Day 13
Acts 6:5-7
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
What happens when we pray for people? What happens when we pray for those in positions of authority? What happens when we are committed to prayer. There have been a number of studies done to try to determine the effects of prayer. The results and the methods have been mixed and sometimes dubious. However, it doesn’t matter what the studies say so much as what the Word says, and here an already growing church grew even more. The number of those who could be called disciples grew as well. What is more, we see that a great number of priests were also obedient to the faith. God empowering His work makes a huge impact, even on those seemingly impossible to reach. If there was any part of the population that should have been tough to reach it probably would have been the priests, yet they are coming to faith. God had empowered their work so that even the priests could see the true hand and power of God reflected in the actions of the Church.
The apostles knew that it was important that these men, entrusted with this position, needed prayer and God’s power to do the work to which they were called. They needed to be confirmed by God in this work. So they prayed for them. They laid their hands on them. They verified God’s will and, in Christ, empowered them for the work. Even though these men were men already full of the Holy Spirit they needed and gladly accepted this prayer.
Paul made it clear that he desired that “...first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority...”. How necessary it is within the church that we pray for one another. Of course, we know this. It is a simple and basic Biblical truth. However, it never hurts to be reminded. God has called us to pray for one another. When we pray then God also works through our prayers. We need care enough for one another and for the Father who loves us to pray for each other. How important it is that God’s work has His empowerment and, He is determined that this will happen through prayer.
Prayer Request Day 13
1) Phil and Yvonne preparing for another steering meeting (Tuesday,September 11)for Crisis Pregnancy Center - pray for preparation of materials and people, media projector being shipped - that it will arrive in time to use, wisdom for Phil and Yvonne as they prepare and lead the group through various issues and questions
2) Continue to pray for Phil's back and general health and safety for both Phil and Yvonne
3) For us as we try to prepare for Jim's mom and dad to travel to Slovenia. They will have opportunities to perform and teach puppets to various ministries, plans need to be completed/solidified - October
4) Wisdom and guidance as we prepare for various opportunities in the coming week - teaching, relationships and meetings
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
30 Days - Day 12
Day 12
Acts 6:4
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
As we move into chapter 6 we find a bit of a "hiccup" in what had until them been a very unified and agreeable Church. Yes, there have been external pressures and internal judgment of sin, but here is really the first time we find that the believers were not in one accord. A dispute arises about how resources are distributed among the widows and the feeling that things are not fair. The apostles realize this and call a meeting. Their answer though is one that we might find a bit surprising. They tell the people, we aren’t going to do anything about this, but pray and preach the word! You need to take care of it!
In today’s church this type of reaction by the church leadership would likely be met with a lot of complaining and accusation. In fact, many church leaders today seem to spend a lot of time trying to quell contention in the church. They often work to keep people happy, and against accusations that they don’t do anything deserving of the pay that they receive in “full-time Christian service”.
Yet, these leaders come to the people and tell them “we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word”, and amazingly enough this saying pleases the people. Continual prayer and ministry of the word is very consuming. It takes effort. It takes patience. It takes discipline. It takes time...a lot of time. We also know that we are exhorted to “pray without ceasing”. So the apostles know their place. They know that the things they are doing are important to God and that it would not be right to leave these needed things neglected. They resist the temptation to look like everyone else with a “normal” job. Sometimes, the work that most needs to be done looks little like work at all to the unbelieving eye. To the work-a-day world it might have seemed the apostles were little engaged in any activity of value. What do you do all day? What takes up all your time? Yet it was in prayer and in the Word that the apostles found their strength and direction. They didn’t need to be pressured into feeling guilty when they were sure they were in the center of God’s leading.
