Posts Tagged ‘Prayer’

DISTURB US, O LORD

Posted: July 26, 2011 in Faith, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality
Tags: , , , , , , ,
1

Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
with the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push back the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

This we ask in the name of our Captain,
Who is Jesus Christ.

Amen

_____________________

Written by Sir Francis Drake in the 1500s

GOD HAS A SENSE OF HUMOR

Posted: April 12, 2011 in Faith, Family, Funny, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
2

I’ve got to be honest…

With this whole “going to be a dad” thing quickly approaching, I have been battling a lot of insecurity. From time-to-time I have found myself struggling with doubt.

Will I be a good dad? Am I prepared to be a dad? Will I be able to take care of a baby?

I have really been battling insecure thoughts, fear, and doubt.

Well…God has a great sense of humor.

Every Sunday during the NORTHchurch worship experiences, Heather and I make ourselves available to pray with people. We position ourselves in the same spot every week and every week people come to pray with us. Sometimes we pray for that individual; sometimes we pray for a family member; sometimes we pray for healing; and sometimes we pray for another loved one.

This past Sunday, we positioned ourselves in our normal spot, prepared ourselves to pray with some amazing NORTHchurch people, and waited. And waited. And waited. For the first time in a long time, nobody was coming to pray with us. The other prayer team members strategically positioned around the room were all praying with people.

I literally had this thought…”God, I guess you do not have anybody for us to pray with this week. That’s cool. I am about to take my 23-week pregnant wife back to our seats.”

As soon as I had this thought, I saw a mom and her young child get up from their seat on the other side of the auditorium. They walked past two other prayer team members, walked across the auditorium to Heather and I, and asked us to pray for the young child.

I listened to the mom’s prayer request, got on my knees, held the young child in my arms, and prayed for him. I prayed passionately. I prayed a “child-understandable” prayer – which I did not know I could do. I said “Amen”, gave the child a hug, and looked into his eyes. As I did that a big smile came across his face.

Through that moment and that smile, God spoke to me. In my heart, I heard God as clear as day remind me, “I am in control. I have got your back. I will prepare you. When you are weak, I am strong. You are going to be a great dad. Trust me.”

At that point, I could not control the tears. I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

Of all the people that mom and young child could have prayed with, they walked across the auditorium to pray with the one person in that room that is terrified of children. The one person who was struggling with insecurity, fear, and doubt of becoming a father. The one person who doesn’t know how to speak “child” language.

Yep…God has a sense of humor.

ONE OF THE BEST EMAILS I’VE GOTTEN IN A LONG TIME

Posted: January 24, 2011 in Faith, Family, Friends, Inspirational, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
2

On September 13, 2008 I wrote a post asking you to pray for my good friends, Ryan & Keeley White.

Ryan and Keeley learned in April 2008 that they were going to have twins. After checkups and doctor visits, they have found that one of their twin sons has a a congenital heart defect called “Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome” or HLHS. They learned about this condition after doctors realized that one twin had an underdeveloped left side of his heart. HLHS is a complicated condition that will require three stages of surgery all before their son turns three years old.

On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, Braden and Reed White entered this world.

That day Ryan and Keeley found out that Reed needed a heart transplant.

More than two months later on January 19, 2009, Reed got his new heart after successful heart transplant surgery.

Exactly two years later on January 19, 2011, I received this email from Ryan White (Reed’s dad). It was seriously one of the best emails I’ve gotten in a long time.

Here’s the email…

Friends,

Two years ago today, my life, and the life of Reed was changed forever.  Reed was 69 days old, and had never been outside the walls of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.  Looking back, those 69 days seemed like a life time.  Reed would not live w/out a new heart.  He was born with a heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).  Around this time 2 years ago, we got a call from the hospital saying Reed was going to receive a new heart!  To this day, I don’t think I’ve had a better moment.  69 days of wondering if my child would live or die was so difficult…wondering why he was having to deal with this…why after losing Kyle, our family had so see Reed suffer, and deal with possibly losing him.  Today is a proud day for my family.  We are thankful to the Lord, we are thankful to the family who decided to donate their child’s organs so Reed and others could live.

I’ve learned a lot the past 2 years and 69 days.  The thing that stands out the most is a simple thought : “It could always be worse”!  The 69 days of waiting were the hardest, and most challenging days of my life. It was in those days my Faith was revealed.  It was in those times GOD revealed himself as Creator and Lord.  It’s was in those times I learned how much I’m loved.  It  was in those times I saw GOD was good, not because of STUFF, but because you know He has suffered too.  I am blessed not because Reed was given a heart, but because God sacrificed Jesus.   God sent Jesus knowing he would die.  God sent Jesus knowing he would suffer.  God sent Jesus knowing I would sin against Him.  God sent Jesus because he has a Love that words can’t describe.  God sent Jesus despite you & me.  It’s the sacrifice that makes God so good!  It’s the sacrifice that gives us Life!

