Prayer Series (Part II) - How To Pray

According to the Bible, we are to pray without ceasing.

But what exactly does that mean?

How, in the busyness of our daily lives, are we supposed to be in prayer nonstop, all day, every day?

Clearly, this is not possible, you might say.

Oh, but it is!

It simply requires a change in your thinking.

It requires you to think about prayer in a new and different way.

See, prayer isn't about closing your eyes and bowing your head.

It's about connecting with God.

So, I can be typing at my computer and be connected to God.

I can be on the phone and be connected to God.

I can even be in a midst of an important business meeting and be connected to God.

It's all about what's happening on the inside of you, not what you're physically doing at any moment in time.

Make it a point to pray without ceasing today.

God bless,
J.W.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer Series (Part I) - Where To Pray

This is the first installment of a five-part series on prayer.

Enjoy!

J.W.

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Like a Southwest Airlines commercial, there were times in Jesus' ministry where He just wanted to get away.

Each time, He would use this opportunity to talk alone with God.

In essence, what He was doing was praying - simply talking to God.

And in doing so, He was being renewed, refreshed, and rejuvenated for the long road ahead.

We, on the other hand, are so busy that we forget to take time to convene alone with God.

We occupy our schedules with so much activity that we push quality time with God right out of the way.

But shouldn't we follow Jesus' example?

For who had more to do on his agenda than Him?

Who was busier than Jesus?

If He took time to get away and pray, don't you think we ought to do the same?

God bless,

J.W.

"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there." ~ Matthew 14:22-23

Servanthood Series - Part V - Jesus Humble

Despite being God himself, Jesus submitted himself to the will of His Father.

As such, we should do likewise, knowing that submission to the proper authority is not a sign of weakness, but one of strength.

God bless,
J.W.

“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” ~ Matthew 26:39

Servanthood Series - Part IV - Jesus The Foot Washer

Right before the Last Supper – before He would be betrayed, beaten, and crucified – Jesus took the time to wash His disciples’ feet. Not because they were dirty, but rather he sought to teach them a lesson.

Later, He said, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.”

If Jesus took the time to serve his followers during one of the most difficulty episodes in His life, what could we do for those who are near and dear to us?

God bless,
J.W.

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father… [Jesus] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded… So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” ~ John 13:1-16

Servanthood Series - Part III - The Spotlight

God is not looking for people who just want the spotlight.

He’s looking for people He can trust to be faithful to Him, even when there’s no spotlight.

So which are you?

Do you do what you do out of allegiance to God or because of the fame and glory you will receive?

If it’s the latter, your fame, glory, and honor will be short-lived.

God bless,
J.W.

“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” ~ Matthew 23:12

Servanthood Series - Part II - Who's The Boss?

In order to lead, you first have to be able to learn how to follow.

There are certain things that God wants to teach you as you serve another.

So, while you may not like your boss, while you may think he or she is underqualified or incompetent, God has placed you under that person for a reason.

Accept it and figure out what God is trying to teach you.

It may just be that God is teaching you what not to do when he places you in a position of leadership.

God bless,
J.W.

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things." ~ Matthew 25:23

Servanthood Series - Part I

This is the beginning of a five-part series I am doing on servanthood.

Enjoy!

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Do you want to be great?

Do you want to be powerful?

Do you want to lead many?

If so, here’s the sure-fire way to get there.

Be a servant.

Learn how to serve others.

It’s the sure-fire way of becoming great in this world and in the Kingdom of God.

But here’s the catch: servanthood requires humility. It requires esteeming others above yourself.

Are you prepared to humble yourself today?

God bless,
J.W.

“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” ~ Mark 10:43-45