News from The Moody Church

A Prayer to be Kept from Evil

2012-02-26T00:00:00Z

February 26, 2012 — A Prayer to be Kept from Evil

John 17:15-19 “I do not ask that you take them out of world but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. And for their sake I consecrate myself that they also may be sanctified in the truth.”

Many parents who bolt the door of their house at night, nevertheless allow thieves to come in to their homes and steal their children’s hearts. The body of the child is there but his/her heart is being stolen by the television set, cell phones, ipads, and other media gadgets. A steady stream of rap music, various forms of pornography and violence (often in video games) is ingested into the child’s psyche and then we wonder why he/she does not follow the Lord in later years.

Jesus prayed that we might be in the world but not of the world, just as He was. He knew—and we should too—that there is a world out there that is hostile toward God. Elsewhere John defines it as, "...the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions” (1 John 2:16). This world, John adds, “is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (v.17)

We cannot break the addictive power of modern technology and its stream of worldly entertainment without consistent, focused spiritual warfare. The lust or desire of the flesh, the lure of covetousness, and the pride of possessions and appearance—these fight against God. John said it clearly, “If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him” (v15).

We must pray for ourselves and others that we would be kept from evil.

Let Us Pray

Father I throw myself at Your feet, imploring You to deliver me from both the overt and subtle intrusion of the world into my life. Help me to break with any sinful avenues that I frequently choose, that I might not seek to satisfy my desires apart from Your Holiness.

I pray for ____ who is bound in his/her addiction to television, pornography and violence. Show them that these sins always have a bitter aftertaste and that although they promise like a god, they pay like the devil. I pray that they might be willing to break with all of the open doors by which the world is invited into their hearts.

But Father, they are bound, slaves to sin; and slaves cannot set themselves free. So, come in power to rescue and deliver.

In faith, I withstand the power of Satan the “god of this world.”

Give all of us a passion for Jesus that is greater than our passion to sin.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Why Should our Fellowship be Multi-Generational?

2012-02-23T11:57:20Z

Much has been said in our day about extended adolescence, and most of us are painfully aware of how many in our society have had no examples in their immediate lives to demonstrate mature adulthood. Unfortunately, the American church has been influenced by this propensity as well, and many young (and not-so-young) believers lack and long for examples of Christian maturity that are near at hand.

Biblically, the primary places for such role models are the home (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; II Timothy 3:14-15) and the local church (Titus 2:1-8). And just as parents must be purposeful in making sure that godly character is modeled for their children, so mature believers should not leave their influence on younger generations in the church to chance.

Believers need role models. While it may sound very pious to say “I have no example but Jesus,” God’s Word teaches us that we need to follow the examples of those who consistently imitate Christ (I Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17). In fact, Paul’s instruction to both the Philippians and to Titus about the importance of godly examples comes while he is also warning about those who would lead us astray. This strongly implies that we need close fellowship with believers more mature than ourselves to avoid the deception of world views that would lead us away from the gospel.

Local churches should be purposeful about providing these role models. After warning Titus about false teachers and the damage they do, Paul gives him instructions regarding the lives of older believers. One characteristic of godly women is that they “teach what is good,” so that they can show younger women how to live lives that honor God (Titus 2:3-5). Titus himself is to both instruct the younger men and model good works to them (v. 6-8), and it seems implied that the mature men in v.2 should also live as examples to those young men. And, given the terms Paul uses for young men and women, it is clear that the need for role models does not cease when we reach adulthood.

The examples God charges us to be compel us to multi-generational fellowship. The most common dynamic in the local church is for believers to migrate to those in the same stage in life. While it is certainly good that we have friends who are the same age as we are, this tendency makes it too easy to ignore the biblical charges both to follow examples and be one ourselves. We will not glean much wisdom from those who have walked the Christian life before us if we don’t rub shoulders with them, and those younger than we are will not learn much from us at long distance.

A truly multi-generational church is not only one which has several generations worshipping together, but also functions as a community (and yes, an extended family) which passes the faith on to those who follow us, not only teaching the gospel, but modeling it as well. And when this happens, younger generations in turn encourage their elders as they grow and become examples themselves. A healthy church will have multiple generations in fellowship with one another.

The Astonishing Gift of Forgiveness

2012-02-23T07:32:09Z

Imagine living in a world where there is no such thing as forgiveness. Where personal offenses are always remembered and never put to rest. Where there are no second chances, no “do-overs”, and no reconciliation of broken relationships. Such a world would be a breeding ground for bitterness, hatred, and isolation. In such a world, if someone wronged you or you wronged someone (as inevitably happens), the offense would never go away. You would have to live with it for the rest of your life.

