Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts

Monday, March 15, 2010

The Prayers Of the Righteous are Effective

James 5:16-18  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective.  Elijah was a man just like us.  He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and 1/2 years.  Again he prayed , and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crop.

The LORD is far from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous.  PROVERBS 15:29


     What a great prelude when it comes to prayer.  Prior to the declaration that the prayer of the righteous are effectial the Word of God tells us how to become righteous.  Confess your sins!!!  Wow!  You see that is the problem between the righteous and the unrighteous.  Confession of sins.  While the wicked continue in their wickedness and their folly against God, their prayers do not even reach their cieling.  That is why their life is falling apart.  Marriages are breaking, family is broken up, loneliness sets in and you are left there alone with no friends or family and no purpose in life.  This wicked person then only becomes more angry and refuses to repent and confess their sins.  So their prayers unfortunetly are never answered. 
     The Word of God says, repent of your sins and you shall be heard.  When you repent and confess, your sins are relieved and you are made righteous and your prayers reach the throne room of God.  The ears of God.

Monday, March 8, 2010

It is easier...

Can a rich man enter the Kingdom of Heaven?  the bible says that it is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  I guess the first thing we must define is the Kingdom of Heaven.  The kingdom is not only refered to as the cellestial state but also the terestial state.  The Kingdom of God is not only in the after life but also the present life.  The next word we need to define is rich.  This rich is not only in financial wealth but also spiritual wealth.  Now when we take this all together we read it as: 

It is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle than someone who is wealthy in finances, emotional, spiritual and such.

WHY?

Because in order for someone to come to Christ he must lose himself, humble himself and give up some of the pleasures of life.  A person who is too rich and prideful will not do that.  That is why it is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle.

Madonna, Britanty Spears, Mr. T, Mase, Gary Buisy, and other who have tried to confess Christ have all failed because they have refused to give up themselves for God.

A person who doe snot know how to place God first and worry about what God thinks rather than what others think will never find God.  People are too busy trying to please other people rather than trying to please God and do what is right.

We need to seek the Kigdom of God first and then all the wealth both spiritual and fiancial will follow us.

 

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Truth...You can't handle the truth!!

Do you remember that line spoken by Jack Nicholson, "The Truth...You can't handle the truth!!"  A line to be remembered throughout all ages.  The fact is what he said was absolutely right.  People can not handle the truth.  People get upset when the truth is spoken. 
     This past week I was questioned on my worship of God by the prosecutor.  The question he asked me was a question that could be placed in the Left Behind Books.  He asked me whether or not I and my family were going to continue to worship on Sunday on our property with my family and friends even thou the City prohibits us to do so.  I have given my word that I would tell the truth so I had no choice but to tell them the truth.  THE TRUTH is Yes.  As long as I have a neck on this body I will worship the Lord every Sunday with whomever God places in my life.  The city did not like that.  Of course they will say to me that I have the right to worship but it can not be wherever I want and whomever I want.  It must be in their controlled enviroment with their approval.  Sounds funny folks but it is the truth to them.  It is a truth that we can handle despite persecution from them and them breaking the law.  Despite the fact that they are breaking the law by prohibiting me and others to come to our property for worship we have no choice but to allow the lot to fall where it may.  I will die for my faith.  So if I will die for my faith I will begin by living for my faith. 
     In the courtroom I began to think about all the prophets, apostles and even our Lord being in the same place as I am.  Falsely accussed of things that I do not condone and am against.  They said I was an agressor, a troublemaker, a neighbor hater and even called our worship on Sunday as a nusinace to the community and the neighborhood.  As I was listening to all that, I was such at peace because I was counted worthy of persecution for our Lord.  I have been nothing but nice and kind to my neighbors.  I have been considerate and always tried to keep the line of communication open despite our differences.  Even thou there has been disagreements I have never taken it personally.  I mean who are they fighting with anyway.  They are fighting with God.  The only thing me and family have done is go and hide behind our Fathers back and let him fight our battles.  God is not blind and He is the only one we need to follow.  There are times I wish I would have not said things like calling my neighbor JERK for flipping me off but it was already done.  I have learned just to walk away and not even handle this type of insults. 
     As a Pastor and a human it is very hard to hold myself to a higher standard especially when people are accussing you of false things, yet I die daily for God.  I must subject my body and my emotions and bring all things into subjection.  It is so much easier when you have the support of other brothers and sisters in Christ and the power and Guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Act 5:41-42


(41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

(42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

 
Thank you Jesus.        