In closing, I ask you to consider being an Organ Donor.  This is a way we can give Life to someone who needs it.  This is way we can be a miracle to someone like Reed.  For more information check out: http://www.donatelife.net/index.php

God is good!

Ryan White

Our God is the God who hears the cries of his people. He is the God who listens. He is the God who heals. He is the God who saves. He is the God who provides.

Thank you for praying and caring for this family over the years.

 

Prayer

Posted: August 19, 2010 in Faith, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality, The Bible
Tags: , , , , , ,
1

Prayer – at its simplest form – is talking to God.

When you really break it down, prayer is communication. And communication is a crucial element in any intimate relationship…including a relationship with God.

On May 22, 2004 I made a commitment to enter into the intimate marriage relationship with Heather. Imagine if I made that commitment that day and followed that up with NEVER talking to her. You would think I was crazy. The relationship would never work.

But so many times people do that with God. We pray a prayer, get dunked in baptistries, or make a one-time commitment to enter into an intimate relationship with God and then never talk to him after making that commitment. And we wonder why we are not close to God.

For you to have consistency in your relationship with God, it is crucial for you to have a consistent, intimate prayer life with God.

A consistent, intimate prayer life with God will…

  • KEEP YOU CLOSE TO GOD. It’s a proven fact that you are closest to the ones that you talk to the most. The same principle applies to God.
  • KEEP YOU FOCUSED ON A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, NOT RELIGION. If you do not have any intimate communication with God, he tends to get regulated to a church building and certain days of the week. He becomes a duty. This religious approach is why so many people go to church every week but their lives never change.
  • HELP YOU REALIZE THE URGENCY OF SPENDING TIME WITH GOD. Many times people do not spend time with God because there is no urgency to do so. Getting to work, school, or practice on time is urgent. After all, if you miss prayer time, there is no immediate consequence. You don’t get fired. You don’t get kicked off the team. You don’t have to repeat a class. You don’t get written up. But if you don’t realize the urgency of spending time with God, you will suffer a consequence eventually – you will not develop intimacy with God.

Here are five things that will help you have a better prayer life…

  • CARVE OUT SPECIFIC TIME IN YOUR DAILY SCHEDULE TO PRAY. Find a time that works with your schedule. I recommend either right when you wake up or right before you go to sleep. Be consistent with that time.
  • PRAY “TWITTER” PRAYERS. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray continually”. Other versions say “pray without ceasing”, “pray all the time”, and “never stop praying”. Twitter limits you to updates that are 140 characters of fewer. Pray throughout the day short prayers to stay connected throughout the day. Think texting with God throughout the day.
  • GET ALONE TO PRAY. Jesus consistently got alone to connect with God. Prayer is a private thing.
  • BE CREATIVE WITH PRAYER. Pray the Bible. Find prayers in Scripture and pray those. Pray through worship music. Pray through journaling.
  • BE OPEN, HONEST, AND REAL. GOD CAN HANDLE IT. Share your heart with God. If you’re mad, tell him. If you’re frustrated, tell him. If you’re doubting, tell him. If you’re full of joy, tell him. Wherever you are, be open, honest, and real. God can handle it.

Daniel Fast

Posted: March 11, 2010 in Faith, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality, The Bible
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
1

NORTHchurch is about to start 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting that will start this Sunday, March 14 and end on Easter Sunday, April 4. We are being very intentional during this 21 days to pray and fast for the ones around us and in our lives that are lost, lonely, hurting, and fallen away from God and the church.

Heather and I are committing to a 21-day Daniel Fast. Read below for more information.

WHAT IS A FAST?

According to the dictionary a fast is to abstain from something for some purpose. Well, we are choosing to abstain from certain foods that feed the body for the purpose of feeding our spirit.

A very wise NORTHchurch staff member recently shared with me, “We often think fasting is about sacrifice. Fasting is not about sacrifice. It’s about priorities.”

WHY FAST?

Jesus made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, is a normal part of the life of a follower of God. In Matthew 6 He said, “When you fast…” Not if. He taught that attention should be invested in fasting as much as giving and prayer. And Jesus practiced fasting. He fasted often, once going 40-days without any food (Matthew 4).

