You Are Invited to Pray

 

 

Merle Mills – cbn.com

“This is your captain speaking. Welcome aboard. Our flight today will reach a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet. The weather looks good and we should arrive at our destination in approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Until then, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.”

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight? I had not flown since January 1999, more than 16 years ago. In 16 years, there were many negative airline incident reports. My trust had been destroyed, replaced by fear.

For the next 80 minutes, my life would be guided by the hands of a captain I did not know, nor knew me. Dependent on his skill and wisdom, there was nothing I could do in my own strength. I felt helpless. Fear gripped my soul. Seat-belted in, feeling trapped at 33,000 feet in the air, I breathed a prayer.

“Heavenly Father, help me.”

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV).

Have you ever felt there was nothing you could do in your own strength, helpless? Gripped by fear, or trapped?

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3).

Prayer has no limit. We can pray morning, noon, or night, silently from the heart, whispered, spoken aloud, or from any location. It has the ability to defeat fearful thoughts, and transform them into moments of strength, wisdom, peace, and hope.

David, fearful and running from Saul, took refuge and fled to Cave Adullam. According to Thompson’s Chain Reference Bible, “there was a strange, secluded wildness about the place.”

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by” (Psalm 57:1).

Jonah prayed with seaweed wrapped around his head (Jonah 2:5) out of the belly of a whale:

“I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me” (Jonah 2:2).

Peter prayed on a housetop:

“Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour” (Acts 10:9).

Hannah prayed for a child and our Heavenly Father gave her a son:

“O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life… ” (1 Samuel 1:11).

King Hezekiah prayed to be healed:

“I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you” (2 Kings 20:5).

Jesus whipped, beaten, pierced, and nailed to the cross prayed for His persecutors:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Today, if you are you feeling helpless, gripped by fear, or trapped, you and I have a Captain who wants to guide our life. A Captain who knows us, and One we can trust. One who invites us to pray, with the promise that our prayer will be heard.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land.” We were arriving at our destination 10 minutes earlier than scheduled.  Fear before prayer had almost denied me the joy of a relaxing flight.

Prior to deplaning, I had the opportunity to speak with and compliment the captain. He had over 35 years flying experience. My life had been in capable hands.

We too are in capable hands. Our Captain has been guiding lives eternally.

“Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:2).

Heavenly Father, every day, in every situation, or circumstance of our lives, may we always remember Your invitation to pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Never Out of the Game

 

 

Paul J. Palma – Professor, Regent University Biblical Studies & Christian Ministries

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 NASB)

In 1993, the Buffalo Bills played the Houston Oilers in the wildcard game of the American Football Conference playoffs. Minutes into the third quarter, the Bills were down 35 to 3. Slowly the seats cleared in Rich Stadium, Buffalo, New York, as disappointed Bills fans had given up and were heading home. Next, the unlikeliest of events occurred. In less than a quarter of gameplay, the Bills scored four straight touchdowns. In what remains the greatest comeback in NFL history, the Bills ended up winning in overtime, 41 to 38. Hearing of the Bills mounting comeback over the radio, hundreds of fans who had earlier left the game decided to return, climbing the stadium fences in time to see the closing minutes.

The Bills never gave up. A chief reason, for what has gone down in football legend as “The Comeback,” was the play of backup quarterback Frank Reich who threw for four touchdowns. Although a lesser-known fact, Reich also holds the record for the greatest comeback in college football. In 1984, he overcame a 31-point deficit in a win for the Maryland Terrapins.

Growing up a Bills fan, I’ll never forget “The Comeback.” Today, it’s not only football fans who are inspired by this iconic 1993 game. Hailed by some as the “comeback king” of football, Frank Reich is a dedicated believer and motivational speaker. He uses the legacy of his giant sports comebacks as keynotes in his speeches, giving God credit for his victories.

God has used the story of Reich’s come from behind wins on the playing field to inspire others to have faith and not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:16). Reich’s life and message taps into a profound truth lying at the heart of the Christian faith—with God on our side, we’re never out of the game.

