Summary

Welcome to this episode recorded from the LIVE broadcast of the Prayer, Praise, & Worship Power Hour service of The Church Within You! Evangelist Rose Booker Denard of Orlando, Fla was our guest speaker and she truly blessed us with the WORD of God coming from Luke 11:1-4 and Galatians 5:22-23. The message topic was, Developing A Life Dedicated To Prayer! 

I pray that you pause and take a listen to this message where she searched the scriptures and delivered the WORD to us regarding how to develop a prayer-filled life. In the Bible Paul said; “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thes. 5:17-19).  This means that we should always have our minds on the things of God, be in constant communication with Him, trust, and believe that God hears our prayers at all times. 

I welcome you to take a few minutes out of your busy day and listen to this broadcast. There may be a blessing or two waiting for you!

Remember to leave a comment in the comment section!

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

Transcription

Summary

Welcome to this episode recorded from the LIVE broadcast of the Prayer, Praise, & Worship Power Hour service of The Church Within You! Evangelist Rose Booker Denard of Orlando, Fla was our guest speaker and she truly blessed us with the WORD of God coming from Luke 11:1-4 and Galatians 5:22-23. The message topic was, Developing A Life Dedicated To Prayer! 

I pray that you pause and take a listen to this message where she searched the scriptures and delivered the WORD to us regarding how to develop a prayer-filled life. In the Bible Paul said; “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thes. 5:17-19).  This means that we should always have our minds on the things of God, be in constant communication with Him, trust, and believe that God hears our prayers at all times. 

I welcome you to take a few minutes out of your busy day and listen to this broadcast. There may be a blessing or two waiting for you!

Remember to leave a comment in the comment section!

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

Transcription

Summary

This 9m episode takes you the reader onto the ship with Jesus and His disciples as they crossed over the other side of the shore. This was when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him. This story is told in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus drawing tired wanted to rest his head for a bit. He and the disciples climbed into one of the boats and set sail. Besides them, there were other boats. 

As they were making their way over, a storm arose and the winds were high causing the waves to beat against the sides of the boats so that the waves broke over them.  However, Jesus being tired had drifted into a deep sleep. We must remember that Jesus, was in His earthly body, and we know that these bodies do grow tired and require rest. Jesus had been preaching and teaching to the multitudes of people that had gathered around him all day. He was tired and most likely fell fast asleep as soon as His head laid upon the pillow. 

The Sea of Galilee which was once calm now produced waves probably as high as one of the tall buildings of today. The men began frightening, they probably thought they were going to be tossed into the sea where they would drown.  Now quite odd was that these men had to been caught in plenty of storms before this one, Yet, this storm seem to be worst than any they had ever experienced. The water was filling the bottom of the boat and even with all the rocking, bobbing, and thrashing Jesus, He slept on. Proverbs 3:24 says, “If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Remember the sleep of a believer is sweet and peaceful because he knows that the LORD is always with him. 

The disciples rush to Jesus’ side and out of fear they called out to awaken Him, “LORD, save us; we perish.” Jesus woke and saw what was happening and said to them, “Why are you fearful,” and then ask, “O ye of little faith”? He then rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Just like that! Jesus’ rebuke caused the mighty sea to stand still. 

No matter what we are going through in this life, if we put our trust in Jesus He is ever so faithful to bring us safely through. All we have to do is trust in God. Believe in His Holy Word, where He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake.” Be strong, be courageous. Knowing that He is our God and will keep us no matter what the trial may be, He is ever so faithful. 

BH

Transcription

Summary

 This 4 min. episode reading from the Book of James heavily emphasizes prayer. IS ANY AMONG YOU AFFLICTED…When you experience poverty, affliction, or distress, Scripture invites you to seek strength from God through prayer. Draw near to your mediator, Jesus Christ. He will represent you before God, make intercession for you (Heb. 7:25). And give mercy and grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). Take seriously God’s Word: “casting you’re your care upon Him; for He careth for you (1 Pet. 5:7). If we are happy in the LORD, we must since songs of praise to Him (Ps 33:2-3; 81:1-2; 92:1-3; 98:4-6; 144:9; 149:1-5; 150). 