Of course, this is not so much about what church leaders should or should not have as part of their responsibilities. We see that these leaders were extreme servants and hard workers. It is more about commitment and keeping commitments. It is about realizing the difference between what is good and what is best. It is about understanding what is important and the discipline it takes to remain engaged in what we have been called to by God. These leaders understood the importance of continual prayer and the discipline involved in fulfilling their responsibilities before God. So, they remained continually in prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Prayer Request Day 12
1) Health and safety for our family and team - sickness means missed opportunities - as Fall and Winter approach pray for good health - last year we had many canceled plans because of sickness
2) Wisdom for each day to know how to order our days and make the most of opportunities and time
3) Language - growth in use and understanding of Slovene
4) Jim will be preaching in two weeks - pray as he prepares
Acts 6:4
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
As we move into chapter 6 we find a bit of a "hiccup" in what had until them been a very unified and agreeable Church. Yes, there have been external pressures and internal judgment of sin, but here is really the first time we find that the believers were not in one accord. A dispute arises about how resources are distributed among the widows and the feeling that things are not fair. The apostles realize this and call a meeting. Their answer though is one that we might find a bit surprising. They tell the people, we aren’t going to do anything about this, but pray and preach the word! You need to take care of it!
In today’s church this type of reaction by the church leadership would likely be met with a lot of complaining and accusation. In fact, many church leaders today seem to spend a lot of time trying to quell contention in the church. They often work to keep people happy, and against accusations that they don’t do anything deserving of the pay that they receive in “full-time Christian service”.
Yet, these leaders come to the people and tell them “we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word”, and amazingly enough this saying pleases the people. Continual prayer and ministry of the word is very consuming. It takes effort. It takes patience. It takes discipline. It takes time...a lot of time. We also know that we are exhorted to “pray without ceasing”. So the apostles know their place. They know that the things they are doing are important to God and that it would not be right to leave these needed things neglected. They resist the temptation to look like everyone else with a “normal” job. Sometimes, the work that most needs to be done looks little like work at all to the unbelieving eye. To the work-a-day world it might have seemed the apostles were little engaged in any activity of value. What do you do all day? What takes up all your time? Yet it was in prayer and in the Word that the apostles found their strength and direction. They didn’t need to be pressured into feeling guilty when they were sure they were in the center of God’s leading.
Of course, this is not so much about what church leaders should or should not have as part of their responsibilities. We see that these leaders were extreme servants and hard workers. It is more about commitment and keeping commitments. It is about realizing the difference between what is good and what is best. It is about understanding what is important and the discipline it takes to remain engaged in what we have been called to by God. These leaders understood the importance of continual prayer and the discipline involved in fulfilling their responsibilities before God. So, they remained continually in prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Prayer Request Day 12
1) Health and safety for our family and team - sickness means missed opportunities - as Fall and Winter approach pray for good health - last year we had many canceled plans because of sickness
2) Wisdom for each day to know how to order our days and make the most of opportunities and time
3) Language - growth in use and understanding of Slovene
4) Jim will be preaching in two weeks - pray as he prepares
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
30 Days - Day 11
Day 11
Acts 4:31
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
In the previous verses the disciples pray because they have, for an act of kindness, been severely threatened with many threats for preaching the name of Jesus. Having realized the opposition they faced, they pray. They pray a beautiful prayer of worship and reliance to God being encouraged, as they remember His sovereignty and suffering, to ask God for boldness and opportunity to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. And then when they have prayed, the answer comes dramatically. The place was shaken. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. They spoke the word with boldness.
What a powerful prayer... or perhaps, more correctly, a powerful answer. The place was shaken. The Holy Spirit filled the people and the word of God was boldly proclaimed. What power God poured out on His people...on His Church! How we might dream of being in a place shaken by the hand of God in answer to our request. However, shaking is not usually pleasant or comforting. So why did God shake the place?
There are times in scripture that we see various things shaken. When God came down on Mt Sinai to give the law to Israel the whole mountain shook. When David was delivered by God from His enemies and Saul he wrote a psalm speaking of the earth shaking because of God’s anger. Isaiah 64 asks God to rend the heavens and come down...that the mountains might shake at His presence so that His name will be known to His enemies. Haggai spoke of the Lord shaking heaven, earth, sea, dry land and the nations to bring them to Christ. And, Hebrews talks of things shaken as removal of things that are made so that what can not be shaken may remain. These “shakings” speak of power, deliverance, judgment, revelation and purification. Are these not the very things that this early church needed and desired as the faced opposition. It is as if God is reminding them of the words of Christ, “...do not fear those that can kill the body but cannot kill the soul”. He reminds them that judgment is coming. He is purifying the Church...shaking out the chaff if you will. He reveals Himself once more to be the Mighty God!
