When You Pray, Give God Your Worries

“Give us today the food we need” (Matthew 6:11 TEV).

Once you have given God your love and your life, Jesus teaches you can give Him your worries by asking God to provide for your needs and then trusting that He will provide.

For instance, we can ask God to give us the food we need each day. Some translations say, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

What is “daily bread”? It’s the necessities of life—our physical and material needs that we’re always worrying about. God wants you to ask Him to provide those things so you don’t have to worry about them. He’s promised to provide all your needs: “My God shall supply all of your needs” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

What do you need today? Energy to make it through the day? Finances? Wisdom? You have two alternatives: panic or pray. Philippians 4:6 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (NIV).

Do you really believe this verse? God says you can pray about everything. Nothing is too great for God’s power. Nothing is too insignificant for his care. Anything worth worrying about is worth praying about. If we prayed as much as we worried, we’d have a lot less to worry about! Give God your worries.

When you talk to God about your needs, you need to be specific. When you pray generically—“God, bless me”—how are you going to know if He answered it or not? What’s a blessing? Sometimes blessings come in the form of problems. You’d better be careful when you pray, “God, bless me.”

Notice the Philippians verse also says, “By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving.” When you pray, be specific and do it with thanksgiving. Psychologists say gratitude is the healthiest emotion you can have. The more you develop an attitude of appreciation for God, your family, and other people, the healthier you are emotionally.

You worship God through prayer when you give him your love (praise), your life (purpose), and your worries (provision).

The Powerful Key to Prayer

By Rick Warren

“And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them” (Matthew 18:19-20 TEV)

If you look at the Lord’s Prayer, you’ll see that it reflects praying together: “Our Father . . . give us . . . our daily bread . . . forgive us our debts . . . as we also have forgiven our debtors . . . lead us not into temptation . . . deliver us . . . (Matthew 6:9-13 NIV, emphasis mine).

Many of us miss out on so much because we only pray by ourselves. Yet, when Jesus gave us an outline for prayer, He spoke about praying together. There is power in group prayer.

If you’re not praying with other believers, then you’re not getting the support you need. You’re missing out on one of the major benefits of being a Christian. Jesus says “whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them (Matthew 18:19-20 TEV). That’s the power of praying with other people.

Ask yourself, “Who am I consistently praying with on a regular basis?” You may be saying you’ve never prayed with anybody before and it scares you to death. It’s okay to start slow. When you get together with five or six other friends, you don’t have to pray if you don’t want to; you can sit there and be quiet. Then, after several weeks, as you become more comfortable, you can begin to participate more in the group’s prayers. You’ll find a new level of stability in your life.

If you’ve never prayed with other people, start by praying aloud when you’re alone. I do most of my praying, more than any other place, on the freeway. I’m driving down the road and talking aloud to the Lord, “Lord, here are some things I want to talk with you about today.”

Another suggestion is to pray at meals. Our family holds hands; sometimes we pray sentence prayers such as thank you prayers to God for what he has done for us.

Praying together is another form of worshipping God.

Be Real and Be Relaxed With God

By Rick Warren

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world” (Psalm 46:10 NLT).

Hurry is the death of prayer. If you rush through all your prayers, it will kill your prayer life.

I have a habit in my prayer life: before I pray any prayer, it is almost spontaneous that I take a deep breath. I just relax, settle down, and let go of any tension. Then, I’m ready to talk God.

So, when you pray, relax. Take a deep breath and try to forget anyone or anything that’s around you and just focus in on God for a minute. Calm yourself down and get still: “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10 NLT).

Jesus sat in Martha’s house, but she was so busy, she couldn’t stop to talk to him and enjoy his company. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42 TEV). Mary chose to relax at the feet of Jesus, listening to him while “Martha was distracted” (Luke 10:40 NIV).

Be real and relaxed, “Go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6 TEV).

