Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Does God Heal Today?
Does God Heal Today?
By Robert Kolar, a believer in miracles.
Original Track Back URL
I've heard people say "It's God's will" or "I'll just leave it up to God" when faced with a serious illness or tragedy. Don't fall into that trap. God wants us to pray to him for help. In Luke 18:1 Jesus told his disciples that they "should always pray and not give up." and then Jesus asked "...will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?" Pray to God from your heart for healing. Don't stop. Don't give up. God wants us to ask him for help. He loves us.
Over 20 percent of the Gospel is about the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and heal. He sent them to carry on his work. Wouldn't Jesus want his followers to pray for healing today?
Many spiritual writers have defined the call of healing so narrowly that some people feel they don't qualify. But today a new awakening in faith has made us realize we are not only called into healing for ourselves, but also in various degrees into healing each other.
The Bible actually gives us some directions on how to pray for healing. For example, in James 5:14-15 we are told: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15) And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." and in James 5:16 we are asked to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." and then told that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." In Mark 11:23-25 Jesus further instructs to forgive when we pray "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25) And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Only someone facing or sharing a serious sickness, pain or tragedy knows how hard it is. They know how hard it is to cope with the fear and uncertainty. They know how absurd it sounds when someone first tells them to "keep a positive attitude". They know how terrifying it is when the doubt comes. They know how hard it is to throw a mountain into the sea. But remember what Jesus told us in Matthew 17:19-20 when he said "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Faith as small as a mustard seed sounds a little like hope to me, and that's a good start.
God bless you on your healing journey.
Robert Kolar
By Robert Kolar, a believer in miracles.
Original Track Back URL
I've heard people say "It's God's will" or "I'll just leave it up to God" when faced with a serious illness or tragedy. Don't fall into that trap. God wants us to pray to him for help. In Luke 18:1 Jesus told his disciples that they "should always pray and not give up." and then Jesus asked "...will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?" Pray to God from your heart for healing. Don't stop. Don't give up. God wants us to ask him for help. He loves us.
Over 20 percent of the Gospel is about the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and heal. He sent them to carry on his work. Wouldn't Jesus want his followers to pray for healing today?
Many spiritual writers have defined the call of healing so narrowly that some people feel they don't qualify. But today a new awakening in faith has made us realize we are not only called into healing for ourselves, but also in various degrees into healing each other.
The Bible actually gives us some directions on how to pray for healing. For example, in James 5:14-15 we are told: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15) And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." and in James 5:16 we are asked to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." and then told that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." In Mark 11:23-25 Jesus further instructs to forgive when we pray "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25) And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Only someone facing or sharing a serious sickness, pain or tragedy knows how hard it is. They know how hard it is to cope with the fear and uncertainty. They know how absurd it sounds when someone first tells them to "keep a positive attitude". They know how terrifying it is when the doubt comes. They know how hard it is to throw a mountain into the sea. But remember what Jesus told us in Matthew 17:19-20 when he said "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Faith as small as a mustard seed sounds a little like hope to me, and that's a good start.
God bless you on your healing journey.
Robert Kolar
Tags:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Christian fasting - what does the Bible say?
Original Track Back URL
Scripture does not command Christians to fast. It is not something that God requires or demands of Christians. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and expected. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world, and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to yourself, that you are serious about your relationship with Him. Fasting helps you to gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.
Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Extended periods of time without eating are harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish your flesh, but to focus on God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. Do not fast to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Yes, anyone can fast. Some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics for example), but everyone can temporarily give up something in order to focus on God.
By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting is a means through which God changes us. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Scripture does not command Christians to fast. It is not something that God requires or demands of Christians. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and expected. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world, and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to yourself, that you are serious about your relationship with Him. Fasting helps you to gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.
Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Extended periods of time without eating are harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish your flesh, but to focus on God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. Do not fast to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Yes, anyone can fast. Some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics for example), but everyone can temporarily give up something in order to focus on God.
By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting is a means through which God changes us. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Tags:
Friday, October 3, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
What the bible says about: prayer
What the Bible teaches about prayer and jesus. The Bible contains many instructions regarding prayer. Jesus taught the apostles how to pray. God wants to hear from us.
Original Track Back URL
Prayer is the way that we communicate with God. It can have many purposes and formats. The Bible is full of advice on how to pray. Jesus himself prayed to his Father often and gave his apostles a model for speaking to God. In this article we will look at the various directives given throughout God’s Word. We will also examine “The Lord’s Prayer” as a model for ourselves.
God wants us to pray to Him. “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things.” (Jeremiah 33: 3) “If any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you.” (James 1: 5) Jesus assumes that we will pray to God, “When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” (Matt. 6: 6) The Bible teaches that God wants us to pray to Him and assumes that we will.
Much prayer is supplication. We are asking God for something and acknowledging our inability to get it for ourselves. “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7: 7) “I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people.” (1 Tim. 2: 1)
Prayer requires faith. It is not a magic formula for getting what we want. The supplicant must trust that God is and can hear us. “Whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists” (Heb. 11: 6) “If you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, ‘Go from here to there!’ and it will go. You could do anything!” (Matt. 17: 20)
When praying, we want to seek the will of God, not change it. “We have courage in God’s presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will.” (1 John 5: 14) Jesus taught through parables that persistence is important when praying. In the parable of the widow and the judge, the widow kept on demanding her rights until the judge got tired of all the trouble and granted her request. “Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help?” (Luke 18: 7)
There are some conditions for having our prayers heard. We need to seek God’s will and persistence helps. Prayer requires an attitude of humility and repentance. “If I had ignored my sins, The Lord would not have listened to me.” (Psalm 66: 18) “If they pray to me and repent and turn away from the evil they have been doing, then I will hear them in heaven, forgive their sins, and make their land prosperous again.” (2 Chronicles 7: 14)
In the four Gospels, Jesus led a life of prayer. He was always in communication with his Father. In every prayer where Jesus’ words are recorded, he called God his Father. Jesus prayed at his baptism (Luke 3: 21), when he was alone (Mark 1: 35, Luke 5: 16), all night (Luke 6: 12), many times. John chapter 17 records Jesus’ long and moving prayer for his disciples.
