Category: Spiritual Growth

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THE RED SEA RULES STUDY :: WRAP-UP

Today’s column is being released on Christmas day 2020. I pray God’s richest blessings on you and your family!

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. TODAY’S COLUMN IS THE LAST IN THIS SERIES.

In 2020 we’ve been going through a wonderful book: THE RED SEA RULES. Today we’ll wrap up our series by reviewing what we’ve learned from Robert J. Morgan’s 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times. Below you’ll find snippets from each month with links to that specific column.

 

January: INTRODUCTION

In 2019, a dear friend introduced me to Robert J. Morgan’s lovely little book The Red Sea Rules. Upon reading it, I did a book review in November of that year. Shortly thereafter, when planning my column topics for 2020, I decided that this wonderful book would be perfect to write a study series on. Below you will find snippets from each of the monthly column studies we have gone through this year.

February: RULE 1: GOD MEANS FOR YOU TO BE WHERE YOU ARE

It’s easy to get bogged down in worry and wonder why we are in the situation we are in today. In times like these it’s important to realize that God has everything under control. He has either put us here and will get us out, or if we have put ourselves here, God will still get us out and good will come from it.

March: RULE 2: BE MORE CONCERNED FOR GOD’S GLORY THAN FOR YOUR RELIEF

If we can see our difficulties as an opportunity for God’s grace to shine on our behalf we will maintain a more balanced perspective and give God more glory in the middle of our struggles. Today instead of asking God to get me out of the mess I’m in, I’ll ask God how can I bring glory to His name in the middle of my mess.

April: RULE 3: ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR ENEMY BUT KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD

We can’t foolishly live as easy prey for Satan. We must be always on our  guard. To prevent ourselves from succumbing to the enemy’s attacks we must humbly submit and draw near to God. As we humble ourselves before God He will lift us up. Even in times of confusion, when we feel blocked by a seemly dead end, God will protect us. He provide an escape just in time!

May: RULE 4: PRAY

Don’t waste a moment. In times of crisis we must call upon the Lord immediately.  When you pray be honest with God about your needs. After all He knows them already. Then trust that God has heard your prayer and will answer in His perfect way and time.

June: RULE 5: STAY CALM AND CONFIDENT, AND GIVE GOD TIME TO WORK

Cornered by the Egyptian army at the edge of the Red Sea, the Israelites faced impossible odds. We must remember God doesn’t show favoritism. Meaning that I am just as important to God as the Israelites were. My impossible situation is just as important to God. Just like the Red Sea opened up for the Israelites, my impossible situation can be solved by God. It’s up to me to stay calm, confident in whom I trust, and wait for God to work the solution out in HIS timing.

July: RULE 6: WHEN UNSURE, JUST TAKE THE NEXT LOGICAL STEP BY FAITH

Whether it’s good things coming or bad, God protects us from knowing too much in our future. If we knew bad things were coming tomorrow, we might give up on God altogether and go down in a tailspin of anxiety and depression. If we knew good things were coming tomorrow we would become prideful and might decide we don’t need God’s help at all. God wants us to faithfully depend on Him every minute of every day. Looking for His perfect Light to shine on our path for guidance and listening for His gentle whisper for direction.

August: RULE 7: ENVISION GOD’S ENVELOPING PRESENCE

The pillar of fire and cloud that followed the Israelites through the wilderness was later seen as a cloud of glory in Solomon’s temple and again in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost. This same Presence resides every moment within all Christians. It’s important to remind ourselves the Lord’s Presence is with us. We can practice the Presence of God daily by: affirming God’s nearness in our hearts; visualizing God’s Presence in our mind; accessing God’s nearness through prayer and finally reflecting God’s Presence in our behavior.

September: RULE 8: TRUST GOD TO DELIVER IN HIS OWN UNIQUE WAY

Just like we need to see all of life from God’s perspective, we must try to see our deliverance from His perspective. God designs each deliverance to each individual trial or trouble. Whether God delivers us in a miraculous way or not, every intervention He makes in our lives will make us better to serve in His kingdom now or for eternity. Today we need to trust His plan for us and know it’s going to be for our good and for His glory!