When You Pray, Begin With Praise

By Rick Warren

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven: May Your holy name be honored’” (Matthew 6:9 TEV).

When Jesus’ friends asked Him how to pray, He gave them a model prayer. Today we call it the Lord’s Prayer, and it gives us a great outline for making contact with God.

The first idea Jesus gives us for making contact with God is captured by the words: “Our Father in heaven: May Your holy name be honored” (Matthew 6:9 TEV). Jesus is talking about praise. You begin making contact with God by praising him, by worshiping him

What is praise? Praise is thanking God for who and what He is. It means to value Him, to esteem Him. It means bragging on him: “God, You are good! There’s no one as good as You!”

Why should I praise God? Because it gets my focus off myself and onto God so I can talk to Him and not at Him. That’s why we start with praise. If you want help learning how to praise God, read through the Psalms. Many of them were written simply to praise God. If you read them aloud, you’ll learn a lot about praising God in prayer.

Notice Jesus talks about God’s name being holy. Did you know God has many names? In the Old Testament there are many different names of God. In the Bible, a name was a clue to a person’s character. The Bible reveals the character of God through the names it uses for Him. Through these names, we learn that:

• God is present with me.
• God is my Shepherd.
• God is my Provider.
• God is my Healer.
• God is my Peace.
• God is my victory in conflict.

Praying the names of God reminds you of who He is and what He has done for you, and that will stir up love in your heart for Him. You begin worshipfully praying by giving God your love.

Being Excellent in the Workplace

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as though you're working unto God and not unto men." When you're excellent in the workplace, knowing that you're working under God and not under man, God not only is going to increase your talent and skills, but new doors of opportunities will open and you will gain influence, credibility and respect in the workplace. When you have the Spirit of excellence, you go the extra mile, knowing that the quality of your work is a reflection of the quality of your character. Excellence isn't something that we do every once in a while, as long as someone is watching. Excellence should be the standard, especially in the workplace. It not only honors God to be excellent, but it also benefits you. When you're diligent with what God has given you, He will help you achieve what you can't do in your own strength. When we're excellent in the work place, our whole life is bringing praise to God.

50 Ways to a Better You

1. Take naps. Researchers at Harvard found an hour nap was as beneficial as a full night's sleep.

2. Don't take things personally. It's not raining on you alone. And maybe the waiter's dog just died.

3. Breathe. Holding your breath increases muscle tension.

4. When it's your turn to listen, don't think. Thinking interferes with hearing.

5. Eat only when you're hungry. If you're not hungry, but you're eating anyway, it's not food you're needing.

6. Smile. Especially when you don't feel like it.

7. Smell the flowers. Research shows the fragrance of lavender and lemon, for instance, can lessen depression.

8. Balance your checkbook. It's actually less stressful to know where you stand.

9. Say no when you mean no, and yes when you mean yes.

10. Don't watch the 11p.m. TV news. It won't make for a restful sleep.

11. Schedule fun. Put it on your calendar, or you might forget.

12. If you don't understand, ask. There are no dumb questions.

13. Stretch after exercising every time. If you do, you'll stretch your active years.

14. Don't fly on holidays.

15. Do what you say you're going to do. Even when you only say it to yourself.

16. Do puzzles; play games. Studies show it prevents senility.

17. Put the TV where you won't remember to turn it on.

18. Sit in the sun without sunscreen for 15 minutes a day. Vitamin D keeps bones strong. Sunlight lifts your spirits.

19. Assume the best. Studies show optimists live longer, healthier lives.

20. If you're a shower person, take a bath. It's relaxing.

21. If you're a bath person, take a shower. It's stimulating.

22. Eat only what you love. Not what you like, or what you tolerate, what you love.

23. Ask for a hug. Hugs are proven to lower blood pressure.

24. Strive for imperfection.Trying to be perfect causes stress. Stress lowers immunity.

25. Drink water. It's healthier than any other liquid.

26. Don't smoke.

27. Sit in hard chairs.They make you want to get up and walk around which is good for you.

28. Realize not everyone will like you.Trying to make them is too stressful. Stress raises blood pressure.

29. Be grateful. Because you have lots to be thankful for.

30. Finish eating before you are full. Aim for feeling satisfied.

31. When your worries keep you awake, write them all down. It will ease your mind so you can sleep.Throw the list away in the morning.

