--PRAYER FOCUS~~

-'A PRAYING SAVIOR' / JESUS CHRIST~

"Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" - (Mark 1:35)--

Every fact in our Lord's life on earth, and every word which fell from His lips, ought to be deeply interesting to a true Christian. We see a fact and a saying in the passage we have just read which deserve close attention.

We see, for one thing, an example of our Lord Jesus Christ's habits about private prayer. We are told that "in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

We shall find the same thing often recorded of our Lord in the Gospel history. When He was baptized, we are told that He was "praying." When He was transfigured, we are told that "as He prayed, the fashion of His face was altered."

Before He chose the 12 apostles, we are told that "He continued all night in prayer to God." When tempted in the Garden of Gethsemane, He said, "Sit ye here, while I shall pray." In short, our Lord prayed always and did not faint. Sinless as He was, He set us an example of diligent communion with His Father.

We ought to see in all this the immense importance of private devotion. If He who was "holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners" thus prayed continually, how much more ought we who are compassed with infirmity? If He found it needful to offer up supplications with strong crying and tears, how much more needful is if for us, who in many things offend daily? A praying Master, like Jesus, can have no prayerless servants. The Spirit of adoption will always make a man call upon God.

What shall we say to those who pray yet give but little time to their prayers? We are obliged to say that they show at present very little of the mind of Christ. Asking little, they must expect to have little. Seeking little, they cannot be surprised if they possess little. It will always be found that when prayers are few, grace, strength, peace, and hope are small.

We shall do well to watch our habits of prayer with a holy watchfulness. Here is the pulse of our Christianity. Here is the true test of our state before God. Here true religion begins in the soul, when it does begin. Here it decays and goes backward, when a man backslides from God.

Let us walk in the steps of our blessed Master in this respect as well as in every other. Like Him, let us be diligent in our private devotion. Let us know what it is to "depart into solitary places and pray." ~~
----
-A CLOSER LOOK~
-J.C. RYLE (1816-1900)
[J.C. Ryle was an evangelical Anglican
writer, pastor, and preacher. ~] ---"Take Me In To The Holy Of Holies"-Catherine Mullins / <https://youtu.be/3b2qkWnzYhE>
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--Prayer Focus~~

---"Come near to God, and God will come near to you."
---(James 4:8) --

--I RECENTLY read a story about John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. He was a valiant prayer warrior. As he lay on his deathbed, he asked his wife, Margaret Stewart, to read him Scripture. While reading to him, she noticed that John Knox had started to pray aloud, his voice growing slower and dimmer. Then, as he prayed for those he loved, his spirit slipped from his body and joined Jesus in Heaven. What a wonderful testament to this mighty man of God.

Over the years I've struggled with prayer. I've made long lists and prayed through them. I've written my prayers down, which I continue to do to this day, and I've tried my best to be continually in prayer by having an ongoing conversation with the Lord as I go about my day.

John Knox was a man who lived by prayer, so when it came time for him to leave this Earth, prayer was a natural part of his life...and death.

This is what I want for my relationship with God, a life of prayer that is so engrained that communication with Him is simply part of my every thought and deed. And when it comes time for me to leave this Earth, I want it to be with a prayer on my lips, and thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.~~

[Friend, no matter what you are going through in this life, please remember, soon we will spend eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ. Stay the course, Press on, in Jesus Christ. He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are Mine. I have you in the palm of My nail-pierced hand. Come to Me! I love you! ]

--GUIDEPOSTS~--"God Of All My Days"/ Casting Crowns ~ <https://youtu.be/RocPcgqCDE0>
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---PRAYER IS THE KEY~~

~~A MISSIONARY WAS serving as a medic at a small field hospital in Africa. Periodically he had to travel by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. It was a two-day trip so he had to camp out overnight. He had made this trip several times without incident. One day, however, he arrived at his destination and saw two men fighting. One was seriously hurt, so he treated him and witnessed to him and went about his business.

Upon arriving in the city again several weeks later, he was approached by the man he had treated earlier. "I know you carry money and medicine," said the man to the Missionary. "Some friends and I followed you into the jungle the night you treated me, knowing you would camp overnight. we waited for you to go to sleep and planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. Just as we started moving into the campsite, we saw you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. There were only six of us and we knew then we couldn't possibly get near you, so we left."

Hearing this the Missionary laughed and said, "That's impossible. I can assure you I was alone in the campsite."

The young man pressed his point: "No sir, I was not the only one to see the guards. My friends also saw them, and we all counted them. We were frightened. It was because of those guards that we left you alone."