October: RULE 9: VIEW YOUR CURRENT CRISIS AS A FAITH BUILDER FOR THE FUTURE

The unknowability of the future can be a fearful thing. However, it’s important that  we remember God allows everything we experience to grow and build our faith as we trust in Him. As we surrender our life, God will soften our heart and shape our future to be the best that He has designed for us. Let God take over your life and your soul. With Him in control everything will work in your favor when it’s all said and done.

November: RULE 10: DON’T FORGET TO PRAISE HIM

After a long dark night the nation of liberated slaves had miraculously been saved from Pharaoh’s mighty army. Their faith in God had been vindicated. God was not just a historical memory from their fathers. He was now their personal savior. God often allows us to go through challenging situations. Maybe He is hoping they will give us an opportunity to praise Him.  Let’s not wait to delivered from a crisis before we praise God.

As we wrap up this series today, let’s each reflect on our own Red Sea journey with God. I encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to this sweet song by Ellie Holcomb: Red Sea Road and soak in her hope-filled lyrics:

“When we can’t see the way, He’ll part the way.

And we’ll never walk alone down a red sea road.” 

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THE NEW LIFE :: REPRESENT JESUS

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In THE NEW LIFE series we’re studying one of my favorite chapters in the Bible: Colossians 3:1-17. As you will see, this is a rich chapter full of valuable life transforming lessons. Today’s column concludes this series for 2020.

 

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3: 16-17

As we wrap up The New Life series today, we focus on the last two verses in my favorite section of Scripture. Here the Apostle Paul encourages his readers with some important words that perfectly cap off our study. Let’s look at four points and apply them to our lives today.

  • Let the Word of Christ Dwell In You Richly

It’s easy to allow our Bible reading to become a rote habit, flying through a chapter of Scripture just to get it checked off our to-do list. If we’ll take time to slow down and chew on a verse slowly we will find God’s Word more nourishing to our soul and spirit.  As we meditate on Scripture it will become more a part of who we are. Little by little a change will show up in our words and behavior. Soon our life will begin to reflect the character of Christ for others to see.

  • Teach One Another with All Wisdom

This verse flows so beautifully to talk next about teaching each other. As we have filled our spirits on God’s Word we will naturally want to share it with those around us. The more we know Christ, the more we will want to tell others about Him. We will be drawn to opportunities where we can share God’s goodness with those who need to hear it.

  • Sing psalms to God with Gratitude in Your Hearts

One of the most important things we can do is sing songs of gratitude and worship to God. It not only lifts our spirits but it honors God for who He is and what He has done for us. The book of Psalms is the best place to go when troubled. The songs there span every human situation and emotion imaginable. The psalmists put words to our heartache and troubles. They help us process our pain while the Holy Spirit brings healing and wholeness in a time of need.

  • Do Everything Representing the Name of Jesus

To top it all off, we must do everything as a representative of Jesus Christ. As Christians we are ambassadors for Christ to the world. We are in essence presenting what may be the only Jesus some people may ever see. Our words and actions must be in harmony with Jesus’ identity and be under His authority. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are leaving an impression on people. Will they see Jesus Christ when they see and talk to me? It’s my prayer that others will see will see more of Him and less of me. That they truly will see Christ in me.

Take a few minutes and be blessed with this beautiful song by Jeremy Camp.

Today we bring this series to a close. If you’ve missed any of the columns this year, please check out all the previous articles here: THE NEW LIFE SERIES. I hope this series has been a blessing to you like it has been for me.

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THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES :: FELLOWSHIP

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH. TODAY’S COLUMN CONCLUDES THIS SERIES FOR 2020.

In The Spiritual Disciplines series we’re learning 12 disciplines that guide us as we grow deeper in our walk with God. Spiritual Disciplines are not a list of religious duties but rather habits that nurture and mature our spiritual growth. They are inward, spiritual attitudes walked out by behaviors and actions. These habits are critical for lasting spiritual growth and true life transformation.

FELLOWSHIP: Engaging with other disciples in the common activities of worship study, prayer, celebration, and service, which sustain our life together and enlarge our capacity to experience more of God. ~ The Life With God Bible

The whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. ~ Ephesians 4:15-16

Usually when we think of fellowship a social gathering comes to mind. But it’s more than a cup of coffee and small talk with a friend. Fellowship is the united body of Christian believers working together to grow spiritually as individuals, mentor each other in discipleship and share the gospel with a lost world.

