Go see "War Room"

One week from today, the movie "War Room" will open. 

Check out the trailer here:  http://warroomthemovie.com

The ladies at my church have talked about the armor of God for a while now. We will be wrapping up our study of Ephesians next Wednesday evening. 

Toward the end of chapter 6, Paul says in verses 18 & 19:  "18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,"

Paul urged the readers of his letter to pray always. He had prayed for them.  He asked them to pray for other believers. He asked them to pray for him. He knew the necessity of prayer in the life of believers. He knew the fellowship that was created with God through bowing and bending at the feet of our Creator God and he knew the intercession of the Holy Spirit. He knew prayer to be a critical piece of armor for believers when battling the enemy. He said in verse 12 of the same chapter:  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

What better defense and offense can we take when wrestling and doing battle than to stand firm in prayer guarded and protected by the One who has already conquered the evil one and his forces?

Paul knew those readers of old needed to hear this message. God knew that you and I would be living at this very moment in time and, like all who came before us, would need prayer in our lives. He knew we would need this letter from Paul to remind us that our power is not ours but comes from God; His power manifested in the lives of faithful followers walking worthy of His call. 

Do you have a powerful prayer you can share?  Or can you give testimony of prayer at work?

Share if you will!

Breaking out of Mediocrity

Do you ever feel like whatever you are doing is not what you should be doing?  Not that you are doing something wrong but that the normal thing you do day in and day out just isn't where your energy should be expended anymore?  You could call it unsettled or discontent. Perhaps you could even call it boredom. Mediocrity screams discontent, right?

Like when you find that place in a good run where you break out in a full-fledged sprint and find exhilaration. Right there at that moment before you decide to ramp it up is that feeling of needing to push a little harder; go a little farther; see just what those legs can pump out. That is where I am. Desperately wanting to take that first all-out stride but finding that hamstring pulling back saying "Whoa!"

So what do you do?  Do you shorten your stride and keep the pace steady or do you throw caution to the wind and take that step in faith that mediocrity just isn't cutting it anymore?

And not just in your run but in your walk of life!  Same routine. Same food. Same job. Same activities. The security of the same becoming maddening. 

Maybe this is my step to a new pace. Lengthen my stride just enough to allow some pavement to pass quickly so I find new views. 

If none of this makes sense to you it is fine. Sometimes taking a step can bring arched eyebrows and questions. That is okay!  I welcome them. 

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Ephesians 4:1(NKJV)

If this does make sense, have you ramped up your walk lately?  Share with me!

Forms of practice

Practicing can be useful or detrimental. Depending upon that which is being practiced determines its usefulness. Benefits can come from certain practices but harmful consequences can come from others. 

From the world around us we see that certain practices bring positive results. Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated. Eating healthy foods provides all kinds of benefits. Exercise strengthens your physical body. Going to work on time when you are scheduled and doing a good job keeps you employed. Those are just a few worldly examples. 

Like the water that keeps you hydrated and the food that keeps you nourished, scripture and prayer helps to maintain your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Attending worship services on a continual basis and having fellowship with like-minded people keeps you active within the kingdom of God. These things are to be practiced so that your relationship with God is strong and continually enriched. 

What happens when you stop eating right or stop drinking water or stop exercising?  Your body goes crazy and you may get sick or gain too much weight or develop some dreadful health condition that prevents you from going to work or being a productive member of society.  When you stop going to work, chances are, you will lose your job. 

Sin is like that red velvet cake with cream cheese icing. It sure does look good and calls out to be tasted. One taste provides enough incentive for a second taste and then another and another and before long you want it all the time. You get a sugar high for just a little while and then come crashing down with regret. 

Galatians tells us that the practicing of sin will keep us separated from the kingdom of God. But the evidence of the Holy Spirit within us will provide useful fruit that can be practiced and becomes an inherent part of who we are. It is the evidence of our practice. 

Do you have a practice that is beneficial? Do you find yourself practicing something that keeps you separated from God?  

Will you share your thoughts?

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.  Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)