The Treasury of Prayer

"Quite an imagery from Spurgeon: let every believer cast his mite into the treasury of prayer. We ought to give it our all in prayer. Everything we have. Our fellowship in prayer is with the Father. I have been with people who I know didn't want to be with me. How much more does the Father know!?"

In desperate times we need to be desperate in our prayers. Desperate for God to move. Desperate to hear God's voice. Desperate to see change in our world. 

Too often prayer is a last resort if at all. We go through life saying we have fellowship with the Father and yet don't speak to Him about our lives. We are to pray without ceasing. That doesn't mean that all you ever do is pray. Rather it means that you keep the lines of communication open with God all day long every day. 

We ought to remind ourselves that God is with us everywhere we go. How rude not to talk to someone you get up with in the morning and go to bed with at night! Sure there are times to sit and be quiet and not say anything. But relationships that are healthy have communication. We listen to God and we speak to God. It is a two way street. 

Take some time right now to connect with God through prayer. Don't let 'amen' be like ending a phone call. Leave the line open and talk to God as you go throughout your day. In desperation cast all you have into the treasury of prayer. 

I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share how you keep after your passion in prayer. 

A Double Portion

"A couple of thoughts from the Word: 1 Chronicles 16:37 “as every day's work required.”

There is a required work for today. God has a prescribed way to do life. When we follow His plan we fulfill His purpose. There are requirements. We must carry them out and be careful to fulfill all that He desires the way He desires.

1 Chronicles 16:43 David returned to bless his own house.

David had just brought the ark to Jerusalem and erected a tent for it. There has been great celebration. It wasn't enough for him to bless Jerusalem or the people that he led as King. He now would take what he had home and bless his house. God would have us to bless our families, spouse, children, even the neighbors and strangers that come around. If they will receive it. David's wife despised her husband dancing and she ended up not having children. In other words David was on his way to bless and when she rejected David and his blessing she in turn received a curse."

Is it possible to get more than one revelation from the scripture in one day? Absolutely. Sometimes I think we (or I if this is old news to you) over complicate things. Let's take hearing from God. We (I) get the idea that in order to hear from God you have to be in deep prayer for hours, sweating and tired, maybe crying a bit too, and then when you have fulfilled your pious duty of praying to God He will respond. 

Foolish. And not so. 

God can speak whenever He wants. He can also use different means to get the message to us. 

That is not to say that sweating, crying, lengthy prayer is bad. I've had some good prayers like that. Not too often though. 

What I am really saying is that these lengthy arduous prayers are not the requirement of hearing from God. You do have to be listening. 

We can help the process by being in a constant state of listening. When you are ready to hear from God and have spiritual eyes and ears open then when God speaks you will hear him. Didn't Jesus say "My sheep know my voice...?" He sure did! If you are His sheep then you don't have to worry about missing out. He will speak to you. You have to be ready to hear. 

All throughout your day God will take moments and make them communication. I have heard God's voice in prayer, through His word in the scriptures, from pastors while the preach, in conversation with others and in every day activities. God will take an experience and make it a parable for your life. 

Just recently I was watching a movie and God used it to teach me about the power of His word and at the same time gave me a tool to teach others with the gospel. What a great God He is! 

In our life it should be normal and expected to hear from God multiple times every day. If you haven't heard his voice recently it may be that you aren't listening or aren't doing what He says. It is time to change that. Live in obedience, open your eyes and your ears and most of all your heart to hear from God. He wants to speak to you today...multiple times. 

Was there ever a unique way God spoke to you?

Decompression

"Very needed to have time without pressure where we can just love and decompress. "

There are gauges on pipes that carry pressure indicating safe amounts. When the amount of pressure is greater than the pipe can handle the gauge will show it by the needle going in to the red. Some of the valves have a pressure release to keep the pipe from exploding from the pressure.

There are indicators in our life that we are under too much pressure and need relief. These indicators differ from person to person but can be expressed in anger, depression, overeating, sin, silence and many other ways. We will know our own indicators and should be wise enough to take action when we see them going in to the red.

The question for all of us is when we see these indicators showing us that we have too much pressure do we have a release? If not we will explode. Maybe you have experienced that through a blowout fight or a nervous breakdown.