Jesus was asked by one of the apostles, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11: 1) The prayer that he taught them is one that is repeated all over the world exactly as it appears in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
(Matthew 6: 9-13 NKJV)
Whether or not this prayer should be repeated and memorized is the subject of ongoing debate between many churches. I don’t believe it particularly matters whether you can say it by heart or not. The important thing, as we have seen, is attitude. If it is prayed from memory on a rosary, as part of a congregational prayer, or even in our personal devotions, what are we thinking as we say it? I can remember saying the “Our Father” in school when I was a boy. I said it because I knew the words, not because I was really praying. I wouldn’t assume that anyone else who prays it from memory is indulging in vain repetition.
For many, it is helpful to say the prayer with their lips while thinking about their requests. Often, the words for a heartfelt prayer are the hardest to find. The Lord’s Prayer gives us the words while our spirit connects to God on a deeper level. I use the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern for my own prayer life. What Jesus taught his apostles is a structure for prayer that starts with praise, followed by our needs (daily bread) and then asking for forgiveness and ending with more praise. It’s a simple pattern and covers all of the bases.
What does the Bible say about prayer? God wants to hear our prayers. He wants us to have faith in him and be persistent with our requests, be humble and ask forgiveness, be bold and make our requests known to Him. Jesus gave us a prayer that we can learn to recite or use as a pattern for our own words.
Sources:
Matt 6: 9-13 from the New King James Bible, Thomas Nelson, 1979
chicago, chicago revival, orissa, prayer, prayer online, prayer helpline
All other quotes: Good News Bible, CBS, 1992
Original Track Back URL
Prayer is the way that we communicate with God. It can have many purposes and formats. The Bible is full of advice on how to pray. Jesus himself prayed to his Father often and gave his apostles a model for speaking to God. In this article we will look at the various directives given throughout God’s Word. We will also examine “The Lord’s Prayer” as a model for ourselves.
God wants us to pray to Him. “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things.” (Jeremiah 33: 3) “If any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you.” (James 1: 5) Jesus assumes that we will pray to God, “When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” (Matt. 6: 6) The Bible teaches that God wants us to pray to Him and assumes that we will.
Much prayer is supplication. We are asking God for something and acknowledging our inability to get it for ourselves. “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7: 7) “I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people.” (1 Tim. 2: 1)
Prayer requires faith. It is not a magic formula for getting what we want. The supplicant must trust that God is and can hear us. “Whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists” (Heb. 11: 6) “If you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, ‘Go from here to there!’ and it will go. You could do anything!” (Matt. 17: 20)
When praying, we want to seek the will of God, not change it. “We have courage in God’s presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will.” (1 John 5: 14) Jesus taught through parables that persistence is important when praying. In the parable of the widow and the judge, the widow kept on demanding her rights until the judge got tired of all the trouble and granted her request. “Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help?” (Luke 18: 7)
There are some conditions for having our prayers heard. We need to seek God’s will and persistence helps. Prayer requires an attitude of humility and repentance. “If I had ignored my sins, The Lord would not have listened to me.” (Psalm 66: 18) “If they pray to me and repent and turn away from the evil they have been doing, then I will hear them in heaven, forgive their sins, and make their land prosperous again.” (2 Chronicles 7: 14)
In the four Gospels, Jesus led a life of prayer. He was always in communication with his Father. In every prayer where Jesus’ words are recorded, he called God his Father. Jesus prayed at his baptism (Luke 3: 21), when he was alone (Mark 1: 35, Luke 5: 16), all night (Luke 6: 12), many times. John chapter 17 records Jesus’ long and moving prayer for his disciples.
Jesus was asked by one of the apostles, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11: 1) The prayer that he taught them is one that is repeated all over the world exactly as it appears in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
(Matthew 6: 9-13 NKJV)
Whether or not this prayer should be repeated and memorized is the subject of ongoing debate between many churches. I don’t believe it particularly matters whether you can say it by heart or not. The important thing, as we have seen, is attitude. If it is prayed from memory on a rosary, as part of a congregational prayer, or even in our personal devotions, what are we thinking as we say it? I can remember saying the “Our Father” in school when I was a boy. I said it because I knew the words, not because I was really praying. I wouldn’t assume that anyone else who prays it from memory is indulging in vain repetition.
For many, it is helpful to say the prayer with their lips while thinking about their requests. Often, the words for a heartfelt prayer are the hardest to find. The Lord’s Prayer gives us the words while our spirit connects to God on a deeper level. I use the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern for my own prayer life. What Jesus taught his apostles is a structure for prayer that starts with praise, followed by our needs (daily bread) and then asking for forgiveness and ending with more praise. It’s a simple pattern and covers all of the bases.
What does the Bible say about prayer? God wants to hear our prayers. He wants us to have faith in him and be persistent with our requests, be humble and ask forgiveness, be bold and make our requests known to Him. Jesus gave us a prayer that we can learn to recite or use as a pattern for our own words.
Sources:
Matt 6: 9-13 from the New King James Bible, Thomas Nelson, 1979
chicago, chicago revival, orissa, prayer, prayer online, prayer helpline
All other quotes: Good News Bible, CBS, 1992
Tags:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
