Tag: prayer

ADEQUACY

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In II Corinthians 3:4-6 believers are reminded that they are “adequate servants of the new covenant” (NT grace/gospel-based relationship/contract with God through Christ Jesus alone).  How often do we actually consider, or view ourselves in this light?  The Lord is not simply calling us out as servants of the New Covenant, but as believers who are “adequate” in the framework (apparatus and structure) of that calling.  In order to fully comprehend “adequacy,” let’s first consider the context of this dynamic, empowering, and far-reaching comprehensive statement:   

Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.  Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

First, one must recognize/acknowledge “inadequacy” (insufficiency and even incompetency) as a significant and mandatory qualification for becoming a “servant of the new covenant.”  

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves.

How often do individuals overlook their own personal inadequacies in direct disagreement (even in prideful rebellion) with the Lord’s Word?  Doesn’t Christ simply desire for us to come into agreement with Him?  Even when one begins to face the truth about his/her own spiritual inabilities, especially when it concerns producing the type of life Christ is looking for, one can easily underestimate the extent of human deficiency.  Believers may come to think that they are just not able to produce everything, or as much as, God desires/wants in their lives.  Needless to say, our Lord has a more radical viewpoint, clearly stating that we cannot view ourselves as “adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves.”  Again, doesn’t Christ simply desire His followers to come into agreement with Him?

Second, one must recognize/acknowledge God’s undeniable, irrefutable, sufficient and competent adequacy.  “Our adequacy (sufficiency) is from God” and no other!  The adequate and all sufficient resources for living the Christian life are to be found in Him and Him alone!   

We are to be the beneficiaries, by/through His grace, and recipients of God’s full and adequate supply.  Humans are not the source — even strong, dedicated, faithful believers are not the adequate, sufficient providers! 

The Lord is the right and proper resource and supply … all that’s needed for life and godliness (fearless, faithful, victorious, righteous living — see II Peter 1:3)!  

Can anyone simply agree with Him?

According to the scripture previously referenced (II Corinthians 3:4-6) the difference between living by God’s supply or by our own adequacy and resources is a matter of life and death . . . “for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  Living the Christian life by our own capabilities will spiritually kill us. It will eventually leave us exhausted, discouraged, and condemned. Whereas, depending upon God’s Holy Spirit to supply the abundant grace of God will ultimately provide adequate strength, encouragement, and comfort.

Under the Old Testament Law and provisions of the Old Covenant, only the Levites were actually called and set apart to be officially God’s servants.  They were not allowed to participate in “earthly” or what we would call secular work, and they were to be totally supported by the tithes received from the other tribes of Israel.  It seems that modern- day Christianity may have unquantifiably and unreservedly adopted some of this Old Covenant philosophy and dumped it right out in the pews of today’s church. 

Where does the New Testament teach that only those who give up their secular jobs can become servants of God?  Undoubtedly, undeniably, irresponsibly, recklessly, negligently, and carelessly, this prominent teaching of human religion and tradition has been elevated as God’s will/purpose/truth. However this convoluted concept is without New Testament/New Covenant support, and stands in direct contradiction to the teachings of Christ and the biblical examples of New Testament church leadership.  Consider Romans 6:22:

But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.


One is made free from sin — then as a result becomes “enslaved to God,” or in other words, a servant/bondservant of the Lord.   The Greek word translated here “enslaved” is from the root word doulo/douloo, meaning both literally and figuratively to become (make) a servant and/or to bring into bondage/servitude.  Obviously apparent, this passage has nothing to do with how one makes a living, or someone giving up their secular job in order to become God’s servant!  The inexorable and unmistakable truth revealed here calls all those who believe in Jesus Christ to enter servanthood based upon them becoming eligible for that position and opportunity through God’s grace and provision for the removal of one’s sin found only in Jesus Christ!  It’s ultimately HIS adequacy and sufficiency that allows our privileged calling as adequate/sufficient servants of the New Covenant!   

