tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39793746246492875252024-02-07T19:53:39.410-05:00REFRESHING GOD'S CHURCHLOW Cost, HIGH Quality CHURCH CONSULTING Services, including
Church Health Studies; Financial, Demographic and Psychographic Data and Analysis; Interviews and Surveys: Leaders, Congregation, Secret Guest,... and MORE!
See the "CHURCH CONSULTING" and "CAREER HIGHLIGHTS" pages below and the earliest posts beginning "Sample..." in the Blog Archive for introductory and explanatory information.Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.comBlogger355125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-52699203531918589492022-02-19T06:26:00.000-05:002022-02-19T06:26:05.509-05:00<p class="Default"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">02/19/22
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 24<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Those who believe God is able to
bring about remarkable things lead <b>REVITALIZED</b>
churches. But make no mistake: God’s level of blessing typically rises to the
level of our expectation. Look at pastors in history who led <b>REVITALIZING</b> churches, from McCheyne to
Spurgeon, from Baxter to Criswell. These men all had a compelling vision to do
something for which only God could be given credit… Sometimes we are so afraid
of being presumptuous in our faith we end up believing God for little to
nothing. What is happening in your life and ministry just now that can only be
explained by the fact that Jesus rose from the dead?” --Alvin Reid, in
REVITALIZE Your Church Through Gospel Recovery (pp. 42, 44-45) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 17:14-20
(ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came
up to him and, kneeling before him, <br />
15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he
is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and
often into the water. <br />
16 And I brought him to your disciples, and
they could not heal him.” <br />
17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and
twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with
you? Bring him here to me.” <br />
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came
out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. <br />
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately
and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” <br />
20 He said to them, “Because of your little
faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and
nothing will be impossible for you.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">FAITH…</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Jesus’
frustration in this passage is not about the “size” of the disciples’ faith,
but the kind of faith they lacked – believing, vibrant, living faith! Jesus
said, <i>“You unbelieving and perverted generation…” </i>(17:17), and, <i>“if
you have faith the size of a mustard seed…” </i>(17:20), you will be able to
see miracles occur! Again, it is not your size of faith that matters as you
seek God’s <b>REVITALIZING</b>, restoring
power in your church. It is a matter of heart-felt, vibrant, living faith in
the God of the impossible, even as small as a mustard seed! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Father, I believe You alone are God; there is
no other! You are the author of our salvation and You are the means by which <b>REVITALIZATION</b> will happen in my life
and in our church. I join the cry of the convulsing boy’s father when he cried
out, <i>“I do believe; help my unbelief” </i>(Mark 9:24). Strengthen my faith
every single day to keep trusting You alone to do the miraculous in our church!
I believe You are more than able to do more than I can even ask or imagine, so
please do it as you build my faith every day. In Your Son’s Name I pray, Amen.</span></p>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-81935844241840526862022-02-14T09:02:00.001-05:002022-02-14T09:02:30.067-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">02/14/22
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 23</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 20:20-28
(ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came
up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. <br />
21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She
said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right
hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” <br />
22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you
are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to
him, “We are able.” <br />
23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup,
but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for
those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” <br />
24 And when the ten heard it, they were
indignant at the two brothers. <br />
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You
know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones
exercise authority over them. <br />
26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever
would be great among you must be your servant, <br />
27 and whoever would be first among you must
be your slave, <br />
28 even as the Son of Man came not to be
served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Jesus describes two
kinds of leaders in this passage. See if you can find the defining
characteristics each kind of leader demonstrates: Rulers of the Gentiles and Followers
of Jesus. Which do you intend to be? <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">WISE LEADERS</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">… Alvin Reid writes these words in his 2013
book, Revitalize Your Church through Gospel Recovery, “The wise leaders know
they will never be able to lead in their own power and wisdom. They need both
the power and wisdom of God and the help of others” (p. 65). Faithful followers
of Jesus know that the key to their ability to lead others in doing God’s work
is daily abiding in Christ and His Word, and living in obedience to the
teachings of God’s Word, fully dependent on God’s life-giving Spirit. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Lord Jesus we need leaders who do not try to use human ingenuity and
cleverness to bring Your strength back into our church family. We need leaders
who depend on You and the counsel of Your Word. Please instruct our leaders
daily with Your Word; inspire and motivate them by Your Spirit to obedience and
faithfulness. And as we who follow them travel in their footsteps, grant them
humility and grant us grace. Restore our church to a Biblical model of servant
leadership where Christ is exalted in every decision, and where Your people
delight to follow those who follow You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-16918355071321440632022-02-05T07:46:00.001-05:002022-02-05T07:46:14.492-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">02/05/22
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 22</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 23:1-12 (ESV)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his
disciples, <br />
2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’
seat, <br />
3 so do and observe whatever they tell you,
but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. <br />
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and
lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move
them with their finger. <br />
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by
others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, <br />
6 and they love the place of honor at feasts
and the best seats in the synagogues <br />
7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being
called rabbi by others. <br />
8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you
have one teacher, and you are all brothers. <br />
9 And call no man your father on earth, for
you have one Father, who is in heaven. <br />
10 Neither be called instructors, for you have
one instructor, the Christ. <br />
11 The greatest among you shall be your
servant. <br />
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and
whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">FOLLOW WHO?...</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <i>“The
scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses;
therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to
their deeds, for they say things and do not do them” </i>(Matthew 23:2-3).
