Believe the One whom is risen!

Mark 12:17
17And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

On a can of room freshener there appeared these words: "Bring the clean, natural freshness of a country meadow indoors. Freshens the air in your home with a clean, back-to-nature scent--as refreshing as the summer grass and fragrant flowers of a country meadow." Following were these words: "WARNING: Inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal." Just a reminder: that which smells sweet is not necessarily healthy. That which is popular is not necessarily true.

If you were to assess the situation in Jesus' day, wouldn't you say that Caesar had all the glory and Jesus had all the pain? Caesar had power, prominence, palaces. Jesus had no place to lay his head. Caesar could pass laws that would drastically affect the lives of men and women throughout his empire. Jesus could but tell stories and hope his listeners understood. With a wave of his hand Caesar could have a person put to death. Jesus died at the hands of the state. Yes, Caesar had the glory, and Jesus had the pain. But wait. That's not the end of the story. Caesar is in the grave. Jesus has been resurrected. Yes, Caesar was popular, but Jesus brought the truth. May we live in that truth!

God of all things, may I live in the truth of my savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Not worthy...

Matthew 8:8
8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

The centurion was man of great humility. Jesus was persuaded by the testimony of the elders and went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him saying, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof . . . ." Can you believe this? Here is a Roman solider a man of wealth, power, and authority and he is saying to an itinerant Jewish teacher, "I am not worthy to have you come under my roof . . . ." He was a man of great humility.

Is there any quality more appealing in a woman or man than genuine humility? I'm not talking about low self-esteem that causes others to walk all over us. Certainly the centurion was no doormat. But he recognized Jesus' power and he was humbled.

One of my favorite stories is about a bald man who decided with his wife one night to go out to dinner and have a baby sitter to take care of their two little children.

While they were gone, the baby sitter got interested in a television program and wasn't watching the children very carefully. The little boy got into his father's electric shaver and shaved a big landing strip right down the middle of his head.

When his father came home, he was furious. He said, "Son! I told you never to play with my shaver. Now you are going to get a spanking!" Dad was just about to give his son a spanking when his son looked up at him and said, "Wait until you see sister!" Dad was horrified.

He went into the next room and there was their little four-year-old daughter with her hair shaved off. By this time dad was really furious. He grabbed up his son and said, "Now you are really going to get it."

Just as he lifted his hand his son looked up at him with tears in his eyes and said, "But Daddy! WE WERE JUST TRYING TO LOOK LIKE YOU!" I'm sure that little boy didn't get any punishment that night. A good person of God is humble.

Dear Jesus, through your humility you became my savior. May I also be humble for God's glory. Amen.

Unconditional Love

Romans 5:8
8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Paul's conversion brought him the joy of unconditional love. That has to be one reason Paul was so content in his new faith. He discovered what it is to be loved unconditionally. Nothing in this world is more pitiful than the person who is unsure he or she is loved.

It has been observed that most emotional problems can be summed up in the kind of behavior where a person walks around screaming, "For God's sake, love me." Such feelings are formed in the earliest years of our lives. As children we are constantly seeking approval from the significant people in our lives. If those significant people show their approval for us only when we do things right, then the message we get is that when you are good, you are loveable. When you are not good, you are not loveable. Love, then, is something you earn. If you have to live up to my expectations to win my love, that's conditional love.

Rigid obedience to the Law makes God's love appear to be conditional. The message of such faith is, "I love you only when you are obedient, only when you are sinless, only when you measure up to My standards." Can you imagine what a giant leap of understanding it represented when Paul was able to write in his letter to the Romans, "But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us." That's a special kind of love, isn't it? It's unconditional love. There is life-changing power in unconditional love.

Lord God, help me to give unconditional love like you have given to me. Amen.

Thanks for loving even me!

Psalms 59:17
17Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

Rep. Maxine Waters, a Congresswoman from Los Angeles, said that one of the first people to make a difference in her life was a fifth-grade math teacher at the James Weldon Johnson Elementary School in St. Louis named Louise Carter.

"Beyond her skill at teaching math, Ms. Carter was a very loving woman," Waters says. She recalls one Saturday morning in particular. Ms. Carter had planned a class picnic. However, Waters' mother had not been able to get her ready in time to go. Waters had 12 brothers and sisters. It was quite a chore for her mother to get them all prepared, especially the girls, because it required that she spend time getting their hair all braided. Her mother was so busy trying to do everything, she just hadn't gotten to little Maxine yet. Waters thought she would be left behind.

"Then Ms. Carter came," says the Congresswoman. "She would not leave without me. She took me to her own home and washed and braided my hair and got my clothes together so I could go on the picnic. And it stayed with me forever that she would do that. If you think that a teacher really cares about you," says Waters, "then you try to live up to their expectations. Ms. Carter had high expectations for me, and--especially after that picnic--I tried my best to live up to them."

Can there be a better picture of our relationship with God? God loves us even while we are unlovable. God takes us home and washes us, as it were. God accepts us just as we are. Because we are loved, we seek to live up to God's expectations.