When I think about this, I realize afresh how incredible God’s gift of forgiveness is. The Lord has given us, through His grace, the power to separate people from their sins and be reconciled to them. He first extended His forgiveness to us so that we could be reconciled to Him. Read the following passage slowly, letting the richness of its truth sink in:

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:9-12, NIV)

God’s love for those who fear Him is so great that He does not treat us as our sins deserve. Wow. Praise God. Jesus paid sin’s penalty for all those who love Him. He who became sin on our behalf was treated “as our sins deserve” that we might be treated as the Son of God deserves.

We live in a world created by a holy and loving Creator. It is a world in which God has responded to our sin against Him and one another with the gift of forgiveness. It is truly astonishing. May we seek His grace to confess our sins that we might receive His forgiveness. And may we model His character by forgiving those who have sinned against us. Like all of God’s gifts, this one is meant to be enjoyed and shared.

A Prayer for Fruitfulness

2012-02-19T00:00:00Z

February 19, 2012 — A Prayer for Fruitfulness

John 15:4,8,9 “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me... By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

We should be shocked to realize that Jesus says that if we are not fruit-bearing Christians we are really of no use whatever to God! Even more sobering, He says that if anyone does not bear fruit he is ‘thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned’! (v.6).

Some interpret this to mean that true Christians who stop bearing fruit can lose their salvation and be burned in the fires of hell. Other passages, however, teach that those who are truly saved will not be lost (John 10:28-30). So it is best to understand this to mean that (1) some branches were never really connected to the vine or (2) that the fire refers to the judgment of believers, not the fire of hell. At any rate, let’s not miss the bottom line: if we do not bear fruit, we are displeasing God.

The fruit Jesus was speaking about undoubtedly was the fruit of the Spirit, the qualities of the inner life that bring glory to God: love, joy, peace, etc. This fruit grows silently within us but manifests itself in outward attitudes and behavior.

To abide means “to live or dwell.” In practical terms it means a constant and conscious dependence on Christ every day of our lives. We yield to Christ in the morning but then repeatedly affirm our dependence on Him as the day continues. Through such submission and faith the Spirit is free to work the supernatural changes within our hearts.

If you are following this blog, you know that we recently prayed that we would “die to self.” Another important step in the process is to depend solely upon Christ each day and thus “abide” in His strength and power.

Let Us Pray

Father, I pray that you might enable me to “abide in You” that is, rest in Your provision and love. I pray that I might not only bear fruit, but much fruit for Your glory. May I not be a branch that is barren; a branch that is “thrown into the fire.”

And now I pray for _____ that they might come to know You and trust You with their lives and future. I pray that they might see that You are well aware that we cannot change ourselves; You do not expect us to bear fruit by our will power but by dependence on You and Your blessed Spirit.

Help us to confess every sin that stands in the way of abiding in Your promises. Help us to simply be clean vessels that rest in Your spiritual resources and strength.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Prayer To Renounce Fear

2012-02-12T09:00:00Z

Father, help me to agree with You that I am not subject to fear, but am a child of Your love.

I reject fear of the future, for I believe that the future is in Your Hands.

I reject fear of evildoers, for Your Word says, “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident…For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock.”

I renounce fear of rejection, for David wrote in Your Holy Word, “For my father and mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.”

I renounce fear of witnessing about Christ, because as Your Word warns, “The fear of man brings a snare.”

Therefore, I choose to fear You more than I do any human being. I affirm, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

I renounce the fear of losing my property and possessions, for Your Word says, “I have learned in whatever situation I am, to be content…I know the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need; I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”

I renounce fear of Satan, for Your Word says he has already been conquered “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”

I renounce the fear of saying “goodbye” to a terminally ill loved one, for Jesus promised, “Let not your heart be troubled…In my Father’s house are many rooms; I go and prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself that where I am you may be also.”

I renounce fear of death, for I affirm with the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Thank You for the promise, “Death is swallowed up in Victory.”

I renounce fear of martyrdom, for Your Word declares, “Do not fear those who are able to kill the body, but fear Him rather who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

I renounce fear of loneliness, for we are promised, “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” And also, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And again, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

I renounce fear of intimidation, for Jesus said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world.”

I renounce fear of false accusations. I accept this promise, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I renounce the fear of being treated unjustly, for of Jesus we read that, “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return, when he suffered, He did not threaten but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.”

I renounce fear of radical Islam and its desire to intimidate us.

I renounce fear of political correctness.

I declare that “The truth shall set me free,” and I choose to live as a free person in Christ Jesus. I shall speak and not be silent.

I renounce fear of curses, either known or unknown, spoken against me and my family.

I renounce fear of manipulation and control.

I renounce the fear of being involved in public or political activity.