Those who are worthy of being followed, lead others by their own example of
humility. They do not strive for their own honor, but to honor others. Those
who practice such a lifestyle have earned your confidence; follow their lead as
they follow Christ in the process of church <b>REVITALIZATION</b>. Paul told the Corinthian church, <i>“Follow my
example as I follow the example of Christ” </i>(1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Heavenly Father, our church family often has
differing opinions about how to address all of the areas in our fellowship that
need Your renewing touch. Please unify us around the cross of Jesus, and by
Your sovereign grace, to follow those whom You have appointed to lead us
through this challenging journey. Help us to walk in love, just as Christ also
loved us and gave Himself up for us. Do not allow a single word of criticism or
filthiness or silly talk or coarse jesting escape from our mouths, but only the
giving of thanks and words of appreciation for those who are guiding us to
follow You. In the mighty name of Jesus, I ask, Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-58479580483420925592022-02-01T08:23:00.000-05:002022-02-01T08:23:05.973-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">02/01/22
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 21</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark 9:33-37 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was
in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” <br />
34 But they kept silent, for on the way they
had argued with one another about who was the greatest. <br />
35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And
he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant
of all.” <br />
36 And he took a child and put him in the
midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, <br />
37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name
receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">What is the primary
characteristic a follower of Jesus should display if they expect to be exalted,
or known as a great person in Christ’s Kingdom? </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">SERVING IN HUMILITY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">… Those who lead in any local church should
first take on the same clothing as Christ in His incarnation. <i>“Do nothing
from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another
as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal
interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in
yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he existed in the form
of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied
Himself, taking the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of
men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming
obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” </i>(Philippians 2:3-8).
It is not stretching things to suggest that this should be the first mark of
anyone who leads in your church family. Do others identify you as a humble
servant of others? Ask God to make you more like His Son in this area. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Holy Spirit, I plead with You to override my humanity and fill me with
Your fruit – love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and goodness and
gentleness and faithfulness and self-control – so that in all my conversations,
and in all my relationships, and in all my patterns of behavior, I will be a
humble and delightful servant of blessing to all the people around me. Within
the context of our church family compel each of us by Your grace to be devoted
to one another in brotherly love in the same pattern by which Jesus
demonstrated His love toward us; and cause us to outdo one another in showing
honor to each other day after day. Use our humble serving to restore our
fellowship and our witness, and to <b>REVITALIZE</b>
our church for Your glorious praise. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-14246430772258219282022-01-22T11:20:00.000-05:002022-01-22T11:20:15.514-05:00<p class="Default"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">01/22/22
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 20<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LUKE 12:31<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">What does it mean to “seek His
Kingdom?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A KINGDOM
AGENDA</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">…
In the context of Luke 12 and Matthew 6, Jesus teaches that a Kingdom agenda
means… <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
soul is more important than riches (Luke 12:16-21). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Faith
is more important than food, clothing, or life span (Luke 12:22-30). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Eternity is
more important than possessions (Luke 12:33-34). <i>Do your personal priorities
line up with those that Jesus prescribes? In what ways does your life currently
reflect this agenda? Do your church’s priorities line up with those that Jesus
prescribes? In what ways does your church currently reflect this agenda?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Jesus, at least part of the reason our church
needs Your <b>REVITALIZING</b> grace and
restoration is because over time we have drifted away from Your Kingdom agenda.
We have adopted our own agenda and we have lost sight of what You value. Please
forgive us; please forgive me. We do not want to pursue our own agenda any
longer. We long to pursue You, even as the deer pants for the water brook, O
Lord, our souls long for You above all else. Please fill our hearts with
renewed vigor to passionately pursue You and Your Kingdom agenda for our
church. Set us free from the bondage of selfish and self-centered pursuits to
hunger and thirst after righteousness alone. In Your Name I pray, Amen.</span></p>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-64291304971340547262022-01-17T06:17:00.003-05:002022-01-17T06:17:36.180-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">01/17/22
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 19</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 6:1-15 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness
before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no
reward from your Father who is in heaven. <br />
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no
trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets,
that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received
their reward. <br />
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let
your left hand know what your right hand is doing, <br />
4 so that your giving may be in secret. And
your Father who sees in secret will reward you. <br />
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the
hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street
corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received
their reward. <br />
6 But when you pray, go into your room and
shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who
sees in secret will reward you. <br />
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty
phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their
many words. <br />
8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows
what you need before you ask him. <br />
9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name. <br />
10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven. <br />
11 Give us this day our daily bread, <br />
12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have
forgiven our debtors. <br />
13 And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. <br />
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you, <br />
15 but if you do not forgive others their
trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">This passage of
Scripture links prayer in a believer’s life with at least three critical heart
elements. These heart elements, when laid bare by the work of the Holy Spirit,
reveal whether or not a believer is rightly aligned with God’s heart: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Theatrics = <i>“beware of practicing your
righteousness before men to be noticed by them” </i>(6:1,5) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Verbosity = <i>“when you are praying, do
not use meaningless repetition” </i>(6:7) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Forgiveness = <i>“forgive us our debts, as
we also have forgiven our debtors” </i>(6:12,14-15) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">AUTHENTICITY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">… There is no place in Christ’s church for
hypocrisy. Jesus warned His followers not to make their faith activities a performance
to impress others (Matthew 6:1,5,16). Neither should believers judge others
because there is yet plenty in their own lives to be judged (Matthew 7:1-5).
