What Are Some Qualities of Prayer?

By Leland Ping

It is valuable to spend a few moments examining the value of prayer in terms of some of the great qualities associated with this great privilege.

First, prayer is productive. Praying is not merely talking to God to fulfill a commandment of His. Prayer is, however, the single-most productive thing a person can do, no matter what his circumstances are or what challenges he might face. James writes, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). We need to be ready to speak to our God and to ask Him – for He desires such communication and praying to Him is very productive.

Second, prayer is powerful. Again, prayer is not passive and unimportant. It is more powerful than anything else. John writes that, if we confess our sins to God in prayer, He will forgive us (I John 1:9). Wow! A Christian who has sinned can communicate to God and, with a penitent heart, ask for and receive the forgiveness of God. Indeed, prayer is very powerful.

Finally, prayer is patient. Peter writes that we are to cast all of our care upon our God. He also says, however, that God will choose to exalt us in “due time” (I Peter 5:6-7). We must be patient and wait on our God. Being prayerful, and at the same time, being patient, is a hallmark of the devoted servant of God.

As we think about prayer, let us be reminded of the great privilege it is. Being able to speak to God each day is certainly a wonderful blessing. As we pray, let us strive to pray as our God has instructed, praising Him and giving Him thanks for all of His love.

Three Keys for Spiritual Health

By Leland Ping

In one of his earliest letters, Paul wrote the following profound words in his closing paragraph:

“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).

Among all the many things that this teaches us is the importance of rejoicing. Some might say, well, it’s easy to rejoice when life is good – but I can’t be happy when life is tough. To that, Paul would say he disagrees. Rejoicing isn’t something that (spiritually speaking) should be dependent on circumstances but rather on one’s mindset. That’s not easy, of course, but the more we learn to rejoice in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, the more we’ll be aligned with what the Holy Spirit is counseling here.

We must also never underestimate the value of prayer. So much could and can be said on the subject. And, so much has been said through the centuries. But, simply put, prayer ought not always be scheduled or ritual. Rather, we should communicate with our great God on a regular basis. It’s our lifeline to the heavenly Father and we should fully take advantage of it and its power.

Finally, we should be a grateful people – thankful in all things. Being thankful in some things isn’t challenging. It’s a difficult thing when life doesn’t go our way, though. Paul was the perfect person to write these words. Over the course of his life, he would face so many, many challenges and setbacks. But, in spite of every difficulty he faced, he did so with a trust in the Lord and with a thankful heart.

Today and each day of our lives, let’s dedicate ourselves to doing these three things that make up the will of God.

Meditate on this:

Genesis 18:14

Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Beware of false Prophets

By Ethan Tidwell

One of the great dangers in the church are false prophets. Jesus calls them “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing.” (Matt 7:15). There will always be those who try to turn those who believe in the truth away from it (Matt 24:24). One of the biggest affects they can have on someone is their subtlety. 2 Peter 2 talks about their deception vv.1-3.

False teachers will have an influence even on the most faithful Christians. Those who heed the lies and deceit from false teachers will leave the faith, for some hear what they want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Those who have itching ears will inevitably enter false ideologies. Those who are weak are at more risk. Jesus condemns those who cause others to stumble, false teachers can fit into what He said in (Matt. 18: 6-7).

If we are ever doubtful of someone being sound or true to God’s word when they speak, we need to make sure we know the scriptures. We must be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Search the scriptures daily like they did. We are to be active in our awareness, making sure if someone is speaking from the word of God. 1 John 4:1 says, “Test the spirits.” Be ready to expose, rebuke those who try to turn those away from the faith and into false doctrines.

This past week I had the privilege of holding a Gospel Meeting in Murfreesboro for the Westvue congregation.

The church there is probably one of the older congregations in Murfreesboro. They are down in number from where they were in years past. They average around 20-25 members now.

The meeting was well attended by their members and Monday night they had several visitors, with more visitors on Tuesday night. Several from the Eastside congregation visited and supported those brethren in their efforts.

The topics I preached on for the week were;

Sunday Am – Answered Prayers

Sunday Pm – Fighting the Giants in Our Lives

Monday – Traveling Through Enemy Territory

Tuesday – God is Love

Wednesday – Fellowship

All of the lessons were well received.

I also want to thank the elders for allowing me the opportunity to share the gospel with other congregation and other areas. I also appreciate the men that stood in for me (teaching class, and preaching) while I was gone.

Let’s not forget that our meeting is October 13-16 with Brother Leland Ping.

Meditate on this:

Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.