The Power of Prayer

In this life we will have a untold amount of things to face.
From small decisions, to large ones that effect those
we love or us for years to come. We also will go through
trials such as illness, financial problems, rejection, losses,
and many other things which can overwhelm the soul.

The atheist would say, I can handle this myself,
I don't need a mythical God.

A Christian would run to the arms of God, pour out
their heart and receive a answer, and see changes in
their lives and others because of their faith in God.

God sees the Big picture. He knows our yesterdays,
He sees our tomorrows, He knows what is best,
and knows how to navigate through it.

Can any situation be changed by God? Absolutely!!!

Today we are going to study on Solomon and how
He built a temple so God could dwell among his people...
a gathering place for worship of God and for God to
Gather in their midst to encourage them, answer prayers
and receive their praise.

Solomon spent a great deal of time, energy, finances
but most of all prayer in seeking and making the
perfect Temple for God.

When the temple was built, he brought before the Lord
many petitions (prayers ) regarding situations that
would concern Israel in the future. These were
such things as sin, forgiveness, war, pestilence,
captivity, drought, even the weather...due to the sins
of the people.

Did God hear these petitions? How were they to know?
God did a mighty thing to show Solomon that he heard.
When the petitions ended, God sent a bolt of fire out
of heaven that consumed all of the sacrifices laying on the
altar. A accurate bolt, that just hit the very spot where
the sacrifices dedicated to God were laid. And then
the glory of God filled the temple. The people saw in action
the power of the One True God who cared about their
petitions and their future.

Does God still answer petitions and prayers like that
today? Absolutely. I have seen it many, many times,
and continue to see it in my life and the lives of others
who seek God first, and put Him first, and battle in prayer
spiritually over the needs of others, their needs, and
fight the good fight of faith.

We may not see a bolt of fire come out of heaven,
but God can set our heart on fire to accomplish great things in His name,
in His power, and for His Glory.

Our bodies are now the temple of God.. God dwells in us,
as Christians.. this is a powerful concept! We should live
like a temple of God and we should be full of prayer
like a temple of God!

My precious friend, each of you have needs and burdens. But God has
answers for you. He hears your heart, he knows your needs, He
is waiting for you to get serious with him about this.. for you to seek His face first, and to seek His will. God wants you to spend time with Him first.. not other things. He wants dedicated time where you come before His throne with thanksgiving and to worship him and to spend time talking to Him. This is our growth time, it is our time of refreshing, it is our time of allowing God to speak to us, and for us to pour our heart out to Him. My precious friend, this is vital.

If you want answers, you have to spend time seeking God. No
shortcuts, no excuses.. you have to get serious.. if you want
to see real differences in your spiritual life and prayer life.

Many of you have hobbies, or enjoy television or sports, or even your computer. Do you give a equal amount to God? Because you will need to be built up for the hard times in your life, to grow in Christ for those days ahead when life becomes overwhelming and hard. You cannot just run to God in a crisis and expect to be mature enough to know how to fight the good fight of faith.

I ask you today, to schedule specific time each day for prayer, for Bible reading and just to spend time quiet, in meditation before God. You need that time of refreshing!

I will spend more time this week writing to you about prayer. Just remember prayer is conversation with God.. it doesn't have to be formal or with special words, it just has to come from a repentant heart seeking God.

Casting all your care on Him, for he cares for you . 1 Peter 5:7

Behold I have given you authority to tread on serpents,
and scorpions and OVER THE POWER OF THE ENEMY,
and nothing shall injure you. Luke 10:19

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Take time for God today.. see what powerful things he can do in your life!

Remember
Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done for Christ will last!