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Go to Church?

     Yesterday I was speaking with a believer and during the conversation I asked what the person did on Sunday. They answered nothing really. I then asked if they went to church and they said No instead they stayed home and watched Joel Osteen and then proceeded to say that all the churches in their area was too liberal. Of course I chuckled because Joel Osteen's middle name is Liberal.
Can a person believe in Christ and not go to church? The church of Christ is called the body. The body is identified as a group of believers lead by Pastors and deacons. To me that sounds like a local fellowship or congregation. So I guess the answer is how can you say that Christ is the head if you are not part of His body? You can not be a true obedient believer in Christ if you are not part of a local body of believers called the church. There may be a lot of good teachers on TV and the radio but they can never replace the actual physical supplements found in a local body. Watching TV to get your spirtual food is like watching the food network and saying you are full.
Let TV and radio create an appettite for the real thing and then act on it by being part of what God wants you to be in.


Pastor Michael Salman

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Thursday, January 14, 2010

State Day Of Prayer

January 17th, 2010 our Governor Jan Brewer by the request of 40 clergymen declared that January 17th be a State Day of Prayer.  She is calling all believers to pray for our budgets and to ask God to help us through these times.  So on January 17th, 2010 please pray for our State and while you are at it please pray for our Nation and especially the city in which you live in.  In Jesus name.

Lord Jesus, you are the Creator of Heaven and Earth.  You the Lord God almighty and there is none like you.  We pray this day for our State that you will lead our leaders to wisdom in handling and dealing with our budget.  Lord we know that you can and will provide for each and everyone of us who call on your name.  Be with our State, our cities and our Nation during this time of struggle.  Let us not compromise our values for the sake of money and let us learn that you are God and that there is blessings in obedience to you.  In Jesus name.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Death Of Oral Roberts

Oral Roberts died today at the age of 91.  He was best known as the crying preacher who stated that god was going to kill him if he did not raise millions of dollars by a certain time.  I find it very funny and yet sad that when people think about Oral Roberts this is what they mention.  They don't mention the fact that he began a Bible University or Television Program or that through him God healed many.  All the good people do and the only thing humans remember is the bad and ugly. 
     That is why we are thankful that God in his love and mercy does nto see us like others do.  He sees the good and the love in us.  It is this that God sees and remembers in us.  I can only pray that when we die that all our faults and mishaps are placed aside and that people remember the good that we have done.  May our Legacy be that of blessings and fortune to humanity through Christ.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

THIS IS THE SEASON - WATCH

     This season many people are getting sick.  They start getting sick not only physically but spiritually and mentally.  The sales, the emotions, the lonliness, the financial stress and struggles, these all become very difficult and people become very stressed.  Eventually everything going on creates a void and loss of the meaning of the season.  I never was a person who enjoyed all thehustle and busle of the Christmas season due to 2 things.  1)  Physical illness with many & 2)  the commercial aspect of the season. 
      This year I can only pray that people remember 2 things.  1)  Without CHRIST you can not have CHRISTmas.  & 2)  JESUS is the reason for the season.

Have a Merry CHRISTmas.