Dear God, thank you for loving me. Amen.

Pressing forward for God!

Philippians 3:14
14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

For many of us, our hopes and dreams in life center around our jobs. That's not surprising. That's where we spend most of our time. Our jobs give us the resources for achieving our goals in life. It is natural that we should have dreams concerning our work. Research shows, however, that around age 45, those dreams begin to change. By then men begin to have some idea whether they are going to keep growing in their work or whether they have gone as far as they will go. If they conclude they have reached their limit--that there is no dream out there for them to pursue--they shift their dreams toward retirement. In fact, some of them retire then and there in their minds. That is why some men in the middle years of life, when they ought to be in their prime, become somewhat listless and begin feeling tired all the time. The problem is not physical. It's mental. They've lost their dream. Meanwhile women who have spent most of their adult lives as care givers are beginning to taste freedom for the first time. So while their husbands are winding down, many women are thinking about going back to school or starting their own business. How you feel about life is related to your sense of purpose.

Now, listen to Paul's words: "Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."

Paul discovered there is no ceiling on discipleship. We can be better followers of Jesus at seventy than we are at forty. We can be more loving, more joyous, more focused. The mistake many of us have made is taking our identity from our career rather than from Christ. If your dream is to be like Christ, you will never reach the point where you say, this is it. This is far as I can go.

Dear God, help me to press on to the goal you have given me. Amen.

He did it for us!

Romans 5:6

6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

In 1849, financier Joshua A. Norton came to San Francisco with $40,000 and big ambitions. For five years he invested his money wisely until he was filthy rich. Then he took a gamble. He invested all of his money in the rice market. The market fell through and he lost every penny. No one saw him again for five years.

Then, in 1859, Joshua Norton walked into the office of the San Francisco BULLETIN and told them to print a proclamation that he was Emperor Norton I, emperor of the United States. As a joke, the editor printed his proclamation.

The people of San Francisco decided to humor Emperor Norton I. They treated him with great respect. Local ships and railroad lines gave him free passes. The city bought him new military uniforms when his old ones wore out. A printer created Emperor Norton currency, which he was allowed to use in any establishment in town. Restaurants put up signs advertising his patronage. He was allowed to speak at all the sessions of the state legislature. He and his two dogs even had free, reserved seats at the theater.

Emperor Norton made many suggestions about improving the city, but most of these suggestions were brushed off as ravings of a madman. Yet after his death, many of his suggestions were acted upon--a bridge over the Golden Gate and the East Bay, wider streets, gaslights put up for safety, and filling in of the swamplands to the east of Montgomery Street. All these things came to pass.

Emperor Norton I died in 1880. His funeral was lavish, and many thousands showed up to mourn him. He is memorialized in San Francisco's Wells Fargo museum, and in local history books. He was a most successful fraud.

Contrast the burial accorded Emperor Norton with that given to Jesus of Nazareth. There was nothing fraudulent about Jesus. Never was a man more authentic. Nobody walked the talk better than he did. He told his disciples to forgive their enemies, and as he hung on the cross, he prayed for forgiveness for those who had put him there. He told his disciples to serve the least and the lowest, and among his last words were words of encouragement to a thief who was dying beside him. He told his disciples that on the third day he would be raised from the dead, and when the women went to the tomb, it was empty. What he preached, he practiced. No one who knew him ever called him a fraud. Even Judas, the friend whose kiss sealed his doom, declared that he had betrayed innocent blood. Yet there were few admirers at Jesus' funeral. He did not die a celebrity as did Emperor Norton of San Francisco. But, this is all right. Not many truly Godly people will die as celebrities. Let's just be thankful for Jesus' willingness to die for each one of us!

Jesus my savior, thank you for dying for my sins. I may not be a celebrity, but I will do my best to be faithful to you. Amen.

How close are you to God's Love?

Jude 1:21
21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude reminds us that when we love God, we will experience God's love in a real and powerful way through eternal life in Jesus Christ.

I read once a really neat story about a little girl who was afraid to go to bed. After three or four trips to her parents' bedroom, her father sought to reassure her. "Look, honey," he said. "You are not really alone in your bedroom. God is watching over you. God is everywhere and God is in your bedroom, too." Dad's words did not reassure the little girl. She when back to her room but stopped at the door and said in a loud whisper, "God, if you are in there, please don't say anything. It would scare me to death."

God has many things to tell us and show us. Many of us would probably be scared too if God spoke to us. But if we love God and our neighbors, we will grow in our relationship with God, we will learn many valuable things about life, and we will learn about what is really important.
Dear Jesus, keep me close to God's love, as I work to share that love with others. Amen.

Dream Big!

Genesis 12:1,2   

   1Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Woodrow Wilson once said, "We grow by dreams. All big [individuals] are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day, or in the red fire on a long winter's evening. Some of us let those great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nourish them through bad days until they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true."