The shaking, though, is not enough. He also fills them with the Holy Spirit. It is not enough to just know something. Scripture tells us that the demons also know God and they tremble but it doesn’t move them to worship and service. The disciples must be filled with the Spirit. God confirms that this is not just a work of men which runs on human steam, but a work of God, empowered by Him. Only then are they able to speak the word of God with boldness and able to carry on as a body of believers united in the power of the resurrected Christ.
Prayer Request Day 11
1) Darja's friend Ales - asking questions about God and Christianity
2) Darja - has a difficult test in 2 week that she needs to pass
3) Deepening of relationships we have with people here and opportunities to witness and disciple
4) University and Schools back in session starting Sept/Oct - for God to bring together a group of students for a mid-week Bible Study.
5) Opportunities for Olya this coming semester at DOBA (private language school) to build new relationships through teaching English
Acts 4:31
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
In the previous verses the disciples pray because they have, for an act of kindness, been severely threatened with many threats for preaching the name of Jesus. Having realized the opposition they faced, they pray. They pray a beautiful prayer of worship and reliance to God being encouraged, as they remember His sovereignty and suffering, to ask God for boldness and opportunity to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. And then when they have prayed, the answer comes dramatically. The place was shaken. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. They spoke the word with boldness.
What a powerful prayer... or perhaps, more correctly, a powerful answer. The place was shaken. The Holy Spirit filled the people and the word of God was boldly proclaimed. What power God poured out on His people...on His Church! How we might dream of being in a place shaken by the hand of God in answer to our request. However, shaking is not usually pleasant or comforting. So why did God shake the place?
There are times in scripture that we see various things shaken. When God came down on Mt Sinai to give the law to Israel the whole mountain shook. When David was delivered by God from His enemies and Saul he wrote a psalm speaking of the earth shaking because of God’s anger. Isaiah 64 asks God to rend the heavens and come down...that the mountains might shake at His presence so that His name will be known to His enemies. Haggai spoke of the Lord shaking heaven, earth, sea, dry land and the nations to bring them to Christ. And, Hebrews talks of things shaken as removal of things that are made so that what can not be shaken may remain. These “shakings” speak of power, deliverance, judgment, revelation and purification. Are these not the very things that this early church needed and desired as the faced opposition. It is as if God is reminding them of the words of Christ, “...do not fear those that can kill the body but cannot kill the soul”. He reminds them that judgment is coming. He is purifying the Church...shaking out the chaff if you will. He reveals Himself once more to be the Mighty God!
The shaking, though, is not enough. He also fills them with the Holy Spirit. It is not enough to just know something. Scripture tells us that the demons also know God and they tremble but it doesn’t move them to worship and service. The disciples must be filled with the Spirit. God confirms that this is not just a work of men which runs on human steam, but a work of God, empowered by Him. Only then are they able to speak the word of God with boldness and able to carry on as a body of believers united in the power of the resurrected Christ.
Prayer Request Day 11
1) Darja's friend Ales - asking questions about God and Christianity
2) Darja - has a difficult test in 2 week that she needs to pass
3) Deepening of relationships we have with people here and opportunities to witness and disciple
4) University and Schools back in session starting Sept/Oct - for God to bring together a group of students for a mid-week Bible Study.
5) Opportunities for Olya this coming semester at DOBA (private language school) to build new relationships through teaching English
30 Days - Day 10
Day 10
Acts 4:30
30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
The believers continue their prayer and following “that with all boldness they may speak Your word”, the very next thing they ask for is healing, signs and wonders to be done in the name of Jesus. In essence, they are asking that what has just happened will happen again. After all it was a healing that brought about this whole series of events. We also see the effectiveness of this miraculous sign. At the beginning of the chapter we are told that a great number of people that had believed. The number of believers has increased from “about 3000” in chapter 2 to “about 5000 men” in chapter 4.
