Focus 40: Day 40 - April 23, 2011

Who is Looking at You?

Elijah said to Elisha, "What can I do for you before I'm taken from you? Ask anything." Elisha said, "Your life repeated in my life. I want to be a holy man just like you." -2 Kings 2:9 MSG

Elijah and Elisha are two of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. Elijah faced down a king, a queen, and all the worshipers of Baal. He spoke for God to a people resisting God. His life was not easy. He was not always happy. Yet he was true, faithful, and God used him in incredible ways.

Now Elijah is getting ready to ascend into heaven. These are the last moments he has to share with Elisha. In those moments Elijah asks "What can I do for you?" In his last moments, Elijah is concerned about Elisha. He is not so caught up in what is coming that he forgets about the rest of the world. Elijah's desire is to be a blessing to Elisha. This is truly a heartfelt moment.

Now that Elisha has this opportunity he asks to be like Elijah. Elisha saw something in Elijah that he desired. He didn't just look at all the hardship, stress, pain, and unpleasantness that Elijah went through. He saw the man Elijah was and wanted to be like him. He saw the God Elijah served and wanted to serve him.

Very soon a chariot of fire descended from heaven and Elijah was taken up to be with God. Elisha mourned the loss of his friend and mentor. Then he picked up Elijah's mantle and immediately began to serve the Lord as Elijah had done.

Our lives are filled with all kinds of relationships. Some see us at our best. Others know us better. These relationships matter. God can use them for good. The odds are good that your relationship with Christ came because of a relationship you had. Another person showed you the goodness and greatness of following God. Think about that person.

Others are looking at you. God can use your life and your relationships to draw people to him. We have a responsibility to follow God as he directs in our lives. We also have a responsibility to pass on the faith to the next generation. When others see us do they see God at work? Do they see the goodness and greatness of following God?

Few things are as touching or as meaningful as sharing your life with another.

Who is looking at you? What relationship is God using in your life to pass on the faith?

Spend some time in prayer for the relationships you have. Seek God's will in those relationships. Make an effort to extend your hand to those around you in love.

Lord, show me those who need me. Give me an opportunity to share my life in a meaningful way with another. Make me aware of how you are at work in my relationships. Help all of us draw closer to you this day.

Pastor John Mattern, First Church of God, Greensburg, Indiana.

Focus 40: Day 39 - April 22, 2011

The Power of Prayer

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. -James 5:16 NLT

We believe prayer unleashes God's power. Over the years, I have seen amazing things happen when people pray. I could tell you stories from my own life and family of answered prayers-incredible works of God's power in physical healings, physical protection, God's provision in incredible ways that show how big God really is. Recently, my brother and sister-in-law were praying for a little girl who was dead for a few minutes and who came back to life. God is incredible. I could tell you of times when I have seen God do incredible things in ministry settings, of life changes that only God could do. Something happens when we pray. E. M Bounds said it best: "All I know is when I pray coincidences happen and when I don't pray coincidences don't happen".

On the other hand, if we are honest, sometimes we pray and nothing happens. We pray for God to heal or to help in a particular situation, and it seems like God is so far away. A few years back, I prayed and prayed for a godly young mother with young kids to be healed from cancer, yet she died. This really shook me, and honestly, I still have trouble understanding. Some people who don't experience a miracle from God stop praying, feeling that God doesn't listen. It is a great deception of the enemy to have us believe that if God is sovereign, then whatever is going to happen is going to happen, so don't bother praying. That reasoning is usually the result of frustration. I have been there. But prayer often times is more about what God does to our hearts when we pray than about God's answering our requests the way we think they ought to be answered. It is about God shaping us, not us shaping God.

A while back, I really wanted to dive down deep into what God said about prayer. I spent some time in the library trying to find all the scriptures that mention prayer. What does the Bible really say? I found numerous scriptures on prayer and found that prayer is a major part of our relationship with God. It is more about our dependence, listening, investment, yieldedness, and openness to God than about what God can give us. God often protects us from our own prayers. Had God answered some prayers according to my plans, I would have settled for less than God's best for me. Remember that prayer is a journey with God that often has twists and turns that we don't understand, but God sees the whole journey. Often, we can see only a few feet in front of us. Be encouraged on your journey, God sees the whole picture.

Lord, thank you for the power of prayer that guides us in all the twists and turns of our journey through life. Thank you for answering our prayers in ways you know are best for us, and not always as we think they should be. Thank you for shaping us according to your awesome plans for us and for the wonderful results they bring. Amen.

Dr. Andy Stephenson, Leader of Youth and Family Ministries, Church of God Ministries

Focus 40: Day 38 - April 21, 2011

Praying with My Head Up

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV (2010)

I was reading through this passage the other day when it struck me how drastically Paul's prayers differ from mine. I tend to have my head down when I pray, while Paul prayed with his head up. I don't mean in the physical sense-you know, head bowed and eyes closed-I mean in the life perspective sense.

I keep my eyes and head down and pray for the mundane, everyday things of life. I pray for things like finances and health and problems with bosses and co-workers and the like. Those things are important at one level, but they are head-down-plodding-through-life kinds of things. They are the kinds of things you focus on when you get wrapped up in your own existence and your horizon is defined by your own resources and reach. In the grand scope of life, they are the little things.

