40 Days of Prayer - Day 40

We made it!  What a great accomplishment this has been.  Not just as individuals but as the body of Christ!   This was all started out of a meeting Pastor Alex and I had regarding the people of the church and the community we serve.  In our hearts, we know we needed to unite!  Together, each church body has prayed for a variety of things:  health, finances, church teachers and leaders, and the lost souls in our community.

We realize that it takes a church to change a community.  So we must be committed believers to Jesus first.  We have to make changes to our lives so we are right with God before we can accomplish any task.  Have you done that?  Next, we have to be committed to God's vision of the church "CornerStone is vibrant and unstoppable striving to become the largest family oriented in our mission field." Are you committed to this vision?  Are you committed to serving in ministry?  Are you committed to giving to the church?  Lastly, we need to take action.  We can no longer just be hearers of the word, but be doers of it.  We need to reach out to the community and do whatever it takes to reach as many people as possible.  We need to get out of our comfort zone and get them to the end zone and it all begins with the community of faith...YOU. That is what it takes to be a completely sold out healthy church.  Are you ready for growth and change?  If so would you join us tonight and pray with us as we begin to #bethechurch.

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.        Acts 2:42-43

40 Days of Prayer - Day 39

Day 39

As much as my grandma was a prayer warrior, she would often worry so much about her children and grandchildren.  She was a carrying, loving and compassionate woman.  She was always treated with respect and my uncle’s friends would show extreme kindness to her.  Regardless, if we were taking a short trip somewhere or going out with friends, Grandma would stay up all night (and early morning) until everyone was safely home. 

Worry is indeed natural if you’re a parent or grandparent.  But we shouldn’t worry because it takes our focus off God.  Worry is an area we all need to work on in our spiritual life.    What areas do you need to work on?  Forgiveness, love, financial stewardship.  Teamwork, encouragement, leadership.  No matter what area it is, ask God tonight to begin working on that area.  Listen to Him.  Be Obedient to Him.

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ²⁸ And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹ yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.                                                                                            Matthew 6:25-33

40 Days of Prayer - Day 38

Day 38

Last night, I learned that someone I recently visited had passed away.  I remembered that when I prayed for him that afternoon, I concluded with the usual “Amen” but something happened.  As I was ready to depart, he began to pray for….ME!  I couldn’t believe.  It was a rare occasion, but I was so grateful that he did that for me.  It is a blessing when others pray for you.

You may not be the most articulate or passionate prayer person, but God wants you to pray.  It is the communication tool that He has given us and it is our responsibility to become a person of prayer.  Prayer is one of the greatest weapons we have!  Won’t you use it tonight as you pray for your friends, community, educators, small business owners, neighbors, marriages, families, and your church.  A prayer life begins with you and God.

¹First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. ³ This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)

40 Days of Prayer - Day 37

Day 37

I used to love reading the famous columnist Abigail Van Buren, otherwise known as Dear Abby.  People would write to her about problem they were facing and seeking her advice.  The problems ranged from marital issues to drug issues.  Somehow, “Abby” always seemed to provide simple and practical wisdom that would make sense.

How often do we seek God for our problems?  We pray to him about our problems.  We pray to him in desperate times.  We pray to him when crisis arrives.  But God is not just a 911 prayer, he is more than that!  We need to pray regularly with him.  It is a time for us to commune with our heavenly Father.  How are you spending time with God?  Jesus offered practical advice to his disciple and told them to find a private place to pray.  Will you do that tonight?  Find a quiet place in your home.  Find a quiet place in the church tonight.  It is where you and God can meet.

⁶ But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.    Matthew 6:6 (ESV)