MOH Prayer Breakfast - March 27, 2010

After a men's gathering, Pastor Tom's comment about how encouraging it is to meet with a group of men rings so true. Saturday was that way for me - it always is.

The discussion on prayer was uplifting. It encouraged me in areas I fall short and gave me ideas for improvement - ideas to make my time with God more meaningful, more connected. How about you, were you encouraged? Did you learn something new? Were you inspired to have a more intimate time with God?

Today in my e-mail "Inbox" was the following quote (see below). I felt it speaks to some of the comments made on Saturday around clearing our minds to focus on God and keep our prayers directed. It offers an interesting perspective on the human mind. Do you agree with what the author is saying? Is it true or an excuse? Are we at the mercy of our sinful nature or can we achieve a more regenerate state of mind? Food for thought. Please comment on your thoughts?

We are no more responsible for the evil thoughts that pass through our minds than a scarecrow for the birds which fly over the seedplot he has to guard. The sole responsibility in each case is to prevent them from settling. -- John Churtom Collins

Sermon of the Week - 3/15

"Jesus Meets Our True Need" - Jesus is exalted overall
Hebrews 7:23-28

Questions to ponder -
Have you trusted Jesus to meet your TRUE need?
He can you know!
And He is the Only One who can meet that need inside you.

For those who have trusted Jesus;
What about this topic/passage was significant to you?
Have you seen participated in this endeavor this week?
What can you say about your experience to encourage others?

Verse of the Week - 3/15

Bible Verse from Heartlight (www.Heartlight.org)

VERSE:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -- Isaiah 41:10 - http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Isaiah+41:10

THOUGHT:
God's story through the history of his people, Israel, is one of triumph, protection, and faithfulness. God is with us. God cares for us. God hears our prayers. God longs to bless and protect us. God longs to strengthen and uphold us. Let's put our hope in him.

PRAYER:
O God, you are my God, and I long to bring you honor and glory. Please stir my courage to live victoriously and passionately for you. I trust that as I display your character and live for your glory that you will strengthen and uphold me by your mighty presence within me and by your mighty arm of grace around me. In you I have placed my hope. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20090315

Topic of the Week - 3/15

INTERNET USAGE -

Typical questions to consider;

1. How am I doing on the Internet; both with "time spent" and "sites visited"?
2. Do I need to make changes to the way I use the Internet (i.e. computer location, time, sites, aloneness, etc)?
3. Am I bulletproof or could I be vulnerable to inappropriate usage?
4. What can/should I do to avoid any appearance on impropriety?
5. Are there safeguards I could/should install to help insure my "Internet virginity"?
6. What is my next step? - Will I take it? - Who will help me?
   

Sermon of the Week - 3/8

"Jesus and Melchizedek" - Jesus is our High Priest
Hebrews 7:1-22

Questions to ponder -
What about this topic/passage was significant to you?
How did you see this theme played out in your life this week?
What can you say to encourage others?

Verse of the Week - 3/8

Bible Verse from Heartlight (www.Heartlight.org)

VERSE:
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.
-- Acts 5:32
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Acts+5:32

THOUGHT:
Of all the many gifts God gives, the gift of his presence in us through his Holy Spirit is among the most precious. The Spirit's presence makes us God's temple (1 Cor. 6:19). The Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God when we pray (Rom. 8:26-27).
The Spirit helps us overcome the pull of our flesh (Rom. 8:13-14).
The Spirit gives us strength in our inner being (Eph. 3:16). In other words, the Spirit is at work to transform us to the character of Christ. Let's thank God for his holy presence in us through the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER:
Father, thank you so much for your Holy Spirit who even now is interceding for me as I pray. Please strengthen me through your Spirit as I seek to live a holy life dedicated to you. Dear Father, it is my heart's desire for you to transform me by your Spirit to be more like your Son in character and compassion. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20090307

Topic of the Week - 3/8

ACCOUNTABILITY

Typical questions to consider;

1. What does accountability mean to me?
2. How important is it for a man to be accountable to someone?
   
3. How do I feel about being personally accountable to another human being?
4. What are some reasons to have an accountability partner?
   
5. Do I currently have an accountability partner?
6. Would I like to have an accountability partner?

Feel free to post your comments below.