Our first and greatest pressure release should be to cast our cares on God. We do this by bringing our pressures to Him and talking with Him about it. In prayer and by faith you can take all that pressure and release it to the Lord Who is able to take all of that pressure and relieve you of it. Too often we carry burdens that are too great for us. God has given us access to His strength and we can let the pressure out of our lives when we give it to Him.

Another great pressure release after you have prayed is to find faith filled friends who can help you and pray for you. A burden shared is lighter. Sometimes it just helps to have someone tell you that they understand and that you can make it. Hopefully the married people reading this will find this kind of support in your spouse (and also give it when you see the indicators of your spouse's pressure).

Finally a great pressure release it to find an activity that you enjoy. Some people like to lay on a beach and others like to go to the gym. Some like to read and others want to watch a good movie. Whatever it is for you make sure it is productive and not destructive. You don't want to hurt yourself or others in the process of releasing the pressure.

Pressure is actually good for us. Without it we may not be motivated to change or to work hard. We might also find ourselves lazy or proud. God knows the good pressure can do but He also gave us the indicators for when it is too much. Know your indicators and have your release systems in place.

What are your indicators? Who are your faith filled friends and what activities help you to release it?

Not what you thought

"I did not expect today to be what it turned out to be."

A year ago I released my first book. Not the kind I expected to be my first book but rather a children's picture book. It actually makes more sense in hindsight because really I am a big kid at heart and connect with my kids and other children as well. 

I had high hopes for the book. Big dreams accompanied by big prayers. 

This is where we have to be careful. 

I find that my faith in a big God can be attacked when my prayers aren't answered the way I want them to be or if God requires something of me in order for my dreams to be achieved. There is a distinction here that is very important. 

In everything there is a God side and a man side. God wants to partner. 

Sometimes He takes the greater portion of the activity. For instance, when praying for healing God is the Healer. We can help by eating right, exercising, confessing God's Word and keeping ourselves in healthy environments but ultimately God will be the one who does the healing. 

On the other hand there are things that we have to take action on. This is where the example of my book comes in to play. I prayed for open doors, great sales, high profits and made only half the money I invested in the book back over a year's time. I had a great product and know my target audience. I prayed and kept my heart pure. So what is the problem? Hard work. I don't the time to put in the hustle to get my book in front of people. As a husband, father and senior pastor of a large church the last thing I need is a second job. If I want to make money on book sales though that is the reality. God wants to answer my prayers but without the work it won't happen. 

I have heard people say things about prayer that I don't agree with. Things like 'God helps those who help themselves' and 'you are the only answer to your prayers'. If these statements were entirely true then there would be no need to pray. But if we understand the partnership of God with our prayers we wouldn't sit around wondering what God is doing. We do our part and God does His. 

So it didn't turn out like I expected. I am only the wiser because of it. Did I want to make a lot of money on my book? Sure. Am I disappointed that I didn't? No way. Life is more than money. 

I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Thoughts on Fasting

"I was thinking about it and came to the conclusion that inconvenience is the essence of a fast. We are inconveniencing ourselves when we decide to not eat any food for a period of time."

Every year we take time to fast and seek the Lord for the new year. It focuses our prayers and our hearts as well as gives the first part of our year to the Lord. It is never easy or pleasant but that is the point. My mother in law who is also a huge influence in my life and a woman of God defined fasting one time and said "Fasting silences what is loudest in our lives in order to hear from God." In other words when we fast it is intentionally quieting our desires and appetites in order to hear from God in prayer. 

Many times you will see prayer and fasting together in the Bible. Other times you see fasting as a way to seek God for breakthrough in a specific area like when Esther was going before the king or Ezra was traveling through dangerous wilderness. Their fasts and prayers were heard by God and they got the breakthrough they needed. 

Jesus told us that when we fast, not if, that we shouldn't make a big deal out of it in order to be noticed by men. Our goal in fasting is to be heard by God and to hear Him. Fasting is an avenue to connect on an intense level with the Lord. I say intense because it shows extra effort. It breaks the habit of our three meals a day or our snack times, it goes against our natural impulses and it is unpleasant. But that is the whole point! We are denying the flesh in order to press in to the Spirit. Expect the flesh to cry out and push back. 