I think that many of us would like to see more miracles. We would like to see the things that we have read about in the Bible all our lives. We would like to see a burning bush with a “thus sayeth the Lord” experience or experience a walk through the sea on dry ground (no scuba please). No doubt God’s miracles have been, in so many ways, in our own lives but sometimes there is that desire for something a little more, a little bigger...of Biblical proportions! Then unbelievers will come to Christ! Then there will be no doubt...or is it my doubt that is the question?
But are we missing something? Why do the believers ask for healings and signs and wonders? They only ask for them for the possibility of speaking and proclaiming God’s word. In fact, it is doubtful that most of the people at the temple saw the miracle that was performed. They only heard about it. They only saw a man running and jumping and praising God. It was the preaching of the word that convinced them (v.4). As we look back through the trial with the elders and leaders we see that even they have to admit that a notable miracle has been done. It doesn’t produce belief in them. Many people say, “if I would just see a miracle, then I would believe”! However, those that can’t believe without a miracle often won’t believe even with one. We can point to numerous examples from scripture and beyond.
Should we pray for miracles? I believe that we should. God is ready and able to do wonderful things in our lives and the lives of other. He tells us in James that we don’t have because we do not ask, but also warns that we need to be careful of our reasons for asking. The motive of the believers was only one, that the gospel be preached. It was their motive that through this little miracle of healing that an even greater miracle would take place. They wanted hearts to be cleansed from sin. They wanted lives to be made completely new. Of all the miracles that Jesus did, what was His greatest? It was of course that He removed our sins from us, that He restored us to a right relationship with God. As we pray for God’s wonders let us be careful not to forget to expect answers that will allow the gospel to be proclaimed, people to be saved and the name of God to be glorified.
Prayer Requests Day 10
1) We are traveling today to Vienna, Austria to pick up Julia's resident permit - pray for safe travel there and back again.
2) Phil Brewer - healing for back and other hurts
3) Brewer's to obtain their resident permits quickly (could take up to 30 days)
4) Open doors to teach God's word and preach the gospel (especially University and young families)
Acts 4:30
30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
The believers continue their prayer and following “that with all boldness they may speak Your word”, the very next thing they ask for is healing, signs and wonders to be done in the name of Jesus. In essence, they are asking that what has just happened will happen again. After all it was a healing that brought about this whole series of events. We also see the effectiveness of this miraculous sign. At the beginning of the chapter we are told that a great number of people that had believed. The number of believers has increased from “about 3000” in chapter 2 to “about 5000 men” in chapter 4.
I think that many of us would like to see more miracles. We would like to see the things that we have read about in the Bible all our lives. We would like to see a burning bush with a “thus sayeth the Lord” experience or experience a walk through the sea on dry ground (no scuba please). No doubt God’s miracles have been, in so many ways, in our own lives but sometimes there is that desire for something a little more, a little bigger...of Biblical proportions! Then unbelievers will come to Christ! Then there will be no doubt...or is it my doubt that is the question?
But are we missing something? Why do the believers ask for healings and signs and wonders? They only ask for them for the possibility of speaking and proclaiming God’s word. In fact, it is doubtful that most of the people at the temple saw the miracle that was performed. They only heard about it. They only saw a man running and jumping and praising God. It was the preaching of the word that convinced them (v.4). As we look back through the trial with the elders and leaders we see that even they have to admit that a notable miracle has been done. It doesn’t produce belief in them. Many people say, “if I would just see a miracle, then I would believe”! However, those that can’t believe without a miracle often won’t believe even with one. We can point to numerous examples from scripture and beyond.
Should we pray for miracles? I believe that we should. God is ready and able to do wonderful things in our lives and the lives of other. He tells us in James that we don’t have because we do not ask, but also warns that we need to be careful of our reasons for asking. The motive of the believers was only one, that the gospel be preached. It was their motive that through this little miracle of healing that an even greater miracle would take place. They wanted hearts to be cleansed from sin. They wanted lives to be made completely new. Of all the miracles that Jesus did, what was His greatest? It was of course that He removed our sins from us, that He restored us to a right relationship with God. As we pray for God’s wonders let us be careful not to forget to expect answers that will allow the gospel to be proclaimed, people to be saved and the name of God to be glorified.
