Category Archives: Spiritual Discipline

Praying with Purpose: Standing in the Need of Prayer

August 3, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Standing in need

Last week you were invited to join us in a Season of Christian Reboot. This invitation was based on the importance of doing those things that help us to strengthen our faith. This is critical especially in these tumultuous and uncertain times.

As we move forward, we must accept the obvious. Our ability to accurately predict our future is a challenge. Health pandemics, polarization and division, and economic uncertainty plague our nation. These are but a few of the areas that affect our personal lifestyles and habits. The good old days are gone never to return.

Living in this new era of change and challenge, we must do more than “fan the flame” of our spiritual gifts. We must be intentional and strategic in using our spiritual disciplines as we embark on this new way of living. The best place to begin being both intentional and strategic is standing in prayer.

It’s me

The song writer wrote, “It’s me…it’s me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer…not my mother…father…sister…brother but it’s me standing in the need of prayer.

I love this song. It truly communicates my need for prayer. However, for our prayer life to be strategic and intentional, we need to think of prayer with a broader outlook than our own personal needs. If we as believers are change agents for God, we need to look beyond ourselves in our prayers.

Since the introduction of WordBytes, the teachings receiving the most attention are those that deal with prayer. We are told to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Why? Because our needs are so great.

Are we serious about prayer?

At the beginning of this health pandemic, we launched prayer calls focusing our attention on the epicenters of the disease. We prayed for healthcare workers and those battling the disease on the front line. God answered our prayers, and the numbers began to decline.

People boldly asked the nation to pray that a vaccine would be discovered that would end the ravages of this disease. We have four vaccines today and numerous opportunities to receive this preventative solution.

We have witnessed the extraordinary power of prayer in the situations we face as a nation. Are we still praying? The needs are greater than ever. There are many more battles to be won on our knees. And what are we praying for? Wisdom, grace, patience, deliverance? Who are we praying for? Ourselves, our family, our enemies?

We need the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers (Rom. 8:26-27). With God’s Spirit as our Helper, we are able to move the agenda of God forward in this world and care for the needs of His people.

Praying strategically

God’s Word tells us to pray for EVERYBODY! Why? So that “we may live quiet and peaceable lives” (1 Tim. 2:1-3). Jesus stressed the importance of being in right relationship with all people (Matt. 5:44). Imagine the potential of prayer for our divided nation?

We need prayer for EVERYTHING! Why? Because prayer changes things. (James 5:16) Now is the time to pray not only for our immediate sphere of influence but also for our world.

Imagine the potential of prayer! Do we have the courage to connect to the awesome power of our God? (Ps. 19:1-3)

ABC’s of intentional prayer

How do we begin to pray intentionally? By praying…

According to God’s will.

And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to His will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made. (1 John 5:14-15)

Believing in God’s ability.

And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matt 21:21-22)

Committing to God’s outcome.

Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer and makes me tread upon the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

When we pray intentionally and strategically, we trust in God’s love, His faithfulness, and His sovereignty. God will answer our prayers in a way that glorifies Him AND is good for us.

A New Song

Perhaps pursuit of our spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible reading, and worship—have “cooled” because of COVID-19. Has our inability to “gather together” darkened our ability to see God (Heb. 10:24-25)? Has our identity in Christ been clouded by the challenges we face today? Have we forgotten that we are the Church? Wherever we are, God is!

If ever there was a need for intentional and strategic prayer, it is now. Not self-focused, self-promoting prayers (God hears those, too) but prayer that changes hearts, minds, and circumstances.

We need prayer that calls down the power of God expecting Him to respond mightily to our requests (2 Chron. 16:9).

Spiritual Discipline

Gratitude Power

October 16, 2018 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18 (NLT)

In the New Testament, gratitude and appreciation expressed in thanksgiving, has three primary associations. The first, thanks is given at the communion service (Eucharist) for the broken body and blood of Jesus (Matt. 26; Lk 22; 1 Cor. 11); the second time, thanks is given for the blessings that come through Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 2:14; 9:15) and finally, thanks is given for those who come to know Christ and who bring joy to the Apostle Paul (Col. 1:3; Eph. 1:16).

In his letters to the early church and ministry, the Apostle Paul lavishly expressed gratitude to those he wrote to for their role in both receiving the Gospel and in extending God’s “hope of salvation” to others within their immediate sphere of influence. Paul was well acquainted with the power of gratitude (Ep. 1:15-19; Phil. 1:3-4).

