Giving Thanks Always for You We Do Not Cease to Pray

God has truly blessed us in that He gave us a means by which we can communicate with Him pouring out our hearts before Him: the avenue of prayer. We are able to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive the help we really need (Heb. 4:16). We are able to get our cares and concerns off of our chest and put them into the hands of the One who can do something about the issues (1 Pet. 5:7). We can pour out our gratitude for all that God has done for us, trusting that He knows best, which will result in the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds through Christ (Phil. 4:6,7). What a blessing it is to know that God’s ears are open to our prayers (1 Pet. 3:12). 

The apostle Paul is an example in many ways but one area that is often admired about Paul is his time spent in prayer. In his letters, he often mentions specific reasons why he is praying for the recipients.

One such example of prayer is found in the book of Colossians. Paul expresses his reasons for being thankful for the Christians in Colossae. This prayer was not a random “thank you for our many blessings.” No, this prayer was filled with specific reasons for gratitude. Paul was thankful for their faith, hope, love and fruit (Col. 1:3-8). Their actions demonstrated their faith in God, their love for God, their love for one another, and their hope for eternal life. Paul was thankful that these brethren were working, active and producing fruit for Christ. To know that someone appreciated their efforts and even thanked God for what they were doing must have been an encouragement to their confidence and attitude.

Paul wasn’t done. He did not cease to pray for them. In this encouraging letter, Paul listed several things specifically that he was praying for on their behalf.

He had asked God, that they might be filled with knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom (v.9). He wanted them to be well versed in the scripture. He wanted them to be saturated in the knowledge and wisdom of God. They needed to know exactly what the will of God was and then put His will into daily practice. We all should know God and His will fully and then have the insight and wisdom to live accordingly.

Paul asked that they might walk worthy of the Lord: fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, increasing in knowledge of God (v.10). Our daily lives should demonstrate our knowledge and wisdom. Every aspect of our lives should be pleasing to God. Our lives should bear much fruit (Jn. 15:1-8) as we continue to grow in knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18).

Paul asked that they would be strengthened with might (v.11). How do you gain spiritual strength and power? You do so by growing in knowledge, wisdom and the growth process that allows you to walk worthy of Christ. Because we are of God, we can overcome the world (1 Jn. 4:4). We stand in the power of His might and put on the whole armor and fight (Eph. 6:10ff). We can do all things according to His will through Christ who gives us strength (Phil. 4:13).

Paul then begins to express his thankfulness for all that God has done (v.12ff). God sent Jesus to save us from sin. Now we, who have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love, are partakers of the Father’s inheritance. We have many reasons to live the Christian life, but foremost is the love of God for saving our souls and giving us a home in heaven someday.

Paul has provided us with many great lessons about prayer in this short passage. He listed specific reasons why he was thankful for the brethren, he listed specific requests he had made to God on their behalf, and he listed specific reasons we should be thankful to God for the redemption found in Christ Jesus. We also learn that the brethren in Colossae had many wonderful character traits that are to be emulated. Let us all strive to be people who demonstrate our faith, love, hope and fruitfulness. Let us all strive to be people who are thankful to God for our brethren as they bear fruit. Let us all be a people who go to God on behalf of our brethren. Let us not cease to pray.

Broken Hearts

This has been an amazing week. The week was filled with celebration in our country. In our household, we celebrate the birthday of our precious daughter, Brooke, who turned 18 on Wednesday. We plan to celebrate with her this weekend. On Sunday, the president was sworn into office officially and then on Monday, the public inauguration was held for all the world to see. On Monday, Martin Luther King was celebrated for his contributions to civil rights. Regardless of your view of either man, their politics, or their voice in this world, you must admit that the celebrations were amazing. There were celebrities singing and offering their support. There were parties and balls. Every news media on TV, in print, online, or on radio covered the events, hanging on every word. It was all very exciting. However, Tuesday was a much different day.

Tuesday marked the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. On Tuesday, I searched the news media on TV trying to find all the special reports and special programing. Certainly we would have special panels assembled to discuss the ruling and its effects all these years later. Surely, something as dramatic as 55,000,000+ babies being killed would be a top story on each of the networks. No! That is not what I found. The top stories were about whether or not some of the entertainers were actually singing or if they were moving their lips to a prerecorded tract. They were concerned with Phil Mickelson complaining about his taxes. They were discussing McDonalds having to pay $700k in damages, Lance Armstrong cheating, Manti Te’o and his fake girlfriend, and Casey Anthony beating the system. There was one network that spent much of the time reflecting on the presidents speech, in particular his promotion of homosexuality (this upsets us as well—1 Cor. 6:9,10; Rom. 1:22-32). There was very little was said about Roe v. Wade or abortion. On the local news, I found out about a small rally in Dallas but even then the reporter was almost apologetic that he brought it up and stated that most Americans want to keep abortion legal (He said 70%, but I couldn’t find supporting documentation for his stat and I doubt it is accurate or trustworthy. Regardless, the fact that anyone approves of abortion is a tragedy. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you” (Jer. 1:5). Life begins in the womb!).

