Purposes, Purposes Purposes!

As well as knowing about the promises of God - we need to know that we have a purpose. Esther was told in Esther 4:14:

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Esther is told that she is here for a purpose - such a time as this. She was used in the position of queen. When we come to Him in prayer we need to remember that we too are here for a purpose - such a time as this.

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Speaking on Esther, Just discovered that there is a movie to come out speaking about the story of Esther entitled One Night with the King . Does anybody know if there is a showing in the UK? Has anybody reading this seen the film?

Promises, Promises, Promises!!

Promises, Promises, Promises...we are always making promises. We settle down to do something or have our dinner then the phone rings. Somebody phones promising you a deal that in their eyes is not worth missing! Only problem with some of them is that the deal is only available today during the phone call. They want you to make an instant decision and you want time to see how their changes will affect you and indeed whether there is any small print to these deals.
Politicians make promises. It is so easy to make these in a lead up to some election or in opposition. But what happens when they come to the reality of governing. They may find that they have to break promises but hope we will not notice.

Why all this talk about Promises? We need this sure confidence of knowing that as we speak to God that is promises are indeed true. I know for sure that I can come to God trusting his promises because I have not known him to break them I have just posted these verses as verses for this week.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

We are still learning about his promises and comprehend them but never the less it is good daily to remind ourselves of these promises. It is interesting that the Hymnwriter of the tradtional hymn "Standing on The Promises" actually had these verses in mind as he came to write the hymn.
It says to us that the God of the Old Testament is the God of the new testament. As Gods Son Jesus Christ was revealed, we see that the promises God made were yes and amen in him. Then we see the work of the Holy Spirit. He serves as your guarantee of what is to come. The Holy Spirit lives, moves and breathes in us giving us a glimpse of what is to come.

Christianity Todays Interview with Philip Yancey on his book on Prayer

"Philip Yancey is known for asking hard questions about the Christian life. Bestselling classics like Disappointment with God, The Jesus I Never Knew, and What's So Amazing About Grace? have made him one of the contemporary church's most compelling voices. In his new book, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? (Zondervan), Yancey once again explores a profound subject from the perspective of a curious and candid observer. Today's Christian recently chatted with the author about Prayer and his journey as a writer."

To see this written Interview on the Christanity today site click here

Come Holy people!

I have been reading this book Red Moon Rising (Story of 24-7 prayer) Written by Peter Greig and Dave Roberts. I have really enjoyed the passion for prayer and desire to follow in God's ways of those who have written the book. The story is told by Peter Greig who in obedience to what God was saying to him answered his call. He tells the story of setting up prayer rooms in the unlikely of places over the world. They marvel at how God has put things together and put people in place. But it isnt without the difficulties even Peter, the founder went through a difficult time when they had discovered that his wife had brain tumour. At that time a number of the other members were going through difficulties of a great scale. But they kept going!
What struck me? It has been known to pray "Come Holy Spirit" or even Lord will you bless my plans? Have ever asked God what are you doing and how can I be a part of it? Peter reckoned that as they moved forward it is the Holy Spirit saying "Come Holy People". It is so true we dont want to miss what the Lord has for us. So when hear the call lets obey the gracious invitation.

No resentment!

A new verse for this week has been posted:

If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God really wants you to do - ask him he will gladly tell you. He will not resent you asking - James 1:5, New Living Translation

Chose the new living translation as it mentions the fact that God does not resent us coming into his presence and asking. I feel this came over well in Philip Yancey's book.

Philip Yancey & Prayer: Does it make a difference?

Yip I have completed the book and really enjoyed this devotional and challenging book. The book is birthed from feedback of readers of his previous books that have struggled with this issue of prayer. In fact in this book contains various letters about readers who have wrestled with prayer.
Philip does not set out to be an expert in prayer. In fact probably finds himself in the same boat as the reader. He too struggles with prayer. He doesnt have all the answers. So often we want these straight answers and quick fixes.
I feel that Philip definiely makes us think about these things we dont understand about prayer.
He even talks about unanswered prayerand reminds us that Jesus were seemingly not answered - Jesus had asked that if it be his will the cup be removed from him if it were to be the Fathers will. The biggest impression was that it is okay to be honest or even wrestle in prayer. I didnt just feel like I was reading a dry book on prayer but a book that spoke and gave me a fresh perspective on prayer..

Soren Kierkegaard on Prayer

Well as I read Philip Yancey's books on prayer I discovered a quote from the philosopher Soren A Kirkegaard about Prayer:

"Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays" (Soren A Keirkegard) for more info on Kierkegard check out Brian's blog on Kierkegaard here

This is one of points that Philip Yancey brings out well in his book. We should never expect to be changed but we can expect as the pray-er to be changed. For me just coming to him really changes the focus of the pray-er.

Batteries Recharged!

There is nothing like a holiday to recharge your batteries. Morven, Catriona & I have enjoyed our time in italy in the cliffs as we have explored some of the towns of Lake Garda & Verona & there will be more of that on our italy blog.
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I had the opportunity to complete Philip Yancey's book on prayer and will be saying more on that over the course 0f the next couple of days as I find my feet again! Suffice to say that I really enjoyed considering the various thoughts on prayer.
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Another book which I have mentioned I was hoping to read - I have now started Red Moon Rising (story of 24-7 prayer) and am enjoying the passion with which it is written!
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More to follow soon ----- watch this space!!!!

In Christ alone..