Instead Jesus both lived and taught authenticity in our relationship with Him
and with one another. Are either of these statements true about you or about
any one in your church family? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far
from Me, but in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of
men” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">(Matthew 15:8-9). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“For out of the heart come evil thoughts,
murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are
the things which defile the man…” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">(Matthew 15:19-20a) When we fail to be authentic with Jesus, we
will undoubtedly be playing a masquerade with our fellow believers. Let’s
repent of our lack of authenticity and come clean with Jesus about our
hypocrisy today. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Father God, I want to come clean about my hypocrisy. It is creating
chaos in my walk with You and in my relationships with my brothers and sisters
in Christ. Please forgive me for not living an authentic Christian life, and by
Your grace empower me to live soberly and uprightly in my walk with You and in
my relationships with fellow believers. I desire to walk in the Light as You
Yourself are the Light, so that I can have Biblical fellowship with other
believers and so I can walk in authenticity with You. Be honored today in all
my relationships, as I cast off hypocrisy and embrace the life of Christ. I ask
this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-33281017519264125202022-01-11T06:12:00.002-05:002022-01-11T06:12:36.194-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">01/11/22
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 18</span></i></b></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“God’s Word and Spirit are so powerful
that they can not only build a healthy church, but even take a dying, broken, discouraged
congregation and give it renewed life, causing it to flourish far beyond what its
founders ever imagined.” These are words written by Pastor Brian Croft in his article
“Five Unexpected Lessons in Church Revitalization,” and recorded in a <i>9Marks Journal</i> entitled, <i>Revitalize: Why
We Must Reclaim Dying Churches - and How</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 15:1-11 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. <br />
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that
does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. <br />
3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. <br />
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it
abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. <br />
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it
is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. <br />
6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and
the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. <br />
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will
be done for you. <br />
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my
disciples. <br />
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. <br />
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my
Father’s commandments and abide in his love. <br />
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy
may be full. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">GOD’S WORD</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">…<i> Identify three
things Jesus talks about in this passage that need to be either developed or initiated,
or advanced among your church family. List them here as three specific prayer requests:
“Father, shape us into a church that… __________; __________; and __________. Include
these three prayer requests in your prayer below… <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Jesus, thank you for teaching us in John 15 about
faithfully abiding in You and Your Word, bearing fruit, being pruned, staying connected
to You as our life source, prayer, obedience to Your commandments, love, and joy.
Our church family is desperate for You to do a new work among us in these areas
<i><u>(include your prayer requests here)</u></i>…
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-28004160099294976612022-01-02T15:36:00.001-05:002022-01-02T15:36:14.521-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">01/03/22
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 17</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Matthew
5:23-24 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
23 <span class="jesuswords">So if you are offering
your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against
you,</span> <br />
24 <span class="jesuswords">leave your gift there
before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and
offer your gift.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">RECONCILIATION</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">… I had not been their pastor very long. In
an effort to become acquainted with the older members of the congregation, I invited
one long-time member to be my visitation partner for a few months. The first time
we went visiting together he surprised me at the end of the afternoon. Pulling into
the church parking lot he reached into his shirt pocket to reveal a note card with
the names of ten men written on it. “Pastor,” he began, “these ten men have deeply
offended me and I want them brought before the church to answer for what they have
done.” As we talked, I learned that he had been carrying this list of names around
for more than three years, but had never attempted reconciliation with any one of
them. Biblical reconciliation was missing from his demand; he was only interested
in revenge. Perhaps you need to be reconciled to a brother or sister in Christ.
Perhaps others in your church family are at distant odds over some issue or another.
Regardless what the offense, without forgiveness and reconciliation, your church
will continue to struggle and <b>REVITALIZATION</b>
attempts will be stymied. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Lord Jesus, we are a broken people, and among us we have broken relationships
that, apart from Your grace, will continue to hamper the fellowship and the effectiveness
of our church. Please show Yourself strong by surfacing every previous offense that
is strangling us, and compel us, by Your Holy Spirit, to speak the truth in love
to one another and to offer to one another the same forgiveness which You have so
generously given to us. Please break down every stronghold of bitterness and unforgiveness
in our fellowship, and replace it with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. I humbly ask
in Your Name. Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-91236364796453356632021-12-26T08:12:00.003-05:002021-12-26T08:12:36.958-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">12/27/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 16</span></i></b></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">CONFLICT,
DISAGREEMENT, RESOLVE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">…
Bill Henard, in his book Can These Bones Live?, says that “One of the primary reasons
that a church turns inward comes from present or past conflicts within the congregation,”
and that “problems and conflicts occur in all churches of all sizes,” and that “unforgiveness
represents the foremost internal conflict most often ignored in the church” (Chapter
8). Unforgiving hearts are usually one of the primary causes of spiritual decline
both personally and within the church. That’s why there are so many exhortations
in the Bible like these: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and
slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted,
forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">(Ephesians 4:31-32).
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 18.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -9.35pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and
beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against
anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">(Colossians 3:12-13).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Father God, I thank you that in Christ You have
forgiven me all my sins and reckoned me as righteous through the atonement of Christ.