We all have our dreams. A man named Abram had his dream. Go to a new land, father a new people, and his name would be a blessing forever. His dream came from God. Was God faithful to His promise to Abram, or as we know him, Abraham? Today the great religions of the world--Judaism, Christianity--trace their roots to this dreamer who stepped out and put his dreams into reality. Why was he so successful? Because his dream was God's dream. What is God's dream for your life? Find that dream and act on it and you will find life!
Loving God, move me to fulfill the dreams you have given to me. Amen.

Humble myself, so that God will be honored!

Matthew 23:6,7

6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

I remember a story of a family who went to their grandparent's house for dinner. After watching the man bow his head and speak in a soft voice, the girl asked her parents, "What did Mr. Bryan say to his plate?" Jesus asked a similar question concerning the leaders of his day. They spoke not prayers to God, but empty words trying to impress others and trying to appear successful.

Jesus said in our scripture reading today, "And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi." The religious leaders seemed to be more concerned about appearing to be successful than serving God's people.

I read once about James Moore, a minister, who was invited to participate in a "Career Day on Campus." He was to be part of a panel discussion. Panelists were to discuss, "How Faith Influences Your Choice of a Career." First, panelists were asked to introduce themselves and mention their particular vocations. It was all rather routine. One woman gave her name and said, "I'm an attorney." A man gave his name and said, "I'm in business and I own a computer company." A woman gave her name and said, "I'm in real estate." When it was Moore's turn he said, "I'm a minister." The person seated next to him was a doctor. The doctor's statement changed that mundane situation into a special and sacred moment.

He said, "We are here today to talk about vocation." He told them that the word vocation meant "calling." "Well," the doctor told them, "my calling is to be a Christian and one way to do that is through the practice of medicine."

James Moore reflected afterwards, the doctor's life was a success, but his priority was service. Jesus said,  "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke14:11)

Dear Father God, humble me, so that you will be honored. Amen.

Are your nets broke?

Luke 5:1-8

   1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

2And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

There was a man who had spent a fruitless day fishing. In desperation he picked out three fat fish at the local market. "Before you wrap them," he said to the clerk, "toss them to me, one by one. That way I'll be able to tell my wife I caught them and I'll be speaking the truth."

Fishermen must be all alike. Someone has said that the only thing that casts doubt on the miracles of Jesus is that they were all witnessed by fishermen.

The disciples had been fishing all night and had caught nothing. They were not fishing for a hobby. This was their livelihood and it was serious business. The towns around the Sea of Galilee had names that reflected fishing's importance to their economy and daily life. Tarichaea, one of the villages, meant "the place of salt fish" probably a town where people were employed in packing and exporting fish to Rome. Bethsaida meant "fish town" at least four fishermen who followed Jesus came from this town, and most of the town's men were employed in the fish business. After bringing in the day's catch, fishermen still had to mend and wash their nets, repair and maintain the boats, preserve the fish, and bargain with local merchants to sell or trade the catch. It was a very tiring job. The fishermen had been fishing all night, because the fish come closer to the surface of the water at night. During the day, the sun's rays penetrate the surface of the water, driving the fish into deeper depths. "Cleaning their nets" probably indicated that they were finished with the day's catch, ready to go home.

These fishermen were tired and they were frustrated. They had toiled all night and had nothing to show for it. It's like the salesman who has gone for days without a sale. It's like the lawyer who cannot attract clients. They were discouraged, disheartened.

Jesus' request must have seemed strange to them. Jesus asked them to go back out in their boats into the deeper waters and let down their nets again. This didn't make much sense to them, but notice what happened--THEY OBEYED, and they caught a boat load of fish.


Father God we ask that you would help us to be more obedient and to listen to what You have to say.

A Look at Daniel

Daniel (remember- the guy in the lion's den?) He knew how to really listen to God throughout the day. Daniel 6:10 says: "But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God."

Three times a day, Daniel paused to pray and give thanks to God. He was focused on God and listening; that's what a Bible devotion is designed to help us do. They're short, concise and don't take long to read, but they give us a thought that will carry us through the day with our focus on God.

Now, in Daniel 9:2: "During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, was studying the writings of the prophets. I learned from the word of the LORD, as recorded by Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years."

What was he doing? Studying the writings of the prophets? That would be the Bible, right? Yes, Daniel also did some serious Bible study. We can't just live on snacks all the time. We need to take time to sit down and enjoy a full meal too.

God was able to do amazing things in the life of Daniel. Much of it was because Daniel was willing to seek God's face and take time to listen to His will. Daniel kept his focus on the eternal.

Father, please help me to be like Daniel and seek your face daily. Help me to learn to hear your voice even above the "noise" of the busyness of life and see what's really important. Thank you that You walk with me each and every day and have rescued me from the lion's den.

Read one of Daniel's prayers - Daniel 9:3-19

By the way, did you realize you just read a Bible devotion? It didn't take but a minute - but I hope the idea sticks with you all day.