Because gratitude is critical to not only individuals but also to the health of society in general, new focus is being placed on how to increase its occurrence. Recent studies in the area of psychology confirm that we can intentionally cultivate gratitude with the consequence being increased well-being, joy and happiness.

In addition, gratefulness, especially expression of it to others, is associated with increased energy, optimism, and empathy. The positive psychology movement has embraced these studies and in an effort to increase overall well-being, has begun to make an effort to incorporate exercises to increase gratitude into the movement.[1]

It is God’s will that in everything, we give thanks. It is not God’s will that we express gratitude for “gratitude’s sake only” but because with the giving of thanks, His power can be released into our life in ways never before seen. This includes the formation of incredible joy, unshakeable hope, and unbroken peace (1 Pet. 1:2-4). The outward expression of appreciation to God and others, works to bring new power and access that, under other circumstances, would be unattainable.

As we examine our walk of faith, we must ask ourselves, “Am I harnessing the full power of gratitude?” “Am I receiving the benefits of gratitude that are now available to me?” According to the Greek writer and philosopher, Cicero, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues but the parent of all others.” Maybe it’s time for you to begin engaging in gratitude power.

[1] Wikipedia, “Gratitude”.

Spiritual Discipline

The Language of Gratitude

October 9, 2018 ITWMinistries 2 Comments

Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Luke 17:17 (NRS)

How is “grateful” language developed? Gratitude, as we defined it is an expression of thankfulness for benefits or goodness. God is our Eternal Benefactor providing us both good and perfect gifts (Ps. 103:1-6). While it is understandable that believers should desire to express our gratitude to Him for all His many benefits, we must exercise greater intentionality in displaying our gratitude to the world. We must develop the language of gratitude.

Interestingly, the concept of thankfulness is noticeably absent in the early writings of the Old Testament. Instead language that was ordinarily translated as “praise”, such as yadah and todah, was used to convey the concept of thankfulness for God’s works and character (Ps. 118). It would be later in the wisdom literature that God’s people would be encouraged to express purposeful gratitude for God’s provision and protection (Ps. 107:21-22; Eccl. 5:8-6:9).

In the New Testament the vocabulary for thanksgiving and gratitude expanded with the use of “thanks” (eucharisteo) and other terms such as “grace” (charis). Jesus thanked God for hearing His prayers (Matt. 11:25) and for raising Lazarus (John 11:41). The Gospels and the Epistles later developed the concept that gratitude for God’s deliverance in Christ characterizes the language of gratitude (Col. 1:12-14). As God revealed Himself through His various dispensations, thankfulness and gratitude became a key response by creature man. This was true in the case of the one leper healed by Jesus in today’s text.

As Jesus passed through the region between Samaria and Galilee, ten lepers entreated Him to have “mercy on them”. They recognized the possibility of receiving beneficence from Jesus—He would help them in their affliction. Jesus “saw them”—He recognized their need in this dire circumstance—and then “sent them” to the priest to verify their healing. As they went, they were made clean. But one of them saw that he was healed and turned back to Jesus, praising (doxazo) God. He prostrated himself at Jesus feet and thanked (eucharisteo) Him. The one leper showed the proper response to Jesus’ act of grace (charis) but what about the other nine? Were they not grateful? Why were they not also praising God and thanking Jesus for their healing?

As you read the narrative of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19), who do you most identify with—the one leper who returned to thank Jesus or the other nine lepers? What stands in the way of your expressing gratitude to God? Do you attribute your accomplishments to your efforts and yours alone (pride)? Do you compare your current life circumstances with that of others and feel “cheated” of your rightful blessings (envy/covertness)? Are you dissatisfied and discontented with life desiring more than is currently yours (greed/thankless)? Let your expressions of gratitude mirror those of the one leper who could do nothing less than praise, worship, and thank God for all His goodness. Begin today practicing the language of gratitude so that when you enter heaven, your gratefulness will explode into joyful praise (yadah and todah) as you stand before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the One who made eternity possible for you (Rev. 19:1-6).

Spiritual Discipline

Gratitude

October 2, 2018 ITWMinistries 2 Comments

“In everything give thanks.” 1 Thess. 5:18

What is gratitude? It is an emotion expressing appreciation and thankfulness for what one has. Regrettably, believers often miss the mark in articulating their gratitude. We more than any need to be more intentional and thoughtful in our expressions of gratitude to God.