I have gladly received Your forgiveness; make me equally glad to extend the same
forgiveness to those who offend, disappoint, or hurt me. Transform my tendency to
hold grudges into Christlike mercy toward others. Dissolve all my inner bitterness
and unforgiveness in the shed blood of Jesus, and restore to me a clean heart out
of which I gladly forgive others. I ask this in Your Son’s Name, Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-14958006341097555992021-12-12T13:07:00.003-05:002021-12-12T13:07:49.579-05:00<p class="Default"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">12/13/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 14<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark 1:21-28 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue
and was teaching. <br />
22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority,
and not as the scribes. <br />
23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And
he cried out, <br />
24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” <br />
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” <br />
26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came
out of him. <br />
27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What
is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and
they obey him.” <br />
28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region
of Galilee. </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">After His death, burial, and resurrection,
Jesus declared His authority over everything! Matthew 28:18-20 records His words
to this effect. What is the <b><u>extent</u></b> of His authority to which He refers in Matthew
28:18? “_______ authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">ALL AUTHORITY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">… Throughout His
life, and particularly during His ministry, Jesus demonstrated His authority, until,
through His death, burial, and resurrection, He unquestionably held <i>ALL </i>authority:
Authority over creation (John 1:3; Col. 1:17); Authority over all tangible and intangible
resources (Phil 4:19) ; Authority over disease and physical handicap (Mark 6:53-56;
7:31-37; 8:22-25; 10:46-52) ; Authority over the spirits (Mark 5:1-13) ; Authority
over religion (Mark 11:15-18) ; Authority over man’s plans (Matthew 16:21-23) ;
and Authority over sin, the grave, and death (1 Corinthians 15:50-58; Revelation
1:17-18).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Jesus, You have demonstrated that You stand alone
in creation and human history as the One with <i>ALL </i>authority. I bow in total
submission to Your authority. You are our Sovereign God, Lord, Creator of heaven
and earth, and victorious Savior vanquishing sin, the grave, and death! I praise
You and worship You above all other things, for You alone are worthy to receive
glory, honor and praise. Please exercise Your great, majestic authority over our
church and bring <b>REVITALIZATION</b> to our
fellowship, our effectiveness, our missional life, and our ministries, all for the
glory of Your Name! Amen!!</span></p>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-40600788893296354892021-12-05T20:30:00.000-05:002021-12-05T20:30:01.133-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">12/06/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 13</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Luke 6:1-11 contains two
specific instances wherein Jesus did something which did not fit the traditional
understanding or interpretation of one of the Ten Commandments <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">TRADITIONS THAT GO BEYOND SCRIPTURE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">… If Jesus were to visit your church this week,
what are some of the things your church “traditionally” does that are not mandated
by Scripture, but might be currently “treasured” as unchangeable as though they
were mandated by Scripture? (In other words, some people might be upset if you don’t
do these things anymore; or some people might be tenaciously insistent that these
things never change.) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Can you recognize that
things we often cling to, that do not come directly from Scripture are often some
of the things that need to change in your church if you are going to experience
<b>REVITALIZATION</b>? If not, ask Jesus to
open your eyes to this reality, and then pray this prayer… <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Heavenly Father, I believe the testimony of Your Word – that indeed You
created the heavens and the earth and that Your creative work was performed through
Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe and affirm that through Christ all
things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, both visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; that all things have been
created through Jesus and for Jesus. He knows best about all the rules that should
be associated with His creation and His church, which He bought with His own shed
blood. Therefore, Father, today I surrender all the preconceived ideas which me
and my church have added to Your design or to Your specifications in Scripture by
way of our “sacred traditions.” I submit myself once again to the full authority
of Christ and His Word. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-58724923920102428212021-11-28T06:37:00.003-05:002021-11-28T06:37:32.181-05:00<p> </p><p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">11/29/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 12</span></i></b></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">John 9:35-41 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, <span class="jesuswords">“Do you believe in the Son of Man?”</span> <br />
36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” <br />
37 Jesus said to him, <span class="jesuswords">“You have seen him, and it is he who
is speaking to you.”</span> <br />
38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. <br />
39 Jesus said, <span class="jesuswords">“For judgment I came into this world, that
those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”</span> <br />
40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also
blind?” <br />
41 Jesus said to them, <span class="jesuswords">“If you were blind, you would have
no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In today’s passage Jesus is having a conversation
with some religious leaders about the blind man and his healing, not willing themselves
to believe that Jesus had sufficient power to do such a miracle. Because of their
stubborn hearts and unwillingness to believe, Jesus referred to the religious leaders
as “blind” themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">What are the two greatest barriers you
can identify that will need to be overcome in order for your church to be <b>REVITALIZED</b>? </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">____________________; ____________________<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">BELIEVE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">… The Pharisees
in John 9 were insistent that Jesus could not have the power to heal blind eyes.
Only God could do such a miracle. So, they questioned the formerly blind man twice;
they questioned his parents. Yet they could not disprove that Jesus had done something
unexplainable to them. Don’t you want Jesus to do something unexplainable in your
church? Don’t you long to see Him restore Gospel fervency and evangelistic effectiveness
in your church family? Jesus is the One who can do it! Not a committee; not the
remaining members of your congregation. Only Jesus. Do you believe? Do you think
He can solve, demolish, and overwhelm the barriers you listed above? Do you believe?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Lord Jesus, we have evaluated our situation many
times, even prayed over it; honestly our prayers have often been without true faith
that You could actually do anything about our plight. But today, I renounce my own
“blindness;” I turn away from my “blindness;” I embrace Your mighty power. You can
do anything! I believe! You can walk on water; bring water from a rock; part a river
and even a sea! You can raise the dead, and You can breathe life into dry bones!
Jesus, I cry out to You, with the rest of my church family, pleading for Your miraculous
intervention in our church. You are able! I believe You can overcome every barrier
that stands against us, and I surrender my own defeatist perspective to your conquering
grace! Jesus, come and do what only You can do in our church. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-6614166996174747902021-11-28T06:35:00.003-05:002021-11-28T06:35:50.167-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">11/22/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 11</span></i></b></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";">“Every
church needing <b>REVITALIZATION</b> can assume
at some point in the ups and downs of their existence that they lost sight of the
Biblical model and structure of authority and must begin to recover it if any other
patters of dysfunction can be addressed to ensure a healthy direction for the future.