     

Monday, November 30, 2009

The Holy Spirit

When we think of the most vital part of our Christianity many people will refer to the word FAITH.  I believe thou that the most important part of Christianity is the HOLY SPIRIT.  If a person does not have theHoly Spirit living in them they can not living a Christian life.  Unfortunetly that is what we see in many people.  Their belief is head knowledge and not guided by the Holy Spirit.  If more Christians were filled by teh Holy Spirit we probably would not have the issues within the church or other so called Christians attacking other Christians.  So how do you know if you have the Holy Spirit living in you? The scriptures make it very clear in many parts:

1)  There is FRUIT.  You are actually doing something for God and I do not mean going to church.  You are witnessing.  When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?  I assure you if you have not told someone about Jesus or encouraged them to follow Jesus you do not have the Holy Spirit.  Many people will say that, they are shy.  Even if that is true, when you have the Holy Spirit you have boldness to speak and do the things for Christ.  In all the parables of Jesus when referring to the believers He makes one thing evident.  The TRUE BELIEVER reproduces.  Here is a just a couple of the parables: The Sower, The Talents, The Sheep & Goats, The Wise Steward, The Vine and many others. 

2)  There is CONVICTION.  When people think of what is right and wrong they may feel that they have a grasp of things.  The fact is thou many people may be doing wrong and not know it.  For example, unforgiveness is wrong with God but unforgiveness is permitted in the world.  Hatred is not against the law but with God it is.  So people may say, hey I am not doing anything wrong, meaning "I am not breaking the law" while in reality they are.  The Holy Spirit brings convictions to a person because the Holy Spirit teaches a person of a eternal law.  When you are convicted for doing something that maybe the laws of man don't find offensived but God does it is likely that it is the Holy Spirit.

     In short we see a vital walk and importance to following Jesus and only can be done through the Holy Spirit.



   

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Persecution of Christians is a Reality - WAKE UP!

BY CHARLES COLSON...
Allow me to make a very direct statement. I believe it is time for the Church in this country to stand up for religious freedom.

Especially over the course of the last few years, we have seen repeated efforts—in the courts, in state legislatures, in Congress, and on Pennsylvania Avenue—to erode what has been called the first freedom: religious liberty.
It isn’t hard to cite numerous cases where Christian organizations and individuals have been singled out and punished for adhering to their faith.
In New Jersey, a Methodist camp lost its tax exempt status for refusing to hold a same-sex civil union ceremony. In California, Christian doctors were successfully sued for refusing to offer in-vitro fertilization procedures for a lesbian couple. Catholic Charities in Boston had to shut down its adoption services because it was being forced by the state to place children with same-sex couples.
The current health care bill has no protections for religious medical personnel or health care providers who, by reason of conscience, refuse to participate in abortions. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is gathering momentum in Congress. The bill would require even Christian-owned enterprises with more than 15 employees to hire those who do not share their faith.
The list could go on and on.
So why is religious freedom such a concern to us as Christians? Freedom of religion is called the first freedom for a reason. Our founding fathers recognized that without freedom of conscience, no other freedom can be guaranteed.
Christians, in fact, are the greatest defenders of religious freedom and human liberty—not just for Christians, but for all people. Compare religious freedom in those countries with a Christian heritage to the state of religious freedom in Islamic nations, communist countries, and Buddhist and Hindu nations, and you will see my point.
The reason that Christians place such a high value on human freedom is that freedom itself is part of the creation account in the Bible. God made humans in His image. He gave us a free will to choose to love, follow, and obey Him, or to follow our own way.
That free will, given us before the Fall, is part of human nature itself.
Perhaps more than anything else, it was this understanding of individual freedom that turned me into the kind of patriot who would willingly give his life for his country. It was the words of the Declaration of Independence that inspired me to join the Marines: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
So this question of human freedom goes to the very heart of who we are as Christians and as Americans.
So this Friday at the National Press Club in Washington, a statement signed 125 evangelical, Orthodox, and Catholic leaders will be released—an historic declaration on life, the family, and religious freedom.
And please, today, go to http://www.colsoncenter.org/ to view my Two-Minute Warning video on religious freedom. We will have some great resources for you. Then Friday at noon, we will have for you the declaration itself—probably the most important document I’ve ever signed.
The Church needs to understand the urgency of the hour and do its duty.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Living On Purpose

How many of us truly live on purpose?  Majority of the time we live our life doing things on accident.  We don't know half the time how we got where we are at, all we know is we sre here.  Living on purpose means that you make a CONSCIENCE effort and have a CONSCIENCE purpose in your life.  For example it is the person who gets up inthe morning and says "I WILL....." 
     Now let us direct that to God and say today, "I WILL...tell someone about Jesus.....Pray.....Read the Bible.....Help.." 
     Live on purpose for God. 