How about you? Do you need a spiritual telescope to help you keep your focus on the eternal throughout your busy day? Try taking a few minutes every day (maybe even three times a day!) to snack on tidbits of the Good News with daily Bible devotions. I promise it won't make you gain weight! (well, maybe "spiritual" weight and that's a positive thing!)

Do As Thou Hast Said

And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said. ~ 2 Samuel 7:25

God's promises were never meant to be thrown aside as waste paper; he intended that they should be used. God's gold is not miser's money, but is minted to be traded with. Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see his promises put in circulation; he loves to see his children bring them up to him, and say, "Lord, do as thou hast said." 

We glorify God when we plead his promises. Do you think that God will be any the poorer for giving you the riches he has promised? Do you dream that he will be any the less holy for giving holiness to you? Do you imagine he will be any the less pure for washing you from your sins? He has said "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." 

Faith lays hold upon the promise of pardon, and it does not delay, saying, "This is a precious promise, I wonder if it be true?" but it goes straight to the throne with it, and pleads, "Lord, here is the promise, Do as thou hast said.'" Our Lord replies, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." When a Christian grasps a promise, if he does not take it to God, he dishonors him; but when he hastens to the throne of grace, and cries, "Lord, I have nothing to recommend me but this, Thou hast said it;'" then his desire shall be granted. 

Our heavenly Banker delights to cash his own notes. Never let the promise rust. Draw the word of promise out of its scabbard, and use it with holy violence. Think not that God will be troubled by your importunately reminding him of his promises. He loves to hear the loud outcries of needy souls. It is his delight to bestow favors. He is more ready to hear than you are to ask. The sun is not weary of shining, nor the fountain of flowing. It is God's nature to keep his promises; therefore go at once to the throne with "Do as thou hast said."

The Praise Of The Psalmist

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord! Psalm 150:6

The book of Psalms is often known for its songs and prayers of praise. These Psalms of praise are often quoted and used in the praise songs we sing at church. They are found in inspirational greeting cards given for births, weddings, birthdays, and even graduations. We probably all know a verse or two from the Psalms by heart.

Interestingly, the last verse of the last Psalm expresses the desire of everything that has breath to praise the Lord. We can read this and agree whole heartedly. We read verses that describe his steadfast love (Psalm 117:2), his wonderful deeds (Psalm 9:1), and the Lord being our rock (Psalm 18:2). These are all great attributes of God that we should rejoice in and praise him for. But, there are many more verses in the Psalms that are of praise to a God when all around them seems to be crumbling. We read at times the Psalmist feels that he has been forsaken by God (Psalm 22), has been hated by others (Psalm 35:19), and is in the pit of destruction (Psalm 4:2). This is of great comfort to us. We must remember that these men who wrote these Psalms were men like us. They were often troubled, going through hard times, and even feeling as though God had abandoned them. We don’t always have to be on a spiritual high or  feeling good to give the praise to God that he deserves as we learn from the writers of the Psalms.

Have you been holding your praise from God during your times of hardship?

King of Kings and Lord of Lords

1 Timothy 6:14-16 . . . That you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

There are countless kings, presidents, and rulers across this great planet. But all of these rulers could not rule a single person if they were not granted their authority from the King of kings and Lord of lords. As Paul points out: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established" (Romans 13:1).

The rulers of this world are given great authority and great responsibility. But, they are not given their power to serve themselves, but to serve their people. A king exists to serve his subjects. He helps the humble farmer when the storm destroys his crop. He rides into battle, sword in hand, to defend his citizens. He visits the people to know their needs, desires and concerns.

Jesus is our King, and the King of all kings. He didn't just come to visit His people, He actually became one of them. He didn't just ride into battle to save his subjects. Enduring hell, He fought to the death to ensure victory and safety for His people.

In the legend of Robin Hood, the people of England suffered at the hands of an evil king until the good King Richard returned to take the throne again and restore happiness and joy by his gracious rule.

King Jesus is far greater than King Richard of legend. For the King of Kings need not wait for His reappearance to bring happiness and joy to His people. King Jesus brings us happiness and joy now! So let's take our eyes off of the cares and worries of this world and look to Him.

Prayer ~ Exploring Further

5. What are some reasons why God might not answer our prayers in the way we would like?

There are various reasons why God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the way we would like. Included are such things as disobedience, secret or unconfessed sins, indifference, selfish pride, a lack of concern for others, a desire to have things that are not good for us, our intention to use what God gives us for purposes that do not honor or please him, or praying for something which is contrary to the will of God.
We should not always conclude, however, that the reason some of our prayers are not answered in the way we desire is because of sin in our lives or because of wrong motives. At times God withholds things we desire because he knows what is best for us and he knows that his will for us is much better than anything we ourselves might desire or ask for. Read some of the following passages to gain a clearer and fuller understanding regarding what we call “unanswered” prayers: Deuteronomy 1:45; 1 Samuel 14:37; 1 Samuel 28:6; Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 1:28, 21:13; Zechariah 7:13; James 1:6-7; James 4:3. See also Exodus 33:20;
Deuteronomy 3:26; 2 Samuel 12:16; Ezekiel 20:3; 2 Corinthians 12:8.

