To Be A Man Of Prayer (Psalm 109)

Reading even the first few verses of Psalm 109 is terribly troubling for me for I know that my first response to persecution is not always prayer.

1 O God, whom I praise,
do not remain silent,

2 for wicked and deceitful men
have opened their mouths against me;
they have spoken against me with lying tongues.

3 With words of hatred they surround me;
they attack me without cause.

4 In return for my friendship they accuse me,
but I am a man of prayer.

Psalm 109:1-4

I was recently reminded through the testimony of Don Piper of the power of prayer even in our generation. Prayer is our lifeline to our amazing supernatural (yet knowable) Heavenly Father.

For those that know Don's story you'll recall the significance of the hymn "What A Friend We Have in Jesus". Well, this hymn has particular significance in my own life in recent days as well.

I had the privilege of leading worship for a large group of missionaries who serve in many countries that are hostile to the gospel. For some reason (a God thing I'm sure) I felt led to teach our worship band a modern version of "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" in preparation for the conference. In terms of style, this song was actually a bit of an odd fit for our group, but as we were there singing it in worship the words flooded over me in a tidal wave of emotion.

Verse 1
What a Friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer

Verse 2
Have we trials and temptations
Is there trouble anywhere
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Verse 3
Are we weak and heavy laden
Cumbered with a load of care
Precious Savior still our Refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Do thy friends despise forsake thee
Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He'll take and shield thee
Thou wilt find a solace there

Perhaps the emotions were caused by the context in which we were worshiping, but I know that God desires us to live in active dependence on Him through prayer. O that I would always pray with such earnestness.

Today, as an act of worship, trust your every moment to the Lord's capable hands by calling to Him first in prayer.

Do thy friends despise forsake thee
Take it to the Lord in prayer

This Week From Florida

One of the privileges of ministering in the local church for any significant length of time is meeting and encouraging ministers and believers from other congregations. I get to enjoy this privilege this week as I lead worship for the junior high student ministry of Hillcrest Baptist Church at their summer youth camp in Panama City Beach Florida. The theme of the camp is: "Taking Off the Mask: A Call to Authenticity".

I boldly ask you to pray for these students and adults as they seek the Lord together. Pray for me as well, that I will be led by the Spirit and lead with authenticity. Youth camps often become major spiritual markers in the life of students and adults alike. The enemy would like nothing more than to totally destroy the effectiveness of such a camp. Pray that students will hear the voice of the Savior and not become distracted by the things of this world.

I look forward to sharing with you what God is doing in my life and in the lives of these students and adults throughout the week.

"But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:16-18)

Almost Home

Well, our trip was quite amazing. We met some awesome people who are literally giving their lives for the cause of Christ to all nations of the earth. I must say that it was a privilege to minister to the dear servants of Christ who have given up so many earthly treasures to further the Kingdom. Only the LORD truly knows the sacrifices they are making each and everyday.

I am happy to be coming home, and even more thrilled that the serious planning can begin for our trip back to Thailand in the summer of 2009.

Today, as an act of worship, join me in praying for these servants.

Beautiful Feet

Today, as an act of worship, join me in praising God for his unending love for us. He demonstrated his love by dying on a cross, and he displays his love each day through his faithfulness to his children. Here are some verses I am being strengthened by today as I lift up the Lord's faithful servants in the Pacific rim and in Trussville, Alabama. I pray you will intentionally join me in this effort.

Here is the truth of scripture. "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:9-15)

On the Ground in Bangkok!

WOW, talk about a long plane ride. I think the trip we just made is about the farthest you can go in the world on a plane. We'll maybe not, but it is definitely far enough to get your sleeping, eating, and sense of time all mixed up. Once on the ground and beyond customs we traveled in a really cool shuttle van for three hours to the conference.

The greatest part of the trip so far has been the conversations we've had with others believers. In the van, we rode with a family who has been doing front line ministry in Australia for the last twenty years. They have an amazing story to tell. God is doing some awesome things through them.

More about them later. Thanks for your prayers. Keep it up! We're also praying for a great harvest at VBS in Trussville tomorrow.

Update on B. J. (from Elaine)

Hi everyone! I'm sure B. J. will be updating his blog soon, but I just wanted to let everyone know that they did arrive in Bangkok at around 5:30 pm this afternoon. B. J. said he slept on the plane and was feeling good so hopefully he will not be too jet-lagged! They were currently on a van headed for the conference site.

Thank you for your prayers! We appreciate the support of the body of Christ!