A couple of years back I brought a new song worship CD. Rather than rush to put on the CD, I thought I would take a wee look a the words to see if any of the songs stuck me as one I wanted to learn. At this point I had never heard of the song In Christ Alone but the words of the song struck me. It speaks to us about Christ, his life and death and ressurection. It has spoken to many folks as they have gone through difficulty. In recent iraq war, it spoke to a soldier who was going through the pain, emotion of the war. As I have written these posts over these past days, the final verse of this song kept coming to mind. I have underlined a phrase here.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, No scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from his hand;
Til he returns or calls me home.
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!

Stuart Townend & Keith Getty, 2001

Wow these are amazing words and worth remembering! Lets turn back to praise!

A Beautiful Transformation is coming soon!

This headline from a interflora junk email subject line! They had emailed to let me know that they were under going a beautiful transformation in their range of gifts etc and that they would keep me informed in a hope that I might order!!!!!!!!!
Anyway when we come to God, boldy approaching that throne room - I know that I am under construction - I am being changed being made ready for glory - God is working a beautiful transformation.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Thank God for Creation

A way back we had a wee series of pictures entitled God's creation. What can we Jot down as a promise? Our God is the creator God and if you look out and around at all creation God is the creater. This time the picture is from Italy and it is the Dolomites which are in the North Italy. Morven, Catriona & I will be somewhere near when we go to Italy in October. There will probably be more pictures from italy later on in October so you will have to wait a wee while.

Isaiah 40:27-31
Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

JOT-A-PROMISE

Just as I posted the last post - I had a thought - Why not JOT-A-PROMISE? What do I mean by this? Write down on a "sticky" or a scribble pad something about who God is and stick it somewhere you might see it! So whenever you see this promise you can turn back to praise......

Has God Forgotten You?

Sometimes we get that feeling when we come to him in prayer. The young women in Philip yancey quote had a wee niggle I wonder if God is really hearing me? She was resassured that God hadnt forgotten. Came across these couples of verses:

Isaiah 49:14-16

But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

The baby is so dependent on her mother for that loving care in those early days. NO matter where that mother is she cannot forget him/her even long after the baby begins to get independent and having to make their own choices. They call it "mother instinct". For some this verse is difficult to handle for they know that their own mother has seemed to forget about them and neglected them. But take encouragement from this verse Gods compassion for you remains the same! He will never forget about you!
Did you ever get in trouble for writing on your hand? Well it is still something I do. For some it serves as a reminder. Again we see that zions name is engraven on his hands. It cannot be removed.

In the difficult times remind yourself afresh God is interested in you. He is a good and faithful God. Lets turn back to praise...........

Just be yoursel in prayer

Are you yourself in your daily communication with God? A couple of things have reminded me about this recently. Heard a sermon recently on Psalm 42. Preacher suggested that it was important that we are honest with God - if we are feeling good we should say we are feeling good and if we are feeling bad again we should Lord I'm feeling bad about a particular situation. I have been reading Philip Yancey's Prayer Does it make any difference?

Philip Yancey brings to us a story about a young women and honesty:


"I was teaching a class at a church in chicago when a young woman raised her hand witha question. I knew her as a shy, conscientious student who attended faithfully but never spoke. The rest of the class seemed surprised as well, and listened attentively. ' I'm not always sincere when I pray,' She began. 'Sometimes it seems forced more like a ritual. I'm just repeating words. Does God repeat those prayers? Should I keep going even though I have no confidence I have no confidence I'm doing right?'
I let the silence hang around the room for a moment before attempting an answer. 'Do you notice how quiet around it is in here?' I said. 'We all sense your honestly. It took courage for you to be vulnerable and you touched a nerve with the others of us in the room. You seemed sincere, unlike a salesman, say who gets paid to give a spiel. We tuned in, listening, respectful, becuase you are authentic. And I imagine it's the same with God God wants your authentic self'"
Taken from Philip Yancey Prayer: Does it make a difference, chapter 3, p31

William Sinclair's Baptists

At the end of the last month had a post entitled Small beginnings and on there was a picture of Keiss Baptist Church. This work was started by the landowner William Sinclair and Brian has posted a post on Sir William Sinclair on Highland Praise. You can also view more pictures on http://www.caithness.org/atoz/churches/photogallery/thumbs.htm?0?0 (copy & paste into browser)

Nooma's "Noise"

Hi guys,
have been aware of this series entitled Nooma for a while but not had the opportunity to see one. It is a ten minute devotional presentation whichs speaks into a particular life issue. The speaker on each is Rob Bell, the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church. About three months ago I had a post which was entitled God Speaks Through Silence . The Nooma entitled Noise addresses this issue precisely. At beginning of the presentation you get a short talk on Noise and how it is a part of our everyday life. Silence isnt something we can easily deal with but this is where God speaks often. Rob appeals to Elijah - God didnt speak to him through the things he expected but God was in the silence - He spoke through the silence. The rest of time, there is no sound and the message comes up on type on the screen. I thought it helped teach on silence but not only that with it being demonstrated on the DVD, I felt it would help to put it into action.

The Assurance ~ 1 John 5:14-15

This is a new verses for this week or so. What does these verses say to you? what do they mean for your daily communication with God.

1 John 5:14-15

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-- whatever we ask-- we know that we have what we asked of him.

Pray for Scotland's connecting Scotland

Scotland as ever needs prayer! Pray for Scotland, a national prayer network are planning a National prayer walk in 2007 running from the 8th April to the 27th April. They have just recently launched their website & have entitled this initative "Connecting Scotland"
To find out more about it & how you can get involved click here

PrayerFirst

A new blog started in June 2006 which has an emphasis on prayer hence the name Prayer First. To discover for yourself click here

What are the wicked & evil man to do?

What does the following verse say to you?

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD and he will have mercy on him, and to our God for he will freely pardon.