29 January 2007

To: Prayer Partners

From: Pastor Lucenay

Two Old Testament prophets make a couple of statements about approaching God. Isaiah wrote Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24. Jeremiah wrote Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3) These prophets make us aware that we approach a God who is interested in communicating with us. I believe Jesus alluded to this concept when He said Ask and it will be given to you; seek and your will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

So, perhaps the question is what is on your heart today? What do you need to say to the Lord of Lords, the loving God Jesus taught us to call our Father in heaven? (Matthew6:9)

Perhaps, it is wise to take a few minutes before rushing to God with the first thing that comes to your mind. In that few minutes, get still. The Psalmist reminds us that God says Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) That is such a freeing promise, isn’t it? After all, I know I don’t have the attributes necessary to be God and I don’t know any other person who does. I’m glad there is a God over all who is interested in communicating with us. So, let’s get still physically and mentally. Frankly, it’s a lot easier for me to sit still that it is for my mind to get still. Stilling the mind takes a little time. However, just as I must get still physically to take a good picture, I need to get still spiritually to see God more clearly. How about you?

This week as we pray let’s make a point to get still and be quiet before the Lord before we start talking to Him. Such time will be well spent for body and soul. Such time will help us get God’s perspective on our prayers. Such time will help us focus on God more than on what we may want God to do in our lives or in the lives of others around us. Thus, such time will add health to our prayer relationship with God. Remember, God already knows what we are going to say. The answers He is ready to give are great and unsearchable. That sounds a lot better than some of the answers I ask Him to give.

When I put our church before God in prayer, I remember that Jesus Christ died for each and every person who comes to mind. God loves each one as if she/he was the only one. And God wants what is best for each and all. He sees everything from an objective point of view. He knows what has happened, what has been said, what is going on, and what shall happen, or be said, or will take place. He knows the beautiful and that which can only become beautiful as He recreates it. He have the power to address every need, transform every person, and create new and fresh growth. My task, your task, our task is to lay everything in His hands and allow Him to show us what He wants to do and how He wants us to work with Him. Once again I return to the Lord’s Prayer and the words Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

If I can put the church in His hands this way, doesn’t it make sense to put my life and the life of others in His hands and trust Him?

This week some of the things we are taking to the Lord in prayer include:

For spiritual healing: troubled marriages

For guidance: parents in relationships with troubled children; children facing difficulties with their parents; those who are struggling in abusive situations at home or work; the unemployed; those facing unjust charges

For KIBC ministries: music, choir, Bible studies, MOSAIC, youth/student outreach, fencing outreach; the distribution of Bibles (and the movement of God’s Spirit in the lives of those who receive them)

For KIBC staff: God’s guidance with Phil as he works with the education and administration ministries; God’s guidance with Angie as she works with the music ministries; God’s guidance with Maik as he works with youth and students; Kitty and Mary as they seek to provide office support; God’s inspiration and guidance with the pastor; spiritual protection in the lives of those who lead…

For Space: our Bible study and worship space issues need God’s wise guidance

For KBCK: teaching and administrative support; wisdom for her board; a witness to parents

For KIBC small groups: to build relationships and strengthen the fellowship of the church

For the Hong Kong Franklin Graham Festival-29 November through 2 December to reach people for Christ

We thank God for one of the strongest responses we have had as we prepare for the Chinese New Year fellowship/boat ride to see the fireworks from the Harbor. Sunday we began the signup and over 250 people registered for this fellowship opportunity.

We thank God for the beautiful baptismal services Sunday night. We pray for the dozen Filipinas who were baptized as they grow in their new faith in Jesus.

We ask God to guide those who are considering commitments to Christ and baptism.

We ask God to help us be His light wherever He places us this week.

Thank you for your prayers and your sweet spirit. May you experience the twinkle in God’s eye this week as you enjoy the best of Jesus.