If you are seeking God for direction or want to see breakthrough in 2016 I would invite you fast. If it is your first time start small. Maybe choose a meal or certain times you will fast. Another way to fast is to choose certain foods or drinks you will not eat. There are ample scriptures and tons of great resources about fasting. The biggest thing is to focus your fast on prayer and seeking the Lord for your breakthrough. 

If you have any questions or comments about fasting you are welcome to post them in the comments section below. I would love to hear testimonies later in the year too about what God did and how He answered your prayers. 

Day 364 - Be Careful What You Ask For

"I watched Honey I Shrunk the Kids with the kids and they liked it. I forgot the fun parts and the fantasy of that movie. Who wouldn't think being small was cool until you realize the peril of the larger world you have to encounter?"

I have been so thankful over the years that God, in His wisdom, has not answered every one of my prayers. That sounds surprising doesn't it? Who is thankful for unanswered prayers? I am. 

Let me explain. There was a time when I wanted to be a musician full time. More specifically I wanted to be a rock star. I wanted the big stage; televised concerts and such. Looking back now I know if my prayers were answered it would have destroyed me. Also, I would not be where I am at today. My life is so much greater than I ever could have imagined. If I had my prayers answered I would be empty and might end up shipwrecked concerning the faith. 

One more prayer that I am glad wasn't answered? Well, I remember praying about a girl. It just got personal but I know many of you have prayed about a relationship. I was praying that God would make it happen because we would be great together. Now in hindsight I realize that it would have been terrible. We would have killed each other. Don't get me wrong, she is a great person and her life is where God knew it needed to be. We would have never made it or we would have been miserable. I know that God had my perfect wife waiting for me now that I have her. I wouldn't trade her for anyone else. We are so in love that I am very thankful that God didn't answer that prayer. 

When our prayers go unanswered it can be discouraging. We get depressed or angry with God. But if we stop to think that God is good and has our best interests in mind doesn't it make sense that He knows what He is doing when He doesn't answer our prayers? In 1 John 5 it tell us that God hears the prayers that are according to His will. When He hears our prayers then we have what we asked. We can conclude then that the prayers we pray that are not according to His will go unheard and unanswered. That should be a comfort to all of us. It protects us from the wrong things we ask for our life. 

So what should we do? Pray. Ask away! Know that God will work it out and answer according to His will and His goodness. Don't get discouraged if things don't go your way. God has a better plan than we do. 

Have you had prayers you are glad God didn't answer? How did God make it better in the end? 

Day 343 - Saving Grace

"The food wasn't all that great."

Apparently the day wasn't all that great either. We went to a theme park last year that is called 'The happiest place on earth.' As I looked over the day's events it was anything but happy. There was a flat tire, disobedient children, bad food, crowds, a lost wallet and vomit on the way home. 

Have you ever had a day like that where it seemed that everything that could go wrong did? We actually planned the day for fun, happiness and family togetherness and ended up doing the opposite. 

It is funny though because the one saving grace of the day was something special. 

Remember the lost wallet? We were all so worried about it. My sister who lost it had that sick feeling. You know the one. That terrible feeling in your gut that all your personal information and access to your money is out there for anyone to steal. That feeling in the back of your mind that you will have to call every agency and bank you work with in order to stop the old cards and get new ones. It is a terrible feeling. 

We stopped and looked all around. We prayed and looked again. We asked at the lost and found and hit up every employee and trash can we could find. 

Finally on our way out they told us to look one last place. We had given up hope but thought we would try just in case. If they didn't have it that night we would call the next day.

I remember my sister walking to the counter, talking for a minute and then jumping up and down like she won the price is right. With tears in her eyes she was praising God. 

What a day. I guess it wasn't so bad after all. That one saving grace saved the day. It comes down to where you look. Will you look at everything that is wrong or look for the saving grace of God?

Have you had a day like the one I described? What was the saving grace that redeemed the day?

Day 338 - Here is why we pray

"God is a God of order and not chaos. He is a God of the fullness of time and of plans from ages past. He patiently waits to bring forth all things in their time and season."

Yesterday's tragic events in our city were on my mind as I woke up today. I prayed. I gave all my concerns and cares to God. I asked God for His peace and comfort for the families of the victims and for those traumatized by the events. I prayed for protection and blessing for our city. 

