P.U.S.H.

"P.U.S.H." Pray Until Something Happens!
Current mood: Prayerful!
Category: Prayerful! Life

P.U.S.H. - Pray Until Something Happens

For me, prayer has always been work. I like to pray as I go, but I have never been one that was good at just sitting down and waiting on the Lord. I've never been good at "waiting" on anthing for that matter .

However, something has changed... God is doing a wonderful work in me concerning prayer. I can't even articulate it... I can't wait to get to my prayer closet... actually it's my "Prayer Porch."

God has been calling me to extended times of prayer. Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle says this: "God has given us many and precious promises if we pray. If we don't pray, He promises nothing - nothing at all! It's just that simple."

Here's a simple takeaway that might help you in your prayer life:

P.U.S.H. - Pray Until Something Happens!

I've broken it down into some simple PUSH Points...

1. Pray - Just do it!
2. Persist - Ask and keep on asking! (see Matt 7:7-8)
3. Prevail - Stay on it!
4. Pursue - Don't give up! Be a God-Chaser!
5. Prostrate - Humble yourself... get on your knees and fight like a man!
6. Pour out - Nothing moves the hand of God like spiritual hunger! Get desparate!
7. Press In - Believe that you receive what you ask of Him! (see Mk 11:24)
8. Press Through - In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, "Never quit. Never quit. Never quit."

I believe many of God's personal promises to us have been "DELAYED" because we have not learned to "P.U.S.H."

As for me... I'm PUSHing with everything I have!

Blessings,
Pastor J

Just Pray Up! Keeping it Simple

I was sitting in a coffee house a number of years ago in Southern California and I noticed a small and unpretentious sign hanging on a post. It read, "Sit long, Talk Much." I was captivated by this little sign and I kept glancing at it again and again. It became a good distraction to me at that time.

For me, this little phrase captures the essence of prayer. In our tendency to complicate everything in our world, we have even managed to complicate prayer to the point that most people begin to wonder, "Why bother?" I mean, after all, if you haven't read the latest book on "Governmental Intercession" or "Spiritual Mapping" then your prayers aren't going to do much good... or are they?

I have a simple takeaway today: "Just Pray Up!"

I tend to take the simpleton's philosophy: K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Saint!

Here are some Keys to Keeping it Simple when it comes to prayer.

Keep it Short, Focused and to the Point i.e. It doesn't have to be long to be effective. In Jesus' sermon on the lake (okay, "mount" if you have to be religious about it... I prefer to be accurate) he tells them not to babble or ramble on in prayer thinking they will be heard for their ability to "Go Long."

I've been in some prayer meetings where it became a "Pray Off" between wild-eyed intercessors and insecure pastors. Let's see who can go the longest and thereby be more "spiritual!" Okay, now I'm getting personal... just stay on task in this thing. Our Father already knows what we need before we ask... just ask.

Calm down, relax and speak directly - It doesn't have to be loud to be authoritative. We tend to associate volume with authority. It's as though we are trying to convince ourselves of our authority more than the principalities and powers that we are coming against! When Jesus rebuked the storm, cast out demons or healed someone, he simply spoke the word and it was done. Why? Because he was confident of his authority so he didn't need volume... just speak to your mountain, don't yell at it.

Pray with persistence and conviction - It doesn't have to be lavish (over the top) to be powerful. My Nanny (dad's mommy) prayed for all her grandchildren to be saved for years... and years! Talk about persistence! Eventually I caved because of the effectual and fervent prayers of this righteous woman (Jm 5:16). Just keep praying even if you don't get an answer the first week or two!

Remember, "Sit Long, Talk Much." Keep it Simple. Jesus is waiting to have a talk with you.

If you want to hear this message you can go to www.morningstarabilene.com and click on the "headphones" and it will take you to the messages page.

Keeping It Simple,
Pastor J

You're a Runner... So Run Your Race!

You're a Runner, so Run Your Race!
Current mood: Inspired!
Category: Life

You're a Runner... So Run Your Race!