Perhaps Christ’s followers should simply come into agreement with Him?  This prayer may help turn one’s heart and embrace this abiding Truth.

Lord of Grace, I humbly admit that I have often held a perspective so different from Yours on this subject of adequacy and sufficiency.  I have repeatedly behaved as though my entire Christian life experience depended upon what I thought I could do with/from my own abilities and resources.  Lord, as You have declared, it has brought forth spiritual deadness.  Please teach me to trust You and God’s Holy Spirit to birth (into my Christian life experience) the full adequacy and sufficiency of Your immeasurable grace. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.                                                        

Simply try it … Pastor Frank

SPRING

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The idea of spring brings pleasant thoughts to most of our minds … new growth, fresh flowers, enjoyable temperatures, smiles for the delightful season and sometimes even a lift in one’s human emotion and attitude.  In Zechariah 10:1, Judah and Ephraim are instructed to ask the Lord for rain in the season of spring (translated “latter rain” in NKJV and KJV).  Perhaps April showers truly do bring May flowers!  The scripture goes on in this verse to declare,

… the Lord who makes the storm clouds; and He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to every man.

Certainly if one lives in an agricultural community, rain is absolutely essential.  Even for those that don’t, the ground must be watered if fruits, vegetables, and grains are to be planted, grown,  harvested, and distributed for food.  It’s interesting to note that they weren’t instructed to sow seed or remove weed.  That’s a given, but they were directed to seek the ONE who makes the storm clouds for the rain needed to water all they had planted, the actual works of their hands. These showers not only were critical for their crops’ development, but also an indispensible benefit/blessing for the entire society.  The well-being of the people is in play here, and God’s mercy is needed — in fact categorically and undeniably expected.  Here we see human dependence in its simplest form, and God’s trusted design and creation bringing provision and prosperity to His people.  

See, all was ready on God’s part, “ask and ye shall receive!” (See Matthew 21:22, John 16:24)  God’s blessings are usually both temporal and spiritual, but in this case the people of God were to call upon their ONE, TRUE, EVERLASTING, LOVING, OMNIPOTENT, IMMUTABLE Lord in order to fully receive His promised blessing.  Why call upon the teraphim or a diviner, as they had done in the past according to Zachariah 10:2-3? (See Hosea 2:1-13, Jeremiah 44:15-28)  Instead, ask Him who had made a covenant and promise like that found in Deuteronomy 11:13-15.

It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. He will give   grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.

Does the Lord want us, His followers, to simply ask?  Perhaps God’s blessings are given not to supersede prayer, but rather to encourage and stimulate believers’ prayer.  Consider this concept in relation to II Corinthians 6:18:

And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.

Doesn’t a father take great delight in fulfilling the request of his son or daughter when it’s exactly lined up with what’s good and right for his children?  Recall the teachings of Jesus on prayer in Luke 1:1-13 when Christ’s disciples desired to learn about prayer, stating that John the Baptist taught his followers to pray.  Consider the instructions Jesus Himself offered in verses 9-12:

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.  Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he?  Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly  Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

Certainly as believers, we understand that the Lord knows our needs even before we ask. (See Matthew 6:8)  In the same manner, spring is guaranteed to come around once a year, every year.  Nonetheless, our Lord told His people to seek Him for the spring rain anyway!   There is definitely a spiritual connection between prayer and promise … In this case, prayer and the process of nature put in place by the Creator, Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit inspired writers of the Old and New Testament scriptures find no difficulty connecting prayer and the process of nature, spiritual impact, and/or the miraculous works of God’s Holy Spirit throughout history.  This includes all Old and New Testament believers, Christ Himself, and those called according to His purpose(s).  Do we suppose that when God promises or when He begins to bless abundantly, that we may then relax our prayers or cease in our efforts to please Him (bring Him glory through our words and deeds) 24/7 ? 