There are people who don't understand why authorities and others are saying that thoughts and prayers are going out on behalf of San Bernardino. I don't expect them to. They don't understand spiritual things because they aren't spiritual people. Spiritual things can only be spiritually discerned. Of coarse they wouldn't think prayer would do anything because they see it as foolishness. So they post that God isn't going to fix the gun control problem. 

God forgive them. 

This is why we pray. God is the only one who can fix anything. We are barking up the wrong tree if we think that laws or government can renew a mind or soften a heart. It simply won't. It may keep some order and help the common good but it will never save a soul. One little prayer can change the course of history. One prayer can bring down empires. One prayer can get past armies into the inner chambers and secret places and thwart the best laid plans of generals and kings. 

The reason prayers work is because God works with them. We pray because as God hears us ask His will on the earth it is His good pleasure to carry it out. God knows what we are going through. He knows the pain and suffering better than we do because He sees and knows it all fully. He even sees the things we cannot like motives and hearts. 

So we pray. I am thankful to those around the world who have reached out and offered prayers, love and support for our city and our people. I pray for you as well. I still am praying for Ukraine, for Paris, for Iraq and Syria, for Israel and for the areas all over affected by war and violence. There is far too much unjust activity on the earth and only God is the answer. So we pray. 

Feel free to offer any thoughts or even write a prayer in the comments section. 

Day 337 - Worst Case Scenario

"Before church I was able to sit at the table with the kids. I am a blessed dad."

Today these words jumped out at me because the worst case scenario happened. There was an active shooter less than a mile from our church and fourteen people are dead with seventeen wounded. Thankfully they found the shooters and they are no longer a threat. 

Our church opened its doors to the police and those who were working in the building where the shooting took place. It was an honor to serve these hurting people and encourage the brave men and women who were putting their lives on the line and running to the fight rather than away from it. One detective had a blood soaked shirt when he came in. Thankfully I had some shirt samples from past events and was able to bless him with a fresh shirt to wear. We also provided drinks and snacks for hundreds of people as they came on our campus. 

One chaplain that came left after several hours and as he said goodbye he shared that he was going to hug his children and grandchildren. On a day like today when it is the worst case scenario remember what is important. Loving God means loving people. Make sure you say "I love you" to those closest to you as much as you can. Serve others and preach the gospel in word and deed. 

Instead of asking any questions feel free to post your thoughts. Would you take a moment and pray for San Bernardino and for the families effected by this tragedy? 

Day 326 - Lord of the Harvest

"All nice people. I hope to see them all in the future and pray their lives are blessed and that they are saved. Lord please send laborers across their paths to water the seeds and reap where we have sown."

Jesus saw people and his heart ached for them. He wept over Jerusalem and often the Bible says He was moved with compassion for them. Now we carry His Spirit within our hearts and we are becoming more like Him every day. That means that the heart He had we now have in us. That heart is for people.

It can be overwhelming when you see the needs all around. Statistics and news reports paint a bleak picture of the current conditions. But if we are going to actually be productive with the burden we carry for others we have to look past ourselves and past the natural. We have to look to the Lord of the Harvest. 

When Jesus saw the people coming out to meet him he saw them as harvest fields that were ready to be reaped. He then turned to His disciples and told them there was a problem. The harvest is ripe but the laborers are few. A problem indeed! What are we to do with that? He gives us the answer in His next instructions to His disciples when He says to them to pray the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers. 

We all have a part in helping someone on the journey. We all would love to be the one reaping. At least I know I like that part. You seal the deal and feel good about what was done. You know someone is now headed for Heaven and eternity with Jesus because of your efforts or words. 

But what if we are called in someones journey to plant a seed. It is tougher to do. Many times sowing seed is met with opposition. There are periods of silence. You don't see what is going on beneath the surface. Sometimes our job is to water. You may see signs of growth but there is still skepticism. These jobs are tough. 

The Lord know where people are at and there will come a time when the harvest is ready. If you keep reading the story what happened after Jesus told His disciples to pray for laborers you will find he sends them out to do ministry right afterward. Think of it this way, they became the answer to their prayers. When you have a heart for people and pray that God moves and sends an answer you very well could be that answer He is sending. What an awesome thought!

