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A Bicycle Prayer

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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.        John 1:14 ESV

“Lord I’m asking for a new bike for my birthday.” Was the first prayer I ever prayed, not counting my “Bless the food.” requests. As that day drew closer and closer, my fervency increased. But when a real bicycle actually appeared on my big day; no one was more shocked than me!    Imported from phone 296

My family saw only two wheels, a chain and spokes; but for the first time I saw that there really was a God and that He listened when I prayed. If you think my theology was a bit wobbly, you would be right. You might ask; did I deserve a bike? But God was not just interested in how I prayed or the merits of my request. He knew that whether deserving it or not I needed something that I could put my hands on and say, “God is really there!”

The answer to my bicycle prayer gives a dim picture of why God sent Jesus to earth. If He would have waited for us to figure everything out Jesus would have never come. But God knew that we needed more than just words; we needed a person. We needed someone who we could touch and hear and see to show us His love. The people had the Ten Commandments but that was like having a bicycle with no idea of how to ride it. But Jesus came, so we could know that God listens to our prayers and that if we believe in Him we would have someone who could carry us all the way home!

Church Growth Through God’s Eyes

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And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.          Acts 6:7 KJV

Nursing home outreach doesn’t carry with it the razzle-dazzle of building programs, youth ministry or Holiday pageants, but it does offer a unique way to connect to our community. That is exactly what we see in this passage from the book of Acts. The number of Christians grew rapidly not because of some church program but because they agreed to work together in unity to take care of feeding poor widows.  Imported from phone 083

In the early days of the church some things brought about growth that we will not be able to replicate (Such as five hundred people seeing Jesus alive after His resurrection). But there are other principles which we can follow in any culture, time or place. Showing the love of Christ by caring for our older generation connects us with their friends and families in a deep and powerful way.  That is not to say that we could simply use nursing home ministry as a strategy to build our church; but rather that amazing things happen when we align ourselves with the heart of God. Ministering in a nursing home blesses not only its residents but also those of us who serve. Teen-agers are reminded that their energy can give a smile or bring tears of joy. Middle aged people find out that the value of their own life will not change with age. Retired folks discover that residents will treasure their friendship because so few ever come to see them anymore. Through His amazing plan God will help His church to grow in numbers as together we draw closer to Jesus Christ.

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Prayer Lessons – Day 3

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Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:11 KJV

Imported from phone 248

Going for walks around the neighborhood with our grandchildren is one of the highlights of our visits with them. Whether we are examining leaves together or stopping at the corner store for ice cream; what matters is that we are doing it together.  Praying for daily bread and forgiveness is just the same. Though they appear to be totally unrelated items they are both part of our daily walk around the neighborhood with Jesus.  P1040060

When we are praying for daily bread we are simply showing our Heavenly Father that we are depending on Him even for the simplest of matters. Then when we stumble and fall down while we are with Him we can immediately turn and ask forgiveness. He is willing to freely give but He also reminds us that forgiveness given comes with His gracious expectation that we learn to be forgiving as well. Through each line of this prayer Jesus wants us to know that our relationship to Him is what matters most. Whether we need daily bread or forgiveness of sins He wants us to trust in His care and discover the joy of an childlike dependence on Him.

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