32. Never talk yourself out of how you feel. Feeling is healing.

33. Make yourself uncomfortable. Breakthroughs don't come from the status quo.

34. Ask yourself over and over, "What do I want?" How can you get it, if you don't know what it is?

35. Turn the volume down. Musicians will be happy to tell you how they lost their hearing.

36. Call your mother.

37. Clean out your closets, basements, and attics. Then give your stuff to people who need it.

38. Give advice only when asked.That's when it's most meaningful.

39. When you can't say anything nice, nod and smile. When people nod and smile at you, drop the subject.

40. Admit when your wrong. Apologize and make it right.

41. Keep your perspective. Only the end of the world is the end of the world.

42. Now is better than later. Procrastination causes stress. Stress constricts blood vessels.

43. Embrace change. It's constant. Resisting causes stress. Stress, strokes and heart attacks are related.

44. Let your gut be your guide. If it feels wrong, it is wrong.

45. Blame is a way of avoiding responsibility. Just fix the problem.

46. If you can carry on a conversation while exercising, you're not getting aerobic benefit.

47. Master your mind. Study after study shows positive thinkers have fewer health problems.

48. Lies are short-sighted. Honesty wins in the long run.

49. Have compassion. And include yourself.

50. Spend some time each day with your Source. Studies show those with a regular spiritual practice, no matter what type, live healthier longer.

Fathers: Release Your Children for Service

By :Rick Warren

“In the same way that You gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world” (John 17:18 MSG).
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Jesus released His disciples to serve God’s purposes.

As a dad I am responsible to protect my kids as they’re growing up, but that doesn’t mean I protect them from taking risks for the glory of God. You can be so overprotective that you do not release your kids emotionally, or maybe even physically, to do what God wants them to.

You say, “Sure, I want my kids to serve God, as long as they stay here in the area.” Or “Yeah, I want my kids to do what God wants them to do. They can follow His plan and purpose for their life, as long as they don’t leave this area and live right down the block.” “They can do whatever God says as long as they don’t do something that’s dangerous, where they could be hurt or killed.”

It is natural as parents not to want your kids to be hurt. But let me ask you this very frank question: Are you willing to let God be God in your kids’ lives?

Or are you still trying to be God in their life? You’ve got to let them go. I’ve seen some parents try to control their children’s lives even after they are married; yet, the Bible teaches that for marriage “a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one” (Genesis 2:24 TEV).

The point is it is God’s plan for children to leave and, as parents, we must teach them while we have them but then let them go to serve God’s purposes.

Jesus said, “In the same way You gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world” (John 17:18 MSG). The whole goal of parenting is to eventually release your children. From the moment they are born, you are preparing them to be released into the world, not to hold on to them or to control their lives for the rest of your life.

Lyric and chord : What a Friend I've Found (Delirious)

By Martin Smith / Delirious

E5 E5/D#
What a friend I've found
E5 E5/D#
Closer than a brother
E5 E5/D#
I have felt your touch
E5 E5/D#
More intimate than lovers

Asus2 E
Jesus
Asus2 E
Jesus
C#m7 B4 E
Jesus
A E B E
Friend forever

What a hope I've found
More faithful than a mother
It would break my heart
To ever lose each other

C#m B
Lord I am
E A
So in love with you
C#m B E A
And God I stand to proclaim your truth
B A E B E E5
Jesus you're my friend forever

Source : http://christian-music-lyric.blogspot.com/

Have A Large Revelation Of Jesus!