Where is the outrage at 4,000 babies killed every day in the US and over 115,000 killed every day worldwide? Where is the discussion of life, morality, and faithfulness to God?

The Bible is filled with examples of broken hearted individuals when facing the world and its antagonism. David declared, “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief…” (Ps. 6:6,7—ESV). He was asking for relief and deliverance from God because of the enemies around him. Jeremiah wrote about the false prophet saying, “My heart is broken within me, all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, like a man overcome by wine...Their course is evil, and their might is not right. Both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in my house I have found their evil…” (Jer. 23:9-11). Our hearts should be broken at the position of our country and enemies and leaders taking us further down the path of sin.

Instead, our hearts should be broken at the loss of life. When Jacob died, even the Egyptians wept for 70 days out of respect for Joseph (Gen. 50:3). When we reflect on the millions upon millions of lives that have been lost to abortion in this world, surely we must weep covering our pillows, shaking in our bones, and keep on weeping day after day.

It is not enough to weep. We must get to work. We need to pray to God for our leaders to do the right thing (1 Tim. 2:1ff). We must pray seeking God’s help in our time of need (Heb. 4:14-16; 1 Pet. 5:7). We must study so that we know the truth, can properly discern the truth, and can defend the truth (1 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 3:15). We must stand up for the defenseless and fight for the blessing of life (Ps. 127). We have the opportunity in this country to speak up, to vote, and to get involved. Let us not sit idly by while we have a chance to change the world. What the world needs now is God. The world needs to know about Christ and His salvation. If the world knew Christ, it wouldn’t matter about politics, skin color, financial standing, or nationality, we would do what is right in God’s sight and abortion would be no more. Brethren, we must let our lights shine brightly bringing glory to God and the world to Christ! 

Denny Wilson

 

Did A Little Deeper

Bluegrass music is a hobby and passion that I have developed over the last few years. In my collection, I have a CD from a group called Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. The title song of the album is “Dig a Little Deeper.” The basic premises of the song is that if you really love your wife and you want to keep her, you need to dig a little deeper within to do things to show her that you really love her and appreciate her. I thought we might consider some ways in which a Christian must dig a little deeper in life.

First, we must strive to treat one another with respect and dignity. The Apostle Paul wrote, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Kindness and compassion must be a part of the character of a Christian (Galatians 5:22,23; 6:1-10). We strive to live by the “golden rule.” “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). This may be easier said than done which is why we must dig a little deeper within our hearts to prove our love for one another. Let us lend a helping hand. Let us give a comforting word and a hug around the neck. Let us serve one another as family, the children of God.

Second, as parents, we need to dig deep within us to train our children. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). In order to know “the way he should go” a parent must know their children well. That requires spending time and energy to know the likes and dislikes, wants and wishes, and hopes and dreams of your children. It also demands we know God’s word and teach it to our children. God demanded of the children of Israel that they spend frequent, daily time in teaching their children. They were to write the word of God on their hearts and teach God’s word to their children when they awake in the morning, when they laid down to go to sleep, when they sat in the home, when they were walking down the street, and everywhere they went (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). In our day and time, when each family member is running in different directions with different hobbies, activities and careers, few families spend the time together they should. Outside of email, text messages, checking in on Facebook, or passing calendar exchanges, many homes have little communication. In order to break this norm, we must dig deep within ourselves to share time together because we love our families and we love God.

Third, we must dig a little deeper in the marriage bond. We must develop our relationships as husband and wife. Our relationship should be one of unselfishness, purity, submission, and love (Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Our world is filled with broken homes as a result of selfishness of each individual and the unwillingness of the couple to serve God faithfully. If each partner in the marriage would be willing to sacrifice for the other, if they would consider the other above themselves, if they would place God first in all that they do, then we could eliminate the sin sick marriages in this world. Dig deep and build a godly marriage.

Fourth, we must dig deep within our hearts and minds to reach out to the world with the gospel of Christ. As Paul declared, “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). We love the souls of men. We desire that they come to know the truth so that they can be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Therefore we must preach the gospel. “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

Fifth, in our list but first in priority, we must dig a little deeper in our love for God. For some, the only time that God enters their thoughts is when something goes wrong or when they are hurting. For others, the only time that God enters their thoughts is when they show up for worship on Sunday morning (and maybe if they go to Bible class on Sundays and Wednesdays; and maybe for worship on Sunday night). The Christian must give God first place in his heart DAILY. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). We will become giving and loving people when we first give ourselves to God (2 Cor. 8:5). Worship to God should never be routine. Dig deep within to live for God, to worship Him is spirit and truth, and to focus on His will in your life.

Let’s dig a little deeper!

Comfort Food

Today, Jack Fields was laid to rest. The difficulty of losing a son, husband, and father who was only 51 years old is hard to express. I know the family is hurting, even with health issues that have existed from Jack's youth. However, today also showed that we can help each other during times of difficulty and hardship.

The DeLeon church of Christ provided a meal for the family after the services. There was a large attendance to the meal. It is a blessing for so many of the family to come and support one another. It is a blessing to find people who actually care about one another and are willing to share and serve one another. The good brethren provided an abundant meal for the family and it truly was comfort food. It isn't comfort food because it was a certain type of food (although fried chicken, casseroles, and desserts were available). No, it was comfort food because it allowed hurting family to sit and visit with one another, comforting one another, catching up on the lives and families, telling old stories, laughing, loving and enjoying the time together.