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Neighborhood Preservation & Loving Your Neighbor

     A couple of days ago I was speaking to a friend of mine who moved into our neighborhood about 2 years ago.  I asked him how everything was going, since I had not spoken to him for awhile.  He told me he had an exciting adventure.  He ended up building a small shed on his property to hold his tools and various assundry and it turned out the one of the neighbors reported him for building the shed without a permit.  When the city came out it turn out to be a few square feet too big.  He was forced to renovate it.  He was very upset.  He was livid and could not understand how people could be so pety.  He was very angry and stated that he was now going to go around and make sure that everyone is compliant.  I advised him not to stoop to that level.   
     Is Neighborhood Preservation really supposed to be like that?  Are we now ratting and snitching on every neighbor who we feel is not in complaint?  The program which is to bring peace and conformity has and is only creating anomisity against neighbors.  Neighbors who are supposed to be loving and friendly have now become enforcement agencies and rat ships.  Telling on each other and ratting on each other.  I know that this person will never look at his neighbors the same again.  I could understand someone having a problem when their neighbor infringes on their property.  What happened to talking to your neighbor first.  His shed was not on anyones property.  It was not infringing on anyone.  People who are nosy are not a benefit to the neighborhood but rather a nusinance.  The program which was to protect property rights of others is now creating anger and hatred among neighbors.  It is so sad. 
     Resolution:  Despite the fact that many Christians want to hit back, I would advise you not to stoop to that level of scum.  I say scum with reservation.  God calls them worse.  As a matter of fact God calls those who cause discord among neighbors to be an ABOMINATION to HIM.  I would hate to be them on the day of judgement unless of course if they repent.  So just pray and watch what you do and remember what a person sows they will reap.  They are only reaping contentions and strife.  Vengence is mine says the Lord!     

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Feeding the Homeless is a crime...

     On Novemebr 10th, 2009 the city of Phoenix and their anti-christian sentiments came up to the conclusion that if you are a church that you are not allowed to have ministries that cater to serving the poor.  Yes, you heard it right.  It is a crime and against city ordinance if you as a church feed the homeless. 
     I spoke to a few Pastors and ministers this week concerning this decision.  They pretty much felt that the City can KISS THEIR GRITS.  They felt that this decision is not only unconstituational but it is bias.  The fact is folks I AGREE.  We have all decided that if the city even thinks about enforcing such a rule like that, there will be a Class Action Lawsuit against them.  So pass this on.  If your church feels that it may be hindered now or in the future from doing the work of the Lord, as feeding the poor or homeless to let me know.  We already have churches on board ready to take action.  Victory outreach, Teen Challenge and the Dream Center are ministries dedicated to outreaches that reach out to the poor and needed.  Church on the Street and Phoenix First are also ministries and churches dedicated in serving the poor and homeless.  There is going to be a big fight that may end up bankrupting our city.  It is so sad that all the councilmen and women we have none who call themselves Christian are able to fight.  A cloud without water.  Thunder without rain.   

Monday, August 31, 2009

RIDE the WAVE

It is always good to begin a day in prayer. Prayer allows the heart and life of a person to proceed in the future. At work today during training I was talking about having a pipeline of clients. That what you do today is for the future. Same with prayer. What you pray today allows God to do things for the future. Of course I say allows with reservation because God can do whatever he wants whenever he wants to. So pray and let that pipeline of prayer in your life bath you with blessings.