6. Is there any value in fasting along with our prayers?

Yes! Appropriate fasting can help us pray more sincerely and enable us to focus more consistently on the things we are praying about. When we fast, we may be able to get our minds off earthly things, focus on God’s mercy and grace, and take our praying more seriously. Fasting is not helpful, however, if it causes us to become less focused on our praying because of the weakness of our bodies or minds. Fasting is also inappropriate if we use it as a “bribe” of some kind or if we believe that we can merit something by our fasting.
Fasting by itself does not merit anything! God’s answers to our prayers are always by grace—whether we fast or whether we don’t. Fasting is relatively common in some Christian circles while almost totally absent in
others. Both those who fast often and those who rarely or never fast should evaluate the reason why they do what they do. Those who presently do not fast might seriously ask why they do not do so and thoughtfully consider the possibility of doing so in the future.

7. What kinds of prayers seem to be offered most often: Prayers of Confession, Praise, Thanksgiving, or Request? How can we develop a good balance in our prayer life?

Many people consider prayer to be primarily “asking for something.” Though many people do add prayers of confession, praise and thanksgiving to both their private and public prayers, prayers of petition or request often seem to dominate. Perhaps this is somewhat understandable, but it is unfortunate if prayer is understood to be primarily a matter of placing our requests before God. It is also important to make sure that our prayer requests do not focus primarily on material blessings for ourselves—especially if those requests go well beyond the things we really need. In the Lord’s Prayer there definitely is a strong emphasis on requests, but those requests include the opening petitions that God’s name be hallowed, that his kingdom come, and that his will be done. There is also a request for daily bread, but there is no request for
lots of other material things. Another request is for forgiveness of sins and for the grace to be able to resist and overcome temptation. Finally there is the element of praise, as the prayer concludes with the words: Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. (Note: these last words are very familiar to many believers, but they are not found in many early copies of the Bible.)

Perhaps one of the best ways to make sure that we don’t focus too much on material things is by deliberately and thoughtfully including specific elements of praise and thanksgiving in our prayers. It may even be helpful to write out some things about which we should be praying, so that we do not neglect them.

8. What are the benefits of praying alone? What are the benefits of praying with others?

Praying alone can help us focus our thoughts and desires on the fact that we are talking directly with God himself. When praying alone, we will most likely include some of our very personal needs, our struggle with certain sins, and our thankfulness for the special blessings we have personally received or enjoyed—things we might not wish to verbalize when we are praying with others. And, while praying alone, we can pour out our hearts to the Lord without being concerned about the reactions of others to our tears, passion or exuberance.

Praying with others can also be very beneficial, since others may pray about important matters which we have forgotten or not thought of. Others may also help us to focus on God and the things of his kingdom at a time when pressing personal concerns make it difficult for us to do so. And we can profit from the spiritual gifts and talents of others who seem to have the special gift of praying in a way that many others cannot do. It’s also often encouraging to be joined together with other members of the family of God as we bring our praise and thanksgiving to the One who is the source of all our blessings.

9. Is it desirable for us to share with others God’s answers to our prayers? Should we also
share with others the times when God does not seem to answer our prayers?

The answer to both questions is YES. Others will often be encouraged when they hear how God has answered the prayers of fellow believers. It will not only lead them to give thanks to God for his answers to the prayers of others; it will also help them to anticipate God’s answers to their own prayers. And it will also encourage them to continue presenting their thanks and praise, as well as their petitions, to the Lord in fervent prayer. But if believers will be encouraged to pray by God’s answers to the prayers of others,
will they not be discouraged from praying if they hear about prayers that were not “answered”? Not necessarily. If people hear only about answered prayers, they might begin to wonder why some of their own prayers have not been answered. But if they hear that other people also have both answered and “unanswered” prayers, they may be encouraged to continue praying in faith and confidence—even if the Lord has good reasons not to answer some prayers in the way they desired.


10. Is the Lord’s Prayer more important or more sacred than other biblical prayers?

Not necessarily. The Lord’s Prayer is obviously of very great importance since it was taught by Jesus himself. However, prayers of enormous value are found throughout God’s Word. Most of the Psalms are prayers, and many other prayers appear in various parts of Scripture. It’s important to remember that the entire Bible has been inspired by God; no parts of the Bible are more sacred than others.

Even so, it’s highly desirable for all believers to memorize and pray the Lord’s Prayer, which is the only prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Some people think that this prayer was intended to be a model prayer for us to follow without necessarily limiting our words to the brief prayer which Jesus taught. Jesus himself spent many hours in prayer when he was by himself, so it is very unlikely that he wanted us to pray this prayer over and over again without adding many thoughts and petitions of our own.