It was 1988 in Seoul S. Korea. Derek Redmund was a heavy favorite to win the 400 meters. As the gun went off, eight men took off in a dead sprint for a one lap fast and furious race. At the midway point one runner, Derek Redmund, crashed onto the track in a heap writhing in pain, his achilles tendon had snapped. His Olympic gold dream was gone in a moment.

It was 1992 in Barcelona Spain. Dered Redmumd had spent four long and grueling years rehabilitating his injury and was in race form and again favored to win the 400 meters. The gun went off and again eight men started in a flury toward the finish line. The crowd was on it's feet and the media was covering this "comeback" story in hopes of a great Olympic moment. Then suddenly, as if an instant replay was happening, Derek Redmund crashed onto the track as his hamstring snapped!

The crowd was stunned as seven men went on to complete the race. Derek attempted to stand to no avail. The paramedics ran to him and tried to get him to sit down and yet he continued to try to get up.

Suddenly, one man broke through the security line and rushed to the wounded runner. They had a brief conversation and then they stood together and began to lumber toward the finish line in what would be a world record for the slowest Olympic 400 meter in history.

As they awkwardly approached the finish line, 100,000 fans stood to their feet in a thunderous show of support for the ailing runner who was determined to finish his race. As they crossed the finish line together the crowd was roaring and cheering... one of the Olympics greatest stories unfolded for the world to see.

Oh... and about that conversation... it went like this:

Jim: "You don't have to do this."

Derek: "Yes I do!"

Jim: "Then we will do it together!

At that moment, Jim Redmund, Derek's dad helped him to his feet and they ran the final stretch together.

"Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Heb 12:1

We need to realize that all of us have a race to run. In other words, God has given you an assignment, a lane assignment, if you will. It is unique to you. No one can run the race for you, but others can help and give you support.

Also, you're not running alone. There is a great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us that are standing to their feet and cheering us on! The heavenly host is doing the wave as you make each step toward completing your race!

And finally, God has not told you to win the race, only to run it! In our culture we have come to believe that being in first place is the only place. However, in God's eyes, to willingly participate and run the race the best you can is winning!

How about you? Are you running your race? Are staying in your lane? The Bible tells us in Isaiah, "If you be willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land." Some of us are obedient, but are we a willing runner in this race?

I want to inspire courage in you today to run your race and celebrate each step you take toward the finish line... we're all cheering you on! Remember, "You're a Runner, so Run Your Race!"

If you would like to hear this message then go to my website at www.morningstarabilene.com and click on "Click here to listen to Pastor Jimmy's Sermons."

Running,
Pastor J

Just Show Up

Current mood: Expectant!
Category: Life

Just Show Up!

In my time on this spinning ball (Earth) I've had quite an array of cars. Some stand out in a big and sometimes scary way! When I was in college I was given a 1972 Ford Pinto. Yes, that was model that would explode on impact if you were ever "rear ended!" I really learned about defensive driving when I had that car.

However, as ugly and dangerous as that car was, you could not kill it! It just ran and ran and ran... like the "Energizer Bunny!" It had an engine and wheels. No a/c, no radio, no upholstery! But it was dependable.

On another occasion I owned a Lexus SC300. Now that car had some bling bling! It had custom wheels and as for the features they would be too many to list! It was a sweet ride! On the other hand, one day it caught on fire... but that's for another message!

As I was praying the other day, the Lord reminded me of a simple but profound truth: Two cars, two styles, but at the end of the day they delivered the cargo!

In other words, whatever occupied those two very different vehicles, got delivered to it's destination just the same. Why is this important?

Because you are a "vehicle," a "carrier" of the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls you "The Temple of the Holy Spirit." The takeaway for today is "Just Show Up!" If you are there, then the presence of God is there! That's right... on the jobsite, at Walmart, at the office, on the ball field and in the bathroom for that matter!