2 Peter 3:18
18… grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…

In the Old Testament, three types of burnt offerings were brought to God. I believe that the rich brought offerings of young bulls (Leviticus 1:3), the not-so-rich brought sheep (Leviticus 1:10) and the poor brought turtledoves. (Leviticus 1:14) Though of varying sizes and values, the different burnt offerings were all accepted as sweet aroma to the Lord. (Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17)

These burnt offerings speak of Jesus and His perfect work at the cross. Today, to bring a “rich” offering means that you have a large revelation of Jesus and His finished work. To bring a “not-so-rich” offering means that you have a smaller revelation of Jesus and His finished work. But whatever the size of the revelation you have of Jesus, God accepts you just the same because Jesus is the only measure of your acceptance before God.

However, God wants you to grow in your revelation of Jesus because your well-being hinges on it. Before that first Passover night, all the children of Israel had received the same Word of God — “when I see the blood, I will pass over you”. (Exodus 12:13) But I believe that some households lived through that night trembling in fear as they heard the loud wails outside their homes, while other households rested in God’s Word, ate their Passover lamb and spent the night rejoicing in His protection, deliverance and love for them.

You see, as long as the households came under the blood, they were all saved, trembling or not! But when they didn’t have a revelation of the power of the blood to save them from the destroyer, fear came in even though the blood availed for them. In the same way, God does not want you to struggle through trying times with fear, apprehension and stress. He wants you to enjoy and rest in a greater revelation of Jesus as your deliverer and salvation.

In 2 Peter 1:2, it says, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you…” God wants you to experience more of His grace and peace in your life. How? The verse continues, “… in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord”. The more knowledge of Jesus you have, the more God’s grace and peace will rest on you!

The Legend of the Starfish

A vacationing businessman was walking along a beach when he saw a young boy. Along the shore were many starfish that had been washed up by the tide and were sure to die before the tide returned. The boy was walked slowly along the shore and occasionally reached down and tossed the beached starfish back into the ocean. The businessman, hoping to teach the boy a little lesson in common sense, walked up to the boy and said, "I have been watching what you are doing, son. You have a good heart, and I know you mean well, but do you realize how many beaches there are around here and how many starfish are dying on every beach every day. Surely such an industrious and kind hearted boy such as yourself could find something better to do with your time. Do you really think that what you are doing is going to make a difference?" The boy looked up at the man, and then he looked down at a starfish by his feet. He picked up the starfish, and as he gently tossed it back into the ocean, he said, "It makes a difference to that one."

God Is Not Punishing You For Some Sin

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Ephesians 1:7

Some Christians believe that although you have forgiveness of sins, you are not free from the penalties of your sins. In other words, you can still expect punishment from God. For example, some married Christian couples have been told that they are childless because God is punishing them for having had pre-marital sex. So although God has forgiven them of that sin, He still has to punish them for it.

I am certainly not for pre-marital sex, but I want you to know that God, who is the only one who can fully appreciate the full value of His Son’s blood and who is completely satisfied by His Son’s sacrifice, is at rest in His heart today concerning your sins! That is why He is not against you even when you fail. Neither is He out to punish you when you sin. No, He still loves you, is for you and wants to help you overcome that sin.

In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls and goats could only “cover” sins and not take them away. (Hebrews 10:4) But the blood of Jesus is not like the blood of animals! For by one sacrifice, the eternal blood of the Son of God has forever removed your sins (Psalm 103:12) and cleansed you of all unrighteousness! (1 John 1:9) In fact, God is so satisfied with His Son’s perfect work that He says to you today, “Your sins and lawless deeds I will by no means remember!” (Hebrews 10:17) And if God does not remember them, why would He punish you for them?

Beloved, you have “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”. Because Jesus’ work is complete, all your sins have been completely forgiven. And complete forgiveness means that the penalties for your sins can no longer fall on you because they had already fallen on Jesus at the cross. (Isaiah 53:5)

So don’t think for one moment that God is punishing you for some sin just because something bad happened to you. Look to the cross and know that all your sins have already been punished fully in the body of Christ. Believe that God is for you and expect victory!