Without question, the former rain did it’s work, all it was intended to do, but now the spring rain is needed.  Perhaps this stimulates our sanctification, sweetens our fruit.  Shouldn’t we ask of the Lord who brings greenness, who gives growth, healing, maturity, wisdom, and strength to all who ask?   Matthew 7:11 reminds us:

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

John Osorius, a Spanish post-medieval preacher once stated, “He (Christ) exhorts all frequently to ask for the dew of the divine grace, that what had sprung up in a heart from the seed of the Word of God, might attain to full ripeness.”  What a great thought for spring … may the showers of God’s promises and blessings bring forth much fruit! 

Now, let’s consider the prayers of the saints (all true believers) as they come up before the throne of God.  Are they not more significant than the seasons?  The natural laws that govern our universe were set in place, and in motion, (study Psalm 104:13-35) by the same Lord who hears our requests and brings answers to bear.  Sometimes those answers are even contrary to the laws of nature and the natural processes that He, in His immeasurable wisdom, divinely established!  Just think … can you imagine … the God who gives rain to earth attends to human (believers’) prayer.  In the eyes of God, is humankind greater than anything material?  For us, as faithful followers of Christ, a cry to the Almighty, in celebration or distress, in joy or when encompassed by trouble, is the instinctual reaction of our soul/spirit — thanks to our spiritually acquired divine nature!  Instead of interfering with nature’s law, prayer is the law of our new nature in Christ Jesus.  While prayer for the spring rain, or anything else is an expression of our dependence, the act of asking our Lord is something much more.  A precious privilege, an unsurpassed, sacred, incumbent duty for all His sons and daughters! (See John 9:31) – Pastor Frank    

DEACON

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Acts 6:1-6 one finds some of the minority groups, in this case Hellenistic Jews, who were not being properly cared for in Christ’s early church.  In Acts 6:3 the Jerusalem congregation (the only one in existence at that time) is instructed to, “Select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.”  The original apostles gave this instruction for three, very distinct, reasons:

1.   There were practical needs in the church body/membership.

2.   The unmeet needs presented an opportunity for potential division/conflict within Christ’s body.

3.   The Apostles needed to stay focused on their duties/calling and establish the church’s  ministry in Christ’s physical absence.

“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Over the course of church history, the role of “Deacon” has been modified to mean everything from a group of humble servants with no official capacity in Christ’s church, to a committee of individuals with excessive ecclesiastical  authority, or even to something totally non-existent, ignored.  Some modern-day ministry organizations have even implemented substitutes by various names in an attempt to fulfill the biblical roles of deacon perhaps without yielding to or considering the biblical processes or qualifications for such a distinguished office in Christ’s church.  I Timothy 3:13 reminds us, “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

At West Oaks Fellowship, we strive, and it’s our duty, to diligently arrange and organize the functions of our church/ministry according to the pattern(s) established in the New Testament.  Certainly, we don’t ignore centuries of church heritage and development, but give careful considerations to our predecessors views and practices from which we were conceived.   Even so, our efforts remain continuous and steadfast in every attempt of church polity to restore the functions of church offices as they are defined for us in the Lord’s New Testament scriptures.

The Greek words for servant and deacons, dia/kono$‎, diakonos (dee-ak’-on-os) / diako/noi$,‎ diakonois (dee-ak’-on-ois), are similar throughout the New Testament.  However, contextually speaking there is always a distinction between the references to those holding the biblically-ordained service office of “Deacon” (appearing in plurality, a noun), when compared to other uses of the word, in reference to those rendering their services/ministry to Christ and/or His church.  As an example, any believer can be an effective servant/minister, ‎dia/kono$‎, diakonos (dee-ak’-on-os) (to/of Christ and His church), without necessarily holding the office of “Deacon.”  Epaphras is a perfect example found in Colossians 1:7-8 or Tychicus in 4:7-8.  At WOF, we have a servant team made up of men and women who serve our body by taking care of practical needs for our Sunday and Wednesday ministries. These faithful servants are highly appreciated, though generally unrecognized.  Some of them are “Deacons” and some are not, but most of them have the spiritual gifting of “service” (Romans 12:3-8) and employ their gifts on a regular basis in ministry unto their Lord, Jesus Christ (I Peter 4:10-11)!  