Even though sometimes it seems we’re slipping or losing ground, with Jesus, defeat is never the end of the story. Despite our disappointments in life—be it a bad half of play in a sporting game or a missed opportunity in our home life, church, or the workplace—we needn’t lose hope. In fact, we have every reason to press forward and mount our own comeback when it seems everything is at a loss. When we glance at the scoreboard of life and think the game is over—it isn’t. The tomb is empty. He has risen. The only one defeated in this game is death. The eyes of faith always look ahead to a comeback win, as the love of Jesus overcomes every deficit.

Lord, help us to look ahead to what’s in store for us this day—new opportunity and new hope. You never gave up on us, yet you gave unto us your only Son.

We Can Trust Him

 

 

Vernell Windsor – cbn.com

Have you ever looked up to heaven and asked God, “Why?” Perhaps you lost a loved one or suffered from a tragedy or abuse. Maybe you made a poor decision and had to reap the consequences of it. Whatever happened, the pain was real.

I remember being at the doctor’s office with my mother after my father’s heart attack. The doctor gave a very short timeline for my father’s life. I was the one shaken while my mother boldly declared to me, “I do not believe that.” Her faith made all the difference for my father and me too! Honestly, I felt helpless, like the wind was taken out of my sail. This was my father, not some stranger. My tiny mustard seed of faith met a divine opportunity that day. I thank Jesus that He is the “Author and Finisher” of our faith (See Hebrews 12:2). He made a way for each of us to live a faith-filled life.

The writer of Hebrews shared another amazing fact about Jesus,

“For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:16-18 ESV).

Jesus loves us! He “shows up” to provide what we need when we need it. That day in the doctor’s office with my mom, I needed Him. His grace saw us through. Because Jesus suffered, He is well able to help us through any trial, at any given time. He cared enough to become like us and paid the price for our sins. His faithfulness paved the way for our redemption. My finite understanding cannot figure out “why” Jesus loved us enough to become like us. “Why” He did this for us and not the angels. Why? Why? Why? We may never know the answers on this side of eternity.

What we do know is that we can trust that His “love never fails.” We can take Him at His Word. We can watch His mercy and grace in action every day. We can follow His path of obedience in our lives. We can trust that He is able to help us through any and everything.

My precious father lived many years past the doctor’s prediction. There was a convergence between heaven and medical breakthrough. I am grateful that I got to witness my mom taking a posture of faith and see the fruit of it. I am also grateful that God is mindful of us! Everything we read in the Gospels confirms His great love for us. He paid the redemption price for us. He suffered for us. He kept His eye on the prize, US! He cared enough to send His own Son to die on the cross for us. Jesus paid the price for my father’s healing. Oh what a mighty God we serve!

Let’s pray. We thank You Lord for all that You suffered for us. Thank You for demonstrating obedience for us. Thank You for paying the ultimate price for the propitiation of our sins. We love You. May we yield to the work of Your Holy Spirit to conform us to Your image, in the name of Jesus, Amen!

It Seems Impossible to Achieve

 

 

Alejandro Zamora – Director – CBN Costa Rica & CBN Latin America

Why me? How could God ask this of me? These are just some of the internal dialogues that those of us who serve God debate. Since early biblical history, we see how the patriarchs and prophets found themselves receiving inspiration from God to share messages and carry out projects, often in contrast to the reality that their eyes could see. It happened to Jeremiah in chapter 32 when God commissioned him to acquire property, knowing that an imminent calamity was coming over the city. It was natural then to question, why would it be necessary to invest in something that apparently would fail?

Today, God continues to do the same. Circumstances are just blank canvases that He fills with His plans and we, if we are willing, are rewarded with the privilege of becoming His hands, His voice, His embrace for many, and His wisdom for others.

I remember how on so many occasions God led us to knock on the door of a television station with anti-Christian values and offer CBN programming, and we said, how is it possible? Or waking up one morning with the certainty of heaven in our hearts that our Superbook projects must reach the children of Latin America at all costs, even those whose faces visibly bear the scars of pain and abandonment. How would this be possible if the panorama is so gray?