Here he speaks of anointing with oil. James is speaking of physical sickness. We may deal with illness by sending for the elders or leaders of the church. It is the duty of pastors and elders to pray for the sick and to anoint them with oil. Note that the responsibility to pray the prayer of faith is on them, not on the ill person. The oil probably represents the healing power of the Holy Spirit and was used as an aid to faith (Mark 6:13). It is the prayer that James emphasizes as most important. Effective prayer must be offered in faith if the sick is to be healed. The LORD will give faith according to His Will. People may or may not always be healed (on this side); nevertheless, God promises to be with all those who cry unto Him in fervent prayer. The LORD shall never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

IF HE HAS COMMITTED SINS, James recognizes that sickness may be due to sin (v. 16). Hence, whenever sickness occurs, one should examine himself before the LORD in prayer to determine if his sickness is due to personal sin. The “if” makes it clear that sickness is not always the result of personal sin.

FERVENT PRAYER … AVAILETH MUCH. The prayer of a man who is righteous accomplished much. A righteous man’s prayer draws him near to God (Heb. 7:25); opens the way to a Spirit-filled life (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:14); brings him power for ministry (Acts 1:8; 4:31, 33) and Christian devotion (Eph 1:19); builds him up spiritually (Jude 20); gives him insight into Christ’s provision for him (Eph. 1:16-19); helps him overcome Satan (Dan. 10:12-13); Eph. 6:12-13,18); clarifies the will of God for him (Ps. 32:6-8; Prov. 3:5-6; Mark 1:35-39); enables him to receive spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1); brings him into fellowship with God (Mat. 6:9; John 7:37; 14:16); brings him grace, mercy, and peace (Phil. 4:6-7; Heb 4:16); brings the lost to Christ (v. 20); brings him the wisdom, revelation, and knowledge of Christ (Eph. 1:16-17); brings him healing (v. 15); brings him deliverance from trouble (Ps. 34:4-7); glorifies God with praise and thanksgiving (Ps. 100:4); makes the presence of Christ real to him (Rev. 3:20); ensures him of his final salvation and of Christ’s intrcession for him (Heb. 7:25).

HE PRAYED … THE HEAVEN GAVE RAIN. Elijah was a man who had faith that his prayers to God would accomplish much, even to the point of God’s intervention in the course of nature. He believes that prayer by a righteous man does change things and circumstances (Vv. 13-16; Ps. 34:6; Is. 38:1-5; Mat. 17:21; 26:41, 53; Mark 11:24).

IF ANY OF YOU DO ERR. Believers should do everything possible to turn back to God for those who stray from the truth (Gal. 4:19; 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:18, 25-26; Jude 22-23). The salvation of a wandering brother or sister should always be a high priority in the Christian community. If the backslider returns to Christ, the one who converts him or her will have saved the soul of the sinner “from death,” i.e., spiritual death, and eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23; Gal. 6:8; Rev. 20:14).

HSB/FL

Transcription

Summary

This 4m episode provides you the reading of James 1:21 to the conclusion of what it is to be a Doer and Not Hearers Only of God’s Word.  Christians begin their new life in Christ by being born again by the “Word of Truth”. New life in Christ demands that we get rid of all moral filth that offends the Holy Spirit, and that we are constant in receiving the Word of God into our hearts. The term “engrafted” means “implanted,” implying that the Word must become a part of our very nature. The implanted Word brings us to our final salvation (Mat. 13:3-23; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:2; Eph. 1:13).

LAW OF LIBERTY: VV 25 puts it this way, this law is the will of God internalized in our hearts by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ezek. 11:19-20). Through faith in Christ, we receive not only mercy and forgiveness (2:12-13) but also the power and freedom to obey the law of God.

In the book of James, verse 1:22 the Word tells us, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Just hearing the Word is not enough; we must do it. One of the enemy’s tricks is to convince us that our Father is holding out on us, that He does not really love us and care for us. James urges people who listen to God’s Word to demonstrate a sincere commitment to the LORD by reacting to what they hear with obedient action. Do not fall for the tricks of the enemy.

The original language gives the sense that we must “keep on becoming” doers of God’s Word. Genuine faith calls for obedience that endures. Doers of the Word are the opposite of Sunday morning Christians who go to church, sit and listen to a message, and then view it as merely an interesting spiritual discourse. Jesus said that only doers of the Word are truly blessed: “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 11:28, NLT).