Sometimes it is good to speak the Lord’s Prayer to our Father using the exact words Jesus gave us. At other times the Lord’s Prayer can provide a valuable guide for more detailed praying. Each brief phrase can be expanded in more detail as we speak to God. We can pour out many heartfelt reasons why we love “our Father in heaven” and are glad to be his children. We can talk with our Father about particular areas in our life, family, church, community, and world in which we long for God’s name to be honored, his kingdom to
come, and his will to be done. We can pray about various physical and financial needs associated with “our daily bread.” We can admit particular sins against God for which we ask the Lord to “forgive us our debts,” and we can talk to God about sins others have committed against us in order that he may help us to “forgive our debtors.” When we pray, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one,” we can be honest with God about temptations that we find especially hard to resist and tactics of Satan to which we feel most vulnerable and from which we most need deliverance. In short, the Lord’s Prayer can serve
as a valuable outline for more extensive, detailed, personal prayers.

Prayer ~ Exploring Further

Exploring Further

1. What is prayer?

In its simplest form, prayer is communicating with God. That communication usually finds expression in spoken words or conscious thoughts. However, at times people also communicate with God through tears of confession, unspoken longings, unexpressed desires, or other ways of directing their hearts and minds to the Lord. In this lesson the focus is on communication with God through spoken words or unspoken thoughts.

2. Does a person have to be a born again believer in order to pray to God? Does a person have to be born again in order to have his prayers answered?

The answer to both questions is NO. God is very gracious and invites every sincere person to share his deepest feelings and longings with him in prayer. Not only is God willing to hear and listen to the prayers of those who sincerely and humbly seek him, he also often answers them. People who are not (yet) believers but who sincerely cry out to God—even when they are not sure that God exists—may receive a gracious answer from God. The Lord does not promise to answer the prayers of everyone in the way they desire, but his ears are open to all who earnestly seek him and cry out to him. Consider the following passages: Deuteronomy 4:20; 1 Kings 8:46-50; Isaiah 14:1-5; Isaiah 55:1, 6-7; Psalm 65:2; Psalm 78:34; Joel 2:13;
Malachi 3:7-8; Luke 11:10; Luke 15:20.

3. Is it desirable to have set times for prayer? Or is it better to pray only when we feel like praying, so that our prayers will be genuine and sincere?

It’s very helpful to have set times for prayer each day, since this will almost certainly strengthen our prayer life. If we don’t have set times, it is easy to neglect praying because of busyness, laziness, interruptions, tiredness or forgetfulness. Most of those who have a strong prayer life do have set times for prayer and usually also pray frequently throughout the day (or night) when they are aware of any special need or blessing—whether in their own life or in the lives of others.

An effective prayer life does not come automatically when we become Christians. Many people, even very sincere people, let their prayer life slip to the point where they are no longer intense and passionate about prayer and spend less and less time praying. And as they pray less often or less fervently, they lose their sweet communion with the Lord, they see fewer answers to their prayers, and they become less effective in their Christian life. Jesus himself prayed frequently and fervently. Paul was also a man of prayer. And in the
Old Testament, Daniel was known for his faithful prayers and the wonderful answers he received as a result of his faithfulness. See, for example, Luke 5:16; Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; and Daniel 6:10.

4. How can we strengthen our prayer life?

It is helpful to maintain some kind of schedule for regular, daily prayers. Included will be prayers in the morning after rising, prayers in the evening before retiring, and prayers at meal times. It is also helpful to develop and maintain a list of things for which to pray. This list should be readily accessible, if possible, so that you can write things down whenever you think of them—and before you forget them. It is also helpful to maintain a record of prayers that have been answered in a special way. Looking back over your list of answered prayers will give you additional incentive to pray about other significant things that come to your
attention. Also, when you see on your prayer list things that have not (yet) been answered in some definite way, you will be reminded to pray again for them. It is also helpful to write down the date when you first prayed for a specific need or situation and, when appropriate, the time when the prayer was answered.

It can also be very beneficial to have some set times for praying with others. By doing so, you can encourage one another while also being made aware of other special needs and concerns for which to pray.

Some people are also blessed and encouraged to pray by reading stories or articles or books on prayer. It’s a great blessing to read the stories of great prayer warriors in the past (or present) who are exceptionally faithful and effective in their prayer life. It can also be instructive and helpful at times to read the prayers which have been offered by others. Sometimes it may become somewhat routine to pray all the time for the same things in the same way. By reading (or hearing) the prayers of others, you may be able to add a certain
richness and effectiveness and diversity to your own prayers.

The many prayers in the Bible can be especially helpful for guiding and enriching your prayer life. Indeed, the most important aid to prayer is reading the Bible regularly. Prayer is speaking to God, and reading the Bible is listening to God. The Holy Spirit helps you to pray more wisely and effectively as you respond to the Spirit speaking through Scripture. Prayer becomes more interactive and not just a one-way attempt to speak to God.

Prayer

Is prayer primarily a matter of asking God for things we want or need?