Have you ever been the answer to your own prayers? How do you identify where people are at on their journey? 

Day 316 - Where Battles Are Won

"I am worse off for not having prayed. My heart, mind and attitude are in line with the things of God when I pray. That is where the battle is won and the power is at."

The simplest things in life are often the most overlooked. The answers we seek are staring us in the face. Why? Maybe it is the need we feel to complicate things. It could be that if something is easy we think it isn't real. But the real simple answer to winning the battles of life is prayer. 

For all intents and purposes prayer should be easy. Prayer is simply communicating with God. Have a talk with God and He will take care of you.

 Too simple? You're right, we should make it hard or add some formulas. Maybe if we enforce long hours of prayer we will earn what we are asking for. 

The only problem with this all is that Jesus simplified prayer. He made it easy to understand too by relating it to a child who asks their parent for food. If we give our kids what they ask for when they are hungry, and we are sinful by nature, then how much more will God take care of us when we ask Him to? His nature is good and perfect! He wouldn't ever give us something evil because He can't. It would go against His nature to do so. God is good. Only good. 

So when you pray and pour out your heart to God know that He is listening. When you share your pain and your troubles He is there comforting. When you don't know what to do and you have no direction He is guiding. When you feel defeated and weak He is fighting for you and making you strong. When you are lacking and needy He is providing. 

The battles are all won in prayer. Don't try to complicate it. Talk to God about your life, all of it. Listen for His voice and follow Him. Too simple? No way. It is just How God wanted it to be so that we could do it and He would get all the glory for it. 

What stops you from praying? Have you seen God answer simple prayers? 

Day 308 - Crisis

"She was going through a personal crisis and wanted a divorce."

As a pastor I give spiritual guidance to a lot of people on a daily basis. Most of the appointments we make with people to meet and talk are in crisis. I have heard a lot and would venture to say that some of our more seasoned pastors have heard it all. 

Crisis comes in a lot of ways. Death, accidents, divorce, family, drugs or addiction, and the list goes on. It could just be that someone learned a disturbing fact about someone close to them and it spun them into crisis. I have experienced this personally. 

When you are in crisis you don't think like you normally would. There is an urgency that you cannot shake and every decision seems like it is life altering and has to be made quickly. The truth is quite different.

What I have learned from people who are in crisis is that there are some things we can do to help ourselves and the situation. First of all is give it time. I don't always have the luxury of meeting with people right when crisis hits. I have had people mad at me for making an appointment rather than dropping everything, and everyone, and running to the crisis. The weird thing is that most of the time when people accept an appointment they usually call or come in and say that the situation worked itself out. Give it some time and see if it takes care of itself.

Second is slow down and think. Are you catching a pattern here? Don't rush! you may only frustrate the situation with hasty decisions. Take the time to think through your words and actions in a crisis. The pressure to make fast decisions may push you in the wrong direction. Get wisdom from trusted people and listen to what they say. Someone who has experienced your same situation and made it through can tell you the pitfalls they encountered and how they would have avoided them. 

Finally is pray. The best counselor you will ever have is the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would guide us. He will also comfort us. As you walk through a crisis remember that you aren't there alone. Your friends and counselors may not be there in the middle of the night when worry has replaced your sleep but God will never leave you nor forsake you. Talk to Him about it and listen to His counsel. I put this one last but really it should be our first response. 

When crisis comes remember these simple things. Give it time, slow down and think and pray. You will make it through the crisis. 

Day 272 - Ignoring God

"From Spurgeon: “A wife may when her husband is upon a journey, abide many days without holding converse with him, but she could never endure to be separated from him if she knew him to be in one of the chambers of her own house.”

This struck me because of how often we ignore the presence of God in our lives. We should be with the Lord as we are with family and friends. Ever aware and wanting to be with Him."

There are verses in the Bible that can easily be overlooked and misunderstood. One of them is "Pray without ceasing". If all we did was pray then we would never fulfill the commission to go and make disciples. Obviously to pray without ceasing means something other than don't do anything other than pray. What it really means is to keep the lines of communication open. We should always be in constant contact and aware of the presence of God. 