“Gratitude is also getting a great deal of attention as a facet of positive psychology: Studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude by counting our blessings and writing letters of thanks, for example. This proactive acknowledgement can increase our well-being, health, and happiness. Being grateful—and especially the expression of it—is also associated with increased energy, optimism, and empathy.”[1]

Gratitude can be practiced by both believers and nonbelievers. People, in general, are slow in offering gratitude. They will sometimes express gratitude when prayers are answered or catastrophes are avoided. However, even in those special circumstances, individuals are more likely to attribute their good fortune to luck than to God’s benevolence. Gratitude is the “proper response” beneficence or to the generosity and kindness from a benefactor.

In the busyness of living, people take for granted those things God provides through His grace to all mankind: the sun and the moon (Deut. 33:14), the regularity with which the seasons change (Gen. 8:22), and the marvels of created life (Rom. 1:20). They fail to recognize their blessings and therefore fail to express gratitude. However, those who are in Christ are obligated to express gratitude to God for all things especially His work of salvation.

With salvation, believers experience a multitude of blessings, both now and in the future. First and foremost is our deliverance from the power and penalty of sin (Rom. 6:9). This release from our sin nature provides instant access to God the Father (Rom. 5:2). We are given a new identity in Christ, both as children of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17). As new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), we are gifted with the presence of the Holy Spirit who empowering us with the same dunamis power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19).

Eternal life is God’s special gift to believers. It is a gift that cannot be acquired through works or any other path yet is readily available through belief in Jesus the Christ (John 3:16). At that moment, the believer can experience eternal life through God’s presence, peace, and provision. As heirs of God, believers await their final inheritance reserved for them in heaven, when they return to their true home (1 Pet. 1:3-4).

How is gratitude reflected in your daily faith walk? Do you practice “gratitude” as a spiritual discipline or do you think of it only as Thanksgiving approaches? As believers, gratitude should be engrafted in our spiritual DNA as we daily experience the blessings and promises of God. As we express our gratitude, we share with others our appreciation for what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. That’s why in everything, we give thanks.

[1] Psychology Today, “The Benefits of Gratitude”.

Spiritual Discipline

“Will the real wisdom please stand up?”

August 8, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 (NKJ)

Have you ever watched To Tell the Truth? It is a television game show where three people who claim to be someone are questioned by a panel of celebrities. One of them is the real person while the other two are impostors. The panelists take turns questioning the people about their subject and then try to guess which of the three people the “truth teller” is. The program concludes with the contest moderator asking the question, “Will the real ***** please stand up?” While this is a harmless game of deception, James finds no humor in doing the same as we search for the true meaning of wisdom.

James methodically unmasks the wisdom impostor by clearly delineating what is wisdom and what wisdom is not”.

One doesn’t normally think of James as a book of wisdom. While generally grouped in General Epistles, James has, however, been called the Proverbs of the New Testament because it is written in the terse, moralistic style of wisdom literature—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.

Today’s scripture is found in the overall context of how inner faith is demonstrated outwardly by the believer. In this case, godly wisdom should be an extension of the believer’s faith walk. James challenges believers who would claim to be wise to, “SHOW IT!”

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! (James 3:13, NLT)

James shares how wisdom can either result in that which is divine or that which is demonic. He does this by contrasting seven characteristics of human wisdom with seven qualities of divine wisdom.

Human wisdom is described as earthly, unspiritual (sensual), and demonic. Such wisdom spawns jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and every kind of evil (James 3:16). It originates from a heart that is “sin-bent” (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9), flawed with personal bias, and focused on self-gratification. Such wisdom is also subject to fierce temptation by the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

Divine or godly wisdom is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). This type of wisdom (sophia) acknowledges the holy influence of God upon the actions and thoughts of believers. With God as its source (Deut. 4:5-6; James 1:5), wisdom is framed by those attributes demonstrated in His character within His moral qualities of purity, integrity, and love.

We began our series defining godly wisdom as a way of thinking and conduct that is orderly, socially sensitive, and morally upright. It is a way of viewing and approaching life that results in purposeful, God-honoring living (1 Pet. 1:13, 14). Unfortunately, as we look around our city, our nation, and our world, godly wisdom seems to have been abandoned as men and nations do what is “right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25; Prov. 3:7). It is therefore incumbent upon us as believers to demonstrate outwardly the godly wisdom being placed within us as we obediently follow the teachings of God and the leading of His Holy Spirit. Let James’ words become your wisdom battle cry:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13, NIV)