Fellowship: koinoonia: communion, commonalities, participation, friendship

Naturally as fellow believers in Christ, we fellowship because we have many things in common: the same faith in God through Christ and we can converse about the same subjects of prayer and Scripture. Fellowship is not only a state of being or identity with Christ. Fellowship is also an activity: such as assembling together for the shared purpose of study and worship.

Fellowship for Spiritual Growth

Fellowship provides a solid foundation for our spiritual growth. Contact with fellow believers shapes us; sometimes with sparks flying like an axe being sharpened, other times a gentle polishing to a smooth shine. Whichever the case, fellowship strongly influences our spiritual foundation and should be used to the full.

Ideas for Spiritual Growth Fellowship In Person or Virtual

      1. Join a small group in your church.
      2. Find a prayer partner and meet regular to pray.
      3. Lead a Bible study in a local retirement home.
      4. Start an online Bible Study or Small Group.

Fellowship for Discipleship

We become like those we spend time with. So if we want to grow stronger and mature in our faith, we need to spend time with those further along the spiritual journey than we are. As we continue to grow and mature we in turn can reach out to those new in the faith and mentor them as well.

Ideas for Discipleship Fellowship In Person or Virtual:

      1. Find a mentor, spiritual director or friend who models their faith.
      2. Meet regularly for spiritual growth and accountability.
      3. Find a friend or neighbor seeking guidance that you can share.
      4. Invite neighbors to an online worship service watch party.

Fellowship for Evangelization

Before becoming a Christian most of us had no problem spending time with strangers. The Church today is lacking in social activities that would draw in the unchurched of our world. We as individuals need to create ways to reach the people in our circle of influence: neighborhood, public transportation, maybe even a fellow coworker.

Ideas for Evangelism Fellowship In Person or Virtual:

        1. Pray for God to open doors and boldly walk through them.
        2. Create a list of folks to pray for regularly.
        3. Find ways to reach out to lost friends.
        4. Record your testimony and share it on social media.

For some of us fellowship isn’t always as easy as 1, 2, 3. Many of us are introverts and prefer to not be in the spotlight. However, Jesus commanded us to follow him and share His good news.

Sadly, with this season of Covid-19, fellowship has taken a back seat in most churches. And we are all suffering for it. Above are a few suggestions to help find or create some fellowship opportunities  in person or virtually if you are high risk.

I encourage you to look over the list of ideas and find one or two that can work for you. Take a leap of faith. God will meet you there and give you what you need to be successful in fellowship whether it be for spiritual growth, discipleship or sharing the gospel. You will definitely be blessed as you do!

Enjoy one of my favorite songs by Hillsong United. Here Now sings of the ultimate experience of fellowship available to us as believers… Fellowship with God!

 Today we bring this series to a close. If you’ve missed any of the columns this year, please check out the previous articles here: The Spiritual Disciplines Series. I hope this series has been a blessing to you like it has been for me.

 

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THE LORD’S PRAYER :: FOREVER

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH. TODAY’S COLUMN CONCLUDES THIS SERIES FOR 2020.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He’s not just giving them a prayer to recite, but a model prayer for everyone of us. Each month in 2020 we’ve been studying this beloved prayer phrase by phrase.

Today as we bring our series to a close we’ll recap what we’ve learned with snippets from each of the monthly columns. If you’ve missed any of the columns this year, I’ve included links that you can check out at your convenience. I hope this series has been a blessing to you like it has been for me.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

 

JANUARY: The Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father prayer begins where we must start… recognizing and honoring our heavenly Father. For some, seeing God as a father is painful  because our earthly father may have let us down in some way, maybe even harmed us. But Father God isn’t an untrustworthy man. Our God is a good Father who provides, nurtures, protects, comforts, heals, guides, encourages, trains and corrects us… all for our benefit.

I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:18 

FEBRUARY: The use of God’s name is so important it made God’s top ten list of commandments.God’s name isn’t to be used lightly or thrown about casually. God’s name is to be set apart from all others, respected and reverenced. As believers we carry the name of Christ and must honor and respect the holiness of God’s name by how we live.

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.~ Exodus 20:7

MARCH: Today, Jesus’ Kingdom is represented in this world by His body of believers. I believe when we pray Thy Kingdom Come we’re asking for more of God’s presence to come by way of the Holy Spirit through the body of believers. For God to show out more and more to the unbelieving world in a way that they will know Jesus is the only Way and Truth!

