Wednesday, January 16, 2013

SCRIPTURES AND PRAYER

Suggested Reading: Romans 15

(click scripture link to read online)

 

 

The Roman Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian. It was completed by his son, Titus, in 80, with later improvements by Domitian. The Colosseum is located just east of the Roman Forum and was built to a practical design, with its 80 arched entrances allowing easy access to 55,000 spectators, who were seated according to rank. The Colosseum is huge, measuring 188m long and 156m wide. Originally, 240 masts were attached to stone corbels on the 4th level to provide shade. Vespesian ordered the Colosseum to be build on the site of Nero's palace, the Domus Aurea, to dissociate himself from the hated tyrant. His aim was to gain popularity by staging deadly combats of gladiators and wild animal fights for public viewing. Massacre was on a huge scale: at inaugural games in AD 80, over 9,000 wild animals were killed. It is believed that many Christians were martyred there.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Romans 15:30

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me…

If Paul, the mighty Apostle, needed prayer, how much more do we need to ask those who believe in the God who hears and answers prayer to pray for us. “Strive together” speaks of finding others with whom to pray. Prayer meetings at our churches and home prayer groups are very important. Did you notice that Paul said, “with me”? He saw his personal prayers and those of other believers as one before God’s throne of grace.

In Romans 15:4 the ultimate importance of the “Scriptures” is emphasized. Our readings daily are producing “patience and comfort.” The knowledge of the “Scriptures” brings “hope.” Reading the Scriptures and spending time in prayer guarantees a two-way conversation with God. Let Him talk to us first, and then respond in prayer to what He has said to us in the Scriptures. After this, we will have more faith to present our personal prayer requests.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, in today’s reading You have spoken to me about several matters. First of all, the importance of the Scriptures and also the absolute essential practice of prayer. Please keep me faithful. You’ve also spoken to me about truly loving others, Jews and Gentiles alike. Twice Paul mentions Spain. You’ve spoken to me to keep a vision for the future. By the working of Your Spirit in me, I pray an obedient response on my part. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I need your prayers. Thank you to those who’ve let me know that they are praying for my healing. I believe that God is saying “Yes” to those prayer requests. While I’m unable to answer individually the letters, e-mails, and blog notes, I do appreciate every effort to communicate with me. Thank you! Thank You! Thank You! Yesterday, Rev. Ken Norcross, a Pastor in his eighties who continues to serve in a prayer leadership ministry role, dropped by to see me. He prayed fervently for me. What a great encouragement!

Paul mentioned Spain twice in our reading. I also have a vision for Spain. Back in 1992, we sponsored a soul-winning Pavilion at their World Expo. “La Pabillion de la Promessa” saw over 53,000 first-time decisions for Christ recorded, signed up for a Bible correspondence course and followed-up around the world by Scripture Union. Here’s another prayer, “Lord Jesus, would you let Paul know about this if he doesn’t already know? I believe he would be blessed to hear about this effective outreach for You in Spain. Thank You Jesus!” Thanks to all the Crossroads supporters who make many outreaches possible by giving so faithfully and generously. The current 7-channel Internet television outreach called Crossroads360.com needs prayer and support. Let’s rally around Don Simmonds, Ron Mainse, and the entire ministry team. YES LORD!!!!

Yours for paying attention to what God is saying to us as we read, and then praying for His will to be done in all things,

David

P.S. Remember the little boy who went to Heaven who was featured on 100 Huntley Street? Here’s a video clip of his Dad, Todd Burpo, and Jim Cantelon talking about prayer (click here). The full story is in Todd’s book “Heaven Is For Real,” which is available in our Crossroads eStore here.

20 thoughts on “Wednesday, January 16, 2013

  1. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God who led Israel into the promised land, the God who was so close and fervently active in the life of King David and all of the prophets; may this God who raised Jesus from the dead and made him alive forevermore, may this same God be with you, heal you and make you whole today David. May God’s Holy Spirit comfort you, guide you and give you peace this day as well. We agree that God can make you well and will make you well. This is my prayer for you David, as I continue to pray with all the fellow bloggers for the complete restoration of your health, in our Lord Jesus’ name, trusting that He alone will bring to completion that good thing which He has already begun. Amen.