Prayer Requests Day 10
1) We are traveling today to Vienna, Austria to pick up Julia's resident permit - pray for safe travel there and back again.
2) Phil Brewer - healing for back and other hurts
3) Brewer's to obtain their resident permits quickly (could take up to 30 days)
4) Open doors to teach God's word and preach the gospel (especially University and young families)
30 Days - Day 9
Day 9
Acts 4:29
29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
I am so not bold! As a child I remember (and am told) that I did and said things that were kind of bold for a child to say and do. I don’t know where that went, but I would hardly characterize myself as bold. So, when I see the disciples here and at other places in scripture praying for boldness I am right there with them.
Peter and John and the other believers realize that now speaking in the name of Jesus could carry some serious consequences. Threats had been made by the authorities. In fact, Peter and John only escaped punishment because the authorities couldn’t find a way to punish them. They couldn’t count on such a lack of inventiveness next time. So in the face of these threats they pray for boldness to do what they know is right.
Perhaps it was our Lord’s example that stood out to them. In the garden He prayed. We are told He was in agony as He wrestled in prayer. It was a struggle that cried “not My will but Yours be done”. And, having prayed, we see Him strengthen.
We also see in Ephesians that these disciples were not the only ones to pray for boldness. Paul! Yes, Paul also prayed for boldness. Paul who seems to have no lack of boldness. Paul who had to be pleaded with not to enter into a theater with an angry mob. Paul who after being stoned, walked back into the city and preached more before moving on. Yet, in Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him that he would speak the gospel boldly and proclaim it as he should.
No one is immune to the temptation to fold when facing persecution. The disciples realize that even in speaking of something which they have witnessed and has changed their lives they still need power from God. However, even when there is no persecution involved we still need boldness from God to speak His word. While we have a message that is truly "good news" we also have a message that the world hates. We want so badly for it to be accepted by them, yet we know they may reject it. It is God’s boldness that we require to speak God’s word and proclaim it as we should. “...Grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word...”
Prayer Requests Day 9
1) Opportunities to meet new people
----1. in the park, at the playground as Christian plays
----2. through opportunities to teach English
----3. people that we meet while walking in the city, doing daily errands, shopping, etc.
2) Open doors & hearts prepared to the gospel
3) Wisdom for all we do here
4) That God would order our days and we would make the most of each opportunity
5) Breaking down of spiritual strongholds that oppose the gospel
Acts 4:29
29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
I am so not bold! As a child I remember (and am told) that I did and said things that were kind of bold for a child to say and do. I don’t know where that went, but I would hardly characterize myself as bold. So, when I see the disciples here and at other places in scripture praying for boldness I am right there with them.
Peter and John and the other believers realize that now speaking in the name of Jesus could carry some serious consequences. Threats had been made by the authorities. In fact, Peter and John only escaped punishment because the authorities couldn’t find a way to punish them. They couldn’t count on such a lack of inventiveness next time. So in the face of these threats they pray for boldness to do what they know is right.
Perhaps it was our Lord’s example that stood out to them. In the garden He prayed. We are told He was in agony as He wrestled in prayer. It was a struggle that cried “not My will but Yours be done”. And, having prayed, we see Him strengthen.
We also see in Ephesians that these disciples were not the only ones to pray for boldness. Paul! Yes, Paul also prayed for boldness. Paul who seems to have no lack of boldness. Paul who had to be pleaded with not to enter into a theater with an angry mob. Paul who after being stoned, walked back into the city and preached more before moving on. Yet, in Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him that he would speak the gospel boldly and proclaim it as he should.
No one is immune to the temptation to fold when facing persecution. The disciples realize that even in speaking of something which they have witnessed and has changed their lives they still need power from God. However, even when there is no persecution involved we still need boldness from God to speak His word. While we have a message that is truly "good news" we also have a message that the world hates. We want so badly for it to be accepted by them, yet we know they may reject it. It is God’s boldness that we require to speak God’s word and proclaim it as we should. “...Grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word...”
Prayer Requests Day 9
1) Opportunities to meet new people
----1. in the park, at the playground as Christian plays
----2. through opportunities to teach English
----3. people that we meet while walking in the city, doing daily errands, shopping, etc.