Paul told the churches of Galatia that we out to do good to all men, especially to the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). There are so many things we can do to help one another and support one another but there is no doubt about it, we can enjoy great comfort when we sit down together over a meal.

There are many things we can do to make this world a better place. One thing we can do is to take time out of our busy lives to sit down together, enjoy a meal, talk about family, talk about the good things of life, and talk about God. If we will work to be more hospitable and charitable in 2013, we will have a happier life with less stress and worry. Let's enjoy more comfort food in 2013.

Come worship with us on Wednesday night at 7:00.
Denny

Sunday Night Reflection

I don't know what most people do or how they feel on Sunday night, but it usually leaves me reflecting on the day. I am usually exhausted and today is no different. I am tired physically and mentally after a day of preaching and teaching. My throat is usally sore from the talking and singing. I'm generally pooped.

More than the exhaustion, I also reflect on my classes and sermons. Did I say the right thing? Did I say it in a way that would cause growth? Did I provide Scriptural proof and evidence so that the hearer grows in their faith and make the necessary changes in their life? Did I provide Spiritual nourishment for the faithful who want to worship God and have their faith strengthened and reproved? Did I say things by word or by tone that would drive someone away? Did I preach the word in a way that is acceptable to God and enables the congregation to worship in spirit and in truth? Sunday nights are usually about reflection.

I often feel like I could have said something differently or maybe approached the subject differently. I often make notes on my computer and edits to the sermon outline just in case I preach or teach this subject again and can do some things differently. It is challenging to think of ways in which I can improve my preaching in structure and in delivery. Of course, the main point is to be standing on the solid foundation of the word and declaring the truth of God to the body of Christ. However, I always feel like I can do better.

So we come to the end of another day of worship and study. I have grown. I hope others have as well. The projector is put up, my computer is moments away from being shut down, and I will soon be at home having supper with my family. It has been a good day. I have begun to get to know people better. Life is good.

I wonder how others feel on Sunday nights.

Read your Bibles, pray and be the salt and light God wants you to be this week. Let's change the world for the better.
Denny

Thankful for the Rain

I can't tell you the last time I saw it rain for two days straight. Actually, I can't remember the last time I saw it rain more than a few minutes and certainly not all day long. We sure needed the rain and when this batch has had time to soak in, we still need more rain. I am truly thankful.

Of course, you know that Christians should be thankful people. Paul wrote, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6,7). The rain is just one example of blessings we should be thankful for as we live on this earth. We should be thankful for the food we eat, the homes we live in, the people in our lives, especially our families, our jobs and so much more.

It seems that lately there have been quite a few negative things in this world. We have been shocked by a young man taking the lives of young children that hardley know the alphabet, distinguishing characteristics of money, and probably had crayon lists on the refrigerator of what they wanted for Christmas. We have seen our economy suffer, people unable to find jobs, business close, and even the national credit rating fall. We have been a part of several wars and military actions around the world with the loss of life. We have seen the morals in this world almost fall apart. And all of this stress and heartache leads to our own actions and attitudes being poor by God's standards.

So what are we to do? Should we just accept it and go on? Should we bury our heads in the sand? No! We should change our attitude. We should start to be thankful for life, breath, and all things as we live, move and have our being (Acts 17:25,28). We should be thankful for salvation through Christ Jesus. We should be thankful for the church. We should be thankful for brethren to work with, pray with, cry with, celebrate with, rejoice with and to grow with. We should be thankful for families who love us and support us and who are there for us, no matter how difficult the world may be.

When I observed the rain, I was thankful for the mosture. I was thankful for the cleansing it provides. I was thankful for the vegetation it would help to grow. I was thankful for the freshness in the air (especially as a long term allergy sufferer). But more than that, it made me think, "I need to be more thankful." Thankful, yes, for the physical blessings, but also for the spiritual blessings. It is wonderful to be a Christian. It is wonderful to be alive and have friends and family. It is wonderful to be able to worship God. Life will always have ups and downs, but regardless of the situation, I guarantee, there is something to be thankful for each day.

Thankful for the Brethren

Life can be very difficult. Sadly, we can't get an easy button or some easy spray and solve all of our problems. The good news is that we have brethren who can help us when we are down or when we need a little help.

I am very thankful for the love and support of brethren. Robyn and I have been very blessed in life to have had brethren help us when we were sick, when we had a fire at our house, help us when we married, help us with our children, help us when we had work to do, and even now when we have had brethren help us when we moved our family to a new work. In our recent move, we had brethren help us unload our truck and trailer. Brethren have helped us by providing meals for us before we had the kitchen set up. Brethren have supported us as we make a big transition in our family. I am very thankful for brethren.

It is a blessing to have love for one another (1 John 4:7,8). It is a blessing to serve one another (John 13:15-17). As we begin our work in DeLeon, we have truly been blessed by brethren who have demonstrated love and service. Thank you, Denny