How different would life be if we lived more aware of God's presence? Would we speak to others the same way? What would we watch or not watch? Where would our attitudes or opinions change? 

I believe that this is how God wants us to live. He desires to be 'our God' and we 'His people'. He wants to 'dwell' with us. God's intent is that we live in His presence behind the veil. You see, in the temple there was a thick veil that separated man from God. No one could enter except the High Priest and he could only enter once a year on the day of atonement. That was the day that the sacrifice for sins was made. After the priest did his duty he had to leave the presence of God. 

The good news is that we are not living in those times any more. The way has been opened for us. Jesus has made the way for us to live in God's Presence behind the veil God now lives in our hearts. He has given us His Spirit! We have constant access to Him. 

We should never ignore God. He should be our first and last and everything in-between. Remind yourself that the Lover of your soul is always with you and desires your company. How awesome is that?! The Creator and King of the universe wants to be with you! 

Pray without ceasing...

What are some ways to remind ourselves of God's presence? How different is life when we live with the reality of His presence? 

Day 264 - Prayer Works!

"Prayer works!"

I truly believe it! I have seen instant and long awaited answers to prayers. I have heard others pray and get results and responses. I have received impossible things and seen miracles. My prayers have worked for others and for myself. 

My prayers have even changed the course of nature itself. One time when we were about ready to leave from Bible College to come back home there was a tornado headed right where we were staying. We grabbed hands and prayed and while we prayed we heard the newscaster on television say; "Oh, it looks like the tornado got caught in the river below the city and will pass by without doing any damage on it's new course." Praise God that is an answer to prayer. 

Hopefully by now you are ready to pray. Ask as big as your God is! 

Have you seen answers to prayer? What was your most memorable?

Day 214 - Prayer Works

"It was raining most of the day. Hopefully the kids were able to have a dry camp!"

Two of our children were up at a camp last year. Obviously we prayed for them to have a good time and to be safe. We did not realize how our prayers were working. 

They did not have a dry camp. It rained most of the time they were there. In fact on our way up to the camp there was a news van filming the clouds over the mountain. Not a comforting start to camp. They actually had to change the events and schedule of the camp because of the rain. 

On the last day of the camp all the parents were supposed to pick up the kids and there was a one hour window to pick them up in. Weather advisory warnings were all over the news. We raced up to get our kids and get back down the mountain. Every parent got their children and our team came down and just minutes later a flash flood ripped through the camp sending feet of mud into the buildings and destroying several structures. 

Our prayers were answered. As simple as a prayer for protection was it was equally as effective. God isn't looking for eloquence, He is looking for faith. Trust Him enough to give Him your cares, requests, needs and your every day. 

Have you had a simple prayer answered in a powerful way? What happened? 

Day 205 - Daily Prayers

"From the Word: Solomon's blessing from 1 Kings 8:59 “as each day may require”. Our prayers may be the same but applied in a different manner as each day may require. We may pray for protection on two separate days and on one The Lord protects us from a car crash and on another He protects us from evil men who would do us harm. We may pray to The Lord to deliver us from evil on two separate days in the same manner and yet on one He delivers us from evil lusts and on the other He delivers us from the evil one.

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There should be joy and peace in our believing. Joy of the One who promised and gives us whatever we ask in His name that our joy might be full. Peace in knowing the One who promised is faithful and we let our request rest with Him."

I used to be down on daily prayers. I have known people who have prayer lists and scripted prayers that they pray every day. There is a danger that these prayers become dead and simply a religious act rather than a desperate cry or a life giving plea. 

What changed in me was when I understood the words of Jesus when He stated "In this manner pray..." It wasn't meant to be a script but rather a type of prayer with a formula for life. 

Our prayers may center around a theme of praise and adoration, thanksgiving, asking for blessings or change, and many other topics. But just because they center around these themes daily doesn't mean that they are less heard. It also doesn't mean that it is the same prayer for the same thing even if it is in the same category. 

We can demystify the experience of prayer and realize that we can simply talk to God about every part of our life. And so as each day has it's own issues we bring those issues to God. Work, family, finance, future and whatever else life may bring. Talk with God about it and believe Him for great things. As each day requires He has new mercies waiting for you!