2) Open doors & hearts prepared to the gospel
3) Wisdom for all we do here
4) That God would order our days and we would make the most of each opportunity
5) Breaking down of spiritual strongholds that oppose the gospel
Monday, August 27, 2007
30 Days - Day 8
Day 8
Acts 4:24-28
24When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
" 'Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
and against his Anointed One. 27Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
A lot has happened since the last verse. The triumph of what we saw in chapter 3 has turned to trial in chapter 4. We are going to spend the next couple of days on these and the verses that follow. This amazing response has so much in it to remind, encourage, embolden and empower us and it is the result of prayer.
Peter and John have, for their miraculous act of kindness to a man born lame, been dragged before the rulers and elders of Israel and asked to explain what they have done. In our minds we almost sarcastically think, how dare Peter and John do such a thing! How dare they give (through the power of Jesus) health and hope to a man who has suffered disability and lack for the last 40 years. What have you done Peter!
Yet this is exactly the situation. Peter and John are arrested, spend the night in jail, are taken to trial and then warned and threatened against such teaching though it is clear to all (included the leaders and elders) that no wrong, but in fact a notable miracle, has been done.
Having experienced all of this they return to the believers and tell them all that has happened. Here again is a point of decision. Do they cave-in to the pressure of threats and hardship? What is the best course of action? Do we go underground for a while? What will our response to this opposition be?
Of course, they find their answer in prayer. As they pray they have in their prayer 3 confirmations concerning what they should do..how they should react! First. They remember who God is! They look at the world around them, all of creation and realize even as they speak that God is creator of it all! What a huge encouragement knowing that the God that holds the universe together is not just the God we pray to but the God that hears our prayers. Second. They remember and reflect on what scripture says in Psalm 2. This Psalm that points to the Messiah, but also warns of opposition. Take a look at that Psalm for yourself and you will see just why remembering that scripture was such an encouragement. Third. They remember their own experience. They had seen the mighty things that Christ did and how He was killed on the cross, but even more they realized something others could not... this was not a random act but something that, through God’s sovereign will, had been planned from the foundation of the world and happened just the way it had been scripted by God.
In other words, in this first part of their prayer they remember and are encouraged by God’s sovereignty and power. They have no delusion that all that happens will be warm, fuzzy and feel good, but they also realize that God is in control. It is not just a prayer for something but a prayer of praise, a prayer of remembrance and a prayer that leans on who God is more than the circumstances in which we might find ourselves. When we take time in prayer to praise and reflect on who God is, not only we will be encouraged and find answers to and encouragement for things we might be struggling with in life. We will also find ourselves emboldened, empowered and shaken by His greatness.
Prayer Requests Day 8
1) Student Bible Study - We are praying for a student Bible study to begin this Fall as students return to University. Pray that God would bring all the pieces together 1. Darja - helping us make contacts with students; also pray for her studies at the University 2. Meeting Students open to studying the Bible 3. Student outreach - getting into student dorms for Bible study 4. Finding a regular night mid-week to meet that will be suitable for the most people to attend regularly.
2) Bible Study for Young Families - That we would also see a Bible study start among young families. 1. For at least one person to begin the study with 2. For others then to join to that study 3. For friends, acquaintances and others to be open to attending 4. For wisdom as (hopefully) many of these will have small children
3) Post-Abortion Bible Study - Phil and Yvonne for open opportunities to do this study again with people suffering the after effects of their choice to abort. We would like to see one of these studies in Maribor
4) Phil & Yvonne - hope to see a Fall Bible Study in Mokronog. There are people that have shown interest but during the summer there have been obstacles to beginning the study. They have already completed a post-abortion study in this town and this study is the outgrowth of that.
5) Possible Fall English Camp - still many questions and details to work out but we hope to see a 2 day Youth English camp in early November
Acts 4:24-28
24When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
" 'Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
and against his Anointed One. 27Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
A lot has happened since the last verse. The triumph of what we saw in chapter 3 has turned to trial in chapter 4. We are going to spend the next couple of days on these and the verses that follow. This amazing response has so much in it to remind, encourage, embolden and empower us and it is the result of prayer.