Authority matters. Who is in charge in your church? Jesus is the bridegroom of His
bride. He is in charge. He is the one to whom the church must submit if it is to
have life and experience the unity that only He can bring, for it came at the cost
of His own life (Eph. 2:11-15).” —<i>Brian Croft,
“Biblical Church Revitalization” <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 16:15-19 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” <br />
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” <br />
17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood
has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. <br />
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it. <br />
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth
shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";">WHO’S IN CHARGE?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";">
When Peter correctly answered Jesus’ probing question about His identity, Jesus
not only affirmed Peter’s answer, but went further to explain what it meant for
Him to be <i>“the Christ, the Son of the living God” </i>(Matthew 16:16). Jesus
went on to say that <i>“…I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not
overpower it” </i>(Matthew 16:18) As Brian Croft wrote in his book quoted above,
Jesus is in charge. “He is the one to whom the church must submit if it is to have
life and experience the unity that only He can bring…” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";">As
a friend of mine often says when pressing someone for an honest answer, “If someone
held a gun to your head demanding to know who was in charge of your church, what
would you answer?” If it is anyone other Jesus Christ then some serious repentance,
prayer, and reorientation needs to happen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">: Jesus, I acknowledge and submit to Your authority, and
Your authority alone, over Your church. I am not the authority in our church, nor
is any other person the authority. Please forgive me for any time that I have attempted
to exercise my own authority in Your church, as though it belonged to me and not
to You. Please restore a deep sense of humility among all the leaders in our church,
and a glad desire to submit to Your authority alone. I agree with Peter, “You are
the Christ, the Son of the living God!” and thereby You have full authority to reign
in Your church. I surrender and submit myself to You, King of all kings, and Lord
of all lords! Amen!</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-73141391856411437882021-11-14T16:06:00.000-05:002021-11-14T16:06:00.081-05:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Praying
With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 10</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">11/15/21 </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke 6:46-49 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
46“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do
what I tell you? <br />
47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my
words and does them, I will show you what he is like: <br />
48 he is like a man building a house, who
dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the
stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been
well built. <br />
49 But the one who hears and does not do
them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When
the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house
was great.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which person
in Luke 6:46-49 are you most like right now, today? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">__ The person
building a house on a rock-solid foundation—you do whatever Jesus says; OR<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">__ The person
building a house with no foundation—you are ignoring Jesus’ instructions <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">RETURNING
TO THE WORD…</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
<b>REVITALIZATION </b>is about a group of
Christ-followers surrendering all their own pre-conceived ideas about what
their church should look like and how it should behave, and returning to the
Author of their faith, upon whom the church is founded. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We started
this section of prayers by renewing our confidence in God’s Word. Not just for
the sake of our church’s <b>REVITALIZATION</b>,
but ultimately for God’s own glory and for our personal and corporate good.
Let’s close out this section by asking God to transform our minds according to
His Word so that we might prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will
of God concerning our church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Lord, I love Your Word; I praise You for
providing such a wonderful road map for life and living. You are my hiding
place and my shield; from now on I wait for Your Word. I place my own thoughts
and ideas in submission to Your Word. Sustain me according to Your Word, that I
may live the life You designed for me, and in so doing be a part of a renewed
church family set upon the very same purpose. Uphold me by Your Word;
strengthen my resolve to seek Your Word before the counsel of others, and then
compel all of us together to obey whatever You say. We love you and Your Word.
In your Son’s Name, Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-60876092739259658842021-11-08T06:44:00.002-05:002021-11-08T06:44:29.553-05:00<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">11/08/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 09</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 1:1-4 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God. <br />
2 He was in the beginning with God. <br />
3 All things were made through him, and
without him was not any thing made that was made. <br />
4 In him was life, and the life was the
light of men. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“THE THIEF COMES ONLY
TO STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY; I CAME THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT
ABUNDANTLY.” </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">(JOHN 10:10) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">This life that Jesus gives is not just fire
insurance against an eternity in hell, but it is the very substance of life in
the present. He knows better than anyone else exactly what your church needs in
order to be a life-giving force in your community. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">John
5:24 (ESV) </span></b><span class="jesuswords"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever
hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come
into judgment, but has passed from death to life.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span class="ind"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">FROM WORD TO LIFE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">… <i>Fill in the blanks below: <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> “…he who hears My word, and </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">________________
<i>Him who sent Me, has </i>_______________<i> life...” “…[he] does not come
into judgment, but has passed out of death into </i>______________<i> .” <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">When we believe God’s
Word we avoid judgment, pass out of death’s claws, and receive LIFE!! This is
true for eternity and for today! You and your church, as you believe God’s
Word, His promises and assurances, will begin to experience NEW LIFE in Christ!