When I read what Paul prayed for the Ephesians-And I pray that you, being rooted and
established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God-I realize that Paul prayed for the big things. He prayed with his head raised and his eyes looking up. He did not pray according to his limitations; he prayed according to God's vastness.

I pray, "Lord, help me pay this bill." Paul prayed, "Lord, let them catch a glimpse of you." I have my head down, looking for a check in the mailbox. Paul had his eyes raised, looking for God to show up.

Lord, help me learn how to pray with my head up, to pray for presence rather than presents.

Pastor Bruce Steffensen, Interim Pastor, Holiday Park Church of God, Portland, Oregon

Focus 40: Day 37 - April 20, 2011

Priority of Prayer in the Hectic

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." -Mark 1:35 NIV

This morning in the life of Jesus came after what must have been an extremely hectic day. He had been teaching in the synagogue with such authority that the people were "amazed" (see Mark 1:22, 27). When his teaching was interrupted by a man with an "evil spirit," Jesus again amazed the people by commanding the evil spirit to leave the man and restored him to wholeness. Leaving the synagogue, Jesus visited the home of Simon and Andrew, where he cured Simon's mother-in-law of a high fever. After sunset, all the people in the surrounding area who were physically, emotionally and spiritually sick were brought to him, and with the whole town gathered at the door (v 33 NIV), he healed many and drove the demons out of many people.

How could Jesus keep up this rigorous schedule? The next morning, after that full, hectic, demanding, emotion-packed day, "very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35 NIV). It doesn't make sense. Jesus knows that this day will be at least as full and hectic as the day before. He knows many demands will be made upon him. He knows the crowds of people will be pressing in on him with such force that he will no longer be able to enter a town openly (v 45). He knows wherever he goes, people will be calling his name, reaching out to touch him, begging for his help. He knows the Scribes and Pharisees will be there criticizing, questioning his teaching, doubting his motives, stirring up trouble, trying to confuse and distract him, and attempting to humiliate him. He knows even his own disciples will often misunderstand him and attempt to get him to do things their way instead of his. (Do you ever have a day like this?) Therefore, in the face of such a demanding schedule and so many clamoring people, how can Jesus eke out a time for solitude and prayer? Because he knew there was no way he could accomplish all of the things he had to get done unless he made time to pray!

It is true: most of us live with such hectic, demanding schedules that we feel we can never accomplish all we need to do. Learn a lesson from our Lord. Like him, we stand in need of prayer, moment by moment. Even if it means rising earlier, time spent in prayer will enable us to accomplish his plans throughout the day with surprising skill, energy, and efficiency. In the midst of a heavy, hectic, hurried, demanding schedule, Jesus made time to pray. It was his source of power from God for men. If Jesus placed such a premium on the value and power of prayer-Jesus, who is God's only unique Son, who is God himself-how can I, a mere follower, do any less? What is my source of power for living victoriously by faith? My fabulous talents, amazing gifts, great abilities? No, my source of power for victorious living and for touching other persons is my relationship with my God through prayer.

Lord, please give me the intentionality and discipline to follow you in making prayer a consistent priority in my life and ministries. Like you, in the middle of the hectic, help me make time for solitude and prayer that will connect you and your unlimited resources with the hurting, broken people who need your unconditional love and amazing grace. Amen.

Dr. Sam Bruce, President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Member, Transformation Team Connect/Refresh

Focus 40: Day 36 - April 19, 2011

Prayer as a Lifestyle

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Does Paul's exhortation seem too much? How can we be joyful always when this world is filled with sadness? How can we always be praying? How can we give thanks in everything when life just seems unfair at times? Yet, despite these questions, Paul states that this is God's will for us.

It is easy to feel joyful when everything is going right. James though tells us that we should rejoice even in the midst of trials and sufferings. It is through suffering that we gain perseverance, and perseverance leads to spiritual maturity and completeness. We can only have joy in every situation when our joy is grounded not on what is happening to us, but when our joy is centered on Christ working in us. We rejoice in times of suffering, not because the circumstances are pleasant, but because we can have confidence that God uses those times to draw us nearer to Him.

We often think that prayer only occurs when we bow our heads and say some words. But Paul teaches us to pray continually. Obviously, our lives cannot be spent with just our heads bowed. Instead, Paul is urging us to make prayer a lifestyle. Prayer can be like breathing. We breathe 24/7, even though we are not always conscious of it. In the same way, a lifestyle of prayer involves remembering God in all our activities, having a spirit of thanksgiving, relying on God in all circumstances, and being alert for the work of the Spirit. A lifestyle of prayer is lived out in seeking God's will and living in that will at all times.

Finally, the Scriptures declare that in all circumstances we are to give thanks. Job, after losing his children, land, and property, stated, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!" Paul in another place said our thanksgiving should overflow. We can have thanks in all circumstances when we recognize that everything that we have is a gift from God. We can be thankful for what God is doing, even in the midst of suffering.

