CHRISTIAN OUR PRAYING IS OUR POWER

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
Luke 18:1


The key to resisting the devil is seeking God through prayer.
Many people remember William Cowper for his many poems, hymns, and writings. Also, Cowper spent extensive amounts of time translating Homer's Illiad and Odyssey into blank verse. But what people don't realize is the many physical and psychological battles Cowper faced throughout his life.
After recovering from his first bout of depression and a nervous breakdown, Cowper moved to Olney to live with a retired minister and his wife. Olney is where William met John Newton, who was involved in writing hymns. Together they compiled Olney Hymns (not published until 1779).
Despite a life-long battle with depression, God used Cowper to write several great hymns many churches sing today. Cowper learned from Newton that God could use anyone, no matter how weak they were. The key was a close relationship with God and a daily prayer life. Consider the following phrases from Cowper's hymns:
"Oh! for a closer walk with GOD,
A calm and heav'nly frame;
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!"
"GOD moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm."
Cowper was also quoted once as saying, "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees." The power of prayer in a Christian's life is a mighty tool. Jesus even points out the importance of prayer in Luke 18 by telling a parable that stated that "men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
Why is prayer so important? Prayer is a conscious dependence upon God. As we draw closer to God through prayer, we will realize we need Him more. Prayer shines a light on our inabilities and pushes us to rely on God's power.
Have you ever realized how weak you are compared to the devil? Even your strongest defenses are as feathers to his attacks. But when you are on your knees in prayer, seeking God's help, your defense is stronger than any attack Satan can bring. The key to resisting the devil is seeking God through prayer.
You are about to face another day of living. The devil is already poised for an attack; ready to see you fall away from God. But you don't have to fall prey to his attacks. Spend time in prayer. Seek God's help. Ask for His powerful armor of protection as you face the day, and continue in prayer throughout the day. Draw closer to God today through prayer and allow Him to protect you as His child.

* iNFO- Men who knew the God they Servied

Pastor's Perception: CRITIC

Pastor's Perception: CRITIC: "Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and..."

CRITIC

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner."
Luke 7:39

Critics are simply people who don't want to admit they need what you have.
As the woman anointed Jesus' feet and poured out her love for Him, surely many people were quieted by the actions. Who was this woman? Who was she to touch the feet of Jesus! Some probably wondered in silence, while others whispered their displeasure, but Simon, whose dinner it was, spoke out with a critical spirit.
Simon was a Pharisee, so his piety was already known among the people, but to add to it, he said, Simon first questioned Christ's deity (if he were a prophet) then went on to condemn the woman for her sins.
This wasn't the first time the religious population of Israel had questioned Christ's actions. Luke 15:1-2 tells us of another instance that Jesus reached out to the sinners and the Pharisees mocked Him, "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." Jesus wasn't elitist in His ministry and He was mocked for it.
Have you ever been mocked or criticized for following God? Our world can't comprehend people who would abandon self interest and live for Someone they have never seen. They only understand what they can see-the here and now-and don't think of what will happen later in life or even in another life. So someone who believes something that hasn't been proven (in their opinion) is worthy of criticism.
Jesus faced critical people wherever He went in Israel. If the Pharisees weren't questioning His motives, people were following Him to find fault in Him. He was constantly questioned, mocked, pointed out, and tested. Yet He didn't allow His critics to keep Him from seeking out the needy.
If you haven't already, you'll soon find out that not everyone will be excited about your desire to live for God. People will question you, try to trap you, test you, and even mock you. But this reaction isn't anything new. The Psalmist faced the same treatment as he wrote in Psalm 25:19, "Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred."
Often critics can cause Christians to quiet their witness or dampen their fervor for Christ. But look to Jesus' example while He was mocked. He looked past their questions and saw people who needed His help.
How do you respond to critics? Do you lash out in anger and defensiveness? Don't allow critics to get under your skin. Realize that they are simply people who do not understand God's love and need salvation and forgiveness.
The next time someone criticizes your Christian life, thank God that your Christianity is evident enough that others can see it, and continue living for Him.

Pastor's Perception: He that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Pastor's Perception: He that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.: "Many of the event of the past 3 weeks have made me reflect on my ministry. Who am I and reminded of who I am called by. The loss of my forme..."

He that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Many of the event of the past 3 weeks have made me reflect on my ministry. Who am I and reminded of who I am called by. The loss of my former pastor and mentor made me note the company we keep does make the man. A good relationship with a wise mentor is like having personal access to a goldmine. It’s an opportunity anyone would be foolish to not take advantage of! Proverbs 1:5 reminds us, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” (See also Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 19:20; 20:5; and 27:9.)

But just as a goldmine must be discovered, wise mentors must usually be sought out. They don’t hold a sign reading, “I am a wise mentor!” (And if they do, they likely aren’t!)

So, what do you look for in a mentor? How do you discern between truly golden wisdom and fool’s gold? The Lord has blessed me with wise and godly mentors over the years. The following characteristics are descriptive of each of their lives and are what we need to look for in a mentor:

1.      A consistent walk of integrity over a period of time

2.      A strong marriage

3.      Faithful children

4.      Joy in ministry

5.      Lack of a critical spirit

6.      Discernment

7.      Knowledge of the Bible

8.      Many years of experience beyond you

Even as a goldmine is a carefully guarded treasure, so a relationship with a wise mentor should be valued and protected. How you nurture this relationship will, to a large degree, determine the value you receive from it. Remember, too, that you have a unique opportunity to be a blessing to your mentor by appreciating him and communicating that to him. Following are some ways you can build a relationship with your mentor:

1.      Pray for your mentor.

2.      Give your mentor entrance into your heart.

3.      Be honest with your mentor.

4.      Be kind to your mentor.

5.      Be generous to your mentor.

I thank the Lord for the godly men He has placed in my life that have been willing to be my mentors. My father was my first and to this day is my number one. Both of my grandfathers (in totally different ways) my father-in law and of Corse my former pastor James E Woods ,I’ve benefited greatly through both their wise counsel and their godly testimonies. And I thank them for giving of their lives to counsel, encourage, and instruct me. They are treasures I don’t take for granted!

Coming Soon !

Yes Jesus is Coming Soon.. but this is just to let you know that I have started a blog and will soon be posting on a regular basis..

Pastor Kenneth Jones Jr