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Lord Jesus, help me to cling to Your Word as the very substance of
life for me today and throughout eternity. Thank you for giving us Your Word; I
want to thirst for it like the Psalmist, as the deer pants for the water brook,
so let me soul thirst for You and Your Word. Use Your Word in me to build my
faith and to help re-shape our church into an effective instrument for the
Gospel in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, I ask in
Jesus’ Name. Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-82559818249687318172021-11-01T09:55:00.002-04:002021-11-01T09:55:45.951-04:00<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">11/01/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 08</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 17:13-21 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
13 But now I am coming to you, and these
things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
<br />
14 I have given them your word, and the world
has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the
world. <br />
15 I do not ask that you take them out of the
world, but that you keep them from the evil one. <br />
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not
of the world. <br />
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is
truth. <br />
18 As you sent me into the world, so I have
sent them into the world. <br />
19 And for their sake I consecrate myself,
that they also may be sanctified in truth. <br />
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for
those who will believe in me through their word, <br />
21 that they may all be one, just as you,
Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world
may believe that you have sent me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Use whatever resources you have at
your disposal (commentaries, Bible software, Bible dictionaries, etc.) to
examine John 17:17, and particularly the word “<b>sanctify</b>” as it appears in that verse. Write what you discover
here:<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">___________________________________________________________________________<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">SANCTIFY…</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> In you
research on the word “sanctify” you should have come across information that
says “sanctify” means to “set apart for special use.” The word comes from the
Greek word from which we get the word for “holy” or “holiness.” It is an action
initiated and carried out by God Himself in the lives of His people. And in the
case of Jesus’ prayer request in John 17:17, it is a work God performs through
His Word in the hearts and minds of His people. We are set apart unto God, out
of this world, and beyond the reason and logic that drives humanity, through
the work God does in us as we give ourselves to His Word. He “sanctifies” us in
the truth, which is His Word. No tool in your <b>REVITALIZATION</b> process will be more valuable than God’s Word. Keep
it close. Read, study, meditate on, and memorize it daily. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Father, in keeping with Jesus’ own prayer on
behalf of His disciples present with Him, as well as for all those who would
believe in Jesus because of the testimony of those first disciples, I plead
with You for Your sanctifying work in my own heart and life as I give myself
daily to Your Word. Let Your Word dwell richly within me, and within our church
family, that we will be sanctified in Your truth, with all wisdom teaching and
admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with
thankfulness in our hearts for all that You are doing among us. I ask this in
Jesus Name. Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-50950146516299462802021-10-25T06:20:00.001-04:002021-10-25T06:20:25.975-04:00<p class="Default"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">10/25/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 07<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">There were plenty of
accusations. “They want our property so they can sell it to fund their own
ministries,” suggested one opponent to the <b>REVITALIZATION</b>
partnership being offered by a sister church. Another used scare tactics among
the few remaining homebound members by overstating the value of the church’s
property and how a partnering church would use this value to their own
advantage. Still another accusation came from the chairman of the few remaining
deacons, “Those offering us assistance only want to make a name for themselves
and they care nothing about us.” These, and many other misguided, yet painful,
accusations may very well be a part of your church’s efforts toward<b> REVITALIZATION</b>. Despite their
opposition, stay the course because part of the process of <b>REVITALIZATION</b> is the cleansing of hearts and motives among those
who resist the process. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">INSIDE OUT</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">… Jesus challenged the Pharisees on more
than one occasion to be careful about putting on a religious front when, in
fact, their hearts were yet unclean in motive or attitude. <i>“Now you
Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you,
you are full of robbery and wickedness” </i>(Luke 11:39). <i>“Woe to you,
scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like white-washed tombs which on
the outside appear beautiful, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all
uncleanness” </i>(Matthew 23:27). Not only must we make sure our attitudes and
actions are pure before the Lord in this <b>REVITALIZATION</b>
effort, but we must also pray for our brothers and sisters who are
demonstrating something less than pure motives and attitudes in their reaction
to God’s work of <b>REVITALIZATION</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Jesus, thank you for giving our church the opportunity for restoration
and <b>REVITALIZATION</b>. I know the
process will not be easy, but with You all things are possible, and we are
trusting in Your ever-present help throughout the process. Please cleanse my
heart, and the hearts of all our church members of any evil, conspiring, or
uncooperative spirit in the <b>REVITALIZATION</b>
process so that You alone can gain glory and Your church be reclaimed for Your
great purpose. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.</span></p>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-73685449665554592782021-10-18T06:18:00.002-04:002021-10-18T06:18:31.945-04:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">10/18/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 06</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John
8:31-32 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had
believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, <br />
32 and you will know the truth, and the
truth will set you free.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">CONTINUE
IN MY WORD…</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
Perhaps the most important dimension of <b>REVITALIZATION</b>
is the restoration of God’s people to a profound confidence in God’s Word.
Jesus’ promises surrounding His Word are numerous. In John 8:31-32 He promises
that faithfully giving heed to His Word on a continuing basis proves we are His
followers. In John 15:7 He promises that abiding in His Word and allowing that
Word to transformatively abide in us opens the doorway of prayer and allows us
to bear much fruit for His glory. In John 14:23 He promises that those who keep
His Word will be loved by His Heavenly Father and will eventually make their
home with God. In John 8:51 He promises those who keep His word will never see
death! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The beginning
of a new week is an ideal time to recognize and confess any lack of confidence
we have been demonstrating, real or otherwise, in God’s Word. His Word is
timeless and unfailing; it is fully dependable and trustworthy. Throughout the <b>REVITALIZATION</b> process you will need to
daily profess your confidence in, and dependence upon, His Word. <i>“Do not
lean on your own understanding, [but] in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He
will make your paths straight” </i>(Proverbs 3:5b-6). <i>“Your Word is a lamp
to my feet and a light to my path” </i>(Psalm 119:105). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Father, I confess that I have not always
delighted in, nor trusted in Your Word. I turn from my faltering faith and ask
Your forgiveness for my lack of confidence in Your Word; forgive my failure to
believe that Your Word is settled in heaven forever. Today I am asking You to
restore my full confidence in Your Word and that You will use Your Word to
guide me, and our church family, through every phase of the restoration and <b>REVITALIZATION</b> process for Your eternal
glory and praise. I ask this in the Name that is above every other name, Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-88252979634460619872021-10-11T06:18:00.003-04:002021-10-11T06:18:48.027-04:00<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">10/11/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 05</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 111:1-10 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