I declare that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

I submit to Jesus as Lord of every area of my life. Jesus Christ is Lord of my home. Jesus Christ is Lord of my relationships. Jesus Christ is Lord of my city. Jesus Christ is Lord of my nation. Jesus Christ is Lord, above all false gods and religions. Jesus Christ is Lord over all the nations of the earth.

I commit myself to be a living witness to Jesus Christ as Lord. I am not ashamed of His cross. “God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of Christ.”

I ask now that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and pour upon me all the blessings of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Grant me the grace to understand the truth of Your Word clearly, and to apply it in every area of my life. Give me words of hope and life, as You promised. Open and bless my lips so that I can speak to others with authority and power in Jesus’ name. Give me the boldness to be a faithful witness for Christ. Give me a love for all people, and a passion to share the love of Christ with them.

Grant that I shall carry Your cross as a badge of honor.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

A Prayer for Personal Peace

2012-02-12T00:00:00Z

February 12, 2012 — A Prayer for Personal Peace

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Keep in mind the context of Jesus’ promise. He had just told His disciples that He was about to go away, leaving them on this earth while He returned to “His Father.” The disciples felt devastated and confused. After all, as long as Jesus was with them, He would take care of every situation as it developed: He could quiet storms, provide instant food for multitudes, forgive sins and heal the sick with a word from His mouth.

Now He was leaving them.

Jesus assured them that He would not leave them alone but that the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) would take His place. And, despite the loss, they would receive His peace.

Please notice that this peace is a gift. Because it is a gift it isn’t tied to circumstances. It is a gift that is inserted in the midst of our circumstances. No matter how bad things may be, Jesus can give us the gift of his peace. It is an unearned gift.

This is a supernatural gift, given by the only One qualified to give it.

Jesus knows your past history. He knows what you’re going through, and He also knows what your tomorrow holds. He knows all of the contingencies, all of the possibilities; He sees your coming promotions and demotions. He already knows when and where you will die and what will be said at your funeral! He can bring peace to us no matter where we are along the continuum of life.

Let Us Pray

Father, I begin praying for myself that You might give me gift of peace. Father, help me to not surrender to the thieves of anger, guilt, anxiety, and depression that want to steal this gift from me. I confess any sins that would cause the cup of peace to spring a leak.

And now I pray for _____ asking that You might give them peace. I pray against all the forces arrayed against them that would steal peace from their heart also. I pray that anger and strife might cease in their hearts. Help them to receive the power of the Holy Spirit who is the means by which this peace is brought to us.

Help us to receive the Spirit’s power by faith, thanking you in advance that we shall receive peace today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Prayer to Die to Self-Will

2012-02-05T00:00:00Z

February 5, 2012 — A Prayer To Die to Self-Will

John 12:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls in the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

When Satan rebelled there were now two “wills” in the universe. From now on, one of God’s creatures would oppose the Almighty—unsuccessfully to be sure—in all that he would do. And a drop of Satan’s rebellion has fallen on every human heart. If we expect to be mightily used by God, there must be a time when we “die to self” as the saying goes. This means that we are no longer driven by our reputations, our successes, or by our possessions. Only one thing matters: God and His glory.

Just imagine: all jealously ends, all complaining ends, and we no longer compete with others because we want to “show them a thing or two!” We are content with where God has placed us and we no longer strive to be recognized, praised, or admired.

This dying to self is both an act and a process. Or, perhaps more accurately, it happens through many acts of dedication and surrender. We come to a point where we no longer fight with God and chafe under His mighty hand.

In Egypt, grain found in the pyramids that was lying in dry darkness for thousands of years grew when put into soil with water and sunshine! The life was in the kernels for thousands of years but they remained alone and could not bear fruit because they had not “died.” Jesus wants us to “fall into the soil” and “die,” so to speak, so that the life of the Holy Spirit can break forth within us.

The result? Jesus said, “We bear much fruit.”

Let Us Pray

Father, I pray that I might finally come to the end of self-rule. I confess that I am driven by the need for the approval of others, the need to be recognized, and the need to assert myself for my own good and self-aggrandizement. Today, I lay all that at Your feet and pray that I might die to my own self-generated plans; may only Yours matter.

I also pray for ____ and ask that they might be brought in submission before You. I pray that You will bring circumstances into their lives that will force them to lay down the weapons of a rebel and submit to Your authority and Lordship. Like a seed with no agenda of its own, may they be willing to die and let You grow them for Your glory and honor.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Prayer For the Glory of God

2012-01-29T00:00:01Z

January 29, 2012 — A Prayer For the Glory of God

Exodus 33:18 “Please Show me your Glory!”

Imagine what this short prayer means! The children of Israel were delayed in their journey because of idolatry. While Moses was on Mount Sinai, they made a golden calf to have a god like the other nations. God was very angry and Moses—bless him—threw down the stone tablets that were written by the finger of God. After confronting the people about their sin, the perpetrators were put to death.

