Christian life

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Lifestyle of Prayer: A Loving Response!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Loving Response!

“You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.  I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.  I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.  I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.  Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.  At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.”
Psalm 119:57-62

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our response to God’s love.  While much time, effort, and money will be spent by individuals this week trying to express their love toward one another, the psalmist gives us some great insight into how to respond to God’s love in ways that are good and right.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with a greater awareness of His love.  Pray that you would seek to live with a loving response that is first directed toward God.  Pray that your response to God would shape and direct your love for others.  Pray for the wisdom and courage needed to love others with a love that accurately reflects God’s love for you.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help to respond to Him, and to others, in love.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  A Loving Promise.  Pray that knowing God as yours, and yourself as His, would lead you to promise your life to Him.  Pray that having the Lord as your God would cause you to not only make, but keep a promise to obey His words.  Pray that you would live with a growing desire to know God’s words in a way that expresses your love for Him.  “You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.”  Psalm 119:57 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Loving Search.  Pray that God’s love would lead you to seek Him in all circumstances of life.  Pray that God’s graciousness is known by you as you seek His face wholeheartedly.  Pray that God’s promises would lead you to not only search for Him with a whole heart, but to share Him with others.  “I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”  Psalm 119:58 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Loving Walk.  Pray that an examination of your ways would direct your walk to follow the ways of God.  Pray that your walk with God would be directed by His love for you and your love for Him.  Pray that God would direct your walk in ways that shows His love to others through you.  “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”  Psalm 119:59 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Loving Obedience.  Pray that your life would be emptied of excuses so that you would promptly obey the commands of God.  Pray for the courage to obey God even when those around you encourage you not to.  Pray that your promptness in obeying God would help others to see and know your love for Him.  “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”  Psalm 119:60 (NIV)

Friday:  A Loving Remembrance.  Pray that the distractions of the world we live in would never keep you from remembering the law of God.  Pray for the courage to remain faithful to the laws of God even when wickedness seems to surround you.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who lives by God’s laws.  “Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.”  Psalm 119:61 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Loving Thankfulness.  Pray that words of thanksgiving would always be on your lips for the righteousness that God has expressed in His laws.  Pray that an attitude of thankfulness would always fill you as you consider God’s righteousness extended toward you through Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would be attracted to Jesus because of your loving thankfulness.  “At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.”  Psalm 119:62 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Plant!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time To Plant!

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.”
Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on praying about some things that God would have us to plant in order to have a good harvest.  Planting requires that we work now even as we look toward the future.  For many gardeners, the snow covered ground where I live signals a time to browse seed catalogs and purchase the seeds which represent the harvest they hope to enjoy.  As you pray this week, spend time with God learning what you ought to be planting.  Pray that your work today would prepare a great harvest in your life and in the lives you are planting in.  Pray for wisdom in recognizing the time to plant is now.  Pray for the humility needed to plant with gentleness and respect as you share the good news of Jesus with others.  Pray for a growing faith that continues to plant when the time for harvest seems uncertain.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in planting good seed.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  A Time To Plant With Tears.  Pray that the seeds planted in your life, and planted by your life, would be watered by the tears which come from the godly sorrow of repentance.  Pray for a glimpse beyond the tears of today to see the joy that awaits those who are faithful.  Pray that the things you plant today would lead to joy in the lives of others.  “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”  Psalm 126:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Time To Plant Righteousness.  Pray that God would soften hardened hearts as you plant seeds of righteousness.  Pray that a continual seeking of God would take place as you plant righteousness.  “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”  Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Time To Plant Generously.  Pray that you would learn to plant generously as one who desires a generous harvest.  Pray for a spirit of generosity that reflects the nature of God.  Pray that your life would be one that bears much fruit as a result of what you plant.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Time To Plant What You’ve Been Given.  Pray that you would know God as the source of all good things.  Pray for an increase in what you plant, and in what you harvest, as you trust God to supply both.  Pray about how God would have you use everything He has given you.  “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”  2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Friday:  A Time To Plant For Eternity.  Pray that you would always be mindful of the true nature of all that you are planting.  Pray that God’s Spirit would fill you with an awareness of the things which lead to eternal life.  “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:8(NIV)

Saturday:  A Time To Plant Peace.  Pray that you would always be one who responds positively to the seeds of peace with God which have been planted in your life.  Pray that good and godly peace would be at the heart of all your interactions with others.  Pray that your pursuit of peace would always be done with a goal of receiving a harvest of God’s righteousness.  “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”  James 3:18 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Captive Thoughts!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Captive Thoughts!