Those holding the position or office of “Deacon” at WOF are nominated by the body of Christ (in accordance with Acts 6:1-6), screened by the leadership (in accordance with Acts 6:6 and I Timothy 3:10), meet the biblical qualifications for “Deacon” (in accordance with I Timothy 3:8-9 and 12 with consideration of Acts 6:3), tested (in accordance with I Timothy 3:10), and then set apart for the specific office of service in Christ’s ministry (in accordance with Acts 6:6).  Needless to say, since this isn’t a popularity contest or a position of power, our “Deacons” are an outstanding group of men who are true servants of Christ and His body, with their role being very simply defined here at WOF as:

Biblically-qualified individuals who serve Christ by ministering to the needs of His body (the local New Testament Church).

This month we are seeking your recommendations for men (Deacons, not Deaconesses) to serve Christ and all of us at WOF in this capacity.  Please prayerfully consider the men in our church body whom you find faithful in the light of your knowledge of them and use the Deacon Nomination inserts found in your weekly bulletin to submit your recommendations. All nominations are strictly confidential until each nominee is considered and biblically qualified by the Elders and current Deacons.  Then those eligible and agreeing to serve will be publicly presented as DITs . . . Deacons In Training!          

Not much is actually known about all the Deacons of the New Testament, but we know of two that started serving in a practical way to meet the needs of Christ’s church in Acts 6.  Philip, according to Acts 8:5-8, proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ in Samaria with great success bringing much rejoicing throughout the community as the Lord affirms his ministry through miraculous manifestations of God’s Holy Spirit.  Later, Philip serves in the office of Evangelist, according to Acts 21:8 and trains four daughters in the ways of the Lord, serving His church as “prophetesses.” Then there is Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (See Acts 6:3) who, as a minister of Christ, in a very short period of time is called to lay down his life as the first known martyr of Christendom.  Deacons … Yes, all for His glory! 

— Pastor Frank

MISSION TRIP 2014 PART I

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As you’re reading this article, we have only 20 weeks (or less, depending on delivery date) to prepare for Mission Trip 2014.  While this annual event is a huge undertaking for a ministry our size and arduous to plan and administer, every year we see untold blessings beyond anything that can be measured, valued, or even imagined from a human view-point/perspective.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.  

— Ephesians 3:20-21

Similar to last year, we’ve been invited to Lyford/Sebastian, Texas by the superintendent of schools (a faithful believer) with the full endorsement of the community, local school board, and administration/personnel.  Praise be to God for the way He continually opens doors and provides unique opportunities for all those willing to accept the challenge of boldly and sacrificially serving Him without consideration of their own personal comfort, blessing, and/or benefit (in many cases, even the loss of income for our independent contractors and small business owners).             

For the love of Christ controls (urges/compels – presses on us from all sides, holding us to one end and prohibiting us from considering any other, wrapping itself around us in tenderness, giving us an impelling motive) us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.  

— II Corinthians 5:14-15

For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;  for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.     

— Romans 14:7-8

Last year, our first time in Lyford/Sebastian, was a great success with attendance far above expectations and many decisions for Christ. In addition, everyone in the area was delighted with our ministry, as well as our friendly, encouraging, exciting, yet non-compromising, distinctively evangelical outreach to the children and youth in the community.  As in former locations (other South Texas communities where we’ve ministered to children and youth), we worked diligently to establish a good reputation with the local businesses, all community leaders, and the parents of the children who participated in our community-wide VBS ministry.

Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.  