This is a difficult passage to live out. To live this out, we need to take inventory of our mind. Is our joy grounded in what outwardly happens to us, or is our joy grounded in what God is doing inwardly, even in the most trying circumstances? Do we live a life that constantly seeks to follow God's desire? In everything that we do, are remembering God? Do we take time to thank God for all the blessing he gives? Let us strive to be joyful always, pray constantly, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God.

Darren R. Covington, First Church of God, Greensburg, Indiana.

Focus 40: Day 35 - April 18, 2011

Living Freely and Lightly

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." -Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

As wife, mother, grandmother, Sunday school teacher, and attorney, I often find myself pulled in many directions of service. Sometimes, I become weary, worn out and burned out. Jesus certainly knew all about being tired, burdened, sad, and overwhelmed with the needs of his family, his close friends, and the multitudes of sick and hurting people who clamored for his attention. However, Jesus knew when it was time to withdraw, to go away to be alone with his Father, God. The disciples watched Jesus do this "withdrawing to pray" many times, but they did not understand why or the benefit of doing this for themselves. Later, the disciples would simply ask Jesus to "teach them to pray" not "teach them how to pray or the words to say".

So, prayer is the door to a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Father. Most of the time we wait until we are tired, worn out, or burned out before we withdraw to pray. Jesus knew that tired, worn out, or burned out Kingdom workers are not effective workers, and more often than not, they do more harm than good. In Matthew 11:17, Jesus gave the answer to how we can remain effective in our relationships, in our service and in our worship.

One, get away from the crowds, alone with Jesus, and your life will be recovered through rest. Two, walk and work with Jesus, not for Jesus, watching how he works. Three, learn to move, to flow, with the unforced rhythms of grace. When we recognize we are pushing too hard to make something happen, talking too much to convince people of our plans, and running ahead instead of waiting on the Lord, we are trying to force grace. That never works. God's grace is unforced. There is a rhythm and a reason for the pauses as much as for the advances. Four, spending time in prayer, depending totally upon God for all our needs, equals living freely and lightly, without a lot of baggage weighing us down. Five, pray for joy, both in yourself and others-especially servants of the Lord. "If you lose your joy in your religion, you will be a poor worker: you cannot bear strong testimony, you cannot bear stern trial, you cannot lead a powerful life. In proportion as you maintain your joy, you will be strong in the Lord, and for the Lord."1

Jesus, I long to be still, to feel your presence, to live within the unforced rhythms of grace. I am tired of being tired, frustrated with being worn out because I have taken on too much, sick of religion that has become a production. I long for time to sit and talk and listen at your feet. Help me free myself from obligations or participation in events which I do not even enjoy. Teach me to live freely, without worrying. Enable me to lay aside any emotional baggage that wears me out so I can focus on you and be what you want me to be.

Mary Bruce Fuller, Attorney, Florence, Mississippi

1 Charles H. Spurgeon, "Joy, Joy for Ever," sermon, in Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. 36 (London: Passmore and Alabaster, [1890]), 299.

Focus 40: Day 34 - April 16, 2011

Prayer for Freedom: Who Sets Your Boundaries?

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I walked into a funeral home office, where I saw a large salt water aquarium with colorful exotic fish. My eyes landed on what looked like a six-inch shark. It was. The funeral director explained that it was a white shark. He said sharks adapt to their environment. This one would grow no longer than six inches in the aquarium. In the ocean, it could grow up to twenty-five feet long. I thought, as I watched it swimming continuously from end to end with a restless passion, "How sad! That shark's environment determined its maximum size. Five pieces of glass glued together limited the fulfillment of the shark's potential! Born to be a magnificent creature fathoming the depths of oceans, yet confined to a four-foot aquarium." I pictured people who allow their boundaries to be determined by environment, circumstances, negative-thinking, power-hungry people, controlling people, low self-image, memories of failure always playing on the screen of your mind, laziness, and a myriad of dream destroying, potential-robbing attitudes.

That little shark doesn't have a choice. The only way he could fulfill his potential is if someone reaches in and takes him out of the aquarium and releases him in the ocean. God can reach into your imprisonment, lift you out, and place you in the ocean of his love, power, and resources. He promised: I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jer 29:11 NIV). Don't let circumstances, other people, fear of failure, poor self-esteem, the way you look, or anything else set the boundaries for your life and ministry. God says, Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you…and will bring you back from captivity (Jer 29:12-14). That prayer will release you to fulfill your God-given potential and set you free to be the winner he created you to become through his power and creativity!

Jesus says, "Get up, pick up your brokenness, failure, hopelessness and give them to me. Walk into my healing, wholeness, joy, and incredible love like you've never dreamed possible." Pick up every dream for your life, every heart's desire, every longing in your spirit, everything you want to do, and place them in the Master's hands, and pray:

Lord, please set me free from the boundaries that people, circumstances, and I have placed on me. Show me the awesome plans you have for me. By your power, fulfill every good purpose of mine and every act prompted by my faith. Set me free to fulfill my God-given potential. Heal and restore me in my spirit, mind, emotions, body, and relationships. Thank you! Amen!