He is the One who loves us, who made us free from our sins with the blood of his death. He made us to be a kingdom of priests who serve God his Father. ~ Revelation 1:4-6

APRIL: Much like a child would go to their earthly parent seeking permission or direction, when we go to God and we ask for something we can also pray “thy will to be done.” God is for us and wants to help us. However, like a loving parent, Father God is looking for a good attitude and a submissive, obedient heart.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. ~ 1 John 5:14-15

MAY: As believers we are not of this world, we are earthen vessels filled with heaven’s breath, citizens of an unseen heavenly kingdom, in two realms at once. We are tasked with living on earth and in heaven. Our physical bodies inhabit the earth while our spirits are seated with Christ in heavenly places. We must live each day reminded that we may be the only example of heaven that those who are around us may see today.

…each of you should possess your own vessel in sanctification and honor…~ 1 Thessalonians 4:4

JUNE: We can take the analogy of our daily bread and use it to address our need for God’s Word daily in our life. God used manna in the wilderness to teach the Israelites their need for God daily. Jesus tells us that we’re not to live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

“I am the true Bread of Life.Your ancestors ate manna in the desert and died. But standing here before you is the true Bread that comes out of heaven, and when you eat this Bread you will never die. I alone am this living Bread that has come to you from heaven. Eat this Bread and you will live forever. The living Bread I give you is my body, which I will offer as a sacrifice so that all may live.”~ John 6:48-51 

JULY: Though we’re taught here in The Lord’s Prayer to ask God to forgive our trespasses, we must never forget that because of the blood of Christ we have already been forgiven. All we have to do is repent and accept his forgiveness.

I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name. ~ John 2:12

AUGUST: Unless we are able to forgive others, we cannot accept the forgiveness given to us by God. The other side of that principle is:  Who are we to accept forgiveness from God and not grant it to others? By not forgiving others we are saying we better than God.

Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.~ Ephesians 4:32

SEPTEMBER: Jesus will always be our way out, over, through, and around all temptations the enemy may throw at us. There’s nothing we face that isn’t filtered through God’s loving hands. No matter what comes God will never fail us. He will take what the enemy means for harm and turn it to good in our life.

And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

OCTOBER: In The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus is teaching His disciples, and us, that prayer is our main defense against the evil one.  As we pray the Our Father we’re acknowledging that God is sovereign over all things including Satan and any of his wicked schemes and He will deliver us from all evil.

Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. ~ Ephesians 6:10

NOVEMBER: Along our journey with the Lord, if we focus on the dirt beneath our feet we will be overly sensitive to every rock and bump in the road–distracting us from the purpose God has for us. But by praying the Lord’s Prayer our focus will be on heaven and God’s presence… looking to His kingdom, His Power and His glory.

…live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Forever… it’s a difficult concept. Our human minds can’t understand the idea of time not marked by a clock ticking minutes away. Which is exactly what eternity will be forever with God. Timelessness filled with all the love and goodness of God wrapped up in The Lord’s Prayer.

Take a few minutes and let’s sing praises with Michael W. Smith for all of God’s Forever love and goodness!

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THE RED SEA RULES STUDY :: DON’T FORGET TO PRAISE HIM

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In THE RED SEA RULES series we’re using the wonderful book by Robert J. Morgan as our guideline for a deep study of Exodus 14. Join me on the fourth Friday of each month in 2020 as we apply Morgan’s “10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times” to our lives today.

RED SEA RULE 10: Don’t forget to praise Him. 

Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying: “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea! The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” ~ Exodus 15: 1-2

This glorious song of rescue, considered by many to be the oldest example of the Hebrew language, is an important part of Israel’s faith even today. In this triumphant moment, with a recurring first-person narrative, the children of Israel lift their voice as one in praise to God. It’s no accident that it is the first recorded song in Scripture!

 

You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. ~ Psalm 22:3

After a long dark night the nation of liberated slaves had miraculously been saved from the Pharaoh’s mighty army. Their faith in God had been vindicated. God was not just a historical memory from their fathers. He was now their personal savior.

What can we learn about praising God from this song today?

      • Praise God for who He is.

The Lord is my strength and song.

He is my God, and I will praise Him.

My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

      • Praise God for what He does.

He has triumphed gloriously.

