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November 21, 2010
Principles of Prayer
Read this passage from today's God Sightings New Testament reading:
"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops." (James 5:13-18)
Maybe you were like me and you started counting the number of times we're told to PRAY….at least seven times, and more if you count the synonyms for prayer.
James, the pastor of the church at Jerusalem, recounts at least that many occasions when we should pray. Pray when you're sick. Pray when times are tough. Pray when you're happy. Pray when you have faith. Pray when you need forgiveness. Pray when you need rain. Pray when you need power. Pray when you need results.
The early church was totally reliant on prayer, on God's intervention and God's answer. May we be just as dependent on this trust in God's provision.
November 14, 2010
Three Words
This alphabetical acrostic psalm offers a good description of the influence and qualities of those who are Godly.
The psalm begins with the powerful acclimation we hear so many times in the psaltery: "Praise the Lord!" In the original Hebrew, the psalmist literally says, "Hallelujah!" which simply translated means "Let me boast of the Lord."
The first step leading to the hallelujah is that a person delights in the Lord and follows His ways.
Here are some of the promises for those who follow this path: his or her children will be successful, generations will be blessed, prosperity will be available, good deeds will abound, they will not be overcome, they will have influence and honor and more.
These promises are wonderful, but even the most faithful of God's people sometimes have a hard time seeing them come true.
For example, the promised prosperity and wealth. Charles Spurgeon said this one in particular is troubling, "for many of the best of the people of God are very poor." But, Spurgeon continues, the principle behind the promise holds true: "Yet it has been found true that uprightness is the road to success, and, all other things being equal, the honest man is the rising man."
If we focus not so much on what's beyond our control (prosperity, success, influence, etc.) but focus on what good we can do, then we'll see the difference.
Consider verse 4: "Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous."
If we see to be these three -- generous, compassionate, righteousness -- we will reflect the light of God in the darkest places.
November 7, 2010
Prayer
John Killinger begins his book on prayer with this paragraph: “If there is one sin that hurts us more than all others, it is surely the sin of not praying. We are meant to live in the Spirit of God to live joyously, vibrantly, and lovingly in the world. But if we do not pray we cannot live in the Spirit. It is as simple as that. We lack the daily connection to God that would make such a wonderful life possible.”
If we love God, we will pray. Prayer is all about a love relationship. St. Augustine said, “True, whole prayer is nothing but love.”
Psalm 19:14 can serve as a great introduction to the ministry of prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Let¹s begin with the end of this verse: How important is it for us to stand on solid ground? If we are standing on solid ground in life then we are able to accomplish much. However, without solid ground, we lack balance, focus and direction. In prayer, Jesus is our ROCK and REDEEMER.
As we back our way into this Scripture, we next are confronted with the word “PLEASING.” Everyone wants to be pleasing. The NIV translation uses the word “acceptable.” We all want and desire acceptance. We know we are sinners and we are desperate to know we have been found pleasing in His sight.
Next we read “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart.” It is in prayer that we bring OUR words, OUR heart, OUR innermost feelings to the Lord. By coming before Him in pure prayer that is straight from the heart we know we are found pleasing and acceptable in His sight.
We are called to pray; we need to learn to pray; we need to be serious about prayer, but most of all, we need to pray. A friend of mine in the ministry in Oklahoma City said, “To pray is to move into the depths without consideration for how long we can tread water.” In other words, we need to launch out into the deep spiritual waters awaiting us and learn to cry out to the Lord. After all, He is our ROCK and REDEEMER and the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart are PLEASING TO HIM!
October 31, 2010
Precious as Gold
Who are the forgotten victims of the destruction of God's Holy City as described in Jeremiah and Lamentations? The children. When the prophet Jeremiah described the destruction of his people and home, he is especially poignant about those too young to defend themselves:
"See how the precious children of Jerusalem, worth their weight in fine gold, are now treated like pots of clay made by a common potter."
Next Sunday, Nov. 7, is "Orphan Sunday." Christians all over the world will pause to reflect on the reality of more than 140 million children who have lost at least one parent and 13 million who have lost both parents. This is a time for reflection, and a time for action. in our church, you can be involved in orphan care on both the local and international levels. Locally, our church is involved with organizations like 4Kids South Florida and the Baptist Children's Homes. Globally, our church sponsors five orphanages in Russia and elementary programs in Nicaragua. In fact, nearly all of our missionaries are involved in the lives of orphans and families experiencing loss.
You can pray for the orphans, and you can act on their behalf. Consider becoming a foster family or adoptive parents. Many in our church have done just that this past year. Consider traveling with our missions teams to Russia or "adopt" a child for $25 a month in Nicaragua. Children are indeed "worth their weight in fine gold." I pray that we would respond to them in a way that recognizes this great value.
October 27, 2010
Unfaithful
8But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. (I Timothy 5:8)
For the apostle Paul, the mark of a true believer was found close to home. You don't have to go very far to see the work of Christ in action. How do you take care of your relatives? How are those in your household cared for?
For Paul, it's not a difficult question. If you don't care for your relatives, you've denied the true faith.
This is one of the unusual places in Scripture where the apostle gets very specific. He even gives an age for knowing who should receive the most care.
The final word of this verse is especially striking: if you don't do this, you're worse than an unbeliever. Can you believe it? Paul's words were cutting.
Paul's first-century society, perhaps, was far more family-oriented than our modern one. But that's not an excuse. It makes the distinctive care offered by Christian families even more essential.
October 17, 2010
United States of Florida
"And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7)
A few years ago, the New York Times wrote, "It takes a big state to absorb the entire North every winter, but once again, Florida is pulling it off." According to a University of Florida study, the places from which most of our visitors come are, in order: New York, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Canada, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey and California. They even call South Florida the "sixth borough" because we're considered an extension of Manhattan. Every "winter" when I see people from other parts of the country begin to return to South Florida, I'm reminded that most of us aren't natives. I've been here more than sixteen years, but the South Florida culture has its own way of reminding me that I'm not from here.
Jeremiah had good advice for those who were far from their homes. While we've certainly got it better than the exiles in Babylon, the prophet's counsel and the Word of the Lord is timely for us as well. "Work for the peace and prosperity of the city.....Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare." Or, as the NIV translation puts it, if the city prospers, so shall we.
No matter where you're from originally, whether another state or one of the sixty-seven nations represented by our members, I hope you'll remember this: God called us to South Florida for a reason. He's made it our home, so that we might pray for the city of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities. That makes me even more excited as I think about our bold initiative to have an impact in every one of our neighborhoods. "Work for the peace and prosperity of the city....for as God blesses it, He'll bless us!"
October 10, 2010
Inside Out
"And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows." (I Thessalonians 3:2)
Today (which is 10-10-10, by the way!) I'll be speaking to our church about focusing "inside out." Too often, especially in difficult spiritual environments, it's too easy for us to isolate and insulate ourselves from the outside world. Yet as Paul's experience with the believers at Thessalonica demonstrates, a church can't thrive if it's more focused on its own needs instead of the spiritual needs of those who aren't yet part of the family of faith.
I like what Paul said in the second verse of the third chapter: "And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows." That's exactly what we're talking about when we said "inside out." Even as we love one another, we must extend that love to all people so they might know the hope of Jesus. As we love one another and love the outsiders, our love will literally overflow into all the world.
We're excited about the journey we'll be taking over the next several weeks. Would you take a moment today to pray that our hearts would be open as we're all turned inside out?
October 3, 2010
Endurance
"The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked." (Proverbs 24:16)
The great philosopher Shaquille O'Neal once said, "Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do." This is the essence of endurance. A one-time accomplishment is nice, but it's not an accurate reflection of a person's character. The golfer who finishes second a dozen times is arguably much better than the golfer who wins a tournament once but never places again.
According to Proverbs 24, the test of a godly man (the original language says a "righteous" or "just" man) is his endurance. When he's knocked down, he'll get up again. When he fails at first, he'll try again. And he'll go on and on and on....
Shaq is right. "You are what you repeatedly do." And in Christ, you have the strength to fall down and rise back up again. Without Christ, fall once and you're down for the count.
September 26, 2010
Jerusalem Saved
"For God will save Jerusalem and rebuild the towns of Judah. His people will live there and settle in their own land." (Psalm 69:35)
The Old Testament readings in our God Sightings have a nice parallel today, with God promising through Isaiah that He will be faithful to unfaithful Israel and the Psalmist writing prophetically of God's care for Zion even in her suffering.
These words are especially strong for me, as I've just returned from the rebuilt Jerusalem with several people from our church. I think of our own prayer intercessors when I read the joy described in Isaiah: The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem. (Isaiah 52:8)
But I also know the salvation described in Psalm 69 and Isaiah 51 and 52 can't arrive without the Savior described in Isaiah 53: "his life is made an offering for sin." Today, take time to slowly read Isaiah 53 and give thanks for He who makes Jerusalem glad.
September 19, 2010
Feast after Feast
Today I overlook the city of Jerusalem on the holiest day in the Hebrew faith. It's called Yom Kippur. Since sunset last night, faithful (and not-very-faithful) Jewish families have been following their tradition of setting their sin before God and asking Him to seal them away and trade them for His righteousness.
I cannot even begin to describe to you this day. The closed gates. The utter silence. The weight of the seriousness of this that they ask of our awe-demanding God.
This same God makes an observation in the 29th chapter of Isaiah, if not for the halting hope promised just a few verses later.
God says, speaking of days just like this Yom Kippur, "Year after year, you celebrate your feasts....but I will bring disaster upon you."
How can that lead to hope? If you're a Hebrew, celebrating the requirements of the feast to the letter, yet God says even though you celebrate the feasts He will still bring disaster.
Thankfully, God remains a God of great mercy.