Dr. Sam Bruce, President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University; Member, Transformation Team Connect/Refresh

Focus 40: Day 33 - April 15, 2011

Lessons from the Garden

He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me. Yet I want Your will, not Mine" -Matthew 26:39

In the olive press called Gethsemane, with the full weight of his mission bearing down on him and the cross now clearly in view, Jesus takes his disciples to the garden. He stations some at the entrance and takes Peter, James, and John with him to an area suitable for prayer. Jesus is at the end of his earthly road. He has left Bethany for the last time; he will not return there. This is it-Gethsemane, his betrayal and subsequent arrest, the scourging, the Via Dolorosa, and Mt. Moriah. The Lion of Judah is vividly now manifested as the Lamb who will be slain. As Jesus prays and becomes the object lesson for the namesake of this garden, one realizes a couple of truths. First, Gethsemane precedes Calvary. This is not merely a geographical truth but an ideological and spiritual one as well. Think about it. Jesus is pouring out his heart to his Father, and what is his cry? "If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me. Yet, I want Your will, not Mine."

What a passionate prayer and testimony! Should this not also be the cry of your heart and mine? Before Jesus would carry his cross, he surrendered to the will of his Father. Surrender comes first; cross-bearing follows. And so it is and will be with us: we can't take up our own cross until we have surrendered our will to the Father's own. Today's church might think cross-bearing is some trite thing we toss around as part of our Christian-ese vernacular. We don't understand that before Calvary, there is an olive press of surrender. Is the church stuck between Palm Sunday and Easter? Gethsemane is the corrective for Eden, and the errors of the self-will can be cleansed and commissioned by God's grace in full surrender.

Second, Gethsemane is a place that calls for action. This is the place, the prayer closet, which calls us to make a decision. The contemporary church stands in an opportune window of time at this very moment. There is much work to do. Will the body of Christ rise up and seize the opportunity? It is indeed intriguing and fascinating that at the genesis of the New Testament church, when the Master calls his own followers to watch and pray, they fall asleep. Now, perhaps at the sunset of time, the church continues to sleep. The bride just can't seem to keep her eyes open. Within the body of Christ, are we content to play at our worship and worship our play? Is the American church too comfortable? Gethsemane calls us to action. We can choose to sleep; that is an option. Yet, Jesus tells us: "Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing
enough, the body is weak!" (Matthew 26:41).

Father, by your Spirit, awaken us from our corporate slumber. Quicken us that we might see the joy of full surrender. Grant that your people will long to bring glory to your name through a fully surrendered, obedient life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dr. Marshall Stokes, Pastor, Olde Towne Church, Ridgeland, Mississippi

Focus 40: Day 32 - April 14, 2011

Timing Is Everything

They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking." Jesus answered, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast." -Luke 5:33-35 NIV

This past fall, I had one of the rare experiences of life: my favorite team, the San Francisco Giants, won the World Series. They haven't won it since before I was born, so it may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. The morning after the series ended, I logged onto a forum that follows the Giants. We no longer live in California and I wanted to bask in that moment with others who shared my euphoria. To my shock and irritation, the first post documented how many of the Giants players were in the final year of their contract. The writer agonized over how many might sign big contracts with other clubs, how expensive it might be to keep them, and what moves the Giants should make to stay on top. I couldn't believe my eyes. "Not today!" I was willing to concede that planning for the future is important, and such topics were common fodder for that forum, but the timing stunk. That was a day for celebration and for enjoying the accomplishment of our team. Worrying about next season could wait a day or two.

The Pharisees came to Jesus implying that his disciples were not as devout as John's disciples. After all, John's disciples fasted and Jesus' disciples didn't. Jesus argued that both groups were responding to their situations appropriately. There are those who see our Christian walk as something to be taken seriously, and meditation and fasting should be the defining characteristics of our lives. There are others who see our salvation as something to rejoice in, and our lives should be marked by joy and celebration. Which approach is right?

Our physical lives are too complex to limit ourselves to one kind of response. Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we weep, sometimes we crawl and sometimes we soar. Why would we expect that our spiritual lives would be any less rich? Our walk with the Lord is just that—a walk, a lifelong walk. The journey we travel will wind though mountains and valleys, meadows and deserts. Jesus was teaching that there will be times to fast and times to feast, times to celebrate together and times to meditate alone, times to dance over a World Series title and times to worry about who will play shortstop.

Father, help us to see our faith as a walk not a technique.

Pastor Bruce Steffensen, Interim Pastor, Holiday Park Church of God, Portland, Oregon

Focus 40: Day 31 - April 13, 2011

Coming Near

Come near to God and he will come near to you... -James 4:8 NIV

The Bible is full of paradoxes. James lays one out for us. In several different ways he demonstrates how the humble are exalted.

We don't usually view humility as an effective path of advancement. If you don't take credit for what you have done, someone else will. If you aren't tooting your own horn, no one will toot it for you. The path to success that we most often follow is the path of attention and achievement. It's a "look at me! I did it, and I did it well!"

It would be easy to apply that idea to this scripture. What does "coming near to God" look like? Do I have to get God's attention in order to know him? Is it a competition, whoever gets to God's front row first wins? If I make enough noise for God and do enough good in God's name will I get a favored place with him? While we may not voice these ideas we often act as if they are true.

James points us another direction.