— Titus 2:6-8

Generally, our goals remain the same (listed below), however, this year we will need even more involvement from those at WOF who cannot come and the active participation of our teenagers’ parents as we prepare them for this year’s mission.  I’m praying that whether one goes or not, it’s still your mission trip … that everyone at WOF has a part in this incredible  undertaking.  Certainly prayer is always at the top of the list, along with significant financial support/scholarships/donations and fundraising efforts/ideas are absolutely essential and greatly appreciated. However,  this year we will be asking for your help, from time-to-time, in many ways.    

Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.  For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 

— II Corinthians 8:1-6

– MISSION TRIP 2014 – OUR PURPOSE –

  1. Introduce children & youth to Jesus Christ!  We strategically plan to provide every child with an opportunity to experience Christ’s love, coming to know forgiveness of sin and salvation that He alone offers.  See I Timothy 2:3-7
  • Provide opportunity for WOF’s youth and young adults, as well as those from other churches, to participate in a meaningful, life-changing ministry event where they are the Lord’s primary ministers/servants.  See I Timothy 4:12
  • Assist other churches/ministries in their efforts to reach a community with Christ’s message of grace and forgiveness.  See Romans 16:1-2
  • Provide a unique opportunity for WOF youth to serve and minister alongside youth from other churches/ministries.  See Psalm 33:1
  • See the purposes of God accomplished as both youth and adult believers work together in unity.  See John 17:22-23

Lyford/Sebastian, Texas is a field white unto harvest. May we lift up our eyes and look … seeing the opportunity afforded us as a church/ministry. 

See John 4:35      

In Luke 10:2-3, Jesus said to His disciples:

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

Perhaps He is speaking to us as well!  Certainly we understand this individually in our day-to-day lives, but what about as a church/ministry?  Here are two little towns where few have heard the Truth of Christ’s Gospel (His message of grace, love and forgiveness), and we’ve been invited to a harvest.  How shall we respond?  Shall we heed our Lord’s request?  Certainly, our time is now!                    

— Pastor Frank  

PRAYER & THANKSGIVING

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Colossians 4:2, believers are instructed to:

1. “devote yourself to prayer”

2. “keep alert in it (“it” being prayer)

3. while being devoted to prayer and keeping alert in prayer, maintain “an attitude of thanksgiving” 

Being devoted to prayer simply means continuing steadfast in this everyday discipline of genuine faith. This exhortation is not as a matter of legalism, or religious ceremonial participation, but as believers who genuinely desire continuous and persistent communication with their Lord.  The Greek word used here, “proskartereíte,” clearly implies an authentic sincerity coupled with diligence. In Colossians 4:12 we learn from the example set by Epaphras, who is “always laboring earnestly for you (the church members at Colossi) in his prayers!” 

Next, one might ask, “how do I stay or keep ‘alert” in prayer?”  The Greek word, “greegoroúntes,” used in this text, literally means to watch with vigilance, or to stay awake — as one on guard duty. We all recall the account in Matthew 26:41 where the disciples fail at this very task while Christ was praying before His betrayal and illegal arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

This exhortation to vigilance actually presupposes that Christians are always in danger of reducing their full commitment to the Lord, allowing themselves to be seized by things of lesser value. The focus is on this ever-threatening danger, and is extended to the ultimate consequences of spiritual negligence/laziness. 

However, I Corinthians 16:13 successfully connects all the dots in proper alignment for us:

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men (grown up- not immature babies), be strong.

Often times, even the most faithful believers may struggle with the idea of always coming before the Lord with “an attitude of thanksgiving.” The Greek word “eucharistía,” as used in this biblical text, also appears 15 other times in the New Testament where the command (actually a demand — parenesis) for thanksgiving is a basic element of spiritual communication between the Lord and His followers.  In Ephesians 5:3-4, thanksgiving is described as the unique, contrasting behavior of a committed believer when compared to that of the world and unbelievers:

But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

The apostle Paul’s general advice to all dedicated Christians, no matter their particular (individual) station in life (wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, masters, etc.), is to fulfill this duty as a reliable servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ. As believers grow and mature, they come to recognize and acknowledge, that all light, power, and life come from God, and that His creatures, including humanity as His most prized creation, are continually dependent upon Him. 

