Now you are living in a new home and setting. May you and your roommates or spouse createthe kind of home that Joseph Smith grew up in by doing the little things that will create anatmosphere of love each day. In a Relief Society meeting in one of the BYU-Idaho campuswards, the sisters shared what they were doing to strengthen their relationships with roommates. Some were having personnel and family prayers every day, reading the scriptures together,trying to eat one meal together daily, consistently attending their Sunday block of meetings,attending the weekly devotional together, and keeping the commandments so the Holy Ghostcould be with them.
Unbelievers will interpret this as I have: a plea by a desperate man to an unknown god. The message may not be Christian or Biblical, but it comes loud and clear to unbelievers. Unfortunately, it gives those outside the camp of Christ much misinformation about the purpose of prayer and what it means to follow Jesus. Smith is essentially the blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14).
[Logic]
I am me
I'm a man
I'm a sinner
But understand, aren't we all?
So when it comes to passin' judgements
I don't think that you're the one to make the call
Heaven want to cast me out for being me
I know there's others like me that'll break the fall
I know you hater motherfuckers just can't relate at all
If I'm the first one to the line, that's fine, I'll take it all
Well, Logic, he gon' let 'em know
I ain't perfect, but I'm worth it
I'm alive, I deserve it
I been praying, I ain't playin'
I don't think you hear the words that I'm sayin'
I don't think you know the weight on my shoulders
That gets heavier as I get older
Callin' anybody, callin' anybody
Can you hear me?
I pray that you hear me
I pray that you hear me
One of the most basic and vital dimensions of the Christian life is the practice of prayer. Frequently our prayers begin with a petition or request, so the content of our prayers is informed by our circumstances. But what if the opposite were true? What if we allowed our prayers to inform our lives? What would our lives be like if prayer altered our living and began to shape the contours and content of our daily experiences?
"Followers of Jesus know that prayer is essential to our faith. We long to pray and connect with the Lord. But as much as a wonderful conference on prayer might stir our hearts toward renewal, we need more. We need to be discipled as pray-ers. In Teach Us to Pray, Gordon Smith teaches about prayer in a way that digs much deeper into Christian formation than simply discussing prayer as a spiritual practice. Straightforward, but never simplistic, this little book challenges us to see prayer as rooted in a comprehensive vision of Christianity actively lived in the kingdom of God. Grounded in the goodness and love of God, prayer calls us to a life of gratitude, penitence, and discernment, all led by the Holy Spirit, all combining to bring us into genuine spiritual transformation. What Smith teaches about prayer is not easy or automatic, but if you want to understand prayer as Jesus lived it out, if you want to be discipled in prayer, Teach Us to Pray offers that hope."
Dr. Smith continues to work on recuperating from his blood clot and brain bleed in November. He was able to go home on Christmas Eve to continue the recovery process. He is growing stronger, but it will take time. The family does not have words to express their appreciation for all your prayers and support during this challenging season. Please continue to pray for a complete recovery.
As we continue in prayer for Dr. Mark Smith and his wife and family, the CIU Board of Trustees has determined that the uncertainties regarding his recovery necessitate the appointment of an acting president. Consequently, we have unanimously chosen Dr. Rick Christman to fill this role.
Dr. Smith has improved to the point where he will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility either today or Friday. He will undergo physical, occupational, and speech therapy for about two weeks. It is anticipated that he will be home by Christmas. Thank you for your prayers on Dr. Smith's behalf over the past several weeks and moving forward.
Progress has been slow and there are good days and days that are a little rough, but we continue to praise God for the improvements that Dr. Smith is experiencing. Please continue to pray for him, as well as Debbie and their family.
Dr. Smith is conscious and verbally responds correctly to queries from the hospital staff and visitors. He has been standing, sitting in a chair, and conversing. There is still a long way to go in his recovery, but the family is greatly encouraged by his progress. There is no question, but that God has responded to your many prayers for Dr. Smith. Please continue to pray for his recovery as the journey length is not yet known.
As regional liaison for Eastern Europe, Ellen Smith facilitates Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) support for partner programs, relationships and activities and will implement Presbyterian World Mission strategy. She also supports PC(USA) mission personnel in communications, information sharing, mentoring/guiding, and missiological reflection. Ellen also works with the Roma and indigenous peoples. In addition, she facilitates a congregational twinning program, pairing U.S. Presbyterian congregations with congregations in Russia. Please pray for this ministry that transforms lives.
Are you tired of stale Christianity? Do you desire to spend time with God, but have no idea what to actually do? Are you both fascinated and intimidated by spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, solitude, and biblical meditation? Way of the Victorious reveals how these ancient disciplines are actually pathways to greater intimacy with Jesus, being keys to unlocking revival power.
Pastor Todd shows how sustained revival, supernatural power, and divine encounter are directly connected to prayer. In short, power-packed chapters, you will receive tools, weapons, and strategies that arm you for victorious prayer!
A witch's coven in Argentina became a lighthouse of prayer in less than 60 minutes. A prodigal son returned to the Lord in California. An adopted son and the father who had cast him out years before were reunited in Christ. These are real stories of real lives and cities being transformed through the power of prayer evangelism.
As part of their episcopal ministry, bishops visit the congregations of the diocese for worship, prayer, conversation and fellowship. These visits provide a key opportunity for the bishops to listen and talk with parishioners. Learn more and see the visitation schedule.
I recently attended the 68th National Prayer Breakfast and invited Andy Lambel, who is the lead pastor of the First United Methodist Church in West Plains, to join me. We met with Christians from throughout the world to join and pray for our nation and its future. After hearing both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence speak, I sat down for an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network about life in Congress and the common bonds of faith that unite us as Americans.
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