Jesus gave a stern warning to people who hear the words of God but don’t act on them: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘LORD, LORD,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

The Word of God is not just a beautiful piece of literature to be savored and enjoyed. Its purpose goes beyond provoking thought and inviting meditation. It requires more than memorization and sharing with others. It demands a change of heart that prompts a change of behavior. The Word of God is to be obeyed.

Blessings, Elder Barbara

Wiersbe/GQ

Transcription

Summary

This 6m episode provides you the listener a reading of James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This is the first thing James writes in his letter after his salutation. Why? Because of its importance.  Many Christians think once they’ve made that decision for Christ that everything will fall into place and life will be that proverbial bowl of cherries. And when trials and tough times come upon them or continue, they begin to question, “why?” Wonder how they could possibly endure horrible circumstances and consider it joy.

The word “temptation” does not refer to enticements to sin, but to trials, persecution, and afflictions from the world or Satan. The believer must meet these trials with joy (Mat. 5:11,12; Rom. 5:3; 1 Pet. 1:6), for they will develop patience (i.e., perseverance, endurance). Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with difficulties and opposition. James calls these trials a “trying of your faith”. Trails are sometimes brought into a believer’s life so that God can test his or her faith. Scripture nowhere teaches that troubles in life always indicate that God is displeased with us. They can be a sign that He recognizes our firm commitment to Him (Job 1-2).

“Perfect” reflects the Biblical idea of perfection, defined as a right relationship with God that bears fruit in a sincere endeavor to love Him with all one’s heart in undivided devotion, obedience, and a blameless life (Deut. 6:5; 18:13; Mat. 22:37).

Wisdom means the spiritual capacity to see and evaluate life and conduct from God’s point of view. It involves making the right choices and doing the right things according to God’s will revealed in His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We can receive wisdom by drawing near to God and asking for it in faith.

Remember God did not promise us days without rain or days where the sun would not shine.  However, if we put our trust in Him, He will never leave you nor forsake you.

The safest place in the whole wide world is in the Will of God. My prayer is that You will use me LORD in Your service and draw me nearer to thee! Elder Barbara

Wiersbe/GQ

Transcription

Summary

This 7min episode provides a peek into what is the biblical understanding of faith vs. works. The faith vs. works debate often comes up in discussions of salvation. There are many who say that a person is saved based on some mixture of faith and work. Biblical Christianity teaches salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from any works we do. Perhaps the best place to start is to clearly define faith and works:

Saving faith is always a living faith that does not stop with the mere confession of Christ as Savior, but also prompts obedience to Him as LORD. Thus, those who obey can believe, and only those who believe can obey.

Is there a contradiction between what Paul said and what James had to say? There is no contradiction between the Word regarding the matter of saving faith. Normally Paul emphasizes faith as how we accept Christ as Savior (Rom 3:22). James calls attention to the fact that true faith must be an enduring faith that shapes our very existence. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). Faith without works is a dead faith because the lack of works reveals an unchanged life or a spiritually dead heart. There are many verses that say that true saving faith will result in a transformed life, and that faith is demonstrated by the works we do. How we live reveals what we believe and whether the faith we profess to have is a living faith.

True saving faith is so vital that it cannot but express itself in godly action and devotion to Jesus Christ. Works without faith are dead works. Faith without works is dead faith. True faith always manifests itself in obedience to God.

See what Matt 7:17-20 says:17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Wiersbe/GQ

Transcription

Summary

This 7m episode provides the listener the reading of the 2nd chapter of the Book of James where the word favoritism is addressed in the Bible.  The Bible is clear that favoritism is not God’s will for our lives. First, favoritism is incongruent with God’s character: “God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). All are equal before Him. Ephesians 6:9 says, “There is no favoritism with him.” Colossians 3:25 teaches God’s fairness in judgment: “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.” 

This is where we as humans fail because to do not follow through on the teachings of the Word. We are prone to judge individuals by their past, and not their future states Wiersbe’s commentary. We are also prone to judge a person by their appearance rather than what resides in their heart. We are quick on the draw when it comes to passing judgment. 

For instance, as soon as one hears that I am an Elder, their first thought is to take flight, to exit as quickly as possible assuming my conversation will solely be focused on their faith and the church they belong to. First, get to know me before you judge me. I have neither heaven nor hell’s key on my keychain, meaning I can’t pray you in one or drop kick you into the other. 