A few verses later, He makes this promise:
I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, will act for you with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and storm and consuming fire. All the nations fighting against Jerusalem will vanish like a dream! (Isaiah 29:6-7) We who believe in Jesus know that this hope is more than a dream. It doesn't require a feast day or a special commemoration, but it's found in the work done once and for all when Jesus -- the Lord of Heaven's Armies -- vanquished the greatest enemies of all.
September 5, 2010
WHEN GOD ANSWERS
“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?” Job 38:1-2 (NLT)
As we come to the end of the book of Job, it is important to remember what has happened. The book opens with a scene in heaven where Satan comes to accuse Job before God. He insists Job only serves God because God protects him and seeks God’s permission to test Job’s faith and loyalty. God grants His permission, only within certain boundaries. Why do the righteous suffer? This is the question raised after Job loses his family, his wealth, and his health. Job's friends come to “comfort” him and to discuss his crushing series of tragedies. Based on their personal experience they insist his suffering is punishment for sin in his life. Job, though, remains devoted to God through all of this and contends that his life has not been one of sin. Finally, Job breaks and questions God and learns valuable lessons about the sovereignty of God and his need to totally trust in the Lord. Job is then restored to health, happiness and prosperity even beyond his earlier state.
When God does answer Job’s questions He reminds this man to trust God in all circumstances. We must trust God, not only WHEN we do not understand, but BECAUSE we do not understand. I believe this is one of the greatest challenges in the Christian life…to have the faith to trust God even when we do not see any evidence of His presence or protection . August 29, 2010
A GOD MOMENT
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” Psalms 42:1-2 (NLT) While walking my dog Yogi in the mountains of North Carolina this summer, we went out early just as the morning dawn was breaking over the beautiful mountains. About a block away from the home where we were staying, Yogi and I witnessed a huge buck, a doe and a baby fawn walk through the woods down to the Toe River to get a drink or refreshing cool water from the mountain stream. We stood motionless (even Yogi!) and watched them make their way through thick woods to get to the stream and then watched as they shared the moment of refreshment together as a family. When God created man, He put within us a large capacity to worship Him. He put within our hearts the longing to be refreshed by Him. At times, we are much like the family of deer we watching in the mountains. We find out path to worship blocked and very difficult to get to our destination. However, we know if we press through and not allow the obstacles of everyday life keep us from His presence then we will reach our destination and enjoy the pure refreshment of worship that has not been polluted by this world. This week, consider what you are willing to do to make your way into His presence. This world has placed a forest of detours in your path but don’t give up. Once you make it to His stream you will be refreshed and renewed. “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you!” August 22, 2010
LOOKING FOR GODLY COUNSEL
“The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from His path.” Psalms 37:30-31 (NLT)
Many in our culture today are looking for wise counsel and friends who will actually make you stronger rather than influencing you to be weaker. It is important to remember that religious people are not necessarily godly people. The Scribes and Pharisees were very religious but they were not godly. I will make this God Sighting simple: Godly people are godly because they follow God.
Sometimes God's people flounder around looking for the best religion, or even a better religion. The problem is that Jesus did not come to give us another religion, or a better religion, or even the best religion. He came to give us a wonderful relationship with heaven.
Why are godly friends important? Because we become like those we associate with in life. I have told students for years, “You show me the crowd you run with and I’ll tell you what you are like or what you will soon become.”
There is great value in godly friends, friends that will speak the truth into your life regarding right from wrong, friends that have a firm grip on Scripture and speak from His truth and never stray from His path.
I want to encourage you to do what I have done today and write a godly friend in your life and thank them for their influence in your life.
August 15, 2010 INSIDE OUT “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT) August 8, 2010
The Blessing and The Bible
“…for the gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.” Ezra 7:9-10 (NLT)
Our second president, John Adams, called the Bible “the best Book in the world.” Lincoln characterized the Scriptures as “the best gift God ever gave man.” It has been 12 years since the Lord strongly impressed me to ask our church family to join with me in reading the Bible through every year. Nothing in my ministry has had a greater impact than the daily study of God’s Word. As I read this passage I was reminded again that God honors the man or woman who honors the daily study of the Word. God used Ezra as a catalyst for spiritual revival in Jerusalem. HE was prepared because he knew the word. I thought I would share with you a few tips to consider as you continue this journey with us through the word.
1. Be consistent. One of the greatest struggles many Christians have is to find the consistency. Set a time that you will meet the Lord in the word each day and then honor that appointment with Him. 2. Try journaling each day. Don’t write a book…just write down the impressions the Lord has shared with you during your study of His word. 3. Get to know the human authors God used as His instrument to bring His word to your heart and life. 4. Don’t be afraid to use a commentary with your study. It is great to understand historical background when reading God’s Word. 5. Remember there are different writing styles through the Bible. For example: Genesis is written in the narrative form; Psalms is written in poetry; Isaiah is written in prophecy and Revelations is written in both prophetic and symbolic August 1, 2010
Bad News - Great Response!
“Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 4 So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.” 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 (NLT)
Today’s God Sighting reminds us that as Christian we WILL face times of crisis. The question is not, “Will we face a crisis in life?” but when. We will face the crisis that threatens our life or family just as Jehoshaphat faced when told the enemy was fast approaching. Personal crises must be dealt with in a spirit of urgency by first seeking YOUR mind and your direction. Jehoshaphat reminds us that either way, large or small, seeking God is our first response to discovering our way out of a crisis. As I have read today’s Scripture I wanted to share some tips on overcoming a crisis. · Let your first response be to cry out to the Lord. · Be proactive and invite others to join you in prayer as you seek God’s deliverance from the crisis. · Some crisis in life requires a commitment to a time of fasting. Jesus told his disciples, “Some things can only be overcome through prayer and fasting.” · Don’t deny the urgency or gravity of the matter. Time is always of essence. And problems don’t usually go away by themselves. This wise King acted immediately upon receiving the news of an imminent attack. · Wait for the Lord! It’s not enough to seek him but to also wait for His response and then quickly obey. July 25, 2010
On Watch In Prayer
“May you watch over this Temple day and night, this place where you have said you would put your name. May you always hear the prayers I make toward this place. 21 May you hear the humble and earnest requests from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place. Yes, hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive.” 2 Chronicles 6:20-21 (NLT)
I could not help but think about all the Watchman Prayer Ministry warriors who daily pray for the ministry at First Baptist Church. I am so very thankful for the prayers of God’s people. As I read this passage of scripture today I felt impressed to ask all of you who are joining us in this journey of reading through God’s Word on a daily basis to pray the prayer of Solomon for our church and the ministry we have to our city, and the world. Allow me to paraphrase the prayer for us today: “Father, I pray that you will watch over us as we minister to this community. May your name be glorified and I pray that you would hear the prayers of your people as they cry out to you this day. Lord, we are nothing without you and we are so thankful for what you have done through our lives and our efforts in this ministry. Hear us Lord. Hear us and lead us. Hear us and forgive us where we have failed you. Lead us from this precious Church to impact our neighborhoods for your Glory. I praise you and thank you for the prayer warriors who join me in this day asking for your blessing!” July 18, 2010
Partial Obedience
This 1 Chronicles scripture we read over the past week is a sober reminder that God does not honor partial obedience. It is His way or no way.
David actually believed he was doing something very good. He believed moving the Ark of God back to Jerusalem was important and would honor the Lord and he was prepared to celebrate and worship as they made their way into the city.
Tragically, God had made his instructions very clear to the people of God… “The Priests will carry the ark…” David put the ark on a cart. Seems so minor and yet this partial obedience cost Uzzah his life.
Here is my God Sighting observation regarding partial obedience: When God gives you a clear Word, don't deviate from it because it's difficult or because you think there may be a better way to accomplish His directive. The bottom line is obvious: Partial obedience to God is really disobedience.
July 11, 2010
Hospitality
“Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. 2 The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us.” Acts 28:1-2 (NLT)
Hospitality is normally defined as a relationship between guests and host, the practice of being hospitable.
For years we have travelled to the Holy Land and on our early trips to Israel we would always stop at the Bedouin camp. The nomads who occupied the tents would come out and meet us and insist we have a cup of tea with them. I must confess that I always prayed before drinking from the cups knowing there was no electric dishwashers…forget that…there was not even running water!
As years went by I realized that the hospitality the Bedouins shared with us was as old as Scripture. Abraham often welcomed visitors who stopped by his tent…the graciousness and spirit of hospitality had been passed from generation to generation.
As we look toward the future of our ministry we are going to be very intentional about making hospitality an objective in our core values. Hospitality in our neighborhoods, in our homes and in our church. May it be said of us, as members of First Baptist… “They saw an opportunity to be the hands and heart of Jesus and they welcomed us…without expecting anything in return.”
July 4, 2010
Celebrate the Birth of our Nation
Today is Sunday. Not just any Sunday. For us this not just the day our nation stops to celebrate her birth; it is also a day in which our church will pause and present our annual PATRIOTIC CELEBRATION.