1 Praise the <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">LORD</span>!
I will give thanks to the <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">LORD</span>
with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. <br />
2 Great are the works of the <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">LORD</span>, studied by all who delight in
them. <br />
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever. <br />
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be
remembered; the <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">LORD</span> is gracious
and merciful. <br />
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he
remembers his covenant forever. <br />
6 He has shown his people the power of his
works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. <br />
7 The works of his hands are faithful and
just; all his precepts are trustworthy; <br />
8 they are established forever and ever, to be
performed with faithfulness and uprightness. <br />
9 He sent redemption to his people; he has
commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! <br />
10 The fear of the <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">LORD</span> is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it
have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">A PRAYER OF PRAISE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">… <i>Now, join the Psalmist in praising and
thanking God for His goodness, His works, His righteousness, His gifts, His
power, His redemption, and His covenant. Write words of praise below: Lord, I
praise You for Your... </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">___________________________________________________________________________<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">A PLACE FOR PRAISE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">… You can probably remember when, in an
earlier day, there was a general sense of excitement among your fellow church
members; a time when the place of worship was filled with the praises of God’s
people. That is God’s intent for the gathering place of His people. That is
what Jesus expected to find when He entered the Temple in the First Century. <i>“It
is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of <b>prayer’</b>… have you never
read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared <b>praise
</b>for Yourself?’” </i>(Matthew 21:13, 16). Prayer. Praise. In His house.
Among His people. Can it begin again with you? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… Father, I can remember when we gathered with people on our church
campus with excitement about You, Your goodness, grace, mercy and love. I remember
when we filled our gathering place with praise to Your Holy Name. O God,
restore those days among us through Your miraculous <b>REVITALIZING</b> work in our church. I believe it is urgent that You
act now to restore us to Your purpose. We are desperate for You; change us for
the sake of Your eternal and glorious <b><i>PRAISE! </i></b>Let Your praise
fill our hearts and our gathering place once again.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-60277328342594384602021-10-04T07:43:00.001-04:002021-10-04T07:43:19.109-04:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">10/04/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 04</span></i></b></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of course, Mark’s gospel account is
not the only place in the New Testament wherein a sense of urgency is
portrayed. John’s gospel records words of urgency directly from Jesus’ mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 1:1-13 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. <br />
2 He was in the beginning with God. <br />
3 All things were made through Him, and
without Him was not any thing made that was made. <br />
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light
of men. <br />
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the
darkness has not overcome it. <br />
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name
was John. <br />
7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about
the light, that all might believe through him. <br />
8 He was not the light, but came to bear
witness about the light. <br />
9 The true light, which gives light to
everyone, was coming into the world. <br />
10 He was in the world, and the world was made
through Him, yet the world did not know Him. <br />
11 He came to His own, and His own people did
not receive Him. <br />
12 But to all who did receive Him, who
believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, <br />
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will
of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus healed the man who had been born
blind in order to display the works of God through the man’s life. List three
things here that would display the works of God in your community if your
church pursues, and experiences, <b>REVITALIZATION</b>:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">___________________________________________________________________________<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">THE
UNKNOWNS</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">…
Did you notice the things that were unknown by the participants in John’s
account of the blind man’s healing? His disciples didn’t know why the man had
been born blind. No one knew how clay could bring sight to blind eyes. The
blind man’s neighbors did not know how the blind man came to have sight. The
blind man did not know where Jesus had gone after Jesus had healed him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Every
situation has unknown factors. Generally, we don’t like having unknown factors
because we like to have everything under <b><i>our </i></b>control. But in the
work of <b>REVITALIZATION</b> you will
encounter unexpected unknowns for which you could not plan. What will you do
with them? Will you be willing, just like the participants in the blind man’s
healing, to trust every detail to Jesus? Are you ready to entrust all the
unknown factors in the <b>REVITALIZATION</b>
of your church to His sovereign rule? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Lord Jesus, I must admit that the whole
business of <b>REVITALIZING</b> our church
is somewhat frightening. There are many unknowns. Yet, it is also exciting to
think about the lives that will be changed and the influence we can have once
again in our community for the sake of the Gospel! Still, Lord, I am sure there
will be things about this <b>REVITALIZATION</b>
that will be uncomfortable for me personally; things that will be out of my
control. I want to say with all my heart today that -- I trust You! You spoke
everything into existence! You are the substance by which all things are held
together! I believe You will gloriously handle all the unknowns that come into play
in the complete <b>REVITALIZATION</b> of
our church. I trust You to do it! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-72842574354687126472021-09-20T07:17:00.003-04:002021-09-20T07:17:33.870-04:00<p><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">09/20/21
Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 02</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke 10:38-42 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus
entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. <br />
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat
at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. <br />
40 But Martha was distracted with much
serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister
has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” <br />
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha,
you are anxious and troubled about many things, <br />
42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen
the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="Default" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PRECONCEIVED IDEAS<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">HOW
ABOUT YOU?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
It seems each generation has their own ideas about what the church should do,
how it should behave, what songs to sing, and what church buildings should look
like, to name just a few areas of strong opinion. <u>Are you willing to
surrender</u> your own ideas in order to see your church flourish once again in
gospel growth, community impact, and Kingdom advance? Or are you worried and
bothered about the potential that things as you have always known them might
change if you embrace <b>REVITALIZATION</b>?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Martha loved
Jesus and eagerly welcomed Him into their home, but she wasn’t too happy with
her sister Mary. Mary was sitting at the Lord’s feet while Martha was
distracted with all the household responsibilities. She demanded that Jesus do
something about it, but Jesus’ response tells us a lot about the things that
cause us to be <b><i>worried and bothered. </i></b>Unfortunately, those things
are usually the wrong priority. JESUS IS THE PRIORITY; MAKING MUCH OF HIM IS
THE OBJECTIVE OF VIBRANT CHURCHES. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">… Lord Jesus, I confess that I am often worried
and bothered about nonessential things instead of keeping my attention fixed on
You. Build a new perspective in my heart and mind that longs for spiritual life
in our church regardless of what songs we sing, the type of chairs we sit in,
or the kind of building we have. Please do whatever it takes to breathe life
into us again for the glory of Your Name alone. I ask it in Your strong Name,
Amen.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-73616039285569342052021-09-11T18:25:00.003-04:002021-09-11T18:25:41.179-04:00<p> September 11, 2021</p><p></p><p class="Default"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Praying
With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 11<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";">“Every
church needing revitalization can assume at some point in the ups and downs of their
existence that they lost sight of the Biblical model and structure of authority
and must begin to recover it if any other patters of dysfunction can be addressed
to ensure a healthy direction for the future. Authority matters. Who is in charge
in your church? Jesus is the bridegroom of His bride. He is in charge. He is the
one to whom the church must submit if it is to have life and experience the unity
that only He can bring, for it came at the cost of His own life (Eph. 2:11-15).”