In the midst of uncertainty and questions, Jeremiah listened to those simple words that were loaded with the character and power of our Creator: “Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV) Not only can we say amen, but we can exclaim and confess to ourselves in the midst of the purposes that God is calling us to walk in faith: Of course, nothing is impossible with God. If God said it, He will do it!

As we walk with God, we gradually experience the beauty of the grace that flows from Him to lead us into circumstances in which He has a greater purpose. Even if it seems like we are at a dead end, God will see us through, if we love and trust Him.

Let us not lose heart in obeying God, in taking those risks to share a word of hope and faith even with one who seems totally independent of God. Do not lose heart to launch yourself with the initiative that you know in your heart is from God—even if fear or an apparent lack of resources shout loudly that you should stop, that you should let someone else do it, that you are not the right one. Like Esther, for those of us who accept God’s plans, we have been created for such a time as this (see Esther 4:14).

Take a few minutes to pray and surrender your concerns to the Lord. God knows the end of your story and what He has called you to be. You and I must remember that He is the Captain of the ship, and there is no storm or fog that can make Him lose a battle.

No Longer a Slave to Sin

 

 

Nia Taylor – Trainer – Virginia Beach Prayer Center, cbn.com

There are times in our lives when we feel like we are in bondage. We may be going through spiritual warfare which can be debilitating. The fight is not always fair. We may feel defeated, but the Lord says:

“‘In that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will break the yoke off their necks 
and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them. Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them’” (Jeremiah 30:8-9 NIV).

Let us thank God that we do not have to stay there. God will raise us up during trouble and bondage. Whether we feel enslaved by the situation or circumstance, we can look to Him for our help.

I remember feeling so plagued by sin it had me bound. I did not think I could leave a life of sin, but the Lord brought me out. I dare not say I am sinless, but I have a heart to repent. I had to remove myself from negative people and negative places. God revealed himself to me and told me the truth about myself and the truth set me free.

I am so glad He did not leave me, and I know He will not leave you. If you are struggling in a place of bondage today, give it to Jesus. He died for you so you can live free indeed. Put your trust in Him and His word. He is faithful and will never forsake you.

He led me to a good church. It’s a place of fellowship and worship. I am discipled there and it feels like home, where I am part of a church family..

I am no longer a slave or an orphan; I truly feel like His child. It was hard for me to accept His love and the love of others because I did not feel I deserve it. But I learned that we will never truly deserve the fullness of His love. I learned how to pray and read my Bible, which helped soften my heart to receive Him. It helped me learn that I am no longer a slave to sin but resurrected to a new life. Old things are passed away, behold away behold all things are made new.

Sometimes we must wait on the Lord and be of good courage. He will strengthen our hearts as we go through trials and tribulations. We must not be discouraged because He is with us every step of the way.

There Is a Plan

 

 

Charmain Hibberd, cbn.com

It’s not often that you embark on a journey without knowing where you are going, is it?

When I travel somewhere, I usually like to know the route I am going to take to get there, how long it is going to take to get there, and most of all, where I am going!

That may all sound obvious, but life with Christ is often much more of a game of trust.

Journeying life as a Christian does not guarantee you a comfortable life. In fact, as an active Christian, you may come up against some serious resistance from the enemy of your soul. Your enemy, Satan, does not like that your life is hidden in Christ and that your destiny is eternity. He will likely put up a fight to try to derail you from your path, your purpose, and try to prevent you from living life in all its fullness (see John 10:10).

The good news is that Satan has already been defeated! We must not consider the spiritual war that we are in as a cosmic arm-wrestle between two equal opponents, but rather a battle between Creator and created. The battle is already won!

I have lost sight on many occasions of the victory that is rightfully mine in Christ. I have allowed my perceived lack of control over my life to render me powerless. But here is some more good news—no matter how out of control and helpless you may feel in your Christian walk, there is a plan!

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV tells us this:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God is good and loving by His very nature. It’s who He is! He has mapped out your journey through life down to the finest detail, and your primary responsibility now is to trust Him.

