Do You Need to Pray?

Last night my son and I visited one of the churches in the JCBA. We were blessed by a meaningful time of worship. At one point, the music minister asked those present to read or quote Bible verses that were meaningful to them. Several verses were shared. Then, the pastor preached an uplifting and insightful sermon based on I Thessalonians 5:18 which challenges us with the words "in everything give thanks."

Following the sermon, the pastor extended an invitation to anyone who felt the need to come forward and pray at the altar. Following his words, my son looked at me and said, "Dad, do you need to pray?"

To be honest, I was slow to answer. Of course, I needed to pray. However, at that time, I did not feel I needed to go down front. On the other hand, I felt compelled to explain to my son that prayer is something we should do at all times. I appreciate the uncomfortable moment the question created, because I was led to reflect on the importance of a prayerful attitude.

Prayer, Praise, and Perspective

Paul wrote "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (II Thess. 5:16-18.)"

In these verses were are told to "rejoice," "pray," and "give thanks." All Christians would agree these are important. Yet, these acts of worship are prescribed to be exercised continuously . We are to rejoice all the time. Pray all the time. Give thanks in all situations. Is there anyone in the house that feels a little overwhelmed with this command for fulfilling, what is termed in this passage, as "the will of God in Christ for you?"

Thankful for the Pain?

Well, at first glance, we may be led to believe the aforementioned verses command that we are to thank God "for" everything. However, please note the scripture says "in" everything give thanks. As I heard the preacher say last night, certainly we can't be thankful "for" everything, but we can be thankful in the midst of the circumstances.

No matter how much pain we are experiencing, we can still rejoice that God will not "leave us or forsake us." No matter how bleak the days seem, we can still have a prayerful attitude as we venture into the darkness. Also, no matter how unfortunate the consequences of our situation is, we can still thank God for His eternal presence and love.

So, it all goes back to a simple truth. We should be thankful to God for not just being good to us. We must simply thank Him for who He is.

The Transforming Power of God

During my 7th Grade year at Carroll Academy, I was distracted in class one day and found myself talking to a classmate. My science teacher did not appreciate my disobedience. Therefore, she paddled me. Next, since I was playing football, the coach heard about my waywardness and he, too, paddled me. Furthermore, my elder brother opened his big mouth and told my parents about the spankings. So, my dad took a belt and expressed his displeasure over my behavior.

Let me just say that I was never paddled in school again. At Wal-Mart 3 for 1 is a good deal, but 3 for 1 when it comes to the "board of education" being applied to the "seat of understanding" is not good business.The reason my teachers and my parents took my disloyalty seriously was that they expected me to respect those in authority and do what I was told.

A Changed Man Is Used to Change Lives

When Jesus came to Peter and commanded him to "Follow me," he left all and followed the Messiah. While he was obedient, he still brought a lot of baggage with him. The rugged fisherman lugged around a ton of religious tradition that clouded his view of people who were not Jews. He had a disdain for non-Jews. Eventually, Peter's attitude toward Gentiles was transformed following a dramatic vision (see Acts 10:9-16). Then, Peter was directed by God to answer the request of some strangers who arrived where the disciple was staying. He agreed to go with the men and he went to where Cornelius, a military man, was waiting for him. Cornelius was a devout, God-fearing man, who was generous, and prayerful (Acts 10: 2).

Recorded in Acts 10:24-44, we find Peter, a man transformed by God and used by God to share the transforming Gospel to a people eager to hear from God. For me, I see five things important to remember in response to the transforming power of God.

I. Be Conscious of Your Humanity (24-26)

Cornelius was so pleased to see the answer to his prayers arrive, he fell on his face and "worshipped" Peter. However, Peter would have nothing to do with that type of welcome. He stated, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”

We must resist the desire to take ourselves too seriously. In the age of Twitter and Facebook, many folks appear incredibly absorbed with themselves. None of us are really that interesting. Take away God's grace and we're just plain lost. All Christians must be humble. While I enjoy social networks, my goal must be to stay in touch with what God is doing, instead monitoring the domestic activities of mostly sedentary adults.

II. Be Committed to Follow God (27-29)

Peter was in a good place. He was where God wanted him. He told Cornelius, "I came without objection as soon as I was sent for.” Opportunities to minister are to be valued. Of course, we can't do everything, but when God places a ministry before you, proceed in faith. Let's be led by God, not opinion polls or projected attendance figures. There's a song we sing in church often, "Wherever he leads I'll go." Really?

III. Be Convinced that God Prepares the Way before You (30-33)

Cornelius said, “We are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” What a blessing to preach to a group eager to hear from God. When we are faithful to do what God calls us to do, we must remember God is working to prepare the way for our ministry. He goes before us.

IV. Be Certain that Jesus is Lord of All (34-38)

Peter shared with those gathered, "In every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." Jesus is Lord of all. We must cast away the cultural glasses through which we see the world. I'm proud to be an American, but we don't have a corner on God's grace. "For God so loved the world..."

V. Be Converted through Repentance (39-43)

Peter's sermon reached a high point when he declared, "He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” God forgives. We must repent.

Do What You Are Told

God expects us to do what we are told. Peter moved passed his past and focused on reaching others for Christ. My prayer is that I will be sensitive to the leadership of the Lord and that I will follow him in obedience. What about you?

A Unique Sunday

Well, my first Sunday as Director of Missions for the Jackson County Baptist Association certainly had a different feel for it. Since I have been a pastor and staff member for so long, visiting churches is a unique experience for me. Not having a sermon to prepare in the last few days was strange as well.

Yet, I enjoyed visiting three different church. The pastors all delivered great sermons. The musical styles varied from all of the churches, but I felt free to worship in all of the congregations. The congregations I visited all welcomed me warmly.

Honestly, I did miss preaching. However, many folks tell me I will have many opportunities in the future. I anticipate that.

We are still in the parsonage of FBC Leakesville. Our house that is being built in Jackson County is not going to be ready for another 2-3 weeks. Hopefully, it will be sooner than we expect. FBC is gracious to let us stay in Leakesville.