FW Blog

     The other night, my husband and I were sitting in the living room watching a news program. The announcer was talking about the solders in Iraq and the hardship it placed on those left behind. Then he said something that spurred on a lengthy discussion. He said, ?Our thoughts and warm wishes are with you all.?

     My husband, being the practical man that he is, said, "What does that really mean" How do you send warm wishes anyway? Does anyone really feel better knowing our "thoughts" are with them?"

     Of course he was finding the humor in the moment, but for me, it began stirring up this haunting question? "Do people really believe that prayer is just a warm wish carried away by a well meaning thought!" Even Christians are heard saying with good intention, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you." What does that mean? And more importantly, I guess, what do I mean when I say that myself?

     Just like the internet is the access into the World Wide Web, prayer is the access into the will and way of God Himself. Prayer does not reveal circumstances to God as much as it provides the opportunity for us to see that situation from His perspective. Prayer is our invitation to come alongside God and to join Him in what He is about to do.

     Prayer is God's language. He understands every intelligible moan; and can distinguish it from every emotion and intention of the heart it proceeds from. And yet He does not bend to conform His will to ours. But instead, He draws us into a relationship of trust whereby we can actually accept His will... even if it does not comply with what we might have hoped for.

     Although it is true that prayer often changes circumstances... more importantly, it changes us! Prayer is the place where we can learn to speak God's language if we can be taught to listen as well as we speak!

     When we enter by prayer into the mindset of God, we are as royal children coming into the courts of our Father the King. We begin to cry out our petition to the One we know has the ability to deliver on our request, but something even more astounding begins to take place.

     Instead of issuing a decree to end hunger... He breaks the bread of Hi s provision and gives it to us to distribute. Instead of proclaiming an end to all wars and contentions, we are given His authority to speak restoration and reconciliation in His name!

     In His presence we are discipled and mentored in order to bear His image and reflect His heart. We perceive His compassion so we may offer His love more authentically. We tap into His patience so we may bear one another's burdens. And we receive His discernment so that we know what thing... is really the important thing.

     As I (warmly) began to think about those solders in Iraq, and their families, I turned those thoughts towards my heavenly Father in prayer.

          "Father,

          Please love those men when they feel alone..."

          "Yes, child, I will touch them where you cannot reach."

          "Father, please provide for their families while they are away?"

          "My child, you bear My hands and feet. What will you do to show my love to those who you are able to reach?"

          "Yes, Lord, may Your burden be my burden, so that Your will may be accomplished through me... In Jesus Name, Amen?"     

     

     In the end... Our warm wishes to feed the hungry or clothe the naked do very little without putting those thoughts to action. That is what we are called to do as servants of the Most High King. However, the Lord Himself is at work in all things, even where we are not. That is the sovereignty of God. May prayer be the place where we engage the needs we become aware of, with ample supply of his riches and glory. Both there... and here! Amen!

By Laura Adams

 

     One of the most productive and profound prayers I have found is this:

God,

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change

The courage to change the things I can

And the wisdom to know the difference

     This is the condensed version of a beautiful prayer by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. The reason I love this prayer so much is that is contains the three absolute and essential components of an unhindered prayer.

     The first is that there are things we cannot change.     

     Many of us waste so much time and heap upon ourselves stress and heartache because of situations that we are never going to be able to control. These are what I call the "free will" categories. (Love, salvation, surrender, commitment etc.) God, it seems, will not alter our free will choices and we cannot push past what God won't do Himself. We may get someone to say a "sinner's prayer" but we cannot get them saved. We can force an apology, but we cannot force repentance. Those are heart issues we cannot touch. Those belong to the Lord.

     May God give us His peace when we surrender our free will to attempt to change what is not in our power to do.

     The second? is there are things we can change.     

     Unfortunately, even though this is the place where we actually have the most power and influence, it is usually the place we are least likely to want to focus on. I may pray for a gentler and quieter spirit in general... but I won't take authority over my own thoughts and tongue. We ask for the accomplishment of the bigger picture, while not taking up the responsibility for the building blocks that get us there.

     May God give us courage to fight the battles He actually gives us to win.

     And the third, is that without godly discernment, we are going to have trouble understanding which part is ours to work on, and which part is Gods.