Peter and John have, for their miraculous act of kindness to a man born lame, been dragged before the rulers and elders of Israel and asked to explain what they have done. In our minds we almost sarcastically think, how dare Peter and John do such a thing! How dare they give (through the power of Jesus) health and hope to a man who has suffered disability and lack for the last 40 years. What have you done Peter!
Yet this is exactly the situation. Peter and John are arrested, spend the night in jail, are taken to trial and then warned and threatened against such teaching though it is clear to all (included the leaders and elders) that no wrong, but in fact a notable miracle, has been done.
Having experienced all of this they return to the believers and tell them all that has happened. Here again is a point of decision. Do they cave-in to the pressure of threats and hardship? What is the best course of action? Do we go underground for a while? What will our response to this opposition be?
Of course, they find their answer in prayer. As they pray they have in their prayer 3 confirmations concerning what they should do..how they should react! First. They remember who God is! They look at the world around them, all of creation and realize even as they speak that God is creator of it all! What a huge encouragement knowing that the God that holds the universe together is not just the God we pray to but the God that hears our prayers. Second. They remember and reflect on what scripture says in Psalm 2. This Psalm that points to the Messiah, but also warns of opposition. Take a look at that Psalm for yourself and you will see just why remembering that scripture was such an encouragement. Third. They remember their own experience. They had seen the mighty things that Christ did and how He was killed on the cross, but even more they realized something others could not... this was not a random act but something that, through God’s sovereign will, had been planned from the foundation of the world and happened just the way it had been scripted by God.
In other words, in this first part of their prayer they remember and are encouraged by God’s sovereignty and power. They have no delusion that all that happens will be warm, fuzzy and feel good, but they also realize that God is in control. It is not just a prayer for something but a prayer of praise, a prayer of remembrance and a prayer that leans on who God is more than the circumstances in which we might find ourselves. When we take time in prayer to praise and reflect on who God is, not only we will be encouraged and find answers to and encouragement for things we might be struggling with in life. We will also find ourselves emboldened, empowered and shaken by His greatness.
Prayer Requests Day 8
1) Student Bible Study - We are praying for a student Bible study to begin this Fall as students return to University. Pray that God would bring all the pieces together 1. Darja - helping us make contacts with students; also pray for her studies at the University 2. Meeting Students open to studying the Bible 3. Student outreach - getting into student dorms for Bible study 4. Finding a regular night mid-week to meet that will be suitable for the most people to attend regularly.
2) Bible Study for Young Families - That we would also see a Bible study start among young families. 1. For at least one person to begin the study with 2. For others then to join to that study 3. For friends, acquaintances and others to be open to attending 4. For wisdom as (hopefully) many of these will have small children
3) Post-Abortion Bible Study - Phil and Yvonne for open opportunities to do this study again with people suffering the after effects of their choice to abort. We would like to see one of these studies in Maribor
4) Phil & Yvonne - hope to see a Fall Bible Study in Mokronog. There are people that have shown interest but during the summer there have been obstacles to beginning the study. They have already completed a post-abortion study in this town and this study is the outgrowth of that.
5) Possible Fall English Camp - still many questions and details to work out but we hope to see a 2 day Youth English camp in early November
Sunday, August 26, 2007
30 Days - Day 7
Day 7
Acts 3:1
1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
It is fitting for this to be our text for the 7th day of our prayer together. The day and time that we typically go to Church. In our text Peter and John are also going up to the temple at the hour of prayer... the evening hour of prayer. This was a time that was set aside daily for dedicated Jews to remember the importance of their relationship with God. Actually there were 3 times. The first was at the 3 hour of the day or around 9am. The second at noon and the third was at the 9th hour or around 3pm. It was around the 3rd and the 9th hours at which were kept the morning and evening sacrifices commanded in the law. The people would go to the temple to pray. They would gather in the outer courts and pray to God because it was only allowed for the priest to offer these sacrifices. It is interesting to note that it was around the 9th hour that Christ cried out on the cross “my God my God why have you forsaken me”. Shortly after that He died completing the sacrifice for our sins. It is not at all strange then that we see Peter and John making use of this time to go up to the temple to pray.