The horse and rider are thrown into the sea.

He has become my salvation.

“…praise and worship are the sand and cement that hold the bricks in place along life’s daily pathway.” ~ Robert J. Morgan

God often allows us to go through challenging situations. Maybe He is hoping they will give us an opportunity to praise Him? Let’s not wait to delivered from a crisis before we praise God.

With Matt Redman let’s list the 10,000 Reasons why we should be praising God in the middle of our Red Sea journey.

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THE NEW LIFE SERIES :: BE THANKFUL

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In THE NEW LIFE series we’re studying one of my favorite chapters in the Bible: Colossians 3:1-17. As you will see this is a rich chapter full of valuable life transforming lessons. Join me on the third Friday of each month in 2020 for this in-depth Bible study with real world applications.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.~ Colossians 3:15

In today’s verse Paul encourages us to let God’s peace rule our hearts. Because we are members of the body of Christ we are called to live in peace. And then should always be thankful.

Umpire of Peace

The word rule in this scripture comes from the language of athletics and refers to an umpire or referee. Our hearts are often the center of conflicting feelings and emotions–hopes and fears, love and jealousy. Paul is telling us to let the umpire of peace choose between the conflicting elements. Which choice will bring peace to our soul or our relationships?

Life of Peace

Having received Christ as our Savior we are now members of His mystical body, the Church. And as such we are called to live peaceful lives. Lives that are peaceful are free from anxiety, fear or worry.

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

With the peace of Christ ruling our hearts we will truly able to be thankful. Here are three things we should all be thankful for:

  • God has chosen us. We should be so thankful that God has chosen us to be a part of His forever family.

You are the people of God; He loved you and chose you for His own. ~ Colossians 3:12

  • God’s gift of Christ. We should be forever thankful for the gift of Christ’s sacrifice which allows us to have relationship with our heavenly Father.

Praise God for his astonishing gift, which is far too great for words! ~ 2 Corinthians 9:15

  • God’s gift of life. We should be thankful for all the things we’ve been given: God’s Word, air, food, water, shelter, sun, rain, family, friends, flowers, dogs, ice cream… for all things!

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:20

 Join me in a worship of gratefulness with this awesome song  by  Elevation Worship

Elevation

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THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES :: PRAYER

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DIFFERENT FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In The Spiritual Disciplines series we’re learning 12 disciplines that will guide us as we grow deeper in our walk with God. These columns post on the second Friday of each month in 2020.

Spiritual Disciplines are not a list of religious duties but rather habits that nurture and mature our spiritual growth. They are inward, spiritual attitudes walked out by behaviors and actions. These habits are critical for lasting spiritual growth and true life transformation.

PRAYER: Interactive conversation with God about what we and God are thinking and doing together. ~ The Life With God Bible

Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.  ~ Psalm 141:2

The Spiritual Discipline of Prayer is the most important of the disciplines because it brings us into direct communion with our heavenly Father. Prayer is a foundational discipline and in some way involves the other disciplines especially solitude, study, worship, and fasting.

Prayer is a deeply personal experience. Each of us have our own idea of spending time with God. There is no right or wrong way to pray. While our prayer time is often shaped by external and internal circumstances out of our control, we mustn’t allow life to keep us from spending time alone with God.

How, when, or where we pray is between us and God. Whether we pray out loud, silently; with music or without; kneeling, sitting or standing; in a group or alone… The most important thing is that we take time to pray and are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our communication with our Father.

Three points to consider about Prayer:

      • Expect and answer. 

Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ~ Mark 11:24

      • Listen.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ~ John 10:27

      • Keep an attitude of prayer.  

Pray without ceasing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Prayer is simply talking to God. It’s something we can do all day long. In-between different activities take a minute to check in with God. Or when you think of someone just lift up a little prayer for them.

God uses prayer to change us. And through prayer God allows us to partner with Him to change the future.

Pray boldly believing you will change things.

Maybe even God’s mind!

“Units of prayer combined, like drops of water make an ocean which defies resistance.” ~ E. M. Bounds

Take a few minutes and enjoy this uplifting song by Tauren Wells!

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THE LORD’S PRAYER :: KINGDOM, POWER and GLORY

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DIFFERENT FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. On the first Friday of each month in 2020 we will study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives for today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

This portion of the Lord’s Prayer, often referred to as the doxology, isn’t present in the early manuscripts of the New Testament. However, it was found in the ancient liturgies used during the time of the apostles. The doxology beautifully completes what we’ve been praying thus far and affirms foundational truths of the Christian faith.