Therefore, for His true followers who persevere in prayer, He promises to ever supply “all” (not just practical/material) their needs.  How many husbands and wives (men and women) actually believe it is their spiritual calling and duty to pray for strength and grace to behave, in every area of their lives, as our Lord instructed?  Or, do they fall asleep … failing to keep watch? Just as every situation or station in life has its peculiar duties, tests, trials, blessings, etc., so every situation or station needs an appointment with the Lord, through prayer with steadfast devotion, resolute alertness, and heart-felt thanksgiving! No individual can possibly fulfill the responsibilities of life without the supernatural intervention and unwavering, invincible support of the Lord, God Almighty!

So, is prayer a spiritual luxury, or is it essential for spiritual development and maturity?  Prayer is as vital to one’s spiritual health as breathing is to one’s physical health – and breathing, while certainly a privilege, is not an option or luxury! Therefore, neither is our alertness in prayer, or an untiring, relentless attitude of thanksgiving! That understanding, in and of itself, should birth abundant thanksgiving within each and every believer, not to mention all the material blessings that many in our western civilization take for granted.

After all, we have stores with food on the shelves; generally … running water, trash pick-up, and electricity; usually … fuel for our cars, career opportunities, a smorgasbord of entertainment choices, housing options, along with an abundant variety of churches, cars, clothing styles, etc., etc., etc.  As Christ’s faithful, let us consider that the New Testament scriptures repetitively prompt and coach us to offer this prevailing combination of prayer and thanksgiving to our Lord.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. I Timothy 2:1


In addition, may we never forget that God’s greatest gift, His Son, meets our greatest need, and in that alone find ourselves filled with an attitude of thanksgiving …

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” II Corinthians 9:15

Every good gift comes from Him. James 1:17

Therefore, let us unashamedly offer Jesus Christ an abundance of our thanksgiving… from Whom all blessings flow!                                                                                            

— His & Yours, PF

NEW YEAR’S PRAYER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As we approach 2018, may the Lord provide you and yours with a year that’s indeed tremendously fulfilling and genuinely blessed by Him.  A year of distinct spiritual growth and development, a year of increased love for all humanity, and a year with much opportunity to share the life and light of our Savior’s Gospel message.

May you be immersed in the richness and magnitude of His grace, hear His voice more clearly, know the attributes, character, and intentions of His heart more deeply, rest in His promise(s) more fully, trust Him more completely, experience His presence and worship Him more intimately, and distinguish the abundance of His many blessings more accurately!

Lord, I’m not requesting a year completely shielded from any and all pain, sorrow, difficulty, or hardship, but one in which my brother/sister, as a true believer, respectfully comprehends and unashamedly declares that Jesus Christ is their strength, their supreme helper, an impenetrable refuge (fortress, as well as shield), and incomprehensible peace.  I’m also not asking You to make their path too easy, too hard, or overly complicated, but may Your plans be (become) their plans and may Your desires for my brother/sister be fully accomplished in 2018!  May he/she be (become) a sturdy, steady, and faithful sojourner, with eyes fixed on things above and not things of this deceitfully deceiving world.   

Now, in the powerful name that’s above every name, Jesus Christ, may fear be removed from hearts and minds, enabling my brother/sister to wholly embrace Your miraculous presence in each and every endeavors of life.   Lord, please help them to continue living by faith in You, rather than the infusion of doubt and confusion brought about by the all the enemies of the Truth and Your Gospel. 