One of the necessary reasons to fast is because sometimes it is absolutely critical for situations you will encounter in life. So be fasted up and ready when it comes, and trust me it will come. Once Jesus’ disciples asked, “Why could we not cast it out?” To which Jesus replied, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9 NKJV). If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives?

WHAT IS A DANIEL FAST?

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.  I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” (Daniel 10:2,3)

A Daniel Fast is a 21-day choice to prioritize certain foods and drink above other options with the intent of seeking God. To be in ‘mourning’ was to deny self of the comforts the flesh enjoys, while feeding the spirit through prayer and obedience to God. I urge you to spend time with God listening and learning and when needed follow through with what He asks you to do. As you study His word and wait upon Him you will be strengthen and encouraged in your faith. It will be an adventure you will not soon forget.

WHAT CAN I EAT ON A DANIEL FAST?

There are a lot of ideas on what can and cannot be eaten on a Daniel Fast. My basic guideline is to eat no meat, no sweets, no diary, and no bread. Avoid additives to food (this covers a lot). Drink water and all natural juice. Eat fruits and vegetables. For recipes and more comprehensive information on a Daniel Fast go to http://daniel-fast.com.

____________________

I have fasted in the past, but never this long. Also, this will be my first time participating in a Daniel Fast. I am excited, nervous, and expectant that God will reveal Himself in powerful ways during this time.

I invite you to join with me in this 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. You do not have to do the Daniel Fast. You may want to fast from caffeine, TV, sweets, one meal during each day, or social media (but not reading this blog, of coarse). Whatever it is, make that commitment to God for 21 days to give up something in your normal routine to give Him more time, re-focus and re-prioritize on Him, and pray for the lost, lonely, hurting, and fallen away from God and the church.

Are you in?

Need Prayer?

Posted: February 16, 2010 in Faith, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality
Tags: , , , , ,
2

Prayer is powerful. Prayer works. I want to be praying for you. I want you to be praying for me. Whether it is successes, failures, praise reports, illness, struggles, a 3rd party, or whatever the reason, I want to be praying for you.

My commitment to you is this: if you take the time to let me know of something that you want prayed for, I promise I will pray for you.

So…need prayer?

Monday Morning Potpourri

Posted: December 21, 2009 in Blogs, Faith, Family, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality, The Bible
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
3

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY…

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27

___________________

QUOTE OF THE DAY FROM SOMEBODY WAY SMARTER THAN ME…

“God would never ask me or anyone else to be a light and then not equip us to do it.” – Jason Harper

___________________

INTERESTING LINK OF THE DAY…

Check out THIS EYE-OPENING BLOG POST by Craig Gross entitled “Most Popular Searches in 2009″.

What were kids under 18 most interested in and curious about in 2009? Their online searches can tell parents a lot and also alert them to possible topics they may need to discuss with their kids. Norton has identified the top searches conducted by kids this year. Sex and Porn have made the top 5 and boobs at #32.

___________________

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEK…

Seeing my family. My parents and older sister are coming in this week for Christmas. Also, Heather’s dad and step-mom are coming in the day they leave for a visit. For both families, this will be their first visit to the great state of Oklahoma City. I am very excited to see our families. It has been way too long.

___________________

THIS WEEK I’M PRAYING FOR…

One of our REVOLUTION students who is having serious knee problems and is in a lot of pain. Satan wants to use this to steal this incredible leader’s joy, but that is not going to happen. Praying for complete healing and strength to endure.

___________________

Do you have a Bible verse to share?

Do you have a quote from somebody way smarter than you to share?

Do you have an interesting link to share?

What are you looking forward to this week?

What are you praying for this week?

Reed Is Going Home!!!

Posted: February 20, 2009 in Blogs, Faith, Friends, Inspirational, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
7

reed

If you are a consistent reader of this blog, then you are familiar with the story of Reed White. 

On November 12, 2008, Ryan and Keeley White, who are great friends of mine, had twin boys – Reed and Braden. During the pregnancy, they found out that one of the twins, Reed, had developed a heart condition called “Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome” or HLHS. They learned about this condition after doctors realized that one twin had an underdeveloped left side of his heart. HLHS is a complicated condition that normally requires three stages of surgery all before the child turns three years old. After delivery, Ryan and Keeley elected to pursue a heart transplant for baby Reed. Since that time, Reed has stayed at the hospital under the careful watch of nurses and doctors waiting for a new heart. 

On January 19, 2009 many prayers were answered as Reed White received his new heart.

After 100 days of living at the hospital and only 32 short days since heart transplant surgery, Reed White is finally healthy enough to go home. 