     Prayer is a partnership. Not because God needs us to accomplish His desire... but because He delights in having us join Him in His work! That is amazing to me! When we allow God to impart the wisdom to discern between what is His and what is ours, we discover more about who God is! It is no longer as important to see what He can do. We are no longer trying to force His hand, but learning to see the plan unfold and rejoicing in the part we were given to play.

     The Serenity prayer was adopted and made famous by the Alcoholics Anonymous organization. But it is not just a prayer for those with an addiction; it is for all of us who acknowledge our utter dependence on God! Let us reclaim the beauty of this prayerful inspiration!

 

By Laura Adams

Samuel served Me with his while heart.

Samuel loved Me with his whole heart.

Samuel respected Me with his whole heart.

Samuel feared Me with his whole heart.

Samuel honored Me with his whole heart.

Samuel obeyed Me with his whole heart.

Because Samuel feared Me and respected My ways and honored them, he served the people with integrity. There is a strong connection between someone's heart for Me and their heart for people, their heart to serve Me and their heart to serve people, their heart that respects and honors truth and their desire to see truth lived out in the lives of those they serve. Samuel's integrity was evident in the way he treated people. He asked them if there was any way he cheated them, oppressed them, or perverted justice. The people all responded "No, you never cheated us, lied to us, or took advantage of us." Samuel wasn't thinking about building a reputation, he was thinking about honoring and loving God. That was his highest focus which led to a life of integrity.

Father God, may integrity be the result of our loving You. In Jesus' Name,. Amen.

 

Harriet Mouer

Prayer Coordinator

(Romans 12:1 - New Int'l Readers Version NIRV) Brothers and sisters, God has shown you his mercy. So I am asking you to offer up your bodies to him while you are still alive. Your bodies are a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God. When you offer your bodies to God, you are worshiping him. There used to be a place, I'm told - in ages past - in days of old Where one could come just as he was, with gift in hand and heart bowed low. What was the purpose of this place -- where flames burned high and blood did flow? (It wasn't a pretty site to see...I don't think I'd want to go.)

 But those who went -- they understood -- a payment was required
There was no choice -- on their behalf -- but death upon the fire.
Their hardened hearts and constant sin meant something had to die.
("How could a precious, living thing be sacrificed?" I cried!)

I'm told it was a place of joy, with relationship restored!
By blood and death, forgiveness flowed -- God's wrath to feel no more.
Consumed by fire, there laid the gift -- sweet smelling to the Lord.
(Can such a place of death and flame -- continue to restore?)

Man's heart relieved -- God's heart well-pleased -- this place is dear to Him.
It represents humility, confession, and repentance
And out of death and ashes rises worship pure as incense.
Perhaps there's more to understand - and I have more to give.

Have I ignored this place of old - because of fear, misunderstood?
Is my heart pure, am I so clean - I needn't go where they once stood?
If death and flames bring purity - then wouldn't it be good
To take a living sacrifice - the way I heard one should?

Not knowing where to go, I prayed, and seeking for the way, He spoke:
"Just as you are, with gift in hand - with heart bowed very low
Come climb upon this precious place - with sinful flesh and blemished soul
And give yourself - as sacrifice - where flames burn high and ashes flow."

That place of old was far away - I needn't travel there at all!
With bended knee and contrite heart I say "Yes, Lord!" to Your call
And lay myself upon the Rock Who will not let me fall.
"Take everything - I offer all - regardless of how large, or small!"

"For all I am or hope to be - means nothng if what's left
Is more than empty ashes - has any trace of flesh!
Consuming Fire, here's my gift - I give my life in death
A living sacrifice I'll be - sweet worship to Your breath."

by Penelope Wolfe

Hello Ladies of the South Pacific Region.. I am looking forward to re-connecting with many of you again and meeting the new one's who are on board this year. There are a lot of exciting changes and events taking place for National Foursquare Women and you are not going to want to miss our time in Phoenix. Tammy will be sharing her heart and vision for FW in 2008 and news regarding our upcoming National Encounter in February 2009 are on the agenda. Please come with any thoughts and ideas that will better help our Region and District churches connect with one another. See you soon...