This morning we will have the finest music, the church will be packed with overflow areas for our guests who cannot find a seat; there will be indoor fireworks, a color guard, special guest singers from Disney and even Marines repelling from the rafters. This service will have everything you would want or expect for a Fourth of July celebration. But what if the nation we are celebrating is being destroyed right before our eyes? What if God's call is not heeded to in obedience by this nation we love? What if we continue to ignore His warnings and fail to serve Him with reverent fear, rejoicing and trembling? What if we continue to refuse to submit to His Royal Son? Have you ever thought this might be our last Patriotic Service? His promise is simple. Should we ignore His word He will become angry and we will be destroyed in the midst of all our activities. The greatest service we could provide today would be one that called God’s people and this nation to a time of repentance. God give us strength to honor Him in the midst of our activity. June 27, 2010
Preparing through Prayer
I continue this week to urge you to pray for the events of July 4, when we'll host one of the biggest celebrations in our church year. Our Patriotic Celebration is the single largest service we have -- we have more total people on Easter Sunday when we have two services, but the Patriotic Celebration is our largest single gathering each year. You can see why it's so urgent that our Watchmen pray for this special Sunday. Pray for the spiritual ramparts of our church, that we'd be prepared for those who need to know the promise of the Gospel. Pray for those who will be visiting, that they might sense our spirit of community. Pray for our nation, that it might arise to hear the call of the Watchman's prayer and return to the Lord. Your role as a Watchman is especially important this week, so thank you for your faithfulness in this place of prayer. June 20, 2010
Praying for Total Health
In this week’s God Sightings, I wrote about how essential it is for us to work toward the total health of our church. I believe that God’s plan for the future of our church — His call for us to be fit for the future — begins with those who are faithful in prayer. That’s why your role as a Watchman is so important.
Can I ask you to pray diligently for the total health of our church? Pray that we would be strong in our outreach to those in need. Pray that God would provide for our financial requirements. Pray that our members would be strategic and committed in telling the story of Jesus and inviting others to become part of our faith community. Pray that God would continue to position us in the center of South Florida life, so those with problems realize that Jesus is the answer. Our Watchmen represent the strongest prayer force in our church, so I’m counting on you to be an intercessor for this total health. If you didn’t catch last week’s God Sighting for June 12, go back and read it on www.FBCNET.com/Bible so you can agree with us in prayer as we continue to become fit for the future. Remembering
May 30, 2010
This week, our nation will mark Memorial Day to honor the lives of those who have fallen for our freedom. Most of us have experienced loss, but few losses are more bittersweet than those found in wartime. David was a man who knew such loss. He had caused many to perish in times of war, and he lost many who were important to him in battle as well.
In one of this week’s passages from the God Sightings daily reading Bible, we see the heart of mourning that comes when the experience of loss is so deep and enduring. Sometimes, the loss isn't necessarily a death. David has lost his son, his kingdom, the city named for him. Verse 30 tells us how he responds: "David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning." Our Memorial Day will be celebrated, and in some ways that's an appropriate response. Those who gave their lives for freedom would want to be remembered with joy. They'd want to see their descendants enjoying the uniqueness of being Americans. But let's also find time to pause and truly mourn those who have fallen. Even in our celebration, may it be with deep memories of those who have gone before. (Read along with us at www.FBCNET.com/Bible.) Praying through the Bible
May 23, 2010
Psalm 119, which we're reading right now in our daily God Sightings readings, is one of the best places to "pray through the Bible." The Psalm, which is the longest in Scripture, offers a wide range of emotions and a heart cry to God.
According to tradition, King David used this Psalm to teaching the Hebrew alphabet and the "ABCs of following God" to his young son, Solomon. Each of the eight-line stanzas represents, in order, a letter from the Hebrew alphabet.
Nearly every stanza specifically mentions Scripture, and the power of God's Word to wash through our lives.
As you take your hour on the Watchman walls this week, pray as those first Watchmen would have. Imagine the Psalmist high on the city walls, praying the alphabet and with each letter giving praise to God.
True Freedom
May 16, 2010
Sometimes it’s funny what people remember and what they don’t. Those who hear what they want to hear are said to have “selective listening.” But it’s beyond me how the Israelites talking to Jesus missed out on hundreds of years of Hebrew history.
Jesus is talking about a different kind of slavery but, as usual, the religious leaders are missing the point. He says: Don’t be slaves any longer. They say: We’re the children of Abraham. We’ve never been slaves.
Tell that to Moses.
The fact is that many of us don’t fully appreciate the freedom we have in Jesus because we’re not fully in touch with how bound we were without Him.
This week, as you go to the Father in prayer, remember that your access to God is only possible because Jesus made it possible: if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!
(This week's Watchman Word was drawn from our daily GodSightings readings.
Motherhood
May 9, 2010
This week as we celebrate the role of mothers in our lives, we can be thankful that the writer of Proverb 31 gave us an illustrative picture of motherhood. The poem from Proverbs, which is an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet, extols an ideal:
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Like you, I’ve known many moms over the years, including my own, my wife and my daughter. I can truly say they exemplify the virtues of this proverb. As you take your Watchman post this week, be sure to give thanks for the moms in your life. They are indeed blessed. National Day of Prayer
May 2, 2010
This Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. This important national holiday calls men, women and children all across the United States to a civic duty of intercession for our country.
The first Call to Prayer was in 1775, as the Continental Congress sought the wisdom of God in forming our nation. For the first 175 years of our nation, presidents called the people to specific times of prayer for particular purposes. In 1952, President Truman made a national day official. In 1988, President Reagan formalized the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Every president since, including President Obama, has affirmed the proclamation.
At our church, we’ll have a National Day of Prayer Preparation Rally on Wednesday, May 5, at 6:15 p.m. We’ll meet in the Global Events Center for prayer assignments, and then circle the church for prayer. Then on the National Day of Prayer itself, May 6, we’ll gather at Fort Lauderdale City Hall at noon as we proclaim that our city is fully dependent upon God’s grace and guidance. (If you’d like to find a prayer gathering in your local community, go to www.NationalDayofPrayer.org/find-an-event.)
(Some have asked why we aren’t praying at the church on Thursday at noon, but we consider it a strong privilege to be able to “unseal the sanctuary” and pray in public places on the National Day of Prayer. We want to celebrate the access to the civic chambers that God has given us.)
As a Watchman, please plan to participate in these two important National Day of Prayer events:
· Wednesday, May 5, 6:15 p.m. at our church
· Thursday, May 6, Noon, at City Hall
As our nation humbles itself and calls out to God, may He hear our prayer and continue to bless our land.
Prayer for Peace Keepers
April 25, 2010
Over the next few weeks, the nation will be remembering its law enforcement officers who strive and sacrifice daily to serve and protect our communities. On the last Sunday of April, we've commemorated both fallen officers and those in active service on a special Law Enforcement Appreciation Sunday. Our event precedes National Police Week, and a national candlelight vigil on May 13 in Washington, D.C.
You can read stories about fallen officers at National Law Enforcement Memorial Internet site (http://www.nleomf.com/). While you're at that site, you'll see that officer fatalities have increased 39 percent so far this year. A battle is waging, and you as a Watchman are equipped to take part in the battle for protection of our cities and our streets and the officers who serve them.
During your Watchman hour this week, reflect on the survivor families who have lost a loved one and ask for God's continuing mercy in their lives. Ask God to draw those family members to Himself. Pray for officers who, like Watchmen, take their posts for the protection of our people. Ask for God's supernatural safety in their patrol cars, at traffic stops, on their beats and wherever duty may take them.
At times like this, I'm especially glad to know that we have strong Watchman ready and able to intercede. Thank you for serving as you do.
Pray Beyond Your Beaten Path
April 18, 2010
One of the aspects of our new Undercover Pastor series that I’m enjoying most is going places I wouldn’t normally go. For example, I recently went to the city stables in preparation for our April 25 video segment. Even though I’ve lived in South Florida for more than fifteen years, I had no idea that we had a fully featured stable the Fort Lauderdale equestrian police unit less than a mile from the church. It was good to get to know these officers who serve our community, and good to find out we had such a unique facility in our own backyard. Like I said, it was good to go someplace I wouldn’t normally go.
As you take your Watchman hour this week, maybe you’ll take that same approach. Do you find yourself praying for these same things every week? Does your prayer list seem like a repeating record? While it’s great to be consistent in your intercession, maybe you’ll take a different road this week. Maybe you can go somewhere in prayer where you don’t normally go. Ask God to reveal to you where that might be. Is it a person you’ve not prayed for recently? Is it a mission that seems distant in miles, but can be close in prayer? I’ll be looking forward to hearing about those unexpected prayer places. April 11, 2010
One of the readings in this week's God Sightings New Testament provides an inspiring framework for those who labor in prayer for someone who has strayed away from the faith. As much as the intercessor is committed to the return of the one gone astray, God cares even more.
Read these words from Luke:
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven¹t strayed away!”
I remember several years ago hearing Jim Cymbala tell the heart-breaking story of his daughter, Chrissy, who had abandoned her faith and gotten lost in the streets of New York City. Through the intercession of God's people, she returned.
God must have had situations like that in mind when He had Jesus speak the words of Luke 15. Whether you're praying for a son or a daughter, a wayward spouse, or any other loved one, remember not to grow weary in your Watchman intercession, for the hope of Christ is available for all of us.
Majestic Mystery
April 4, 2010
Those who followed Jesus would have been bewildered by the events of Holy Week. Even though He clearly explained what would happen on what we call Good Friday and this day we celebrate as Easter, His disciples did not even begin to comprehend what these events would mean.
They, like most good Jewish people of the time, were expecting a Conquering King along the lines of what we read about in today's Psalm. As children, they would have been taught that the Messiah would come and sweep away the enemies of God.
Listen again to these words from the Psalm:
"God is honored in Judah, His name is great in Israel.
Jerusalem is where He lives; Mount Zion is His home.
There He has broken the fiery arrows of the enemy,
the shields and swords and weapons of war."
As word of the cross spread, all of Israel would have been dumbfounded. The One who called Himself "I Am" no longer was. But that all changed on Easter Sunday, and we now understand that victory could only be won by what looked like a loss. As Jesus roared forth from the tomb after three days, He showed Himself to be the conquering King of Kings after all. He had indeed broken the fiery arrows of the enemy, the arrows of death, destruction and hopelessness.
Rejoice today in knowing that our reality is that the Messiah has come, and He reigns in our hearts on this Easter Sunday.
(Be sure to read along with us in the GodSightings Bible at www.FBCNET.com/Bible.)