Blessings,
Elaine R. Price
www.devotionsforthejourney.blogspot.com

Safely in LA

After a slight setback in Houston we took off and arrived safely in LA. Now we are binging on junk food to stay awake and not miss our flight to Bangkok. We leave at 1:30 AM central time and should arrive in Bangkok around 6:00 PM central time Wednesday night. (It will be around 6:00 AM Thursday morning in Thailand.)

God has been good to us today. The weather has been very pleasant. I have been reading a great book called, "Bringing Up Boys" by Dr. James Dobson. As a father of two boys, I readily identify with the content and appreciate the practical advice he offers to those shaping the next generation of men. I am excited about finishing the book soon and then digging into some C.S. Lewis.

Thanks for your prayers. I will update the blog when we arrive around 6:00 Wednesday night. Good night!!

LA here we come!

Well we have made it to Houston and are boarding the plane headed to Los Angeles.
B.J. Price
Colossians 3:23

Every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue

Acts chapter ten illustrates God's will and plan to draw men and women to himself from every, nation, tribe, and tongue. The chapter begins when Cornelius, a non-Jew, but very devout and religious man, received a vision from the Lord instructing him to send for Peter, an apostle and elder of the church at Jerusalem.

Shortly after this Peter receives a very interesting vision himself. In the vision Peter is told to kill and eat animals that under the old covenant (Jewish Law) would be a sin. When Peter objects the punch line of the vision comes, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." (Acts 10:15)

Later Peter recounts to Cornelius and the gentile believers with him how God reminded him that salvation is available for all, Jew and non-Jew. Peter explained by saying, "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection." (Acts 10:28-29)

Peter was among the first believers that we see in scripture who overcame his natural prejudices to offer the gospel to gentiles. This was a huge step.

Today, as an act of worship, join me in asking the Lord to reveal the areas in our lives where feelings, attitudes, and actions of prejudice and pride avail themselves most often. Join me in repenting of these sins and committing to reach out to people of every nation, tribe, and tongue.

ON A SIDE NOTE:

Many of you know that I will be out of the country for the next 10 days. I will be joining a group of people going into Thailand to encourage missionaries in that region of the world. Because of the pervasive spiritual darkness of the area and the nature of our work there I cannot share specific information at this time. All I ask is that you believe in the power of prayer, and when you think of us pray for us - that we will shine the light of Jesus in a very dark place. I'll try to keep you posted. Thank you for your prayers.

Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel (Part 2)

After some thought and conversation with friends today, I have been asking myself what does this mean to me. What part does the persecution of Christians and the spread of the gospel play in my life? What nugget of truth or insight of application can I take away from Acts 8:1 & 4?

"On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."

Although anything is possible, it's hard to imagine persecution like this happening here in America. The question then comes to my mind, "Would it be better to live here where its safe or there where its dangerous?" The flesh in me would agree with the prevailing mindset of the world and say, "It is clearly better to live here where it is safe!" But, I am not settled with that answer. Is my personal safety the the reason Christ came and died on a cross? When Christians are murdered because they share the gospel in places of the world where it is illegal was it a mistake? Did they fail to obey Christ? No, persecution is to be expected.

I would rather live as a sold out Christ follower in a persecuted country then live as a lukewarm Christian in a "safe" country. Please understand I do not have a death wish. I just do not like the fact that our safety and freedom feed our worldly desire to sit on the fence. Persecution serves as a purifier of our core beliefs. If my obedience to Christ put me at risk of losing my freedom and my life I would lose the option of sitting on the fence. Suddenly the gray area of our absolute total surrender disappears when our lives are on the line. Choose this day who you will serve!

Today as an act of worship, join me in full surrender to Christ. Shrink the gray area and pray for the persecuted church. Here is a specific prayer request you can lift up today.

On May 27, Pastor Rampal Kori was beaten by two Hindu militants in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, “The militants repeatedly struck the pastor, who was returning from prayer meetings, with an iron rod and accused him of forcibly converting villagers to Christianity. They also robbed him of 3000 Rupees (US $70). Pastor Kori sustained serious injuries that required stitches in his head.” Meanwhile on May 26, in an unrelated incident, militants demolished a thatched church in the district of Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh. On June 1, another group attacked the Masihi Mandir Church in the district of Oriya Para, Chhattisgarh state, during a morning church service. VOM sources added, “At approximately 11:00 a.m., the militants barged into the church building and destroyed the facility's furniture. The attackers accused the believers present of forcibly converting people, and threatened them with dire consequences if they continued to worship Christ.” Pray for healing for Pastor Kori. Ask God to strengthen the believers whose churches were attacked as they continue to stand in His grace. (read more here)

We Are More Than Conquerors

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:31-32, 35-37)

Today we take a look at two amazing passages of scripture from John 16 and Romans 8. Both passages speak clearly of the sufficiency and rescue provided to us in Jesus Christ.