The following entry was written by Laura Adams, a member of Cornerstone Chapel in Medina, Ohio. I think you will enjoy her thought-filled writing as we enter '08 together. Harriet Mouer, Prayer Coordinator

Happy New Year! Or is that just the traditional greeting we are obligated to give? Many of us are breaking out of the confines of tradition to participate and witness the great awakening that is happening all around us. Never before have I seen so many weary faces; Christian or worldly. Let's be real. We are at the point where we cannot settle for anything less than... "The substance of things hoped for..."

I am not talking about the fast food hopes of temporary pleasure, but the deep hopes that weigh down our sleep at night-- that prodigal child, who has embraced the lie of the enemy or that drifting spouse, who is co existing beside us, but no longer engaged. It might even be our own weakened faith from not exercising truth in the inward parts.

I sit at my desk on the morning of January 2, 2008 and contemplate the past year of 2007. Am I any different of a person, wife, mother, daughter, and friend? I hope so. I re-read my journals to see my heart exposed and vulnerable. I remember the incidents clearly, as my eyes tear over with each recollection. Yes I am the same...but changed. I am like a vehicle that has taken a long journey and is dusty and worn from the travel. I am tired; too tired for a new beginning.

But mercy has streamed in with the morning light, and as time itself crossed the threshold of this New Year, my heart unwittingly began to glimpse the birth of anticipation that comes from walking with the God who does all things new. I know in the very center of my being where my hope comes from. The very breath I breathe is from Him. Apparently, my Father has not completed the work He has desired in me, or my lungs would be drawing in the atmosphere of heaven this very minute! So a second wind seems to purge my fears, and my feet are now ready for this next lap.

Whatever this New Year brings there will be grace to do what He has called us to. For, it is He who will both cause us to will and to do His good pleasure. Only God can accomplish what needs to be done in these days. We are to trust and obey...and leave the consequences up to Him.

As I listen to the testimonies of my fellow companions on this path, I find that many of us are in the same condition. The obstacles of life have tripped many. The distractions of the enemy have stolen time and precious energy. We have even left a few souls behind as discouragement has overtaken them. But the finish line is ever so near, so much closer than when we first believed!

Run! My fellow companions! Run! This time, this precious gift of life is ours to offer up as a praise offering to our King! Run, like those who ran before us, Job, Jeremiah, Abraham and Moses, and all the rest. We all journey into the unknown territory that belongs to the Lord who loves us who is calling us to come to Him in faith.

Have faith, my sisters! And run into this New Year with boldness and confidence. Our Father King is waiting with the reward of rest for our souls and joy unspeakable. Truly the Promised Land is our eternal home and we ought to let nothing less be our heart's desire!

Picking up the pace now!
Running alongside you in the race
Laura

 

As we approach Christmas, there is a longing in us to have a "Mary" kind of heart. The following prayer from Stormie Omartian's book, The Power of Christmas Prayer is one worth praying together.

"O Lord, I pray You would give me a pure and faithful heart like Mary had. A heart that is immediately willing to believe You and receive all that You have. I know Mary was a holy vessel through whom You did Your greatest miracle on earth. Help me to walk in purity as she did, so I can be holy as You are holy. Enable me to remain free of the word's pollution so that my soul will not be tainted and I can be a vessel for You to dwell in and flow through. Help me to hear You speaking to my heart. Enable me to also understand what You speak to me from Your Word. Whatever You tell me to do, I will do it. Whatever You have for me, I will receive it. I want to serve You in the way I live my life. Work a miracle in me and birth something great through me. Let it be to me according to Your Word. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

"Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." -Luke 1:45

God wants to fulfill what He has spoken to you, just as He fulfilled what He spoke to Mary. Mary was favored, highly favored, but she was still afraid. There were people who would never understand and in the midst of many uncertainties, her heart chose to exalt her God. Choosing to worship in the midst of all your anxieties and uncertainties brings a confidence in God's truth and in His personal promises to you. Now that you have read the prayer above, let's go back and pray it together.

 "Mary" Christmas!

Harriet Mouer
Prayer Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever feel inadequate?

"Are you kidding," you're probably thinking."I feel inadequate most of the time!"

Most of us probably would say the same thing. In our perfection-charged society, how can we not? Just look at reality TV, for example: in shows ranging from American Idol and Dancing With the Stars to Survivor and America's Next Top Model, contestant after contestant, many with obvious talents and abilities, are voted off into oblivion and branded as losers after they've enjoyed a few hours of fame.