How is your prayer life? What helps you to pray?

Day 181 - The Proper Order of Things

"I had some prayer and Bible study time and then went down for breakfast."

If only every day could start this way. In a perfect world we would be able to set our life in order and have the right priorities in their place. 

The reality is that our spouse may have been up earlier than we were and has something on their mind to tell us when we wake up. Or we woke up late and our prayers are said in the shower. Sound familiar yet? 

Life happens at a rate that we have to fight for our priorities. We have to know what is important and keep it at the forefront of our lives. Not only does life happen but the devil doesn't want us to keep our priorities either. That fact makes it all the more important to stay after our prayers and studies. 

Fight the good fight. Keep the faith and finish your race. 

How do you keep a regular prayer and study time? How do you fight against the distractions that war against your time with God? 

Day 172 - Going Back to Basics

"It felt good to walk and have the warm sun on my back."

After a long day or a long week it is good to get back to the basics. For me a walk or something simple can clear away the thoughts and feeling of the day. Playing with my kids has actually been therapeutic at times. 

There is also something about warmth that is relaxing. A hot bath or shower, hot sun on your back or a heat pad can melt away tense feelings. It may be a simple pleasure but I love the warm sun on my back. 

There is also a basic stress relief found in the Bible. It is called casting your cares. It is so simple and relieves us of the stress. You simply take your burden to God in prayer and cast your care on Him. He can handle it. 

If you haven't done this in a while I would encourage you to take a walk with the Lord, cast your cares on Him and let the brightness of His glory warm your life and melt away the cares. God cares for you. 

What do you do to relieve stress after a tough day or week? What other scriptures help you to take your burdens to the Lord? 

Day 136 - Passionate Prayer

"A passion to pray came over me at the end of my prayer and I could feel that I was getting somewhere in the spirit." 

There is prayer and there is passionate prayer. I can talk with God and then I can have a deep passionate communion and fervent faith filled prayer time. I pray every day but much to my dismay I don't have this passionate prayer every day. 

That is partly due to my struggle with the flesh or lack of taking real time to get into prayer and is partly due to the necessity of this type of prayer. The book of Ephesians describes different types of prayer. In fact we are to pray always with all kinds of prayer. We should employ a passionate prayer with our heart every time we pray. It will be fight to get there but we can make. When we do the results are awesome. 

Nothing gets done on the earth without prayer. Everything is started in prayer, sustained by prayer and is finished in prayer. If we are going to get the job done in life we have to first get the job done in prayer. 

What are some hindrances to a real passionate prayer? How can we overcome these hindrances? 

Day 122 - Stress Dreams

"I can tell the pressure is on me. I had a dream that it was the day before the event and swarms of volunteers were coming and we were setting up but the grass was all dead."

This is a pretty tame dream for me. I have had dreams that I just stepped out of the shower and was wearing only a towel and walked out on to the stage where I was to preach. Talk about a stressful dream! 

I have noticed that when the pressure is on I tend to have these types of dreams. I am not sure that there is a deeper meaning to be interpreted other than that no one likes being undressed in front of a crowd. I know for the dream I had last year I wanted everything just right for the event and my mind went to dead grass to express the concern and stress of the process leading to the event. 

The answer to all of this is prayer...and Bruce Lee.

Let me explain. The first year I did a Men's Conference at the church I wasn't able to sleep at all. I don't know which is worse, stressful dreams or not being able to sleep. You end up tired in the morning either way. Since I couldn't sleep I got up and went downstairs. My back was hurting. I brought the stress to the Lord and gave it to Him in prayer. I love that the Bible gives us permission to cast our cares on God. He can handle them when we can't. He knows them already and knows what He, or we, will do with the situation. 

After praying and casting my cares I got a massage pad on my chair to relax my back and watched a Bruce Lee martial arts movie. There is no cure for cares like prayer and a kicking karate movie. After releasing the cares and watching the bad guys get beat I slept like a baby. 

Okay, if you don't like movies maybe there is another stress relief you can use in the natural to partner with the spiritual stress relief. Exercise, journaling, music and art are all ways I release the stress of the day and get my focus off the stress and problems. 

Have you ever had a stress dream? What are some natural ways you relive stress?