Opening Ceremonies of Heaven
February 28, 2010
For the past two weeks, the world has been captivated by the Winter Olympics in Canada. The greatest athletes from all the nations gathered in Vancouver to demonstrate their excellence and celebrate the spirit of international friendship.
I watched the opening ceremonies a few weeks ago and the Games will honor these two weeks with a grand closing ceremony. In the opening ceremonies, everyone wore white so the Canadian arena was radiant. But as I watched, I was reminded that as great as these displays were, even the greatest man-made presentation can never compare to the "opening ceremonies" when one first experiences heaven.
One of our sweet saints and faithful Watchmen, Mary Dollar, experienced that for the first time last week. I can imagine her entry with saints and angels alike robed in white, voicing their praise to God and His welcome to her.
Most of us will never get to the Olympics, even as spectators. But we can all look forward to the radiant splendor of heaven. Please continue to pray for those in your circle of influence, that they might know this same hope. Many experienced that life last week during our special Sunday morning. Now may we all rededicate ourselves to running this race to claim the crown of righteousness already won for us by the promise of Jesus Christ.
Persistent Prayer
February 21, 2010
As I was reading through our God Sightings Bible, I was particularly intrigued with how the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment had been so persistent. If you're reading through the Bible with us as part of your Watchman time, you'll recognize how essential her enduring faith was for her healing.
Here's an excerpt from what I wrote about that passage: "The same healing power that changed that woman's life is available to you today. If you're struggling with things beyond your control...if you're trying to change your life but have discovered it's more than you can do on your own, today's Scripture will help you take hold of God's power in your life. For this woman to take hold of Jesus' robe and receive His healing power, she first had to let go of some things, things standing between her and wholeness. These same things may be standing in your way, too, and you'll have to let go of them before you can reach out and touch the hem of His garment and experience His power in your life." As you begin your Watchman hour this week, ask God what might be standing in the way of you reaching out to Jesus. Then set those things aside in faith, and receive His power for your intercession. Holy Week of Prayer
February 14, 2010
Wednesday is the first day of an important season in the Christian calendar. Believers from more liturgical traditions tend to be more attentive to the season of Lent, but we who are Watchmen can learn something vital about the practice of our faith by understanding these forty days leading to Easter.
The reason Lent lasts forty days is because that's how long Jesus spent in the wilderness, becoming more deeply aware of His Father and resisting the temptations offered by the devil. This is a time when believers follow Christ's example by setting aside personal desires and devoting themselves more intimately to God.
The word Lent literally means "spring." Rather than solemnity, the season offers a spirit of holy celebration. Each day of Lent is one day closer to Resurrection Sunday, when we rejoice in Jesus' victory over darkness. Lent celebrates the Light of the World.
Perhaps during these seven weeks before Easter, you'll add your own observation of this Lenten season to your weekly Watchman hour. Take a few moments to remember the extended time leading to the cross, as Jesus began a journey that would provide for our salvation. Those who commemorate Lent are especially aware of three Christian disciplines during the forty days: prayer, fasting and giving to those in need. As a Watchman, consider how these disciplines can be part of your daily walk with God as you devote yourself to Him and extend His love to others.
With you during this Holy Season, Pastor Larry
Super Bowl Prayers for our City
February 7, 2010
For the past week, the world has been watching South Florida. Peaking with Super Bowl Sunday, all eyes have been on us (literally....as many as 100 million people were expected to watch the game between New Orleans and Indianapolis.) As I was reflecting on the international attention being directed at our hometown, I thought of the great privilege we have as Watchmen to be the ones guarding this place in prayer.
As people from all over the world visit Fort Lauderdale in person and through television, the first thing on their minds is probably not the reality that hundreds of believers are praying for our city, for our nation and for our world. But this reality is greater than all the best the NFL has to offer. Proverbs 11:11 says, "Through the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted....." I hope that everyone had (and has) fun during their visits to South Florida. I hope the game's a great game. But that's all one week every couple of years. More than the shouting crowds at a football game or a beach party, I pray that the voices of our Watchmen will rise to God, that through our blessing and prayer, He will honor Fort Lauderdale and make this a place where His name is praised. Thank you for being one of those voices. Pray with a pure heart
January 31, 2010
One of the greatest needs for a Watchman is to be able to approach God with a pure heart. While none of us can be righteous without the grace and mercy of Christ, one of this week’s God Sightings Bible readings offers a pathway to prayer which should encourage us all.
“Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins.” Psalms 25:16-18 (NLT) All of us as followers of Christ have days that start out in the sunshine and end in the midst of a raging story. Our emotions often remind me of the beautiful ocean that we have the privilege of seeing each day. In life there are periods of magnificent calm that is suddenly interrupted by huge waves caused by turbulent waters. In the midst of life’s storms we cry out to God, knowing He alone can rescue us and our times of greatest needs comes when we are drowning in our own sin. The greatest gift we find in the midst of these difficult periods in life is the rescue God provides when we repent. I have been asked before why genuine biblical repentance is so vital to the spiritual life of the believer and my simple answer is “the healing of our memory and our heart.” While we rejoice when God brings healing to our mind and body, the greatest need for healing is misery associated with the memory of our sin. There is no anguish like the sense of sin. Repentance is possible for each of us, regardless of what we have done, and yet we will never find His peace until we cry out with the prayer of the psalmist, 'Forgive all my sins.' I am so blessed to know that in my most difficult days I cried out, “My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins…” And He answered my prayer and brought with Him the peace that can only be found in true repentance. (Be sure to keep up with Pastor Thompson’s expanded daily commentaries on the God Sightings Bible at www.FBCNET.com/Bible.) Prayer
January 24, 2010
(This week's Watchman article is drawn from Pastor Thompson's daily commentary for the God Sightings One-Year Bible. If you haven't started reading with us yet, this is a great time to start.)
John Killinger begins his book on prayer with this paragraph: “If there is one sin that hurts us more than all others, it is surely the sin of not praying. We are meant to live in the Spirit of God to live joyously, vibrantly, and lovingly in the world. But if we do not pray we cannot live in the Spirit. It is as simple as that. We lack the daily connection to God that would make such a wonderful life possible.”
If we love God, we will pray. Prayer is all about a love relationship. St. Augustine said, “True, whole prayer is nothing but love.”
In last week's God Sighting readings, we can learn much about the ministry of prayer. Psalm 19:14 can serve as a great introduction to the ministry of prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Let's begin with the end of this verse: How important is it for us to stand on solid ground? If we are standing on solid ground in life then we are able to accomplish much. However, without solid ground, we lack balance, focus and direction. In prayer, Jesus is our ROCK and REDEEMER.
As we back our way into this Scripture, we next are confronted with the word “PLEASING.” Everyone wants to be pleasing. The NIV translation uses the word “acceptable.” We all want and desire acceptance. We know we are sinners and we are desperate to know we have been found pleasing in His sight.
Next we read “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart.” It is in prayer that we bring OUR words, OUR heart, OUR innermost feelings to the Lord. By coming before Him in pure prayer that is straight from the heart we know we are found pleasing and acceptable in His sight.
We are called to pray; we need to learn to pray; we need to be serious about prayer, but most of all, we need to pray. A friend of mine in the ministry in Oklahoma City said, “To pray is to move into the depths without consideration for how long we can tread water.” In other words, we need to launch out into the deep spiritual waters awaiting us and learn to cry out to the Lord. After all, He is our ROCK and REDEEMER and the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart are PLEASING TO HIM!
If you have not joined the Watchman Prayer Ministry, today would be an excellent day to launch into a new adventure in prayer with your church family. Just e-mail us at tina.anderson@fbcfl.com and we¹ll help you get connected.
Happy Anniversary
January 10, 2010
During 2010, I’m writing my thoughts about the daily Bible reading and posting them on our God Sightings group site. This has been an interesting process....one of the most interesting aspects is the number of people from all around the country who are engaging with our group. For me, it’s been a great extension of the daily journaling practice that I’ve had for many years.
Hopefully, you’ve already connected with the God Sightings site in addition to your time on the Watchman Prayer Ministry prayer request site. If you still need to sign up, it’s not too late. Just go to www.FBCNET.com/Bible for instructions. On Sunday, Jan. 10, we’ll celebrate the second complete year of our renewed Watchman Prayer Ministry. I hope you always remember that you are part of the unseen stream of intercession that provides a foundation of God’s Spirit for our church. Some people may never even know that you are part of this important force of prayer. But God knows, and hears you each day. Continue to build a sense of community with those who pray before you and after you, and with the others who stand guard on your wall. Our God Sightings readings represent an excellent way to do this. I’m proud of you, and I’m proud to be your pastor. Blessings! God Sightings
December 3, 2010
We're in our first week of our God Sightings readings, based on the One-Year Bible. I know that many of our Watchman have already signed up to read along with us at www.FBCNET.com/Bible and many more are reading along with the printed version.
As a Watchman, you'll remain at the forefront of this daily commitment to read God's Word. As I said last week, this is one of the most basic levels of preparation for an effective time of intercession. Reading God's Word allows us to speak the language of God, both literally and figuratively.
I hope that you'll also serve on the front lines by encouraging others to read along with us. It doesn't matter if they started on Jan. 1 or not....encourage them to begin right where they are, and finish the year with us. This is the best time to begin the year in God's Word, even if it begins a few days later than some of us. There's still a lot to read!
If you'd like to see my own thoughts on each day's readings, please see the daily commentaries that I'm writing on the God Sightings site. When you go to your readings page, just click on "COMMENTS" to see my personal thoughts on the daily readings.
(You've already received a note from our minister for prayer, Rob Springer, that you'll no longer be receiving the daily Watchman Word by e-mail. Instead, we're consolidating our daily e-mail focus to the God Sightings site. You'll still receive your weekly prayer reminder a day before your Watchman post begins.)