The word prosper is to be successful or fortunate, to thrive or flourish.

So, we can safely deduce that the plans God has for our lives are good. His intention is not to create a life for us that causes us harm but one that causes us to thrive, flourish, and have hope for the future.

Now, this does not mean that we will never experience hardship. God often uses the valley times in our lives to refine and sharpen us in ways that He could not if we sailed through a trouble-free life.

God tells us straight in John 16:33 that we will have troubles in life, but we are to take heart because He has overcome the world!

We also learn in 2 Corinthians 4:17 that our earthly troubles are light and momentary in comparison with the eternal glory that will far outweigh them all.

Having said all this, we are encouraged in Scripture to count the cost before setting out on our journey with Jesus.

Luke 14:28-30 says:

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”

I don’t know about you, but when I reach the end of my life on earth, I want to be able to look my Saviour in the face and say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (See 2 Timothy 4:7).

And in response, I am longing to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (See Matthew 25:21).

So, whether you are just beginning your walk with Jesus or are in the middle of it, take courage because God has a plan for your entire journey with Him. He has gone before you and seen it all.

When you experience incredible mountain-top highs and also stretching valley lows, trust that there is hope and a future. Trust that you will come through all seasons of life well if you remain close to Him – our Shepherd, our Guide, our God.

Be Strong and Courageous

 

By Jessica Van Roekel Crosswalk.com

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Autumn unfolds slowly with leaves that transition from varying shades of green to yellow to gold to brown. Leaves flutter to the ground as the wind blows. If summer brought enough moisture, the leaves look like yellow jewels on a green velvet background. Other years, all is brown too soon, and my soul quakes at a monochromatic winter of browns and grays.

Our lives reflect seasons. We have seasons of growth and seasons of dormancy. Winds and storms blow through our lives with varying degrees of ferocity. I revel in perfect fall days when the sky stays blue, clouds scud along the horizon, and the breeze cools my sun-warmed cheeks. All is perfect except for one thing. The pirate bugs. These tiny black insects flock to exposed skin, and their bite feels bigger than their size warrants.

Like fall with its wonder and its painful pirate bugs, life holds pain and wonder. At times wonder exceeds pain, and other times pain overtakes wonder. We can wander through the wreckage of unmet hopes and dreams, or we can fail to enjoy the blessings because we’re on the lookout for the next big bad thing that is going to happen. However, in both cases, we can walk by faith.

Joshua and the Israelites were on the cusp of entering the long-awaited promised land. Out of all the Israelites, it was Joshua and Caleb who had first-hand knowledge of the wonderfulness of the Promised Land. Long ago, they were two of the ten spies sent to scope out the land. Because the other eight spread fear and doubt, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years.

The same task awaited them now as it did then. Conquer and take the land. The book of Joshua opens with God commissioning and reassuring Joshua. His task is to be strong and courageous, to remember God’s word and obey. God doesn’t say that it will be easy or that they won’t have troubles. Instead, God promises Joshua his presence.

When our lives feel like a hurricane swept through, it’s easy to fall prey to the idea that God has abandoned us. When we face an enemy—whether it’s a person or a diagnosis, or our own self-sabotage—we can remember God’s words to Joshua.

Be strong and courageous: The Hebrew word for strong and courageous expresses the strength of various phenomena, such as the severity of famine, storms, and humans overpowering one another like David and Goliath, Amnon and Tamar, and Samson’s last act of supernatural strength. Moses urged Joshua to be strong. God bid Joshua to be strong—don’t give up, give in, or run away—and then Joshua encouraged his people in the same way.

In Joshua 1, we read how God instructed Joshua not to turn from God’s ways. He was to meditate on it day and night—to let God’s word fill his mind and thoughts. When storms come our way, it’s easy to let their fierceness distract us. But, when we choose to make God’s word our guiding authority for our beliefs and actions, we can recognize and respond to God’s presence in every area of our lives. Unknowns abound. Unanswered prayers and times of waiting are opportunities for us to know and obey God’s word and believe that he is with us.