God's favor is not earned, it is received. The focus of the Christian life is to seek God and God's will. The path to doing that is submission and obedience. Humility opens our hearts, minds, and lives up to God's work.

Drawing near to God is a process of removing sin and selfishness from our lives. It is a process of cleansing and focusing ourselves on the things of God. It is a clearing away of the junk of life we have accumulated with God's help.

Biblical thought demands a fourfold cleansing. It demands a cleansing of the lips (Isaiah 6:5, 6). It demands a cleansing of the hands (Psalm 24:4). It demands a cleansing of the heart (Psalm 73:13). It demands a cleansing of the mind (James 4:8). That is to say, the ethical demand of the Bible is that a person's words and deeds and emotions and thoughts should all be purified. Inwardly and outwardly a person must be clean, for only the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5:8).

Are you willing to clear away the junk of life? Are you willing to enter into the process of cleansing through humility and the work of God?

Spend some time in prayer today. Search out that which is unclean in you and give it over to God. Listen for God's response. In humility, do what you can to draw near to God. Look for God's working in your life. Celebrate as your relationship with God deepens.

Pastor John Mattern, First Church of God, Greensburg, Indiana.

1 The Letters of James and Peter, ed. William Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 2000, c1976), 107.

Focus 40: Day 30 - April 12, 2011

Not too Close

When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." -Exodus 20:18-19 NIV

To be honest, I can't really criticize the Israelites too harshly here. Moses had just delivered the Ten Commandments to them-God had expressed his authority over them and their lives. The expression of his presence was too much for them; they wanted a filter. The prospect of being face to face with God was intimidating.

When I look at myself, I have to wonder if I am any different. Going to church is easy. Listening to a message that speaks generally to what God wants for me and from me is a fairly safe filter. Occasionally, a message will get dangerously close to where I live, but most of the time I can keep them at an arm's length. But talking directly to God is a much different prospect.

Having a direct conversation with God, allowing him close enough to peer into my life, to comment directly on my thoughts, priorities, prejudices, and choices, is a frightening prospect. So often I limit my God exposure to the filter of a Sunday morning sermon. I can justify it in my mind. After all, I am going to church and that is what Christians do, right? They go to church and live by the rules. That thinking makes me no different than the Israelites.

The identity as God's children was fine for the Israelites. They were even okay with the Ten Commandments, as long as God kept his distance. I can be that way too. It is one thing for God to say to everyone, "Thou shalt not covet." It is quite another for him to look directly into my own life and ask, "Why are you so jealous of your neighbor's new car?" or "Why do you resent your co-worker's promotion?" "Why do you try to imply to others that that great idea was yours?" That is when God gets too close and prayer gets too dangerous. Is your prayer life really limited because you are too busy or too distracted? Or do you avoid prayer because you're afraid to let God too close?

Father, give us the courage to speak to you face to face, to let you examine the deepest part of us, and to challenge our most private thoughts.

Rev. Bruce Steffensen, Interim Pastor, Holiday Park Church of God, Portland, Oregon

Focus 40: Day 29 - April 11, 2011

A Prayer to Fulfill Every Good Purpose of Mine

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. -2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NIV

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you." Paul's motivation for being in constant prayer for the Thessalonian church is described in the earlier parts of this chapter. Paul states that he is thankful for the Thessalonians' growing faith, increasing love, and perseverance during persecution. Paul declares that their faith, love, and perseverance are evidence that God is empowering these believers.

Paul is in constant prayer for the believers so that "his [God's] power" would continue to empower them. Paul recognizes that it is God who enables them to have faith, love, and perseverance. By their acts of faith, love, and perseverance, they demonstrate and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is glorified in his children. We are God's ambassadors to a world that is at enmity with God. This glory comes not from within ourselves, but is a gift of God's grace working in us. It is our supreme calling as Christians to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Indeed, time itself is racing to the end of the age when God will reveal himself in a "blazing fire" and all will recognize God as Lord over all.

Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians was that they would excel in their calling; that by their conduct Jesus Christ would be glorified. This too should be our prayer. Not just for ourselves, but for the whole body of Christ. In your prayers do you lift up the names of other believers to God? Do you pray that God will work in the lives of others to bring glory to His name? Is it your prayer that you will be filled with God's grace working in you to produce fruit that showcases the glory of God?

Let us be mindful that our actions, our speech, our faith and love, are all testimonies to our union with Christ. Let us live a life that is worthy of Christ. You may be the only encounter with Christ that others have. Are they going to see the real Christ working in you? Let your prayer be that you will be.

Darren R. Covington, First Church of God, Greensburg, Indiana.

Focus 40: Day 28 - April 9, 2011

Fasting to Disappear

"'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?'...Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." -Isaiah 58:3, 6-8 NIV

The people of Isaiah's time had a misconception about fasting. In fact, they had it backwards. They fasted to get answers from God. They fasted to implore God to meet their needs. They fasted to show God what was important to them. They fasted to get God's attention.