Sensing God's Activity
December 27, 2009
In only a few days, we'll begin reading through the God Sightings One-Year Bible. As you read each day, I hope you'll remember the idea that inspired the men and women who put together this "God Sightings" concept. Just as we see God at work in each page of the Bible, we also see His work reflected in the everyday lives of the people we encounter. The organizers of the God Sightings Bible are hoping that as we read God's Word, we'll be more sensitive to God's activity in those we see on the streets, in the restaurants, in our workplace.
Each day, you'll read about people and principles whose lives were profoundly changed by a personal connection with God. When you pray, you'll be more able to understand more fully how God works in the lives of people you know, and people for whom you are praying. If you'd like to find out more about this idea, please take a look at the short video on our main Internet site: www.FBCNET.com/mainsite. This video offers a great explanation of why our daily readings are so important. Be sure to pick up a copy of the God Sightings One-Year Bible, or even better, register online for free tools (including the daily readings) at www.MyGodSightings.com. (Search for "First Baptist Fort Lauderdale" to find our group.) Daily Bible Reading
December 20, 2009
One of the most effective tools for a Watchman is the Bible he or she holds as the watch begins. In fact, in the iconic image of the Watchman, he's holding a trowel in one hand (to rebuild the walls) and a sword in the other hand (to defend the city.) God's Word fits both descriptions.
In just a few weeks, we'll begin a new daily Bible reading plan for 2010. This year, we're using the God Sightings Bible, from the One-Year Bible series. This new Bible provides a portion of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs all in one daily, 15-minute reading. One of the most exciting aspects of our new Bible selection is the availability of a personal Bible-reading dashboard at www.MyGodSightings.com. You can register, then sign up to be part of our "First Baptist Fort Lauderdale" Fit for the Future group. Each day, you'll be able to interact with other Watchmen about what you read and how it impacts your life. I think you are going to enjoy using the MyGodSightings site as a companion to your Watchman hour, as you read the most updated prayer requests online at www.WatchmanPrayer.com, then read through the printed edition of the God Sightings Bible or the online version on the new web site. Beginning Jan. 1, they'll be interlinked so you can move easily between the two. Your role as a Watchman is essential to our church. More than ever, we need the protection and provision of God. Through the Watchman Prayer Ministry, we're asking Him for those 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I'm thankful for you, and I'm proud to be your pastor. P.S. Be sure to mark your calendar for our upcoming Watchman Gathering, scheduled for Jan. 10 to start the new year. You'll be able to meet other Watchmen on your wall and receive important in-person updates. Discipline of Journalling
December 13, 2009
If you're like me, you likely are finding a powerful resource in God's call to your weekly Watchman hour. Many of you are praying in this way for the first time, while others are adding this as an element to a daily discipline of prayer and intercession you've practiced for many years. It's been no secret that one practice which has transformed and revolutionized my spiritual life is keeping a consistent, daily quiet time and writing down the thoughts and prayers God gives me during that time.
You may want to select a special book in which to journal, or write down notes on your computer, or journal in the side margins of the Bible you use for your time alone with God. You may want to keep a separate Watchman journal, or add your Watchman reflections to a daily journal you keep.
Even if you've never journalled before, I encourage you to take advantage of your new Watchman role and write down your thoughts and prayers at least that one time a week during your watchful hour.
Advent Prayers
December 6, 2009
During this season of Advent, when we anxiously await the arrival of the Christ Child, we're reminded of the humble estate into which He was born.
Though He arrived as the King of Kings, He was immediately identified with the poorest of the poor. The classic Christmas Carol tale tells a similar story, of how those who are most sensitive to the Word of God in their lives are often counted among the least regarded by society.
As you take your Watchman post this week, be especially aware of those in our community who need your intercession. Imagine yourself high upon the Watchman wall, with vision to see the unseen circumstances which cause so many to struggle. Ask God to give you supernatural wisdom and understanding in praying for them, and ask Him to reveal His Son to them in ways they may not have not experienced before -- as Provider, Healer, Strength.
Thank you for taking your place, even in the midst of this busy season. Your intercession is more important than ever.
Week of November 29, 2009
Pageant Prayers
One of my favorite scenes in the Christmas Pageant doesn't take place on the stage, but in the hallways surrounding our sanctuary as cast members circle to pray before going on stage. During every performance, I see choir members, students, dancers, tech hands, children, and Pageant actors pause in groups to do that one thing which is most important for their role in the Pageant: pray.
When I see a line delivered from the script, or hear a song sung, or see a shepherd walk by the aisle, I know that God has prepared our people in prayer. This year I've seen those prayers become more specific, more personal, more poignant, more pointed.
As Watchman, I know you'll continue to pray for those whose lives have been changed by this celebration of the Christmas event. As we enter the weeks of Advent, pray especially that the message and meaning of Christmas will live strongly in the minds and spirits of those who were our guests and the hope of our prayers during this year's Pageant.
Week of November 22, 2009
Prayers of a Momma
Mike Jeffries told me something last week about his mom, Ruth, that I thought would be appropriate to share in this week's Watchman Prayer Alert. Ruth, who lived in Tulsa, was a frequent visitor to Fort Lauderdale, an honorary member in our church, a Watchman and a friend to so many here. She took the hand of Jesus last Thursday afternoon, and is walking with Him in heaven as I write this. I asked Mike to write down what she told him during their last visit just a week ago:
Mom always had a ministry of prayer. I remember the last time she was able to travel to Fort Lauderdale. One night I looked into her bedroom to check on her, and saw her holding a steno pad with all of her prayer requests. I could hear her talking with Jesus, telling him all about all my seven brothers and sisters, the grandkids, people from the church, concerns about the world. She would pray through that notebook every night....even when she could no longer read. She had prayed for those people and those requests enough that she just needed to see the form of the letters to know what to pray for. Even though she was in the later stages of Alzheimer's over the past year and didn't recognize most of us most of the time, God seemed to give her supernatural insight about my siblings and myself. God was giving her inside information, in a deep place in her spirit where the Alzheimer's couldn't get to her. For example, when I recently had cancer surgery, we all decided we wouldn't tell Mom. Not that she would have been able to comprehend it, but why worry her? The day before the surgery, I called her and she said, "So you're having a big operation tomorrow? I've been praying." My sister, her full-time caregiver, quickly left the room and called me to tell her there was no natural way that Mom could have known about the surgery since she had kept her promise not to tell. Her loss of short-term memory wouldn't have allowed her to remember anyway. Then when my other sister was suffering with a hand injury, Mom somehow knew and asked her: "How are your hands?" A few weeks ago, Mom knew that I was in New York with our Israel group, not in Florida as my family assumed. (Sometimes I forget to give them updates, but God kept Mom updated. My sister said, "Let's call Mikey in Florida." Mom said, "He's not in Florida. He's in New York." And I was.) Those of us who have a loved one with Alzheimer's struggle with all that our loved ones lose, and what we lose with them. But I believe God was telling me very specifically: the spirit of a man or woman is deeper than we know. Don't get confused by temporarily clouded minds....the spirit that God gives is powerful, present, eternal and aware of what really matters. Last week during our final visit, I was rolling Mom around the courtyard of her nursing home when I stopped and knelt down in front of her. I said, "Mom, have you been talking to Jesus?" In a moment of great clarity, she looked at me and said, "Yes, He said He's coming back to get me." A few days later, He did. Week of November 15, 2009
Prayer of Faith
The eleventh chapter of faith's heroes offers not only a directory of those who trusted God, it also provides a detail of men and women who prayed for God's specific action for their own lives, their families, their communities and their nations. As a Watchman, you approach God in the same way. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab....just a handful of those who courageously held faith to seek God and see His promises in hope and anticipation.
As you pray, pray boldly, along the example of these saints. Are there sick among you? Pray the prayer of faith. Discouragement? Pray the prayer of faith. Economic distress? Pray the prayer of faith. Family challenges? Pray the prayer of faith. Friends who do not know God? Pray the prayer of faith. I join you this week, specifically during your Watchman post, for the promise of faith that God has sealed on your heart as His Watchman. Week of November 8, 2009
Prayer for Peace
This past week, I visited a place in Jerusalem I had never been before. After one of our days at different Biblical sites, a few of us went to the Jerusalem Prayer Center. The Center overlooks the new city and the Old City, situated between a school for Muslim boys and a Jewish study center.
The first floor of the center provides places for groups to meet, but the second floor is fully dedicated to praying for Jerusalem -- and praying FROM Jerusalem for the nations.
Psalm 122:6 reminds us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem," and I was humbled to pray in that place for people from every nation that the work of Christ accomplished two thousand years ago would transform lives in our own time. That's the prayer of peace, the peace of Jerusalem. Thank you for standing with us on the Watchman walls.
Week of October 25, 2009
What is Your God Like?
Theologian, Emil Brunner, wrote, “The first and most important thing we know about God is that we know nothing about Him except what He Himself has made known.”
If I were to ask the question, “What is your God like?” I would no doubt give many different answers from many different people. I have often believed you could learn much about what a person thinks of God by listening to their prayers. If you could record and analyze all your prayers from this year, they would reveal a great deal about your perception of God, and how God relates to your life. Listening to your prayers would reveal a great deal about the God you serve.
