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