No! Prayer does include requests or petitions, but it also involves praise, confession, and thanksgiving. If the only time we pray is when we want or need something from God for ourselves or others, we do not have the kind of fellowship with God which he wants us to have.

Scripture References: CONFESSION

O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. (Ezra 9:6)

I [Daniel] turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes . . . we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. (Daniel 9:3-5)

Scripture References: THANKSGIVING

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 105:4)

Scripture References: PRAISE

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. (Psalm 95:6-7)

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)

Is it better to pray alone or to pray with others?

It’s important for us to pray frequently when we are alone with God. However, it’s also important for us to pray frequently with others. The Bible has many examples of both individual prayers and the prayers of larger groups of people who join their voices and hearts together in bringing their praise and petitions to the Lord.

Scripture References

When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)

I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. (Matthew 18:19-20)

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer. (Acts 1:14)

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church . . .many were gathered together and were praying. (Acts 12:5,12)

Is it desirable for us to fast when we pray?

Many people fasted in Bible times and many still do so today. Fasting is good if it helps us focus our hearts and minds on God and if it is a genuine sign of reverence, sincerity and humility before God. We should not fast, however, in order to try to earn favor with God. God may reward our prayer and fasting, but he grants us his blessing because of his own mercy and grace and not on the basis of our merits.

Scripture References

[Ezra] proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. . . .So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. (Ezra 8:21-23)

As soon as I [Nehemiah] heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:4)

I [Daniel] turned my face to the LORD God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. (Daniel 9:3)

She [Anna] did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. (Luke 2:37)

And when they [Paul and Barnabas] had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23)

Does God give us only those things we ask for in prayer?

No. God often grants us far more than we ask, much more than we deserve, and at times even more than we can imagine. Besides, sometimes we are too sick, too tired, or too confused to know what to ask for.

Scripture References

Now to him [God] who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus . . . forever and ever. (Ephesians 3:20)

God said to Solomon: “I now do according to your word . . . I give you also what you have not asked.”(1 Kings 3:12-13)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

Put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (Malachi 3:10)

What is meant by “The Lord’s Prayer”?

That is the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples.

Scripture Reference

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

(Matthew 6:9-13)

Prayer

Are there any specific examples in the Bible of God’s answers to prayer?

Yes. The Bible has many wonderful examples of God’s answers to the prayers of his people. Women who were barren gave birth to children, prisoners were set free, battles were won, protection was provided, water and food were given, wisdom was granted, lives were changed, and many other blessings were experienced in answer to prayer.

Scripture References

Hannah said: “For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD.” (1 Samuel 1:27-28)

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. (James 5:17-18)

Elijah prayed: “Answer me, O LORD . . . so these people may know that you, O LORD, are God” . . . Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering . . . When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God.” (1 Kings 18:37-39)

The angel Gabriel came to Zechariah and said: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” (Luke 1:3)

They lifted their voices together to God . . . And when they had prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:24, 31)

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. . . .an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. (Acts 12:5,7)

(Read the entire story of Peter’s miraculous deliverance in Acts 12: 1-17.)

Are there any things that might cause God not to answer our prayers in the way we desire?

Yes. Though God is merciful and gracious, there are certain conditions which must usually be met before our prayers will be answered. Among them are humility, sincerity, obedience, faith, right motives, commitment, and a forgiving spirit. If these and other conditions are not met, our prayers might not be answered in the way we desire.

Scripture References

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the LORD would not have listened. (Psalm 66:18)

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. (James4:3)

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25)

Does this mean that our prayers will not be answered unless we are totally free from sin and personal weaknesses?

No. No one is totally free from sin or personal weaknesses. If we repent and ask for forgiveness, we will be restored to a right relationship with God. However, if we deliberately continue to sin without repentance or genuine sorrow for our sins, God will definitely be displeased with us and our prayers might not be answered.

Scripture References

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. . . I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity . . . and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found. (Psalm 32:3-6)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. . . . Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. (Psalm 51:10,13)

Are there any other reasons (besides those referred to above) why God might not grant us what we ask for?

Yes. God might not grant what we ask for if our desires or requests are not in accord with his own will or purposes.

Scripture References

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)

To the Christians in Rome Paul wrote: [You are] always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. (Romans 1:10, 13)

Paul wrote: So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Jesus himself prayed: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)

Prayer

Is there a special posture we should have when we pray?

No. We should always be thoughtful, humble, reverent and sincere when we pray, but there is no special posture required in order for us to pray in a way that pleases God. We may bow, kneel, sit, stand, raise our hands, or lie prostrate on the ground when praying. Many people, however, feel that kneeling in prayer is a special sign of sincerity and reverence and therefore usually kneel when they pray in private and often in public as well.

Scripture References

I desire then that in every place the men should pray. (1 Timothy 2:8)

I . . . fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God. (Ezra 9:5-6)

The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13)

[The king] bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD. (2 Chronicles 20:18)

He [Jesus] fell on his face and prayed. (Matthew 26:39)

Now as Solomon finished offering all this prayer and plea to the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, where he had knelt with hands outstretched toward heaven. (1 Kings 8:54)

Is it appropriate to pray directly to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit as well as to the Father?