In addition, may everything that hindered (encumbered) one’s spiritual walk and relationship with You be laid aside, as things of the past … anything and everything that negatively impacted my brother’s/sister’s worship, testimony, and/or service of the Lord in 2017.  May they purposefully, with intention, run with endurance, as well as diligence the race of living their faith out loud! Considering with full attention that which You have set before them … Not looking back, not turning back, nor gazing to the left or to the right, but peering straight ahead with all eyes fixed upon You, JESUS CHRIST, the Author and Perfecter of faith!

Lord, you’ve given my brother/sister a brand-new year, a new start up — 52 weeks — 365 days of choices are ahead and not one of those decisions or determinations is insignificant or meaningless! Actually, help them to understand that every choice holds the potential for Your glorious name to be exalted and magnified in and through their selections. Therefore, I beseech You, and humbly plead for You to guard their hearts and minds through the uncompromising Truth of Your Word and the powerful presence of God’s Holy Spirit.  Grant each one wisdom from above to do what’s right in Your eyes, courage to obey You in all things — no matter what selfless sacrifice may be required, and grant them knowledge that comes from the Omniscient One, the One who knows all things — much greater than anyone’s individual or any group’s collective experience(s).

Let each of Your faithful followers live at peace with one another, be steadfastly committed to encouraging one another, always remembering to continually pray for each other, and without restraint, minister (serve) the manifold grace of God (through the implementation and empowerment of their spiritual gift(s) and callings) to one another. 

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6

May the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ spread from each of my friends to all those surrounding them in their home, at work, or at play until You have gathered us all together to meet You in the air.  

This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

 – His & Yours, PF     

FERVENT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

This word has a significant place in the lives of faithful New Testament believers. 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us of an incredible calling that is too often abandoned by those in Christ’s church, because due to some circumstance(s) or situation(s), they are unwilling to personally function in a biblical manner.  

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

I’ve sadly learned (as a result of 45+ years of ministry) that Christians, even including those that say they’re truly committed to the things of the Lord, will boldly and willingly ignore this admonition to protect their own feelings, allowing their love for themselves to take authority and first place over the Truth of God’s Word.

In 1 Peter 4:8 the Greek word, “ektenee” translated “fervent” in English, implies that one is being intently stretched out without end (consistently and constantly). Just as God’s love knows no end, our love for one another should never be surrendered for the sake of a popular perspective (peer pressure), personal agenda, unresolved issues/conflicts, or simply due to one’s own feelings and undealt-with offenses.

Unquestionably, the participants in Christ’s Church must practice “love for one another” in order for the body to effectively serve and minister one to another.   

In Acts 12:5, “the church of God” is found praying “fervently” for Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem. You may recall how the Lord answered this prayer by sending an angel to lead Peter miraculously out of confinement.

That evening, the church was gathered for prayer at the home of John Mark’s mother, and when Peter showed up they failed to believe the report of Rhoda who left him standing outside at the door.  Ultimately, they opened the door and were “amazed” when they saw him. (Acts 12:16)

One of the most familiar verses employing “fervent” is found in James 5:16-17 where some English bibles translate the Greek word “energeo” as “effective,” but it actually carries the broader meaning of “effective fervent” (KJV, NKJV) as a combined concept.

Then in verse 17, the Revised Standard Version and the English Standard Version employs the word “fervently” rather than earnest or earnestly, as found in other English translations.  Nonetheless, the translation remains true to the original intent of the biblical text … praying diligently!

Today it is essential for our well-being as individual believers, and for the effectiveness of Christ’s church that meets at West Oaks Fellowship in 2021, to be/keep “fervent” in love … for one another and in prayer!

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart.

1 Peter 1:22-23

The effective (diligent, fervent) prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

James 5:16

The idea of being “fervent” has the potential of bringing about some incredible positive consequences for each of us individually, as well as in the Lord’s work on earth through His church.

Here’s today’s question, “How are you doing with this whole idea of “fervent” or fervency / fervently?

Lord, may we be “fervent” in things that truly matter!

His & yours,

Pastor Frank