You do not have to be a Christian to have problems. No, you simply have to be living to have problems. In fact, you may be going through what seems like your darkest hour right now. Hear the words of Christ, "I have overcome the world." Let that sink in. Ask, "What does that mean for me?"

It mean that Jesus Christ has the power to help you. He has overcome the world. He does not promise you a bed of roses. On the contrary, he promises that if you are truly living for him you will encounter difficulty. I am so thankful that he did not just leave it at that. No, he promised to be with us through our trials.

Listen now to Jesus' words to his disciples. Weigh them carefully and consider there implications for your life today. "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. (Matthew 10:17-21, 22-23)

As an act of worship, take a moment right now to thank God for his promise to be with us everyday. Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters across the globe that are shinning for Christ in the midst of utter darkness. For individual names of persecuted believers visit www.ReleaseInternational.org More persecution resources can be found at www.SecretChurch.org

God Has A Job For You!!

This is the first of several posts I am planning to write on Christian service. Today we are focusing on the subject of family mission projects. God is at work all around us in the hearts and lives of people we know. But, we must recognize His work for what it truly is and join Him by making ourselves available to reach out to those in our realm of responsibility. My prayer is that we will be sensitive to His leading as we seek to obey his word today!

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13) “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

As we consider the true weight on these words we should feel compelled to serve more, to give more, to work more, and to be better stewards of all that God has graciously given to us. God desires that we leverage everything at our disposal for His kingdom. Did you catch the last part of Ephesians 2:10? it says, we are created to do good works which "God prepared in advance for us to do.” This means that God has a job for you. God has a mission for you, today!

There are at least two important thing to note here. First, our works DO NOT earn our salvation. Salvation is a free gift that is available to all who follow Jesus Christ. Our works are simply an expression of our salvation. Secondly, it’s important to note that though we are all part of the same body of Christ, NO ONE can do your job for you. No minister can do it for you, no friend can do it for you, your parents cannot do it for you, your children cannot do it for you. God has a job for you. He wants to use your hands and feet to reach people who desperately need him.

As I was preparing today’s devotional message I thought of a few family mission projects I could suggest to you. But, be mindful of what I just said, “God has a plan for you” so be sensitive to his leading. With that in mind, you may already know what He is leading you and your family to do today. If not, here are few suggestions:

• Reach out to your neighbors. Find a creative way to let them know you care about them.
• You could prepare a special gift for your neighbors like cookies or banana bread, or a potted plant. Be sure to include a note from your family perhaps wishing them a happy summer and hoping to get to visit with them soon.
• Find a way to serve your neighbors (especially elderly persons) by helping them clean their house, or weed their flower beds, or cut their grass, or just go sit and visit with them.
• Visit a nursing home, hospital, shelter, or food kitchen and minister to people in their time of need.
• You might want to try taking a 2 hour mission trip in your neighborhood or to a park to meet people and invite them to your church. I have found that kids are especially great at handing out invitations. My boys love ringing doorbells with me.
• My final suggestion is to consider prayer walking in your neighborhood.

Whatever you decide to do with your family today, be sensitive to the Lord’s leading. He has a plan for you – TODAY! If you have other great family mission project ideas (and I know you do) go ahead and leave them in the comment area of this post. We would love to hear them and perhaps try them out.

Blow the Trumpet Loud and Long

Have you ever wondered at times how people can live the way they do? When you think about it, why should we be surprised when an unbeliever acts like an unbeliever? The only thing different between Christians and non-Christians is forgiveness. Our sins have been forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

This is the message we must proclaim to all: I have been forgiven, and you can be forgiven too. Our non-Christian neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family members all need Jesus, but how will they know Him unless someone tells them? We must confidently proclaim to them the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

“Let us not glide through this world and then slip quietly into heaven, without having blown the trumpet loud and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Let us see to it that the devil will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, when he gets the news of our departure from the field of battle”

- C.T. Studd (1860-1931), missionary to China, Asia, and Africa.

Our challenge today is simple: BLOW THE TRUMPET LOUD FOR JESUS! As I have heard it said, “There is nothing more important than knowing God and making Him known.”

Go on Mission

Several years ago God did an amazing thing in my life on a mission trip. God allowed our team to minister to hundreds of people. We saw many lives changed and as a result God changed my life. It was there in Pittsburg, PA that I heard God ask me “Will you be the one?” I can’t tell you how much peace I had when I said, “yes.”

I can honestly tell you that going on a mission trip could be one of the most significant things you will ever do. I pray that you will decide to take the opportunity and go on a mission trip. It is sure to be amazing!

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:19a,20b (NIV)