Today at 1:21pm I received a text from Ryan (dad) saying, “Can you post that Reed is coming home?!?”

What an amazing text!

Praise God! 

____________

Ryan and Keeley are asking that anybody who has been praying and thinking about Reed during the past 100 days to leave a comment on their blog. They are asking for either a comment, your favorite scripture, a note to Reed, or just to simply say you were praying him during these past 100 days. 

I know many of you who read my blog have been praying for baby Reed. Leave them a comment to show how hundreds and hundreds of people all over the world have been praying for their son.  CLICK HERE TO LEAVE THEM A COMMENT.

Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers.

This Week I’m Praying For…

Posted: February 2, 2009 in Faith, Friends, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality
Tags: , , , , , ,
0

Prayer is powerful. Prayer works. I want to be praying for you. I want you to be praying for me. I want to open myself up to you more for prayer. Whether it is successes, failures, praise reports, illness, struggles, a 3rd party, or whatever the reason, I want to be praying for you.  My commitment to you is this: if you take the time to let me know of something that you want prayed for, I promise I will pray for you. l hope this can be a weekly segment on the blog.

This week I’m praying for…

  • REED WHITE. I’m praying for his continued health. I’m praying for his new heart to continue to be healing. I’m praying that he will soon be out of the hospital and driving Mom & Dad crazy at home.
  • RYAN & KEELEY WHITE – parents of Reed. I pray for strength, peace, and resolve beyond what you have ever experienced.  These guys have been spiritual rocks; this week I pray that God will surround them with other spiritual rocks for them to lean on. (For updates on the White family, CLICK HERE.)
  • PAREY DRAPER. A teenager who has been involved with Shannon Oaks has been having major headaches and eyesight trouble. After going to the doctor, a tumor has been ruled out. The doctors are reviewing other possible causes.
  • SCOTT & ERIN PITTMAN. This wonderful couple are now pregnant and expecting their first child sometime this summer. Scott is one of my best friends and was my roommate in college for many years.
  • HOT HEARTS RETREAT. This weekend a small group from our  youth group is going on a retreat. I pray for changed lives through this awesome event. I also pray that relationships will be strengthened.
  • ERIC CHONG. Praise God that his visa application process goes smoothly. He will be leaving China soon to visit the United States.
  • CODY. Got this message last week about Cody, “I have a first grade student, Cody, he is 7 yrs old. He was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia in February 2008. He has been battling this off and on since the diagnosis. In October the doctors thought they had taken care of it. They did a bone marrow test, and found the leukemia had returned then. They were in line for a transplant, and have not been able to have the transplant yet. He has had 3 different rounds of chemo, and cannot do anymore because it will damage his heart. I do not know where he is to go from here, I just know that this family needs prayers now more than ever. He is their only child and he is their world…They decided to go ahead with the bone marrow transplant. This being his only chance of survival, and the chance is only 10%. I spent 2 hours with him on Wednesday, and he acts like a normal little 7 year old boy, who loves football! I appreciate all the prayers, we need a God sized miracle right now. Hopefully the transplant will be in the next week or so.”
  • SOC/SM TEENS. I pray for these guys everyday. This week I am specifically praying for a group of Jr High students who have started praying together before school every day. My prayer is that they will remain faithful in praying for their school, their generation, and their city. I pray that they will continue to walk in boldness.
  • MCMILLAN FAMILY GRANDPA. The McMillans are a special family at our church. Janene’s father, a pastor in Missouri, is having some health problems. He is being a trooper and still preaching every Sunday from a chair. I am praying for healing.
  • FRANK GRAY. Frank is the new Senior Pastor at the Shannon Oaks Church. He and his family will move here in the next two weeks. I’m praying that all the life details line up smoothly as the Gray’s move from Orlando, Florida to Sulphur Springs, Texas.
  • LOCAL CHURCH I’M PRAYING FOR THIS WEEK – FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SULPHUR SPRINGS. I try to pray every week for a local church. Hey, there’s no competition. We are all on the same team. I just want more people to know Jesus. 
  • There are a couple more, but for the sake of confidentiality and privacy, I will keep those unspoken to the general public.

_______________

What else? What did I miss? What can I be praying for you this week?

Reed White Update

Posted: January 21, 2009 in Faith, Friends, Life, Ministry, People, Spirituality
Tags: , , , ,
1

Another great update on Reed White’s heart transplant can be seen on Ryan and Keeley’s blog. Please keep praying for this baby and for this family.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE LATEST UPDATE ON REED.

Older Entries