  2. Thank you again for doing this blog. I am learning so much by reading each scripture each day.
    This blog posting is very timely today, God is always in the details. This week our church has our week of prayer, 24 hours a day for seven days. Our life group was there Monday night praying together for several hours, including praying and anointing each other. What a blessing that was. Our Church is also starting 40 Days in the Word – the series by Rick Warren, I am so excited to start this and the fact that our whole church is taking part. To learn more about how to read and understand God’s word.
    Thank you David for this blog, I pray for your continued healing and that you can continue out what God has intended for you.
    Blessings
    Michele

  3. Father God I pray for complete healing for David from the top of his head to the bottom of his toes inside, and out give him the strength and comfort that he needs
    today for you said ” But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31
    In Jesus name
    Amen
    Lianne Hogg

  4. Hi David
    Thank you for your daily Blog. I am praying for your healing and complete restoration daily sometimes even as I ride mine bike
    all in the name of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

    Blesings to you

    AMAZING GRACE
    Zeljko
    from B. S. Park

  5. Thank you David for your words this A.M. to so many of us that
    are enjoying your blog daily.
    Phil. 1:3 & 4……I can say this with Paul, with sincerity!
    “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers
    for all of you, I always pray with joy.”

    “Holding the heart of another in the comforting hands of prayer
    is a priceless act of love.”. (Janet L. Weaver)

    Enjoy the many blessings God will give us today and sing
    praises, and don’t forget to smile or even laugh a few times
    all bloggers…???

    Faith

  6. Striving together in prayer for your healing Pastor David, and for the Lord to bless all the new ways 100 Huntley reaches out with the Gospel!

  7. Thank you fellow bloggers for prayer on behalf of my mom. She went to be the Lord on Sunday at the age of 95, and today we will say our final “earthly” goodbyes, but we KNOW we will see her again. We praise God for that Blessed Assurance.

    We continue to pray for healing for you David and already know that God has touched you and will continue to do His work.

  8. David, this psalm sustained me through my illness.
    Praise to you my Lord with all my soul
    And bless your holy name
    You crown me with loving kindness and tender mercies
    You heal all my diseases, you forgive all of my sins
    You redeemed my life from the pit
    And You restored my youth like the eagle’s.

    Amen! thank you Jesus for what you are doing in David’s body. His life is in your hands.

  9. Hi David, Thank you for letting us hear from the telephone Counselors. They are truly God’s hand extended to all who call in. These wonderful nameless, faceless people are to be greatly appreciated for all the prayers they lift up to Our Father in Heaven. There is so much power in the prayer of agreement and to think l00 Huntley Street has provided a way for sometimes desperate people to call in and be listened to and prayed with by the caring,selfless prayer Counselors. May our wonderful Lord grant you many more years here on earth David in perfect health and vitality to continue everything you have been called to accomplish , and also for the joy of Norma Jean and your big beautiful family.

  10. Thanks, David, for your post, today. Praying for your peace, strength, healing, love and joyfulness–dancing to God, each and every day! and thanking you for being such an inspiration to us!

    My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
    He alone is my rock and my salvation.
    He is my fortress.
    I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1

    Thank you, also, for the link to the video clip with Todd Burpo and link to order the ‘Heaven is for Real’ book. We are starting a bible study group on the topic of heaven and using the book ‘Heaven’ by Randy Alcorn. Thanks to your link, we will also be reading ‘Heaven is for Real’ as part of our study.

    Wishing everyone a most blessed day!

  11. David, I give thanks to our Lord daily for your many years of ministry. You have been a constant blessing to the world and particularly this country.
    I am among the many praying for you daily. I pray for your health and strength to accomplish God’s work on earth for as long as possible. You are an example of how no matter what our age or infirmity God can be served, and by listening to His voice we will find out how. You have been blessed in God awakening in you the need for this blog, and we have been blessed by your excellent work.
    I remember someone quoting you saying you were ready to go to our Lord when He was finished with your serving Him here. (Please excuse the paraphrase.) We need you here, but we know He will call you home at the right time. I only hope I can be as graceful as you when I face the possibility of our Lord’s call.
    May the peace of our Lord continue in you, and may you have many more productive years serving Him.
    Blessings…Denise

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