children damaged and damaging.  Incidents in congregations involving leadership indiscretions and abuse are many times hidden and unresolved.  Children abused turn into adults in pain.  The danger is to both male and female.  There are simple protections that can be taken to remove exposures and temptations.  These are responsibilities.   Getting a good program of education in place for ministers, board members, and youth and children's workers is simple and effective.

 

N. Ann Lowrance, MS, CDSVRP, has worked with victims of violent crime for almost 30 years.  She is currently Department Head of Social Services and Assistant Professor of Crime Victim Survivor Services at City.  She has directed domestic violence and sexual assault programs in Oklahoma and .  In her 16-year service with the State of Oklahoma, she was responsible for domestic violence and sexual assault programs throughout the state, and the mental health response to the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in .  Ann holds a Masters degree in Family Relations and Child Development from , and has post graduate studies in Psychology of Women.  She has spoken extensively at state and national events on the subjects of domestic violence and sexual assault, has served as an expert witness and has published on both subjects.  She has also presented on victims of crimes and response to disasters.  Ms. Lowrance was cited by the United States Department of Justice for "Outstanding Dedication and Service to Crime Victims".  The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault named an award in her honor.

  

 

Mark Elam became aware of human trafficking in 2005, and traveled to , South Asia and the to work with organizations that rescue girls from sex trafficking. His international organization, Angel Eyes, helps support safe houses and prevention centers in , and the with teams on the ground working to rescue and restore victims of sex trafficking. While raising awareness and support for the global problem, Mr. discovered that human trafficking and child sex trafficking is happening here in as well.  Mr. visited several of the Dept. of Justice Task Force cities to learn from them what our federal government is doing to combat this problem here in and then implemented that plan here in July 2008, forming the Coalition O.A.T.H. – Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans. In the first year of operation O.A.T.H. has partnered with over 60 federal, state and local organizations to service victims of trafficking found here in . In February of 2009 O.A.T.H. was asked to become the state-wide coalition to bring awareness, education and training about the subject of human trafficking and to assist in networking law enforcement agencies, service providers, NGO’s, business leaders and the faith community in providing care for trafficking victims.  Additionally Mr. moderates the Central Oklahoma Human Trafficking Task Force and the Tulsa Human Trafficking Task Force where they are currently working active cases within our boarders 

 

 

                                

 If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know.  Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. .  www.prayermetro.com   Phil@prayermetro.com