—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brian Croft, “Biblical Church Revitalization”
<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";">WHO’S
IN CHARGE? When Peter correctly answered Jesus’ probing question about His identity,
Jesus not only affirmed Peter’s answer, but went further to explain what it meant
for Him to be <i>“the Christ, the Son of the living God” </i>(Matthew 16:16). Jesus
went on to say that <i>“…I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not
overpower it” </i>(Matthew 16:18) As Brian Croft wrote in his book quoted above,
Jesus is in charge. “He is the one to whom the church must submit if it is to have
life and experience the unity that only He can bring…” As a friend of mine often
says when pressing someone for an honest answer, “If someone held a gun to your
head demanding to know who was in charge of your church, what would you answer?”
If it is anyone other Jesus Christ then some serious repentance, prayer, and reorientation
needs to happen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 16:15-19 (ESV) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” <br />
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” <br />
17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood
has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. <br />
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it. <br />
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth
shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";">PRAY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "VCXXD Q+ Stone Print";">:
Jesus, I acknowledge and submit to Your authority, and Your authority alone, over
Your church. I am not the authority in our church, nor is any other person the authority.
Please forgive me for any time that I have attempted to exercise my own authority
in Your church, as though it belonged to me and not to You. Please restore a deep
sense of humility among all the leaders in our church, and a glad desire to submit
to Your authority alone. I agree with Peter, “You are the Christ, the Son of the
living God!” and thereby You have full authority to reign in Your church. I surrender
and submit myself to You, King of all kings, and Lord of all lords! Amen!</span></p><p></p>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-80330874866256789102021-08-23T07:22:00.003-04:002021-08-23T07:22:47.222-04:00<p>08/23/21 Parables of Jesus #11 — The Lost Sheep (Mat.18:12-14;
Luke 15:3-7)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; text-indent: 27.35pt;"><b>Matthew
18:12-14 (ESV) </b>12 <span class="jesuswords">What
do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray,
does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one
that went astray?</span> 13 <span class="jesuswords">And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it
more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.</span> 14 <span class="jesuswords">So it is not the will of
my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">v.14
perish.</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> The word here can (and does
in this context) refer to spiritual devastation rather than utter eternal
destruction. This does not suggest that God's children ever could perish in the
ultimate sense (cf. Jn 10:28). </span><i>[The
MacArthur Study Bible]</i></p>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Far too many believers and
churches seem to content to relax and enjoy each other. We MUST stay BUSY
looking for “lost sheep”! God expects that believers will spread the Good News
constantly, by walk and talk—by our lifestyles and our words.</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-45124938588986547382021-08-19T12:56:00.001-04:002021-08-19T12:56:13.979-04:00<p> 08/19/21 Parables of Jesus #10 — The Dragnet (Mat.13:47-50)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><b>Matthew
13:47-50 (ESV) </b>47 “Again,
the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered
fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men
drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away
the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the
age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that
place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">v.47 net.</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> Some fishing was done with a large weighted net
dragged along the bottom of the lake. When pulled in, it contained an
assortment that had to be separated. In a similar way the visible kingdom, the
sphere of those who claim to be believers, is full of both good and bad and
will be sorted in the judgment.<a name="matthew13-49"></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">v.49 angels.</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> They serve God
in judgment (cf. v. 41; 2Th 1:7-10). </span><i>[The
MacArthur Study Bible]</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; tab-stops: 27.0pt;"> From my limited viewport it seems that
there are basically two strategies for amateur American fishermen to use today:
1) Drag-and-Bag: using a net, as in this parable; and 2) Bait-and-Wait: Using a
lure or live bait on the end of a line. In either case, unless one is very
well-informed, you have little control over what you catch.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; tab-stops: 27.0pt;"> <b>Matthew 4:19-20 (ESV) </b>19 And he said to them, <span class="jesuswords">“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”</span> 20 Immediately they left their nets and
followed him.</p>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Our job is to “fish”—throw out the lifeline (as the old
hymn puts it). We must be exposing the “bait” of the gospel to our lost friends
and acquaintances. Jesus and His angels will sort out the truly good from the
bad someday!</span>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979374624649287525.post-62089810681522665832021-08-09T06:41:00.000-04:002021-08-09T06:41:06.791-04:00<p class="MsoNormal">08/09/21 Parables of Jesus #9 — The Pearl of Great Value
(Mat.13:45-46)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; text-indent: 27.35pt;"><b>Matthew
13:45-46 (ESV)</b> 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is
like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who,
on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought
it.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">While
some people sort of stumble onto Jesus, many others actually are seeking some
relief, some solution to the apparent meaninglessness and frustration of their
lives. When they learn about the Savior—the abundant life He gives and the
fantastic benefits He offers, which are literally “out of this world”—they’re
more than willing to give or give up anything to take advantage of His gracious
offer. I remember when that happened to me; I hope something like happened to
you, too!</span></p>Ed Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06731991374122312446noreply@blogger.com0