Nehemiah is a man of prayer and throughout this small Old Testament book he prayed 12 different prayers. One day while serving in Susa he asked some visiting family members, “How are things going in Jerusalem?” “They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:3 (NIV)
On hearing this tragic news this is how Nehemiah responds: “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)
His response is revealing: he MOURNS, he FASTS and he PRAYS. I have often thought that WHAT MAKES PEOPLE LAUGH OR WEEP IS OFTEN AN INDICATION OF THEIR CHARACTER. When you see people who laugh at others' mistakes or misfortunes, or who weep over trivial personal disappointments, they are lacking either in culture or character, and possibly both. Nehemiah was like the Lord in that he willingly took on the burden that was crushing others. “Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Psalm 69:9 (NLT)
As a prayer warrior we must remember…When God puts a burden on your heart, don't try to escape it; for if you do, you may miss the blessing He has planned for you. To read one of the great prayers in the Bible read Nehemiah’s first prayer in Neh. 1:5-11.
Week of October 18, 2009
Side by Side - The Finish Line
“The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul. It had taken fifty-two days.” Nehemiah 6:15 (MSG)
While on sabbatical this summer I received a call from Dr. Billy Graham’s personal assistant. He indicated that he wanted to set up a time where I could join Dr. Graham’s grandson and meet with this giant of faith for a time of encouragement and prayer. I have to be honest with you; if I were given the choice of meeting with the five living presidents of the United States or Billy Graham…I would not even need to give it a second thought. I would immediately be on my way to meet with one of the greatest men of God our faith has ever known and the most successful evangelist in the history of Christianity.
On three or four occasions Dr. Graham’s assistant would feel as he had a time for us to meet only to cancel because of the failing health of this great warrior of the faith. Honestly, I even told Dr. Graham’s assistant that the meeting was not necessary for even though I had never met him personally I had been at two of crusades and watched the amazing anointing of God upon his life and have rejoiced in the millions of people who came to Christ through his preaching the Word of God. I was sincerely alright with the fact the meeting was not possible for I felt Billy Graham had already given to me, and to our world, the very best of his life in showing all of us the true spirit of Jesus Christ.
I will never forget one day visiting with Jerry Jenkins, co-author of the “Left Behind” series, and Jerry was sharing with me the time he sat with Billy Graham in his home taking notes to prepare a book about his life. Dr. Graham asked Jerry, “What do you want to write about me?” The author replied, “We want to prepare a biography of your life for the world to have the privilege of reading.” After a long pause Dr. Graham responded, “Wait until I have gone to be with the Lord before you write the biography. I have seen too many Christians stumble before they reach the finish line. Let me finish the race…then write the book.”
There is something wonderful about ‘finishing the race!’ In today’s final devotional reading we read where Nehemiah writes, “The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul. It had taken fifty-two days.”
Somehow, I feel that it was Billy Graham was trying to let his author know… “I have had the privilege of walking side by side with the Lord; the privilege of participating with Him to accomplish His will; the joy of seeing His finished work…just let me finish the race…then we can celebrate! Even as we read the closing chapter of Nehemiah’s great journey we hear this Old Testament said say: “Remember me, O my God, for this. Don't ever forget the devoted work I have done for The Temple of God and its worship.” Neh. 13:14 (MSG) Nehemiah had led one of the most amazing construction projects in the history of man; under his leadership the people completed rebuilding the walls and restoring the gates in just 52 days. He was instrumental in not only restoring the physical Jerusalem but he, along with Ezra, helped restore the people spiritually. However, in the midst of this greatness there is still a sense of great humility, “Remember me, O my God…”
Week of October 4, 2009
Side by Side - Urban Renewal
“The city was large and spacious with only a few people in it and the houses not yet rebuilt. 5 God put it in my heart to gather the nobles, the officials, and the people in general to be registered. I found the genealogical record of those who were in the first return from exile. This is the record I found:” Nehemiah 7:4-5 (MSG)
More than 50 years ago the First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale voted for the first time to stay in Downtown; 25 years later the church again voted that, in spite of the fact that it appeared much of the growth had gone to the suburbs, the members of First Baptist again voted and reaffirmed that they felt the church should stay in the heart of downtown. These votes turned out to be certainly the leadership of the Lord as downtown Fort Lauderdale exploded in growth the past fifteen years with more than 3,500 new housing units built within a six block radius of our facility.
Nehemiah was the ultimate “urban planner.” He realized that once the city was secure then it was time to insure that people were brought into the walled city to live and prosper. As Nehemiah points out, “God put it in my heart…” This was a God-sized project and Nehemiah was going after as many people as possible to encourage they fill the city of God.
However… There was one criterion. The name of every citizen who lived within the City of God had to prove their heritage; their name had to be written in the book. This book was first recorded 90 years before Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem. Ezra, the priest, had recorded all the names of those who could be verified as true Jewish citizens.
Nehemiah goes back to the record book to remind God’s people of their past and to remind them of who they are and to whom they belong. Before we can reach the people on our path for Christ we must have a renewed heart and be reminded that our names are also written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and the fact that our name is in the book should remind us of our spiritual heritage and of our Savior’s sacrifice.
As you read the 7th chapter of Nehemiah it can become very tedious as you read through all the names of those who were verified as true citizens of Jerusalem. However, things get very interesting in Neh. 7:61…
“These are those who came from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer. They weren't able to prove their ancestry, whether they were true Israelites or not.” Nehemiah 7:61 (MSG)
This was a tragic time for some who “thought” they were citizens of Jerusalem but came to the sobering realization that their names were not found in the book. Scripture reminds us that when we die, Heaven will examine to see if our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and if our name is not found in His book then we will be denied access into the presence of Christ and we will be bound for eternal separation from Christ and from those who have trusted Him as their Savior. Listen to what John says about the importance of having your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life:
“Nothing dirty or defiled will get into the City, and no one who defiles or deceives. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will get in.” Revelation 21:27 (MSG)
Week of September 27, 2009
Side by Side - Community
The First Community Organizer - Nehemiah 11
In the 2008 presidential election we were introduced to the value of a “community organizer” as President Obama shared with the nation where he received the foundation for his leadership in life. This week in our “side by side” devotional study through the book of Nehemiah we will reflect on the community in which we live. My question is simple: What can we learn from the Community Organizer of Jerusalem that will translate into helping us organize to make a difference?
When you read the book of Nehemiah you can easily discover the book could be called, “The Leadership Keys of the Successful Community Organizer.” Nehemiah called a “press conference” with the people of Jerusalem; he had made a complete survey of the mess they were in; he outlined a strategy to correct the problem; he included himself in both the problem and the solution. Nehemiah never said, “Look at the mess you are in?” He always used the word “WE” and committed his life to this project. Nehemiah told the people they needed to work like they had never worked before. After laying out the identification of the problem and then offering a plan to restore the community he waited for the response of the people. In Nehemiah 4:6 we read, “for the people worked with all their heart.”
How is it possible for us to see this type of rallying in our community in order to see significant change? I believe it all had to do with the conviction in which Nehemiah communicated with the citizens of Jerusalem. To Nehemiah this was not just some political agenda of a future leader…to Nehemiah, this work was a matter of life and death.
At this point in the story the wall is only half completed and yet the people were still solidly behind their community leader because their community leader was solidly following the direction and will of God in his life. Inspired by a leader who had devoted his life to rebuilding the city and restoring lives, the community organized for their future good.
Pray this week for God to reveal to you the change needed in our city.
Week of September 20
Side by Side - Church
Say No to ONO! - Nehemiah 6:1-4 Sanballat sent a message to Nehemiah: “Come and meet with us at Kephirim in the valley of Ono.” Remember, Satan will do whatever he can to stop you and stop your church from doing what God has called you to accomplish. There are times that the attack of Satan is all-out warfare and there are other times that Satan will simply employ the use of distractions in an attempt to keep God’s people from doing God’s work. Notice in this chapter that Nehemiah has almost completed the restoration work in Jerusalem. All he lacks is hanging the gates in place to have the city secure. Yet the enemy of God’s people NEVER gives up. Satan is relentless. He may appear defeated for a time but make no mistake, he is only planning his next attack.
This attack of the enemy is subtle. Sanballat says, “Why don’t we meet in the Valley of Ono and work out our problems?” Whenever the enemy invites you to Ono it is time for you to follow the advice of Nehemiah and say “Oh No!” The Hebrew meaning for the name “Ono” is “grief.” If you allow Satan to distract you or your church from following God’s plan for your life then you are inviting grief to be your friend.
We must do whatever we can to follow the example of Nehemiah and say “no” to “Ono.” We must learn to identify the distraction for what it is…a disguise by the enemy to keep us from following God’s will for our lives.
Think about this for a moment…how powerful is a distraction? Good Housekeeping puts a distraction in perspective:
“The U.S. gross national product would probably rise by $50 billion if that ‘new e-mail’ notification sound were to suddenly disappear.” As one who spends much of my day working at my computer I can easily see the truth in this study. As humans we are prone to be distracted. However, we could all learn a very valuable lesson from Nehemiah and just say “No” to the invitation to travel to Ono.
By the way, Ono is halfway between Jerusalem and Samaria. There are times the enemy will say, “Just meet me halfway!” Remember, the real message is not “meet me halfway” but “stop doing what God has called you to accomplish.”
Several years ago our church was in transition. We were committed to becoming a “global church” in which our vision was that our membership would reflect the demographics of our community. The vision upset some people…actually, some people were very angry. One day I was invited to lunch by two men who said, “Just meet with a group of us who want to discuss the vision of our church and how the vision could damage what God is doing.”
Sounds innocent enough…actually, it was an invitation to Ono. I have not always met distractions with such a clear sense of God’s call however, on this occasion I knew what God had called me to accomplish and I said “no to Ono.” Remember, the enemies of God’s work did not offer the Ono distraction just once: “Four times they sent this message and four times I gave them my answer.” Four times Nehemiah was invited to Ono and four times Nehemiah said NO to Ono. Good for you Nehemiah
Side by Side - Friendships
I never take for granted when someone says to me, “we are praying for you and your family.” I personally believe there is not a greater gift a friend can give than to give the gift of sincere prayer.
