January 19 - 2 Timothy 1:6-7

We all have God-given gifts. Too often they are under-developed. Take action to fan into flame the gifts God has given.

Connecting with God Part 3 - Intercession

Learning to pray for others marks an important step in your spiritual journey. God loves interceders-those who intervene on behalf of others. There are many scriptures that speak of interceding, but the one that caught my attention is Ezekiel 22:30 - "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none."

Ezekiel lived in a dark day historically speaking. The people of God had rebelled and turned from the Lord. The result was judgement at the hands of Israel's enemies. But God did not give up hope, nor did he utterly abandon his people. Instead, he looked for someone who would "stand in the gap."

Learning to pray for others is learning to stand in the gap on behalf of your family, your church, or your community. You haven't really prayed until you have learned to pray for others.

See you Sunday as we continue our "Connecting with God" series on prayer. Tom Ragsdell

January 11- Micah 6:8

Micah 6:8 has become one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Micah makes it so clear -- God wants us to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. Have a great day!

Connecting with God Part 2 - Stepping in and Stepping up

Connecting with God through prayer is mostly about building a relationship with God as we meet with God, talk with God, and walk with God. Building a relationship with God is the centerpiece of Christianity. It's why Jesus came; it's the purpose of your existence--to connect with God.

Connecting with God is also about stepping in and stepping up. Prayer is an opportunity to step in. God is all-powerful, and all-knowing, right?!! That means he could do it all by himself. He doesn't really need us to accomplish His will or His plans. But God's economy includes us--you and me! Everywhere in scripture we are encouraged to pray. Your prays matter to God! God has chosen to accomplish His will through us. Prayer is stepping into the battle of your life and God's will.

When we step into the fray, it's our time to step up. Stepping out of the battle never helps you grow. I'm sure you watched the football game last night between Texas and Alabama. I bet Gilbert never imagined he would be playing in the national title game for Texas. But McCoy was hurt and he was asked to step in. When he stepped into battle, it was time to step up. In what are of your life is God asking you to "step in". You can do it through prayer.

This Sunday we are going to be looking at Prayer as a spiritual battle. Paul instructs believers in Ephesians 6, to "put on the full armor of God". One of the ways we can connect with God is by stepping into the spiritual battle of our lives. If we will step in, God will help us to step up so that we can experience the joy of victory.

Join us Sunday as we focus on prayer as a spiritual battle. Pastor Tom

Connecting with God