If you've been in the church for very long, you've probably heard at least one sermon reminding you that God loves you just the way you are, in the midst of your sin and dysfunction. It's true, you know- but still, it's hard to really, truly feel that you have value and worth. And as a result, most of us don't really feel valuable... and act accordingly.

The thing is, each of us has something to give. Each of us has the potential to bring something to the table that will enrich, encourage, and enable greatness in someone else. But when you're stuck in the rut of inadequacy, you probably aren't going to come anywhere close to reaching that potential.

The Apostle Paul knew that, I think, because I Corinthians 12 addresses the subject in a fairly direct manner. Verses 22 and 23 lay it on the line: "those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor, and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty."

So here's the question: if you, in your mindset of inadequacy, perceive yourself to be weaker, could it be that you actually play a necessary role?

Let's look at it another way: do you feel inadequate because you are trying to play a the wrong role, one for which you have not been innately gifted?

So often, we perceive that those roles which are more public and easily visible are the best roles. But if we try to play those roles, and those aren't the roles God has assigned to us, we are doomed to failure - and the cycle of inadequacy swings into yet another round.

What if your God-given role is in some other area, one that perhaps you've never considered? Ding, ding, ding-the lights should be flashing and the bells should be ringing! You have an important and necessary contribution to the body at large! Could it be that you just haven't found out what it is?

If you've been struggling, trying to find identity and success but ending up feeling less-than-valuable, may I suggest that you ask God to give you a new picture of who He's made you to be? He promises He'll do that, if you only ask. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 is a good place to start.)

You may not be able to change the mindset of the society in which you live - but you CAN begin by changing the way YOU think. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, as Romans 12:2 says.

Then prepare to be amazed at the gifts God entrusts you to bring to the table. They may not be the gifts YOU would have chosen - but they will be the exact gifts needed for your time and place in history - and they will be more than adequate... they'll be a tool by which you can bring abundance to your world!

So be prepared to trade: your inadequacy for His abundance. With that mindset, there's no way you will ever lose!

 By: Beth Mead

Quiet please! The placard displays instructions to the onlookers watching the golfers about to tee off. The mere thought of watching golf on TV tees me off but my husband loves to sit and admire the effortless swing of the masters. "It's all about the form," he says. So is service.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but made himself nothing, taking the very form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death- even death on a cross!  Philippians 2: 5-7

Taking the form of a servant is certainly not an effortless challenge. It requires us to make nothing of ourselves! What a contradiction to what we have always heard echoed throughout our lives, "make something of yourself!" How do we go from "something" to "nothing" Paul gives us the answer in verse 5 when he states, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." What is your attitude when it comes to serving? If you are like me, its grumble, stumble then finally crumble and do the thing. The reason we struggle with the difficulty of selfless serving is that there is still a lot of "self" in our serving. Jesus made himself nothing. Emptied. The creator of the universe, the maker of all things... made himself nothing! The form of God became the form of a servant. His God appearance took on human likeness and the appearance of a man. What if we began to serve as Christ served? Emptied of self. Dare I say that we would begin to take on his likeness and form.

2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Quiet please! Lord, we are in awe of your majesty and glory. You, Most High God, took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death. You, became nothing so that we could be something... in you. Continue to form Christ in us as we serve one another.

by: Terry Powell

When you think of being agitated, your thoughts may go to feelings of restlessness, inability to focus, lack of attention, lack of self-control, nervousness, anxiety. All of those emotional responses can be the effects of an agitated soul. The Holy Spirit can also act as an agitator, similar to the one in your washing machine. As the water rises in the tub, the soap is added, the clothes are thrown in and the agitator begins the process of swish, swoosh, swish, swash, back and forth, back and forth. The clothes are bounced together, slapped by the paddles. The laundry load keeps running into each other, all for the purpose of cleansing, dislodging the dirt, removing the stains, refreshing the garments, sheets, and towels.

Not all your agitations are of fleshly or demonic origin. God's Spirit also deals with us to remove the tough stains of our spiritual garments, our minds and hearts, in order to be washed by the Word. Would you let the Word agitate you and cleanse you and push you around a bit?

Love, Harriet Mouer