Several months later, the Missionary attended a church presentation in Michigan where he told about his experience in Africa. One of the congregants jumped to his feet, interrupting the Missionary, and said something that left everyone in church stunned.

"We were there with you, in spirit," said the man. The Missionary looked perplexed. The man continued. "On that night in Africa, it was morning here. I stopped at the church to gather some materials for an out-of-town trip to another parish. But as I put my bags into the trunk, I felt the Lord leading me to pray for you. The urging was so great I called the men in the church together to pray for you."

Then the man turned around and said, "Will all of those men who met with the Lord that morning please stand?" One by one they stood--all 26 of them!
["With God all things are possible." ~~ (Matthew 19:26)~] G-D is SOVEREIGN~~
--Chicken Soup For Christian Soul ~ / MM --"--"In Control" ~ Hillsong Worship ~ -<https://youtu.be/k7TZHbdpmhk>
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----THE BATTLE OF FAITH / GOD-CENTERED PRAYER ~~
----(Please Read/ 2 Chronicles 20:1-18)

----Faith sometimes feels like a battle. One day we’re drawn in the direction of trusting God, but then suddenly we’re on the other side, doubting Him. The pendulum of our thinking and emotions can swing from confidence to uncertainty all too easily. But thankfully, God provides a key to stabilizing our faith.

Periods of doubt-inducing fear, anger, or stress are normal for human beings, but as Christians, we have the Spirit’s power to bring these natural feelings under subjection to the Lord. One of the best ways to begin this process is by recalling His nature and promises. When Satan feeds us reasons to doubt, God wants us to draw from our well of scriptural truth because focusing on the Father swings our pendulum to trust.

**In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat learned of an incoming attack. Despite an initial reaction of fear, he demonstrated total confidence in God. Calling the people of Judah together, he offered an amazing God-centered prayer.

**• He began by praising God as the all-powerful ruler of all the nations (2 Chronicles 20:6).
**• He recalled how the Lord had fought for Israel in the past (2 Chronicles 20:7-9).
**• Then based on God’s attributes and previous promises and provision, He requested divine protection in their current situation (2 Chronicles 20:10-12).

Jehoshaphat didn’t look at the approaching army but at His God. This is a wonderful pattern for us to follow whenever we feel our faith faltering. The more we contemplate the difficulties we’re facing, the bigger they will seem. But if we turn our attention to almighty God, He will be magnified and our faith will grow.
--IN TOUCH~~
[Friend, this truth from Pastor Charles Stanley is truly observable! Isn't it true that the more we think about our problem(s), the LARGER they seem? Let's turn them all over to our Sovereign Lord Jesus and trust Him to supply all our needs. He is our Father, and will take care of us, His children. Praise stills the enemy. Keep on praising our Lord Jesus. Hell cannot stand against the sacrificial Lamb of God. Praise the King above all kings, JESUS CHRIST!]--"Oh What A Father"/ Mark & Sarah Tillman ~ <https://youtu.be/DF1--xGeqt4>
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--ARE YOU HUNGRY NOW?

-"What good is it,
my brothers and
sisters, if someone
claims to have faith
but has no deeds?
--(James 2:14)--

--Thomas knew what he needed to do. Having been born to a poor family in India and adopted by Americans, upon a return trip to India he witnessed the dire needs of the children in his hometown. So he knew he had to help. He began making plans to return to the US, finish his education, save a lot of money, and come back in the future.

Then, after reading James 2:14-18 in which the apostle asks, "What good is it...if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?" Thomas heard a little girl in his native country cry out to her mother, "But Mommy, I'm hungry now!" He was reminded of the times he had been intensely hungry as a child--searching through trash cans for food. Thomas knew he couldn't wait years to help. He decided, "I'll start now!"

[Praying for people in other countries and planning to assist them in their Ministry is one way we can help others as well. That is our JOY. Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last.--JOY!]

Today, the orphanage he began houses fifty well-fed and cared-for children who are learning about Jesus and getting an education--all because one man didn't put off what he knew God was asking him to do.

James's message applies to us as well. Our faith in Jesus Christ provides us with great advantages--relationship with Him, an abundant life, and a future hope. But what good is it doing anyone else if we don't reach out and help those in need? Can you hear the cry: "I'm hungry now?"
--"Found My Joy" - Mark and Sarah Tillman ~<https://youtu.be/AKZrPVE4fSE>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

---LET'S PRAY!