When you want to pray for some of your friends, especially when they're going through a tough time, remember to pray first for their relationship with God. If they do not have a personal relationship with Christ then your prayer should focus first on their personal surrender to trust Christ as their Savior. Allow me to share with you some other considerations in praying for your friends:
Our best defense against the enemy is to pray. Together, we lift our voices to God, on behalf of those He loves so well. Week of September 6
Side by Side - Families
This week, we talked about how important it is to build our families, along the pattern of Nehemiah. Our call and concern is to see the next generation prepared, equipped and empowered to make a difference for Jesus.
That preparation most often happens in the framework of a family. Parents are powerfully positioned to guide their sons and daughters to a place where they can realize their potential in God's plan.
Please pray, as a Watchman, for the families in our church. Pray for moms and dads and their children. Pray for single adults who desire to be married, that God will guide them. Pray for those who sense a calling to remain single, as they serve the church and the families in our community. Through your intercession, we'll prepare a generation to be God's heart and hope for the future.
Week of August 30
Side by Side - Relationship with God
As you're reading through your Side by Side devotional guide this week, you'll be like the classic portrayal of the Watchman along the walls of Jerusalem: tool in one hand, sword in the other. The tool, with which the Watchman would rebuild the walls, is the devotional guide. The sword, with which the Watchman would stand guard, is your daily Bible reading.
Both of these resources will call you to a new sense of focus, as we ask God to give us His vision for recapturing the spiritual imagination of our city, and for rebuilding those who endure broken lives every day. As you take your post this week, be especially attentive to the model of Nehemiah, and his continuing commitment to prayer. It's a privilege to stand alongside the same metaphorical walls as this leader, and pray to the same God to Whom Nehemiah prayed. Blessings! Week of August 23
Grateful Prayer
For the past fifteen years, I've had the privilege of pastoring the greatest people in the world, the family of faith known as First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale. Each day, I give thanks to God for this community in which we live and the church we're able to serve. One of the spiritual highlights of our time here has been the Watchman Prayer Ministry. I'm especially thankful that you, as a Watchman, commit to this ministry in prayer and intercession for our church and the world.
Did you know that my relationship to our church and the Watchman Prayer Ministry started even before I came to be pastor here in 1994? God gave the idea for the Watchman ministry to me in the late 1980s, while I was serving as pastor at a church in Merritt Island. As I developed the way Watchman would work, First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale was one of the pilot churches to implement the program. Eventually, thousands more joined in, but First Fort Lauderdale will always be among the first. In fact, that initial Watchman pilot is when I met many of our current Watchmen for the first time. Please let me use this space today to thank you for being part of this ministry, and to thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your pastor. Let's covenant to pray together for God's greatest days, not only for us as Watchmen, but for the ministry of this church and the impact God wants to have through a people fully committed to Him. Week of August 16
Praying God's Strategy
This Saturday, our Growing Avenue team will host a major training event, our Leadership Summit. A close friend of mine, Reggie Joiner, will be the special guest speaker. He's the originator of the principles found in the strategy we call Orange, and his influence has been used to transform ministry to families in more than four thousand churches. Reggie served as my associate pastor in two different churches, in Merritt Island and in Mobile.
I'm excited that our church leaders will gather together to hear about how we can make a difference by standing side by side for the sake of our families, our community and our world. If you're involved in this leadership group, be praying this week that we would all be encouraged and challenged by God's Holy Spirit to be more effective in reaching others with the message of Jesus. Whether or not you're directly involved, you can be praying especially during that time from 9 a.m. until noon on Aug. 22 as we listen, learn and make plans for the immediate and extended future of our ministry together. Sometimes, we might underestimate the impact of our intercessors for a gathering like this. But we know that the best designed plans are effective only when God sets them on the path before us and guides us into realization of His vision for us. That only happens when people of prayer make His strategy a personal priority. Thank you for joining me this week in doing just that. Week of August 9
Frogs Here’s an easy way to pray: pray against frogs! Not real ones, of course. (Okay, maybe real ones, but only if they number in Pharoahic proportions.) In our message Sunday, we talked about the frogs that plagued Egypt when the Pharaoh wouldn’t let Moses and the people of God leave. I challenged our people to look for the “frogs” that clutter our lives. I offered five “frog facts” that showed why the frogs of Egypt are like the sins in our lives: they multiply quickly, they can be disgusting, they can lead to procrastination about doing good, they make a lot of noise and they smell a lot.
When you take your post on the wall this week, be watching for frogs: in your life, in the life of our church, in the lives of those you care about. Pray that God would scatter them and allow us to live in His righteousness, a truly plague-free life. Week of August 2
Life Transformations On Sunday, my message is about imagining the kind of spiritual impact we could have if we truly believed that God wanted to transform the lives of those in our community. Growing a church isn't about certain styles or methods. Instead, growing a church is about seeing individual lives transformed. Everything we do, including the processes we adopt, should be focused on how God can change the lives of those who surrender to Him. That's what real growth is about.
Our missionary Doug Rose, who works with his wife Katelyn in college ministry at Virginia Tech, says one of the biggest things he's noticed among college students is that ministry can't be about behavior modification, but has to be about life transformation. They're not there to get people to change their habits; they're there to see people change their lives. As we measure what God is doing among us, the best way of taking our spiritual temperature is seeing how many lives are truly changed. As a Watchman, I know that you'll pray along with me for that kind of miraculous work in the lives of people all around South Florida and all around the world. Week of July 26:
Intercessory Initiative
During a special twentytwenty on July 29, our Watchman Prayer Ministry will host a special focus on the intercession initiative directed toward our continuing ministry in Nicaragua. Several Watchmen were among the 43 volunteers who travelled to Nicaragua last week. They'll return to report specific ways we can be more effective in praying for the people of Nicaragua and the ministries of Nour and Carolyn Sirker. We'll do more than talk about prayer or Nicaragua; we'll be pointed and purposeful in actually praying as a combined force of Watchmen during twentytwenty.
Afterwards, we'll transition to the Worship Suite where Michael Neale will lead us in a unique time of worship. Michael is one of the leading worship pastors in our nation and has arranged many of the songs we sing on Sunday mornings. (The worship time will begin at 7 p.m. twentytwenty begins at 6:15 p.m.) Please plan to be part of these important opportunities for our Watchman Prayer Ministry. Week of July 19
Praying for Nicaragua
As you're taking your post on the Watchman walls this week, our team of 43 people will be working in Nicaragua at our outpost with missionaries Nour and Carolyn Sirker. The team left Saturday just before midnight and will return on Friday. While they're in Nicaragua, they'll be ministering to hundreds of children in an evangelistic baseball camp, our Christian elementary schools, the Samaritano medical clinic and to mothers and newborns in the city hospitals.
This is an excellent opportunity for you as a Watchman to pray specifically for those who are participating as well as to those who they'll be ministering among. Please remember to pray for Virginia Alberts, Daniel Burns, Trisha Burns, Lauren Carnegie, Franciene Coleman, Chantal Crevier, Christye Crevier, Gabrielle Crevier, Isabelle Crevier, Deborah Donoho, Anna Elliott, Hope Elliott, Stacy Elliott, Esther Goncalves, Vivian Guios, Jessie Inestroza, Jennifer Hanna-Parkin, Shannon Harmeling, Joe Hepler, Belinda Lawrence, Esther Martinez, Chantelle McHugh, Chase Perry, Chelsea Perry, Cheyne Perry, Jim Perry, Michelle Perry, William Rodgers, Kendall Stempel, Aaron Swierenga, Abigail Swierenga, Linda Swierenga, Alice Sykes, Meaghan Tabb, Ron Tabb, Anthony Thomas, Atanael Thomas, Betina Thomas and Kelsey Thomas and team leaders Addie O’Connor, Brian Doyle, Mike Jeffries and Terry Scalzitti. Week of July 12:
Portable Watchman
One of the most often-asked question about the Watchman Prayer Ministry, especially in high-travel times like the summer, is "What do I do with my hour when I'm out of town?" Those who ask might be surprised to know that God can hear their prayers even if they aren't in South Florida! One of the nice elements of the Watchman Prayer Ministry is that an individual's hour is not dependent on a particular place, just a specific time. If you're travelling, here are some ideas: 1) Take your hour with you. Make any time-zone adjustments needed, but pray at your normal hour. If you have Internet access, you'll be able to see the most recent requests. Even if you don't have Internet, you know our church's needs well enough to pray for your hour. 2) If you won't be able to complete your hour, contact the Watchmen who are on your same hour, but on other walls. (Our office can help you make that determination, or you can look it up on our site.) Let them know you'll be travelling and ask them to also pray on your behalf during the hour you share. 3) Recruit a "temporary Watchman" to take your time. Maybe you know someone who might want to wade in to the Watchman Prayer Ministry, but isn't ready for a weekly hour. You can take this opportunity to let them take a trial hour during your absence. You may have additional ideas of your own. The most important principle to remember is the element of grace and spirit with which we approach our prayer time. Trust God with it, just as He trusts you every week to serve so faithfully. Blessings! Week of July 5:
Summer Begins - Prayer Continues
Summer vacation has begun for many of us. With such a frenzied pace in our South Florida lifestyle, sometimes it's difficult to pause for recreation and reflection. Yet God calls us to do just that. The concept of a Sabbath is not just about going to church one day a week. Sabbath rest means we turn off the daily demands and recharge the hopes and dreams that get crowded out during our normal lives.
I'm sometimes asked, "Does a Watchman get a vacation?" Good question! My first answer would be: God calls His guardians, guards and armorbearers to be ready in season and out of season for the protection of His people. My added answer would be: "Of course!" If you're going on vacation this summer and wondering about how being a Watchman fits in, let me offer some creative ideas:
• Consider taking your Watchman hour with you wherever you go. This is especially interesting if you're traveling to a distant time zone, as you calculate the appropriate time to pray.