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on praying about our thoughts as we follow God’s instructions to take every one of them captive.  We are each shaped by the things which enter our mind, and especially by those things that we allow our thoughts to dwell upon.  While it is impossible to shield ourselves completely from the arguments and pretensions which are opposed to Christ, with the help of God’s Spirit we can take captive every thought so that our actions would more accurately reflect Christ.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of everything that enters your mind.  Pray that each thought would be evaluated and dealt with in a way that is obedient to Christ.  Pray each day that you would choose to set your mind on things above so that the ways of God become the standard by which you take each thought captive.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in taking every thought captive.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Thoughts Which Are Full Of Faith.  Pray that your thoughts of God would lead  you to actions of faith.  Pray that your accounts of how Jesus has worked in your life would lead others to think and believe that He would help them.  “When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’”  Mark 5:27-28 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Thoughts Which Are Known By God.  Pray that you would live life with a greater awareness of how completely God knows your thoughts.  Pray that you would be more diligent in filling your thoughts with the things of God as you seek Him through His Word and prayer.  Pray for a greater honesty with God about your thoughts.  “Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.”  Luke 9:47 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Thoughts Which Unite.  Pray that you would pursue agreement with others with Jesus as the basis for that unity.  Pray for a thought life that is united with Christ in such a way that divisive spirits have no place to dwell.  “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”  1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Thoughts Which Mature.   Pray for a maturing growth which makes you think differently than you once did.  Pray for the courage to choose thoughts that show maturity when they are spoken and acted upon.  Pray that you would reject childish thoughts.  “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”  1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Friday:  Thoughts Fixed On Jesus.  Pray that Jesus would be central in your thoughts so that His ways influence everything you think about.  Pray that having your thoughts fixed on Jesus would help others grow in holiness and a pursuit of a heavenly calling.  “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”  Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thoughts Judged By God’s Word.  Pray that you would always accept God’s judgments regarding your thoughts.  Pray that God’s Word would always be central in shaping the things that enter and are allowed to stay in your mind.  “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Yearning!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Yearning!

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”
Psalm 84:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will conclude a three week focus on living with a new CRY as we pray about having a new yearning.  Just as our actions follow our thoughts, our commitment and resolve tend to follow our deepest held desires.  What are you longing for the most this week?  God wants all of our longings to flow from our yearning for Him so that He is in all, through all, and above all in everything we seek.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately evaluate the things you yearn for.  Pray that your longing for Him would grow each day.  Pray for a reordering of your priorities so that your heart and flesh would cry out for the living God in all circumstances.  Pray that you would be more in tune with the things that matter to God and are expressed to us from His heart.  Pray that crying out with a new yearning would help you to treat others as Jesus would as you lift Him up at all times.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in crying out to Him with a new yearning.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  A New Yearning To Meet With God.  Pray that you would grow in your yearning to meet with God on your own and in fellowship with others.  Pray that you would always know the nearness of God and His desire for you to meet with Him.  Pray that you would share with others the benefit of longing for God.  “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When can I go and meet with God?”  Psalm 42:2 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A New Yearning To Receive From God.  Pray that you would approach God with open hands as you long to receive what only He can give.  Pray that you would yearn for the things of God more than you long for all other things.  Pray that your soul would be satisfied with all good things as you go to God with open hands.  “I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.”  Psalm 143:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A New Yearning Of the Soul.  Pray that your longing for God would rise from the very depths of your soul.  Pray for a growing desire that seeks God during every moment of your life.  Pray that the yearning of your soul would not only draw you to God at all times, but would also help others see how God fills you.  “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.”  Isaiah 26:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  A New Yearning Of Compassion.   Pray that you would learn from the compassion of God for those who are disobedient.  Pray that your yearning for the compassion of God would fill you with a compassion for others.  “‘Though I often speak against him, I still remember him.  Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,’ declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 31:20 (NIV)

Friday:  A New Yearning For Righteousness.  Pray that your longing for God’s righteousness would be filled by His presence.  Pray that your yearning for righteousness would come from a constant desire to be more like Jesus.  Pray that you would always be ready to share of the righteousness of God with those who see you filled by it.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  A New Yearning For Jesus.  Pray that your thirst would always lead you to Jesus.  Pray that you would always respond with desire to the calling of God.  Pray that your yearning for Jesus to come would be fulfilled in your life and freely shared with others.  “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”  Revelation 22:17 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Resolve!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Resolve!