Moving forward, God made this suggestion: that His presence—the fire during the night and the cloud during the day—would no longer accompany them, lest the next time He “consume” them. In his stead He would send an angel to guide them.

Moses could not tolerate this. If the presence of God did not go with them, Moses said he did not want to go. Better to remain in the wilderness with the presence of God than to go to the Promised Land without Him! So, God gave Moses the assurance that indeed, He would go with them. God affirmed that He had heard Moses’ prayer, saying that Moses had “found favor in His sight.”

Moses is not content with this simple promise but prays that he might see God’s glory. Although we should not expect to physically see the Glory of God as Moses did, we should and must pray that we would share Moses’ passionate desire for the Glory of God.

Adapt this prayer for yourself and others:

Let Us Pray

Heavenly Father, give me the heart of Moses, who cared only to see Your glory. And I pray for ___ that he/she might so strongly desire to know You that they would be willing to sacrifice time and energy just to be assured that You are pleased with them. Above all, give them a holy desire to glorify You in their private lives, in their public lives, and in all their associations. May You be their most prized treasure. I pray you will get glory from their lives.

Help us to get to know You as well as it is possible for us as sinners to know You in this life. Today, show us Your glory through Your Word and help us to reflect this glory to others. Let us be like Moses who did not know that his face shone—let us live in Your presence and radiate Your presence to others.

Consume us with a desire to see You glorified in our lives. Show us Your glory!

We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Note: Every morning before I get out of bed I pray, “Lord, glorify Yourself today at my expense!” Join me in making that your habit too, for nothing else really matters except that God get glory from our lives. This is the best way to simplify our lives around one unifying passion. Do it Lord!

A Prayer for Patience to let God do His Work

2012-01-22T00:00:01Z

January 22, 2012 — A Prayer for Patience to let God do His Work

Exodus 14:13,14 “Fear not, stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord which he will work for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Pharaoh has finally let the Israelites leave Egypt after the firstborn sons of Egypt were put to death by the Angel of the Lord. Now that the waters of the Red Sea have parted for them to walk though, they see the chariots of Egypt pursuing them intending to capture them to return them to slavery, or worse. The Israelites are terrified and God gives Moses this promise that he will fight on their behalf.

Passages like this raise the question of exactly how specific promises given in a particular Old Testament situation apply to us. Obviously, there are times when we must fight and not simply remain silent to see the salvation of the Lord. In biblical times, God gave specific instructions for specific situations; here He asked Moses to be quiet; in contrast, later He will tell Joshua to march around Jericho and shout after the seventh time around.

However, the basic principle of the above verse applies to us as New Testament believers: God stands with us ready to defend us if only we will acknowledge His presence and trust Him to do what we cannot. Was it not St. Francis who prayed, “God help me to change the things I can, to trust you to change the things I can’t and the wisdom to know the difference!”

Let Us Pray

Father, let us be quiet in Your presence long enough to see You fight on our behalf. I pray for ____that he/she might trust You to go before them, to work out situations and problems where there appear to be no good options. Help us to know when to act and when to wait; when to shout and when to stand still. Come to us and win victories in our personal lives, and in all our relationships. Help us to submit until we are willing to be patient, waiting for You to resolve difficulties that are beyond us.

I pray that ____ might not lash out and fight her/his battles out of fear, anger, or resentment but to take the time to submit to Your timing. May they believe that You care and will come to aid all those wait before You. “Wait patiently for the Lord.”

In Jesus' name, Amen.

What's Going On In Here?

2012-01-17T15:38:18Z

“What’s going on in here?” If ever a rhetorical question were uttered, this was it. My dad knew good and well that nothing was going on – or nothing good, anyway. Giving three kids the assignment to clean the garage, unsupervised, on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon was bound for failure (at least in my family). No plan, no roles – it was inevitable that we would end up sleeping, goofing off, or at our worst, fighting.

Unfortunately, this same lack of direction can hinder ministries in the Church. Without a clear vision and an understanding of how to realize it, someone watching is bound to ask, “What’s going on here?”

Understanding the importance of this, I make sure that when I am sitting across from an individual or couple whom I am asking to consider leading a TMC Community or Small Group, I am very clear about the vision for the ministry.

Specifically, I want them to understand that in all our gatherings we seek to create a culture where everyone is equipped and encouraged to:

live the God-centered life ...
in a Spirit-filled community ...
while participating in a Christ-exalting mission.

This is what we are striving for in our church – and by God’s grace, we will see it become more and more of a reality.

While each of these points can certainly be unpacked in more detail, they nevertheless help us to answer the question, “What’s going on here?”