--“You will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
---(Jeremiah 29:12-13 / NASB)

--You interact with people all day, every day. You talk to the produce person at the grocery. You talk to your children’s teachers. You talk to your neighbors. You ask them how they’re doing, and they give you a short answer or a long one. There are an unprecedented number of God-opportunities in the communication that comes toward you every day. We have a two-word response among our congregation that helps us invite God into those conversations: “Let’s pray!” When someone says, “I’m dragging today. My baby didn’t sleep well last night,” say, “Let’s pray.” Assure that person that you will pray for them as the Lord leads.

Then drop your head and say, “God, help this family have a good day and sleep better tonight. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Then look back up and move right on with your conversation. “I’m worried about my husband. He’s tired and on the road.” “Let’s pray. Lord, please give him a safe journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Let’s be known as people who open the door of God’s possibility any time someone unlocks it. Let’s pray!

---THINK ABOUT IT
Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to listen to people in a new way and recognize where you have been given the cue to invite God’s power into their lives. Jesus often asked hurting people, “What do you want me to do for you?” and then proceeded to meet their perceived needs.

---PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, help me make the most of every opportunity to invite a “Let’s pray!” encounter with You. Grant me the compassionate boldness I need for that. I want to see Your Kingdom draw near in the lives of people around me. I give you all praise, honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, amen. ---- "

Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson

--TEACH US, LORD, TO NUMBER OUR DAYS~~
-[Pastor James Merritt]

--“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
---(Psalm 90:12) --

----One of the greatest football coaches of all time was Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama. When he died, his family found a crumpled, yellowed piece of paper in his wallet. He had obviously carried it with him for years and had folded it and unfolded it and read it many times. It said, “This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is very important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place that I have traded for it. I want it to be a gain, not a loss – good not evil. Success, not failure in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it.”

We are living in tumultuous times. It seems everywhere you turn there is conflict, arguments, contention, or strife. I believe, however, that there is one truth on which we can all agree. No matter our race, gender, political or religious views we can all agree on this: Time is one of our most precious limited resources. Most of us struggle to fit all of our responsibilities into busier-than-ever schedules. Important documents are deemed “time sensitive.” Most people understand the importance of time.

Although most of us would agree that time is important, often times we fail to remember that it is also fleeting. There are only two ways for us to use the precious resource of time, and that is wisely or unwisely. Thankfully, God has not left us on our own to figure out how we should use our time. In Psalm 118:24 God says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Here we learn that each day is a gift from God…a day that He has made and entrusted to each of us. Our response to His gift should be joy and gladness.

--Psalm 90:12 teaches us that numbering our days can lead to a heart of wisdom. Numbering our days means living with the realization that our days are numbered. God doesn’t want us to live in fear or dread at the brevity of time, but rather to live with a spirit of gratitude for His gift of each new day. Viewing our time in this way will help us to prioritize what is important instead of being ruled by what seems urgent in the moment. Our Lord reminds us, "Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 / NASB)

~~Father, Thank You for the gift of this new day. Please help me to number it so that I can use my time wisely. Show me what You want to do in and through me today.In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

----DIFFERENCE MAKERS / PRAY-ERS'

--"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."
---(1 John 5:14 / NIV)--

Do your friends and coworkers know that prayer is an important part of your life? Do you make prayer and conversation about prayer a part of your everyday encounters? We interact with people every day who would greatly appreciate knowing that someone is willing to pray for them. When faced with a problem or crisis, even people who don’t think of themselves as spiritual or religious will be open to imagining that there is a God who wants to be involved in their lives. Showing your confidence in God to answer prayer can be a profound step toward faith in the lives of people because they may not have anyone else who is willing to step up and have that conversation. Don’t minimize the profound effect you have when you open a door for God to work in someone else’s life. Don’t ever downplay the influence you can have for Jesus by simply offering to pray.

*THINK ABOUT IT*
--Can you think about a time when someone reached out to you simply because they knew you were a person who prays? Ask God for daily opportunities to pray for others—you may be the difference maker in their faith life.

*PRAYER*
--"Heavenly Father, I do have confidence that You hear and answer my prayers, and I want others to grow in that same confidence. Help me increasingly become one others know they can turn to for prayer. I want to make a difference. I want to have quiet time with you, knowing you do answer prayers, when we ask according to Your will. Thank You, Lord, that you even give us an example to pray in 'The Lord's Prayer', (Matthew 6:9-15), [Help us to remember to forgive others, as You always do for us, when we repent.] In Jesus’ name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson ---"As We Seek Your Face"/ (Jesus Draw Me Close) / Maranatha Singers ~ <https://youtu.be/VlIPLsDfv6o>>
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