Oops, wait a minute. That's exactly why I fast. Uh, oh. Through Isaiah, God gives a very different perspective on fasting. According to God, fasting isn't about me getting answers to my questions; it's about learning what the important questions are. Fasting isn't about petitioning God to meet my needs; it's about me seeing the needs of others. Fasting isn't about God understanding what is important to me; it's about me seeing what is important to God. Fasting isn't about God showing up-he is ever present. It's about me showing up.

I wonder what would happen if I started fasting because it was good for the kingdom? What if I began fasting to make myself available to God? What if I began fasting so more of my time and resources were available for God's use-so that the money I saved by not eating for a day fed someone who was hungry or helped finance some missions project? What if I fasted as a gift to others instead of as a means to my own ends? What if I fasted so I disappeared and the hands and feet of Jesus rose to the surface?

According to Isaiah, I would begin to see and hear from God. But it wouldn't be because some cosmic equation balanced out-I did X for God, so he'll do X for me. I'll begin to see God because I'll begin to be a part of what he is doing and his handprints and footprints will be visible all around me. All I have to do is disappear. And according to Isaiah, fasting is a gift God's given me to help me disappear.

Lord, help us to learn to disappear so you can be seen more clearly.

Pastor Bruce Steffensen, Interim Pastor, Holiday Park Church of God, Portland, Oregon

Focus 40: Day 27 - April 8, 2011

The Importance of the Time-Out

Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed… -Luke 5:16 NIV

Jesus knew the importance of the time-out, when we break away from the normal (or abnormal!) busyness of life to regroup, refresh, and refocus. I saw this illustrated in a football game. In the final seconds of the game, the Dallas Cowboys were behind by four points, several yards from the goal line, fourth down, and one timeout remaining. They needed a touchdown to win the game. Quarterback Roger Staubach called time-out and ran to the sideline to confer with Coach Tom Landry. After the time-out, Staubach gave the count, the offensive line pushed the defenders back, the receivers ran past the goal line, and Roger fired a pass to a receiver who caught it and won the game.

The victory isn't so important now, but the principle is: the time-out is vital in those tense moments toward the end and throughout the game. Whether you are ahead or behind, it is important periodically to take a time-out, stop the action, consult with the coach. Listen to his counsel; be refreshed with a drink of water or Gatorade; regroup your thoughts and energy; review the game plan.

This is truer in life than in a ballgame. We need to take time out to be with God, listen to his Word, pray, and encourage one another. Our busyness, desperately driven by responsibilities, worries, and demands, makes this time-out more important. Those moments with God, who is wiser than we are, give us needed guidance, delightful reassurance that he is with us. In that setting we are renewed with a refreshing drink from his powerful, life-transforming Word. Then it is time to get off the sidelines, back in circulation, and do the work God has calls us to do.

Prayer unleashes the power of the Word to transform our lives, regroup our thoughts, reveal God's game plan, replenish our energies, and move ahead in confidence and victory as we follow his guidance.

Lord, thank you for unifying my life around your Word and prayer, for the supreme privilege of living in intimate relationship with you. In the midst of busyness, cluttered schedules, hectic lifestyles, noise, clutter, and chaos, empower me to create the silent space to shape an intimate relationship with you through your Word and prayer. Enable me to take the appropriate time-outs, which are vital in my relationship with you. Remind me of the necessity of listening to your directions, being refreshed in your presence, and receiving a renewed vision of who you want me to be and what you want me to do. Then take me back into my world as a transformed person whom you can use to touch the lives of others with your love and transforming power. Through the Prince of Peace I pray. Amen.

Dr. Sam Bruce, President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Member, Transformation Team Connect/Refresh

Focus 40: Day 26 - April 7, 2011

Fasting for Spiritual Health and Growth

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. -Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

About every six months or so, my doctor sends me for some blood tests as part of my regularly scheduled check-up. I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes, so it's important to keep a close watch on my test results over time in order to catch any potential problem early before it becomes a more serious issue. The special thing about these particular tests is that I have to skip breakfast because they require me too fast for at least twelve hours prior to the tests in order to get accurate results. I can't even have my morning coffee, because if I have had anything to eat or drink, the levels will be determined by what I have just consumed. If a nonfasting level is high, that might not mean anything at all. But if a fasting level is abnormally high, that means something is almost definitely wrong. More tests are ordered, my diet and exercise regimen may be altered, and perhaps medications are prescribed or adjusted to correct the problem.

In his book A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer, John Piper says, "Fasting is a way of revealing to ourselves and confessing to our God what is in our hearts."5 Our physical appetites are much easier to understand and satisfy than our spiritual ones, and we have the potential to become less sensitive to our spiritual appetites when our every physical need is always met. Fasting is a means of finding out, as Piper says, whether "there are alive within us spiritual appetites that could satisfy us at a much deeper level than food, and are designed for the honor of God."6

When I first started trying fasting as an approach to God, I was convinced that my display of will-power would show him how sincere I was about what I wanted and he would then relent to my desires. Wow, did I misunderstand! As I walked by faith in the discipline of prayer and fasting-just like my doctor used fasting as a tool to determine a baseline of my physical health-God began to show me areas in my spiritual life where I was actually hindering his perfect will for me through unconfessed sin, selfish desires, and unforgiveness. Through fasting, God showed me the many strongholds that I didn't even realize still existed in my heart, and he has systematically broken down those hard places. God has patiently worked his prescription in my life through prayer and fasting to bring me closer and closer into the center of his perfect will. By intentionally humbling my heart before the Lord through the experience of fasting, I have become a stronger and healthier Christian than I ever would have been if I had never fasted.