When we have visitors come into our churches, we tend to judge them on what we see outward rather than what they are inward. We favor them by their dress, color of skin, fashion, and other superficial characteristics which carry more weight than the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  

Oh, goodness and mercy, do not let us find out they have money! We nearly jump out of our pants or heels to cater to the rich because we hope to get something out of them, and we avoid the poor person because they might embarrass us. The doctrine of God’s grace, if we really believe it, forces us to relate to people on the basis of God’s plan and not on the basis of human merit or social status. 

Educated, uneducated, poor, young or old, Christian love does not mean that we must like a person and agree with him or her because of who they are or what they represent. We are supposed to love everyone no matter the status or the color of their skin. Before we attack those who do not have orthodox doctrine, we must be sure that we practice the doctrines we defend.  Our motive should be to glorify God to love one another no matter our status in life. 

I love the way Pastor Dardy used to ask the church, “church do you love me, if you don’t then you better not die!” God is love, and love is an action word that we can’t afford to have absent from our hearts as we prepare to leave earth for hopefully our heavenly home. 

Let’s drop the favoritism and love our brothers and sisters as God loves us. Remember He loves us in spite of, not because of! 

Blessings, Elder Barbara

Wiersbe/GQ

Transcription

Summary

This 9m episode provides a reading from the 3rd chapter of the Book of James, verses 1 – 12 in regards to the untamable tongue of man. The concept of taming the tongue is found in James 3 where God declares, through the apostle James, that “no one can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). The lengthy discussion about the tongue in this chapter is both convicting and illuminating. Among the things this chapter reveals about the tongue: it is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts (verse 5); it is a fire and a world of evil that defiles the whole person (verse 6); it is set on fire by hell (verse 6), and it is an unrestrainable evil and full of deadly poison (verse 7). Is it any wonder, then, that God declares that taming the tongue is impossible?

Both the bit and the rudder must overcome contrary forces. By definition, a bit is a piece of metal or synthetic material that fits in a horse’s mouth The bit must overcome the wild nature of the horse, for it aids in the communication between the horse and its rider.

And the rudder must fight the winds and currents that would drive the ship off its course.

The rudder moves in the direction of lower pressure. As the rudder goes, so goes the stern, and the boat turns.

In the 6th verse Fire is a chemical reaction that converts fuel and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water. The good of Fire is that removes the low-growing underbrush, cleans the forest floor of debris, opens it up to sunlight, and nourishes the soil. Reducing this competition for nutrients allows established trees to grow stronger and healthier.

Fires not only start out small but spread and grow, creating heat; it also defiles, leaving behind a charred mess in their wake.

Fiery words can defile a home, a Sunday school class, a tear down the congregation of a church. The only thing that can wash away that defilement is the blood of Jesus Christ from that charred mess made by a fiery tongue.

Transcription

This episode has been published and can be heard everywhere your podcast is available.

This 5min and 25second episode provides a reading of the beautiful psalm by King David, God’s chosen one. How David celebrated God’s mercy and wondrous deeds for Israel consisted largely of praise and thanksgiving. Under the new covenant, all believers are priests unto God (1 Pet. 2:5, 9) and should offer the spiritual ministry of praise and thanksgiving to God. “By (Christ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). The believer’s praise and worship must be both in word and deed and are acceptable to God only as long as he or she is committed to His Word and not conformed to the world (Rom. 12:1-2). 

Let the heart of them rejoice

Our happiness, security, and freedom from anxiety are dependent on our gratitude to God and our perseverance in seeking His face daily (Vv. 8-11). Those who continually call out to the LORD with thanksgiving can have confidence that He will walk by their side and be a present help throughout all of life (Ps. 46:1).

Worship the LORD in the beauty of Holiness. Genuine worship must be done in “holiness” (2 Chr. 20:21). God accepts spiritual and jubilant worship (15:28) only as long as it is accompanied by an inward disposition of reverence and purity, an earnest desire to be near Him, and the fervent commitment to resist all that offends His holy nature.

Stop and Seek the LORD

David felt convicted about his luxurious life while the symbol of God’s covenant with Israel was still housed in a tent. His statement and Nathan’s response illustrate well-intentioned ideas that believers sometimes have before they have taken the time to ask God about carrying them out. As it turned out, David’s plan was acceptable, but God had not chosen him to build the temple. 

We may have great ideas and worthy plans, but God may decide to let others carry them out. If we insist on doing everything that occurs to us, we will run the danger of stepping beyond God’s purpose for us. FL