Thine is the Kingdom

God’s Kingdom is present here on earth through the Holy Spirit in the body of His church. As we pray for God’s kingdom to come, we are manifesting that presence through the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through the lives of all believer walking the earth today.

Thine is the Power

God’s power is available to us as we connect to Him. As we humbly pray for God’s will to be done in our life and our world, God will show us His power and might in ways we can’t imagine.

Thine is the Glory

As we pray and honor God’s holy name we are giving him glory. By this act of connecting through the Spirit we become participants in His kingdom, exhibiting His power working in our daily lives and bringing glory to His name.

A Heavenly Focused Journey

Along our journey with the Lord, if we focus on the dirt beneath our feet we will be overly sensitive to every rock and bump in the road–distracting us from the purpose God has for us. But by praying the Lord’s Prayer our focus will be on heaven and God’s presence.

...live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Let’s stay inspired, to represent God’s kingdom here on earth, filled with the Spirit of power, bringing glory to His name among the peoples of the earth.

Join me as we pray and worship with this great song by Worship Central.

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THE RED SEA RULES STUDY :: VIEW YOUR CURRENT CRISIS AS A FAITH BUILDER FOR THE FUTURE

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In THE RED SEA RULES series we’re using the wonderful book by Robert J. Morgan as our guideline for a deep study of Exodus 14. Join me on the fourth Friday of each month in 2020 as we apply Morgan’s “10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times” to our lives today.

RED SEA RULE 9: View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. 

The LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Thus Israel saw the great work which the LORD had done in Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses.   ~ Exodus 14:30-31

The children of Israel benefited greatly from their experiences at the Red Sea. It strengthened their faith in God which would help them in the challenges ahead.

The unknowability of the future can be a fearful thing. However, it’s important that  we remember God allows everything we experience to grow and build our faith as we trust in Him.

Faith is much like a muscle. It grows in layers as we go through various trials and struggles.  When we want to strengthen our physical muscles we must push them to a limit with some form of exercise. Our faith grows much the same way. It must be tested by the exercises of life challenges.

Faith is simply finding and claiming the promises of God in every situation, and based on those promises, making logical assumptions, being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised. ~ Robert J. Morgan

As we surrender our life, God will soften our heart and shape our future to be the best that He has designed for us. Let God take over your life and your soul. With Him in control everything will work in your favor when it’s all said and done.

I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Build your faith with these words. You can trust God. He is good and His love for you is great!

Take a few minutes to build your faith with this Elevation Worship video.

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THE NEW LIFE :: PUT ON LOVE

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In THE NEW LIFE series we’re studying one of my favorite chapters in the Bible: Colossians 3:1-17. As you will see this is a rich chapter full of valuable life transforming lessons. Join me on the third Friday of each month in 2020 for this in-depth Bible study with real world applications.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ~ Colossians 3:14

For us to put on love and continually walk in love we must stay close to the only true source of love, God. As we do, the love we receive from God will be extended to those around us.

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” ~ Mark 12:29-31

We are unable to love ourselves or others unless we first love God. And that love for God must be full and complete. Scripture calls for us to love God with ALL our heart, all our mind and all our strength. Unless we surrender our whole self to God as a sacrifice of love we cannot love anyone else.

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ~ 1 John 4:7-8

Now more than ever people need to know they are loved, cared for, valued and accepted. And the world can’t give us this. In fact when we look around we see the exact opposite every day. Many are completely unaware of God’s love. They imagine God as vague being who wants to punish the world. But God loves the world so much that He sent Jesus to show us that love in human form.

Love is kind and patient,
never jealous, boastful,
proud, or rude.
Love isn’t selfish
or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep a record
of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth,
but not in evil.
Love is always supportive,
loyal, hopeful,
and trusting.

                            1 Corinthians 13:4-7

As we continue to walk with God we will exhibit all the characteristics listed above–the characteristics of God that are shown to us in the life of Christ. Shake off our old worldly habits of thinking and reacting. Renew your mind with God’s word… Walk in forgiveness. Live as a person who has put on love!

Put on Love with this beautiful song by Brandon and Rebekah Fox.