God, I submit to your loving examination of my heart. Forgive me for all of the areas in which I've fallen short, and help me to earnestly seek your will for me today.

Mary Nichols, Commissioned Minister, Teays Valley Church of God, Scott Depot, West Virginia

5 John Piper, A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1997), 58.

6 Ibid, 91.

Focus 40: Day 25 - April 6, 2011

Lessons I've Learned through Prayer

The lifeline of the Christian life is prayer. Just as the Hebrews writer states, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb 11:6 NIV), so it is with prayer. Without a prayer life, it is impossible to maintain a close relationship with God.

Over the years, I have learned how prayer opens the door to clear visions and exceptional victory in our lives. Some of the most terrifying temptations and treacherous trouble I have faced as a Christian were conquered by the power of prayer. Here are some of the lessons I have learned about prayer in the nearly six decades I have placed my trust in God.

1. Prayer is an invitation to talk to God.
   

It is the vehicle through which we communicate with the God of the universe. During my prayer time, I not only petition God to meet my needs, but I also call upon him to address the needs of untold others. Prayer is more than mere conversation; it is a time of revelation, a time when we discover a portion of the character of God and an exposure about the essence of who we are. The prophet Isaiah gives us a probing understanding of what happens when we are in communion with the Lord. Notice the revelations Isaiah describes in chapter 6 as he is in the presence of God. Verse 1: He saw the Lord. Verse 5: He saw himself (a sinful man; a man of unclean lips). Verse 5: He saw the people who also had unclean lips.

1. Prayer requires effort and energy.
   

Prayer is not for the lazy and indifferent. Prayer is work, but it soon becomes a labor of love and devotion as one remains faithful to the task. E. M. Bounds makes a bold statement regarding the word of prayer, pointing out: To no other energy is the promise of God committed as to that of prayer. Upon no other force are the purposes of God so dependent as this one of prayer. The Word of God dilates on the results and necessity of prayer. The work of God stays or advances as prayer puts forth its strength. Prophets and apostles have urged the utility, force and necessity of prayer. (The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds)

1. Prayer delivers power.
   

The late Dr. Marcus H. Morgan, pastor of Emerald Church of God, would often recite the following lines: "Little prayer means little power; much prayer means much power; and no prayer means no power." I have discovered this quote to be true in own life when I have neglected my prayer life. Just as prayer equals power, the lack of a consistent prayer life equals powerlessness. One of the main lessons I have learned is to not pursue any matter of life without first taking time to saturate that matter in prayer. In Luke 11:9-10: Jesus instructs us to Ask… Seek… and . . .Knock. These are all action verbs and they invite us to participate with God in prayer if we expect to open the door of power and faith.

Lord, lead me into the prayer that delivers power into my life, relationships, and ministries. Enable my prayers to be more than mere conversations, but rather times of revelation, times to discover who you are and how you want to shape me so you can use me effectively. Amen.

Dr. Alvin Lewis, Retired; Former Pastor, Central Community Church of God, Jackson, Mississippi

Focus 40: Day 24 - April 5, 2011

Being Pruned

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit...so they will produce even more. -John 15:2 NLT

Pruning scares me.

In the garden and around the yard I am always hesitant to cut away too much of a plant or tree. I have this thought that one stray cut could kill the whole plant.

I don't like personal and emotional pruning in my life. I have allowed unhealthy things to fester inside me because I am unwilling to get rid of them. I have this thought that backing away from that friendship or confronting that emotion will cost me more than I want to pay.

The fact is that unhealth in the life of a plant or in my life will lead to my destruction.

Pruning away the unhealthy parts of life allows God to create something better in its place.

Jesus is the true vine. God is the vine grower. God is a great gardener. God knows what needs to be pruned away and what needs to be kept. He will enable us to see this in our lives if we are willing to listen.

Listening requires recognition.

1. I am not perfect as I am right now.

2. If I want to grow and produce good fruit I need to be connected to the vine (God).

Knowing this, I can pray and hear God's response. I can recognize unhealthy habits, attitudes, and emotions and replace them with healthy ones. I can have a life of meaning, purpose, and significance.

Prayer, fasting, engaging scripture, and fellowship with other believers are pruning moments. How willing are you to be pruned?

Father God. Help me recognize the unhealthy parts of my life. Help me to release those parts and replace them. I want to produce good fruit. Show me how, even when it is difficult. Amen.

Pastor John Mattern, First Church of God, Greensburg, Indiana.

Focus 40: Day 23 - April 4, 2011

My Covenant Responsibility for You

"As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you" -1 Samuel 12:23-24 NIV

In these verses, I see four responsibilities that we have to one another regarding intercessory prayer, and our ministry to one another which grows out of such prayer.

Pray for You

Samuel said, "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you" (1Samuel 12:23a). It is a privilege for me to go the throne of God in intercessory prayer on your behalf. I want God's best for you. Therefore, I must ask, in faith, believing that God wants to give you his best. God never fails; every time I go to him on your behalf, he always sends me away with some blessing for myself while meeting your needs as well.