• Take a week off. But if you do this, make sure your Watchman hour is covered: call the Watchman who prays "beside" you at the same time on a different wall and let them know you'll be away so they can pray for both walls. (You can also alert our office at
• Get a substitute. Perhaps you know of someone who is curious about the Watchman ministry but is hesitant to commit to a weekly hour yet. Why not ask if they'll take your hour for this one week?
• Pray a different way. If you're going somewhere where God seems especially present (like the beach or the mountains or a river or another place that inspires you), move your Watchman hour outdoors and speak to God in a new, inspiring setting. Part of the gift of your vacation may be to meet God in this unique place.
Cynthia and I will be deploying some of these methods. Making sure your Watchman hour is covered is just as important as making sure the dog gets fed or the bills get paid....even more so, but also even more fun when you access God's great creativity.
Week of June 27:
Independence Day
Independence Day stirs a myriad of emotions in people across our nation. For some, it's a celebration of promise realized. For others, it's a reminder of the continuing struggle for true freedom. We all, however, hold one longing in common: that God would bless our nation. As Watchmen who pray each week, the idea of asking for God's blessing is not new to us. But some would be surprised to find that this petition dates to the beginning of our country. Not that it was always without debate, though.
Some in the assembly which formed the Constitution questioned the need for such a prayer. Benjamin Franklin, the only one of our Founding Fathers to sign all four of our early documents of freedom, argued strongly for the delegates to daily begin their proceedings by expressing their dependence on God: "I therefore beg leave to move -- that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service." As we celebrate the Fourth of July on Saturday, let's remember the legacy of our calling, and continue to begin each day by imploring the assistance of Heaven. Those who ask might be surprised to know that God can hear their prayers even if they aren't in South Florida! One of the nice elements of the Watchman Prayer Ministry is that an individual's hour is not dependent on a particular place, just a specific time. If you're travelling, here are some ideas: 1) Take your hour with you. Make any time-zone adjustments needed, but pray at your normal hour. If you have Internet access, you'll be able to see the most recent requests. Even if you don't have Internet, you know our church's needs well enough to pray for your hour. 2) If you won't be able to complete your hour, contact the Watchmen who are on your same hour, but on other walls. (Our office can help you make that determination, or you can look it up on our site.) Let them know you'll be travelling and ask them to also pray on your behalf during the hour you share. 3) Recruit a "temporary Watchman" to take your time. Maybe you know someone who might want to wade in to the Watchman Prayer Ministry, but isn't ready for a weekly hour. You can take this opportunity to let them take a trial hour during your absence. You may have additional ideas of your own. The most important principle to remember is the element of grace and spirit with which we approach our prayer time. Trust God with it, just as He trusts you every week to serve so faithfully. Blessings! Week of June 21:
Patriotic Celebration
For many years, our summer Patriotic Celebration has been our single most-attended worship celebration. We have more people with us on Easter, when we have two services, but our largest single service is the one that occurs the Sunday before the Fourth of July.
Although this may seem unusual, it might not be surprising to our founding fathers. Speaking to a Fourth of July crowd in 1837, John Quincy Adams said: “Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day ‘the Fourth of July’? Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?"
One of the Watchman's calls is to guard our nation in prayer. At no time of the year is this compelling call more evident than during these days when we celebrate the founding of this great American dream. As you pray this week, pray for the many visitors we'll be hosting on June 28, and pray for our nation to demonstrate fidelity to the ideals of our heritage.
Week of June 14:
Prayer for those in need
This week represents two international recognitions which give us reason to intercede for those who are living at the margins of our society.
Sunday, June 14, marked International Children's Day. First conceived in 1856 as a day to celebrate the church's dedication to nurturing children, International Children's Day occurs on the second Sunday in June, just as summer begins for children. Since that first commemoration 150 years ago, International Children's Day has broadened to include recognition of children around the world. (For our church, it's also a fitting celebration for a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School and our Orange-flavored focus on kids and parents.) The world also marks the International Day of the Refugee at the end of this week, June 20. Our church continues to be involved in care of refugees, from our work several years ago with those fleeing the conflict in Kosovo to ongoing work with organizations receiving displaced refugees in Europe, Africa and America. During your Watchman hour this week, remember these two groups on the margins: children who have no voice of their own, and refugees who have been forced from their homes. Isaiah 25 says God has been "a tower of refuge to the poor...a tower of refuge to the needy in distress...a refuge from the storm...a shelter from the heat." May we give Him thanks for His care, and seek to actively participate in His plan for the distressed and displaced. Week of June 7:
New prayer study begins Wednesday
One of the most oft-asked questions about the Watchman Prayer Ministry is "How can I pray for an hour?" Basically, it's the same question that the disciples asked Jesus two thousand years ago when they happened upon Him after He had just been talking with His Father. According to Luke 11, the disciples saw Jesus praying and asked Him what we should all ask Him: "Lord, will you teach us to pray?"
He responds with a model prayer, which we've come to know as The Lord's Prayer. It's not a memorized prayer, but a model of how we can enter into intercession before God. Starting this Wednesday, our Watchman Prayer Ministry will lead a three-week series on prayer called "Permission to Speak Freely." This study will be in the Global Events Center, at 7 p.m. right after twentytwenty. Rob Springer, our minister for prayer, will lead the discussion after a 20-minute video teaching from Andy Stanley. Each week, Andy will explore a different aspect of the model prayer, not only the words, but the way in which Jesus prayed. This is an important component of our Fit for the Future spiritual focus. If you want to learn to pray, I'd strongly encourage you to participate in this study. God wants to equip us to be effective intercessors, and a Watchman's training never ends. Week of June 1:
Miracle of miracles
As we move into the month of June, we'll be reading about several miracles performed by Jesus. He always knew the greatest needs, and not always just those that seemed obvious to everyone else. When we pray for others, we should ask God for insight to see beyond the present circumstance, into the deepest and most profound needs of others. As Jesus went from town to town, He understood fully what each person really needed.
I once heard it said, "Some people consider it a miracle when God does what we ask Him to. But what a greater miracle when we do what God asks us to do!" As you pray this week, let your intercession focus on specific people, with specific needs. Ask God to give you supernatural insight, so that you may pray for what they really need, even if they themselves don't realize what will really provide the answers they are seeking. On then will His miracle become realized in their lives. Week of May 25:
Praying for our Servant Leaders
Last Sunday marked two important milestones in our church's deacon ministry. As a Watchman, I want to ask you to pray for this important aspect of our church's leadership team. Although many of our deacons are not very well known, they all serve a silent but strengthening purpose in advancing the mission of our church.
We ordained two men on Sunday morning, Frank Anderson and Steve Morin, who took their place in our Deacons Fellowship. This is one of the important milestones, because these two join about 35 others who minister in our church. Another important milestone was suggested by our new deacon chairman, Ron Tabb. Ron had an idea for bringing different groups into our deacons meetings. For example, Sunday we had dozens of middle school boys who sat alongside our deacons. We were able to hear from these middle schoolers, and then to pray for them as a deacon body. In future months, you'll hear about other groups which become a part of this ministry in this way. What can you as a Watchman do? Pray for our deacons. Pray for their families. Pray that in the midst of our busy lives, God provides the resources and personnel needed to minister to an increasingly expansive congregation. This week, I hope you'll include the deacons as a priority of prayer. Week of May 17
Praying for the future generations
One year ago this past week, an event occurred which changed my life. We welcomed the arrival of my first grandson, Ashley Armstrong. As we celebrated his first birthday a few days ago, I thought about how different everything is now.
My grandson represents a new generation. Now when I look into the sea of children on a Sunday morning, I reflect on how they will one day change our world. How will that generation approach the trust we hand to them? What shape will the world be in when they're ready to lead? My grandson is the delight of my life. I know that many of you have children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren (and even great-great-grandchildren!) As you approach your Watchman hour this week, pray for those future generations which will follow. Pray that we invest in them the Biblical truth in relevant ways so when they grow up, they grow up strong in the faith. Pray that they will rise to represent and live out the Gospel, every day until Jesus returns. Week of May 10:
Jesus, Our Kinsman-Redeemer
One of the strongest Old Testament advance portraits of Christ will appear later this week in our daily Every Day With Jesus readings when we come to the book of Ruth. Ruth is the story of a romance between a young lady who has lost her husband and the man named Boaz who redeems her life in marriage following that tragedy. If you're reading with us in the Holman Standard translation, you'll notice the phrase "family redeemer." You may have also heard this translated as "kinsman-redeemer." To rescue Ruth, the kinsman-redeemer paid a price to restore what she had lost.
Jesus is our kinsman-redeemer, and as a Watchman, you are part of the process for others much in the same way that Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi was part of the process for Ruth. By praying for those who are lost, you are reminding God of those who need His mercy and grace. By speaking of that mercy and grace to those who are lost, you're introducing them to the only One who can restore their lives. As you pray for specific people this week, remember our Lord's strong role as a Kinsman-Redeemer, and your role in bringing them together. A Community of Prayer
It is great to see the community that continues growing through our Watchman prayer ministry. Strong relationships are being built as you each encourage one another to pray and the relevance and impact this ministry is evident through the daily praises, prayer requests and answered prayers that can be found on the Watchman Prayer Request page. I never want to underestimate the incredible work God is doing in and
through this powerful growing community of prayer warriors. The days we are facing are difficult. God has brought this to my mind and spirit in some very tangible ways over the past few weeks. Please be diligent in your post. Remember why you're a Watchman, to guard the house of God so His Word may go forth to the nations. I stand with you, and beside you, for that very prayerful purpose. Pastor Thompson
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