Yes. The resurrected and ascended Jesus is reigning as the ruler over the entire universe and is always willing to listen when we pray. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and guide and the one who enables us to live a Christian life. He also hears us when we pray. The Christian church has therefore produced a number of hymns of petition or praise which are specifically directed to Jesus or to the Holy Spirit.

Scripture References

Jesus said, “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)

As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59)

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness . . . the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches our hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints [believers] according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)

Does God hear and answer our prayers?

Absolutely! He hears and answers all the prayers of those who pray according to his will. However, he does not always answer our prayers in the way that we personally would choose or desire. At times his response may be “No” and at other times his response may be “Not now.” Sometimes he may give us something much better than we had asked for, even though we may not understand immediately why it is better. But whatever his answer might be, we may be confident that our prayers are always heard. (See also questions 10 and 11.)

Scripture References

This is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14)

Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16)

When and Where?

When should we pray?

We may pray at any time. It is often helpful to set aside a special time for prayer each day, but we should not restrict our praying to one particular time. God is willing to hear our prayers at any time of day or night. We may pray while walking, driving, resting, working, playing or at any other time. We may pray publicly or we may pray silently when others around us are not even aware that we are praying. There is no time or situation when praying is inappropriate.

Scripture References

All night he [Jesus] continued in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he [Jesus] departed and went

out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer. (Acts 1:14)

From the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled

with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1:9)

Where should we pray?

We can pray anywhere and be assured that God hears our prayers wherever we are. However, it is often desirable to have a quiet place where we can pray to God without distractions. Jesus himself went off by himself to quiet places where he could be alone with his Father in heaven.

Scripture References

He [Daniel ]went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God. (Daniel 6:10)

Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed. (Acts 21:5)

The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. (Acts 10:9)

Jesus said: “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” (Matthew 6:6)

He [Jesus] would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5:16)

He [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12)

Why? How? What?

Why should we pray?

The Bible frequently encourages us and even commands us to pray. Prayer is the gateway to a close and precious relationship to our Father in heaven.

Scripture References:

The prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. (Proverbs 15:8)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

How should we pray?

We should pray in the name of Jesus. Praying in the name of Jesus does not mean that we simply say the name of Jesus when we pray. Rather, it means that we pray humbly, confidently and expectantly because of what Jesus has done for us and in order for our lives to show the life of Jesus in us.

Scripture References:

Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in
the Son.” (John 14:13)

Jesus said: “Truly, truly I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give
it to you . . . Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23-24)

[Give] thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ. (Ephesians 5:20)

What should we pray about?

We should pray about anything and everything. Though God is infinite and rules over the entire world, he is concerned about even the smallest things in our lives. Even when others might not want to be bothered by our concerns, God is never bothered when we come to him humbly, thoughtfully, and sincerely—no matter what may be on our hearts or minds. Though we may pray about anything, we pray especially that we may know God better, advance his reign in our world, be filled with his Spirit, and overcome the power of sin and Satan.

Scripture References:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

[Pray] at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints [believers]. (Ephesians 6:18)

Rak Chazak Amats

There has been an ancient war cry throughout all the generations of the Hebrew....Rak Chazak (pronounced rock cra-zock).

Chazak is the rock-like "oomph" of the spiritually zealous heart, the game face of a mighty man, tenacity of soul, the gritting of the teeth of the spirit inspired warrior and the bearing of those teeth to the enemy. It is possessing a resolute and growling resolve for the glory of God, a flush of spiritual fervor, a tensing of all a soldier's muscles. Do you have this spiritually? We should have this -- as EVERYTHING WE NEED for LIFE and GODLINESS has been awarded to us already! This is Chazak. But what about Rak Chazak?

It came from Chazak Amats in the bible. The other word that goes with it is Amats. What is Amats?

Amats is heavenly audacity, it's rushing headlong into the most hazardous and impossible battles without pausing to consider the impossibilities. It's a confidence in victory even before the field is taken. It's lambs moving with liquid ferocity straight into the lion's lair. It means swift footed, all-believing, super-conquering, prevailing faith in the Lord of Battles.

Who had Amats in the bible? David against Goliath (I Samuel 17:1-58). How about the three who overheard him in the cave of Adullam... for a cup of cool water from the well of Bethlehem. (2 Samuel 2:23)

Chazak and Amats is what came into the disciples after Pentecost - the Spirit of God. Moses' last gasp, his great speech before the promised land (which he did not get to enter). He is laying out the ground rules for the kingdom that is to be established across that Jordan river. Be strong and of good courage - Chazak Amats....for the Lord thy God, He it is that does go with thee! He will not fail thee nor forsake thee. And Moses called unto Joshua in the sight of all Israel, Chazak! Amats! Be strong and of good courage!

We obey - God Wins!

Be strong and of good courage...Rak Chazak Amats!