Teach You

Samuel said, "And I will teach you the way that is good and right" (1 Samuel 12:23b). The Word is my source for teaching you God's truths. God has given us everything we need for living life the way he wants us to live, the way that is good and right. More than teaching you abstract ideas and vague concepts, the best way I can teach you is by the example of my life of faith and dependence on God. As I let him lead me, I become equipped to lead you.

Admonish You

As one who loves you, and who is interested in your growth and maturity in the Lord, I am called by God to challenge you to live a life of reverence and respect, an attitude of worship, glorifying God in all you do. Samuel said, "Be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully" (1 Samuel 12:24a). I should encourage you to be faithful to him, for in your faithfulness lies God's opportunity to give you his greatest blessings. His promises to his chosen, faithful ones are unending.

Remind You

During those times when you feel discouraged or inadequate, I am called to remind you of how God has blessed you in the past. Samuel said, "Consider what great things he has done for you" (1 Samuel 12:24b). Such reminders will enable you to realize that, just as he has blessed you in the past, he has all the resources needed to bless you in the present and future.

These words of instruction and encouragement show how we can minister to one another through intercessory prayer. When you are in extended difficulties, I may need to fast and pray on your behalf.

Lord, thank you for the privilege of bringing other persons before your throne. Enable me to be an effective intercessory prayer warrior, placing before your throne of mercy the people you want to touch through me. Amen.

Dr. Sam Bruce, President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Member, Transformation Team Connect/Refresh

Focus 40: Day 22 - April 2, 2011

Rejecting the Religious Show

"When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."-Matthew 6:17–18 NIV

Have you ever met someone who is so religious it makes you uncomfortable? I once knew a man who made sure everyone knew about his prayer life, his devotional habits, his Bible knowledge and reading schedule, how much he gave the church and other Christian organizations, and took great pride in his church services/Sunday school attendance. He was one of the most difficult people I have ever had to work with.

Appearing religious and knowing Christ is not always the same thing.

When Jesus spoke these words he was laying out what it means to follow God in the Sermon on the Mount. He was making it clear that appearing to follow God for the approval of others and personal gain is not what God desires.

If you want to follow God, don't put on a show. Just do it.

If you are fasting, clean up and go about your life. Don't feel the need to broadcast it to the entire world. Let it be a time of growth between you and God.

God knows.

God is aware of what is in our hearts. We do not need the approval of others to be in touch with God. The greater reward is the relationship that develops between us and God through spiritual exercises such as fasting.

Today I encourage you to fast a meal or spend time in prayer and don't tell anyone about it. Don't do it to please anyone but God. Just focus on that relationship. Reject the religious show and discover the power and love of the one true God.

Pastor John Mattern, First Church of God, Greensburg, Indiana.

Focus 40: Day 21 - April 1, 2011

Effective Praying

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. -Romans 8:26 NIV

Have you ever wondered whether your prayers ascended higher than the ceiling? Have you ever wondered, if God knows all, why do I need to pray about things he already knows? Have you ever wondered whether your prayers for those you love make any difference? Have you ever wondered why it is so difficult to have a consistent and biblical prayer life? Have you ever wondered why in the world you should pray at all?

These questions, and similar ones, have been asked by humanity since time began. Each one of us goes through seasons in our spiritual journey that seem to raise the questions afresh with each change in our life experience. The desire, I believe, of all disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ is to have an effective prayer life. If an effective prayer life is a goal, what does it look like? What are the components? How do I know if I have it?

Prayer reveals my relationship with my Lord and Savior. We all know persons on different levels—some are mere acquaintances, some are community neighbors, some are colleagues at work, some are family, and some are close personal friends. I see praying to and with Jesus in somewhat the same light. In Romans 8:26, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer to God the Father. In order to intercede, a fairly close relationship would seem to be required. Each one of us will determine what level of relationship we desire to have with God, which will in turn, I believe, determine our prayer life. Martha and I have been married for forty-four years. We have had thousands of conversations. Yet in order to deepen the relationship, there is a desire and need to continue to have effective and beneficial conversations. Within a marriage, conversations deepen the level of intimacy so the mates understand each other's thoughts and feelings.

Prayer to and with the Trinity is part of the ongoing work of building a relationship. The image we carry in our hearts and minds of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit will determine, to a great degree, the quality of the relationship. Our image needs to be based in Scripture so that our relationship can fulfill the design given by our creator.

Effective praying, then, is measured not so much by results as by relationship. As I commune with my Lord and Savior, sharing my deepest thoughts, hurts, and aspirations, the results of life will take care of themselves. Jesus walked the earth building relationships with those he touched. Those relationships produced results of one type or another. Effective praying is building a strong and biblical relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Lord, as I share my deepest thoughts, hurts, and aspirations with you in prayer, will you take care of the results, helping me in my weakness? As I build a strong, intimate, biblical relationship with you, make me effective in touching others with your healing grace and peace. Amen.

Dr. Ronald V. Duncan, General Director, Church of God Ministries