We have already mentioned the importance of praying together because of our common purpose and hope as well as the encouragement that we can give one another (not to mention that it is commanded of us for our own good). However, we must also be aware of the necessity of the discipline required for regular prayer. God has called us into a relationship with Him and He wants to spend time with us. We need to set aside regular time for and with Him. The 9th hour was an hour of prayer. It was not a required hour. The people didn’t have to go up according to the law. The day did not come to a screeching halt at those particular times. The hours of prayer were a reminder of a relationship that God had instituted with Israel under the Law to seek Him, to love Him, to obey Him and to know Him.
When God calls us to an hour of prayer it is not so that we can spend some period of time in “religious activity” but so that we can know Him better. It is not so that we can get some requests answered for us but so that He can do something in us and perhaps also in others through us. When God calls us to an hour of prayer He calls us to a time of blessing. As Peter and John went to their hour of prayer they and many other were blessed in a variety of ways brought about by faithfulness. What does God want to accomplish in us and others in our hour of prayer?
Prayer Requests Day 7
1) Calvary Chapel in Celje - for continued spiritual and numerical growth, Sunday worship, weekly ladies and men's Bible studies, outreach to "Old-Folks" Home, wisdom in moving to a new meeting place (need more room for children's ministry), continued contact with teens from this summer's English Camp.
2) Salem Bible Church, Faith Evangelical Free, Davidsville Community Church, Mt. Aetna Bible Church, Morning Star Fellowship, New Passions, Roxbury United Methodist, Calvary Bible Church - continued faithful preaching of the word and outreach in their communities (and extended around the world)
Acts 3:1
1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
It is fitting for this to be our text for the 7th day of our prayer together. The day and time that we typically go to Church. In our text Peter and John are also going up to the temple at the hour of prayer... the evening hour of prayer. This was a time that was set aside daily for dedicated Jews to remember the importance of their relationship with God. Actually there were 3 times. The first was at the 3 hour of the day or around 9am. The second at noon and the third was at the 9th hour or around 3pm. It was around the 3rd and the 9th hours at which were kept the morning and evening sacrifices commanded in the law. The people would go to the temple to pray. They would gather in the outer courts and pray to God because it was only allowed for the priest to offer these sacrifices. It is interesting to note that it was around the 9th hour that Christ cried out on the cross “my God my God why have you forsaken me”. Shortly after that He died completing the sacrifice for our sins. It is not at all strange then that we see Peter and John making use of this time to go up to the temple to pray.
We have already mentioned the importance of praying together because of our common purpose and hope as well as the encouragement that we can give one another (not to mention that it is commanded of us for our own good). However, we must also be aware of the necessity of the discipline required for regular prayer. God has called us into a relationship with Him and He wants to spend time with us. We need to set aside regular time for and with Him. The 9th hour was an hour of prayer. It was not a required hour. The people didn’t have to go up according to the law. The day did not come to a screeching halt at those particular times. The hours of prayer were a reminder of a relationship that God had instituted with Israel under the Law to seek Him, to love Him, to obey Him and to know Him.
When God calls us to an hour of prayer it is not so that we can spend some period of time in “religious activity” but so that we can know Him better. It is not so that we can get some requests answered for us but so that He can do something in us and perhaps also in others through us. When God calls us to an hour of prayer He calls us to a time of blessing. As Peter and John went to their hour of prayer they and many other were blessed in a variety of ways brought about by faithfulness. What does God want to accomplish in us and others in our hour of prayer?
Prayer Requests Day 7
1) Calvary Chapel in Celje - for continued spiritual and numerical growth, Sunday worship, weekly ladies and men's Bible studies, outreach to "Old-Folks" Home, wisdom in moving to a new meeting place (need more room for children's ministry), continued contact with teens from this summer's English Camp.
2) Salem Bible Church, Faith Evangelical Free, Davidsville Community Church, Mt. Aetna Bible Church, Morning Star Fellowship, New Passions, Roxbury United Methodist, Calvary Bible Church - continued faithful preaching of the word and outreach in their communities (and extended around the world)
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