Wherever you go "He" is there, because you are the vehicle i.e. the carrier of the Spirit of the Living God. When you "Just Show Up" He shows up. When you don't show up, He doesn't show up!

In other words, your presence is needed! God allows His presence, His "treasure" to be carried around in what the Bible calls "Earthen Vessels" or "Jars of Clay."

Remember, awareness is power! I want to remind you today that your presence is needed because whether you are a Pinto or a Lexus, you deliver the goods!

Be Encouraged and Blessed Today!

Showing Up,
Pastor J

How Big Does it have to be to be God?

For many it seems that it has to be spectacular or extraordinary to be God. Unfortunately we tend to miss God in the normal & mundane moments of life. When we discuss the Gifts of the Spirit there is a tendency for us to "default" to the big stuff... revival, spiritual awakening or a miraculous intervention.

But what about the fact that God is interacting in your affairs everyday... yes, even in the small things.

How is this for a "takeaway": It doesn't have to be big to be God.

I wince to think how many times I have failed to connect my "prayer requests" with the answers from God in the small things in my daily life i.e. an encourging note, email or phone call when I needed a touch from God; a smile from a courteous clerk who had no idea of the kind of day I was having; a seemingly random hug from my 5 year old that made me feel that all my challenges or "issues" were insignificant.

Here's one for you. I went to bed a 11:15pm and awoke at 1:30am. I never went back to sleep. Stressed?... no. Worried?... no. In pain?... no. I simply spent the entire night praying and thanking God for anyone and everyone He brought to my mind. It's not a big thing... I didn't weep and wail in intercession... I simply asked the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind anyone He wanted me to pray for... wow... that got my tired mind moving. It was a glorious night... and morning!

That may not seem like a "Big-Thing" but I can tell you for sure it was a "God-Thing."

I want to encourage this week to look for God in the small things... you know... the daily things. He's there. Remember, it doesn't have to be big to be God.

Enjoying God in the Small Things!
Pastor J

Focus on the Gifts of the Spirit

Focus on the Gifts of the Spirit
Current mood: Graced!

God is such a good Daddy that He has blessed his children with wonderful Gifts that enable us to live this life with victory, enthusiasm and power. He has not charged to live this live without giving us the equipment to do so. That would be cruel to tell someone to do something and yet not give them the tools to do it.

Spiritual Gifts are a topic that has been controversial in the church. It's just like the Enemy to bring confusion to something that is so needed and vital to each and every believer. Yet, the subject of spiritual gifts is really quite simple. I hope I can "de-clutter" the issue for you today.

Takeaway: It Doesnt Have to be Spooky to be Spiritual!

Getting a Grip on the Gifts of the Spirit

1. The What and the Why - The Gifts of the Spirit are just that Gifts OF the Spirit given for empowerment of the individual and the encouragement of all.

-Empowerment you need power to live this life of faith and walk in victory.

-Encouragement these gifts are not for your entertainment, they are for building up the body of Christ i.e. the Church (Jesus Spiritual Family).

Rm 12:3-8 - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith NKJV

-We are not clones! All the members do not have the same function! Enjoy our differences! Thats why I love this church!!!

-There is Grace (Gods Power, Strength, Ability and Favor) to employ and activate the Gifts of the Spirit!

2. The How - Q: How do we receive the Gifts of the Spirit? A: By Faith.

-When you receive the Holy Spirit you receive His Gifts Its a Package Deal!

- How do I know I have Spiritual Gifts? They will surface naturally as needs arise.

Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them NKJV

3. The Result - People get equipped to do ministry and the Church/Body gets edified (build up, teach or encourage).

Eph 4:7-8 - But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." Eph 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. NKJV

-You fulfill your purpose for being on this earth and you make a big deal out of God!

-You enjoy the Blessed Life, walk in Victory, make an Impact on your world and get to see changed lives as a result of the Spirit working through you!

I do hope this helps to bring some clarity. Have an great week!

Blessings and Grace to You!
Pastor J