Living Breakthrough Minded

A breakthrough is a sudden burst of God's favor. It's an explosion of His goodness. It's when all of the sudden, God releases His power in such a way that you're overwhelmed by His goodness. Like the powerful force of water during a flood can move objects weighing thousands of pounds, even homes; that same magnitude of strength is the same way God wants to move in our lives. During the difficult times when situations and circumstances look extremely large, when obstacles look impassable and dreams look unobtainable, God desires to show up and release His power. Even during intense moments of feeling overwhelmed, God desires to show up and prove Himself strong. David was overwhelmed at times, especially when his army was outnumbered with little chance of winning during a battle. But David asked God for help, and God didn't just show up and help a little. David described God's help in 1 Chronicles as the bursting forth of water breaking his enemies. When the God of the breakthrough shows up and releases His power, it will be like a flood of His goodness, a flood of His favor, healing and new opportunity; and nothing will be able to stop it. We have to live breakthrough minded, getting up each day with expectancy, knowing that God is going to show up and out in amazing ways. We have to dare to believe. If we think overflow, we'll experience overflow; God can release a tidal wave of His goodness in your life.

One Paragraph that Explain Life

Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: "Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease"?

To this Arthur Ashe replied: "In the world over -- 50 million children start playing tennis, 5 million learn to play tennis, 500,000 learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand
slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to semi final, 2 to the finals, When I was holding a cup I never asked GOD "Why me?".

And today in pain I should not be asking GOD "Why me?"

"Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrow keeps you Human,
Failure Keeps you humble,
Success keeps you glowing,
but only Faith & Attitude Keeps you going...."

God Is Not Punishing You For Some Sin

Some Christians believe that although you have forgiveness of sins, you are not free from the penalties of your sins. In other words, you can still expect punishment from God. For example, some married Christian couples have been told that they are childless because God is punishing them for having had pre-marital sex. So although God has forgiven them of that sin, He still has to punish them for it.

I am certainly not for pre-marital sex, but I want you to know that God, who is the only one who can fully appreciate the full value of His Son’s blood and who is completely satisfied by His Son’s sacrifice, is at rest in His heart today concerning your sins! That is why He is not against you even when you fail. Neither is He out to punish you when you sin. No, He still loves you, is for you and wants to help you overcome that sin.

In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls and goats could only “cover” sins and not take them away. (Hebrews 10:4) But the blood of Jesus is not like the blood of animals! For by one sacrifice, the eternal blood of the Son of God has forever removed your sins (Psalm 103:12) and cleansed you of all unrighteousness! (1 John 1:9) In fact, God is so satisfied with His Son’s perfect work that He says to you today, “Your sins and lawless deeds I will by no means remember!” (Hebrews 10:17) And if God does not remember them, why would He punish you for them?

Beloved, you have “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”. Because Jesus’ work is complete, all your sins have been completely forgiven. And complete forgiveness means that the penalties for your sins can no longer fall on you because they had already fallen on Jesus at the cross. (Isaiah 53:5)

So don’t think for one moment that God is punishing you for some sin just because something bad happened to you. Look to the cross and know that all your sins have already been punished fully in the body of Christ. Believe that God is for you and expect victory!

VALUABLE THINGS

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days. "Jack, did you hear me?" "Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said. "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him. "I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said. "You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said. "He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly. "What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked. "The box is gone," he said. "What box? " Mom asked. "There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it. "Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention."Mr. Harold Belser" it read.

Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most...was...my time." Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked. "I need some time to spend with my son," he said. "Oh, by the way, Janet...thanks for your time!"

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away," Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5.Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6.You mean the world to someone.
7. If not for you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique.
9. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, probably, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.
0. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.
11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
12. Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.
13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.