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about living with a new, or renewed, resolve.  Sometimes we make new and right commitments but we lack the resolve to follow through as we ought.  God’s desire is that we set our eyes on things above and press on with a resolve to never give up.  Living with a new resolve equips us to follow through with our commitment to the things of God.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the things that you need to work on and to give you the resolve to press on in those matters.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the goal of growing in relationship with Jesus.  Pray for the courage to take your commitments to a higher level as you resolve to be transformed into the image of Jesus.  Pray for a growing desire to remain steadfast in sharing the good news of Jesus in every opportunity God gives you.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in crying out to Him with a new resolve.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  A New Resolve To Press On.  Pray that you would be able to filter out the entanglements of your past that would keep you from pressing on.  Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and His heavenward calling as you live with a greater resolve to press on.  “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.”  Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A New Resolve To Seek God.  Pray that you would be convicted of a need to seek God in all things.  Pray that your resolve to seek God would be something you take very seriously.  Pray that you would allow God to lead you into times dedicated to seeking Him with no distractions.  “Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”  2 Chronicles 20:3 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A New Resolve To Purity of Speech.  Pray for a heart that is willingly opened to God for His examination and purification.  Pray that your heart would be filled with the presence of God so that no sin would be found in what overflows through your mouth.  “Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.”  Psalm 17:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  A New Resolve To Purity of Body.   Pray for the courage to resist peer pressure when it comes to living with purity.  Pray for wisdom to see through the temptations the world deems as acceptable.  Pray for a greater resolve to remain pure.  “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”  Daniel 1:8 (NIV)

Friday:  A New Resolve To Know Christ.  Pray that your resolve to know Christ would be the pinnacle of the things you desire.  Pray that a knowledge of Christ would be the foundation for the way you interact with others.  Pray that Jesus would be the one thing you find most important to share with the people you spend time with.  “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  A New Resolve To Lift Up One Another.  Pray that you would grow in your awareness of how easy it is to stumble.  Pray that everything you do would lift up people rather than be a stumbling block to them.  Pray that you would carefully guard your words and actions so they would help others rather than harm them.  “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”  Romans 14:13 (NKJV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Commitment!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Commitment!

“Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”
Revelation 3:2-3 NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about living with a new, or renewed, commitment.  In the parable of the sower, we read of people who receive the Word of God and it grows in their life only to be choked out by the cares of the world.  In a time filled with many distractions and cares, it is critical that we examine our deeds and cry out to God with a new commitment.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you notice when you become distracted.  Pray that your commitment to God and to the fellowship of believers would be made new each day.  Pray that you would live in such a way that others would know the value of crying out to God with a new commitment.  Pray that your new commitment would result in deeds which are complete in the sight of God.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in crying out to Him with a new commitment.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  A New Commitment During Suffering.  Pray that you would choose to turn to God when life turns difficult.  Pray that your commitment to a faithful God would lead you to continue doing good in the midst of suffering.  Pray that God’s faithfulness would sustain you when times are good and when times are not so good.  “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”  1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A New Commitment To Obedience.  Pray that your commitment to God would be seen in the way you choose to obey His Word.  Pray for the courage to live with a heart fully committed to God.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who obeys God in all things.  “But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands.”  1 Kings 8:61 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A New Commitment To God’s Word.  Pray that your commitment to God and His Word would be based on the grace that He freely offers.  Pray that you would grow in extending grace to others as you are built up by the grace of God’s Word.  “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  Acts 20:32 (NIV)

Thursday:  A New Commitment That Leads To Righteousness.   Pray that you would live with a commitment that results in God’s righteousness shining through you.  Pray that the righteousness found in Christ would lead you in paths of true justice.  “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”  Psalm 37:5-6 (NIV)

Friday:  A New Commitment To the God of Truth.  Pray that your commitment to God would always be based on truth.  Pray that your pursuit of truth would always be based on God as the source of truth.  Pray that you would know and share the redemption that is available to all through the truth of God.  “Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.”  Psalm 31:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  A New Commitment In All Your Ways.  Pray that you would seek God’s help in examining your motives.  Pray that your commitment to God in all of your ways would result in plans which are successful by His standards.  Pray for a heart which is committed to keeping God at the center of everything you do.  “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.  Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”  Proverbs 16:2-3 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Renewed!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Renewed!

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.”
Isaiah 40:30 NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about being renewed.  Even after we have received new life in Christ, we have times when we “grow tired and weary”.  It is in these times we have God’s promise that we can be renewed as we put our hope in Him.  As we live our life in Christ, He desires to renew us in every way possible.  When we stumble and fall, we can be picked up by God and set on the right path again.  Our hope in God is not in vain when we allow Him to renew us through all of our weaknesses into His strength.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you recognize and admit where you are weak.  Pray that you would fully place your hope in Him so that you would be renewed.  Pray that even your faith would be renewed in times when it becomes weak.  Pray that God’s renewal in  your life would lead you to greater endurance as you live each day for Him.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in being renewed as you live your life in Christ.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Renewed Even In Death.  Pray that you would live this life with an eye toward an eternal renewal that is to come.  Pray that the promise of being renewed after death would give you great hope in the midst of the difficult days of life.  Pray that your hope would be shared with others so they would know of a renewal to come.  “If a man dies, will he live again?  All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come.”  Job 14:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Renewed In Spirit.  Pray that the pure heart God creates in you would renew your spirit each day.  Pray for a patient endurance that comes from a renewed spirit within you.  Pray that the people around  you would see a purity in you that comes from a renewed spirit.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Renewed In Mind.  Pray that your mind would be guarded from conforming to the patterns of this world.  Pray for a submissive spirit that allows a renewed mind to transform your thoughts and actions.  Pray that your life would help others desire to live with a renewed mind.  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Thursday:  Renewed Each Day.   Pray that the things God is renewing within you each day would be enough to help you through any circumstances.  Pray that this daily renewal would keep you from losing heart and giving up.  Pray that your life would help others know they can experience God’s renewal.  “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

Friday:  Renewed In Truth.  Pray that your speaking, and listening, to truth would renew within you a knowledge that is from God.  Pray that you would know the truth of God’s renewal in your life even as you live as a new creation.  “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”  Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Renewed By the Holy Spirit.  Pray that you would know the true source of any lasting renewal to be found through God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would experience a renewal by the Holy Spirit because of God’s mercy in your life.  “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”  Titus 3:5 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time to Remember!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time to Remember!

“And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.”
2 Peter 1:15  NIV)

As we prepare to finish another year it is a good time to pause and remember some things that God would have us never forget.  While we each have events take place which seem like they will be forever etched in our mind, experience says that without a consistent reminder we will likely forget most of those memorable events.  For this reason, God is constantly calling us to remember as He gives us reminders and memorials to help us do so.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand your own weaknesses and seek His help in remembering the things that are of utmost importance.  Pray that you would pass along to others the things that God has done in and through your life.  Pray that the reminders of God’s work in the past would give you great confidence and hope regarding His work now and in the future.  Pray for the wisdom needed to hold on to that which ought to be remembered and to let go of the things would hinder your life in Christ.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in remembering the things which have real importance.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: A Time to Remember Through Worship.  Pray that all of your times of seeking God would remind you of the need to worship Him for He is worthy.  Pray that you would fill your mind with songs that help you remember the things of the Lord.  Pray that the people around you would be lifted up by the way you worship God.  “I remembered my songs in the night.  My heart mused and my spirit inquired.” Psalm 77:6 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Time to Remember God’s Deeds and Miracles.  Pray that you would not forget the mighty works of God from days of long ago, nor from your own days.  Pray that your remembrance of God’s work would help you grow in faith.  Pray that the people around you would hear of the mighty works of God from you.  “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” Psalm 77:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Time to Remember God’s Laws.  Pray that you would find comfort in remembering the laws of God.  Pray that your path each day would be lived according to the laws of God.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who remembers God’s laws because they see you keeping them.  “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.”  Psalm 119:52 (NIV)

Thursday: A Time to Remember God’s Name.  Pray that God’s name would always be on your mind as He draws you to follow His ways.  Pray that a remembrance of God’s name would lead you to honor that name with your life in everything you do.  Pray that the people around you would see you as keeping God’s name holy.  “In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.”  Psalm 119:55 (NIV)

Friday: A Time to Remember God’s Warnings.  Pray that you would remember the warnings of Jesus when trouble comes so that you are prepared to trust Him.  Pray that the people around you would remember both the promises and warnings of God.  “I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.”  John 16:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Time to Remember The Lord’s Sacrifice.  Pray that you would always take the Lord’s Supper seriously as you remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  Pray that you would value the reminder God has given us about the sacrifice of Jesus.  Pray about how your participation in the Lord’s Supper will proclaim His death, and resurrection, until He comes.  “And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:24 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Pursuing Peace (Week Two)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Pursuing Peace!
 (Week Two)

“He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”
1 Peter 3:11 (NIV)

While many will gather at Christmas time and sing of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men”, for many the stresses of life make this season anything but peaceful.  Whether you think you need it or not, we can all use a gentle reminder that God wants His children to pursue peace.  It seems nearly everyone loves the idea of peace, but few actually obtain it because we want peace according to our definition and standards rather than God’s.  As you pray this week, use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.  Pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make that would lead you to a more deliberate pursuit of peace.  Pray that the way you pursue peace would help others to have a greater peace with God and with one another.  Pray for wisdom in pursuing peace in ways that are good and right without compromising the integrity and truth of God’s Word.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for a life in Christ which pursues peace.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Pursuing Peace With Everyone.  Pray for a desire to pursue peace with everyone to the best of your ability.  Pray for the wisdom needed to know how to pursue peace with everyone.  Pray for courage to choose peace whenever possible.  Pray that the peace you choose would be contagious.  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pursuing Peace With Effort.  Pray that peace would be a priority in your life that is worthy of your effort.  Pray that your pursuit of peace would build up everyone you encounter.  Pray for the strength to continually work at peace.  Pray that your efforts would lead to peace for yourself and others.  “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”  Romans 14:19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pursuing the Peace of God’s Presence.  Pray for a unity among believers that will help each one to live in peace.  Pray that God’s peace would be evident to others.  Pray that a growing awareness of God’s presence would help you pursue a peace that reflects His love.  “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”  2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Thursday: Pursuing Spirit Produced Peace.  Pray that peace would be an obvious part of the fruit God’s Spirit is producing in you.  Pray that you would not be a hindrance to peace.  Pray for an abundant harvest of peace as God’s Spirit works in you.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Friday: Pursuing Peace Beyond Understanding.  Pray for a growing faith that helps you pursue peace even when it seems impossible.  Pray for the courage needed to pursue peace in times when the world would say peace makes no sense.  Pray that this peace will guard your heart and mind during times of struggle and difficulty.  “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pursuing Peace Through Discipline.  Pray that your pursuit of peace would help you to endure the unpleasantness of discipline.  Pray that you would allow God’s discipline in your life to produce a harvest of peace.  Pray that the training you receive at God’s hand would spread peace to others.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Pursuing Peace (Week One)!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Pursuing Peace!
 (Week One)

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it”
Psalm 34:14 (NIV)

While many will gather at Christmas time and sing of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men”, for many the stresses of life make this season anything but peaceful.  Whether you think you need it or not, we can all use a gentle reminder that God wants His children to pursue peace.  It seems nearly everyone loves the idea of peace, but few actually obtain it because we want peace according to our definition and standards rather than God’s.  As you pray this week, use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.  Pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make that would lead you to a more deliberate pursuit of peace.  Pray that the way you pursue peace would help others to have a greater peace with God and with one another.  Pray for wisdom in pursuing peace in ways that are good and right without compromising the integrity and truth of God’s Word.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for a life in Christ which pursues peace.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Pursuing the Life of a Peacemaker.   Pray that you would accept just how “God-like” it is to be a peacemaker and that you would put that quality into practice consistently.  Pray that your life as a child of God would lead you to help others be reconciled with Him, and with one another, so they would know true peace.  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”  Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pursuing Peace With One Another.  Pray that you would recognize the importance of being at peace with one another and make the effort to season your surroundings with peace.  Pray that you would pursue peace with others in a way that preserves what is good.   “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”  Mark 9:50 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pursuing Paths of Peace.  Pray that you would walk on the paths of peace that are illuminated through your relationship with Jesus.  Pray about how your pursuit of peace should change the way you respond to God’s mercy.  “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79 (NIV)

Thursday: Pursuing Peace Through Surrender.  Pray for the courage to seek peace in all situations on God’s terms.  Pray that you would understand the cost of living in opposition to God and seek peace with Him through total surrender.  “If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.  In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:32-33 (NIV)

Friday: Pursuing Peace That Overcomes.  Pray for peace in the midst of trouble knowing that Jesus has overcome whatever the world throws at you.  Pray that Jesus would be your refuge in times of trouble so that you would always find peace in Him.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pursuing Peace With God.  Pray that you would never lose sight of how God has provided the way for things to be right between you and Him.  Pray that your faith would be strengthened as you grow in peace with God.  Pray that God will help you to share your faith which has brought you into peace with God.  “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:1 (NIV)