Titus teaches us to be eager to do what is Good!

Pray that God will help you to depend more and more on Him as you live and serve in this godless age. From Stormie Omartian:

• Praise God for the promise that He is a God of truth and His Word can always be trusted. a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. Titus 1:2
• Ask the Holy spirit to show you what specifically you need to do (or stop doing) in order to live in a way that honors God. Likewise teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers, or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home to be kind and to be subject to their husband. Titus 2:3-5
• Ask God to give you a pure heart that is "eager to do what is good." Titus 2:14

Praying Titus 2:11-14 - Jesus, enable me to rise above the lusts of the flesh and the temptations of the world so that I might be purified and made ready for the work You have for me to do.

From Charles Spurgeon's daily devotions:

• Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?
• Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind?
• Am I growing in grace?
• Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Savior?
• Am I looking for the coming of the Lord and watching as a servant should do who expects his master?
• What more can I do for Jesus?

Such inquiries as these urgently demand our attention. Let us be peacemakers and endeavor to lead others, both by our precept and example to "avoid foolish questions." Titus 3:9

Prayer is Never out of Season

Prayer is never out of season--in summer and in winter its results are precious. True prayer is true power. You may not always get what you ask, but you will always have your true needs supplied. When God does not answer His children according to the letter, He does so according to the Spirit. If you ask for course grain, will you be angry because He gives you the finest flour. Do not forget to make your request for the Lord is ready to grant your desires. Prayer is an open door which none can shut.
... "and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, to heaven." 2 Chronicles 30:27

Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. Do not think that your prayer, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Our God not only hears prayer but also loves to hear it.
"He does not forget the cry of the humble." Psalm 9:12

God marks prayers down in the registry of his memory. He puts our prayers, like rose leaves between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last, there will be a precious fragrance springing up from it.

(From daily devotional of Charles Spurgeon)

Meditate

Peace, beauty and love, it surrounds us and is practicing meditating and it is working!- My daughter-in-law posted this on FB today. As I was doing my morning Bible Study - (I am doing a Precept study of Psalm 119), meditate was the word that kept jumping off the page to me me. I have a special journal I am using for my precept study, on the front of that journal is - Rejoice in the Lord always Philippians 4:4. As I read in Philippians again I got a message on meditating--- ok Lord, you want me to really use this today. So I decided it was time for me to start documenting some of my devotionals as blog posts.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beatiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message Bible)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anythuing is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
What more can we ask for than for the God of peace to be with us! Lord today I claim that promise!

Stormie Omartian Prayer Themes for Philippians:

• Pray often for your family and friends, and tell them that you thank God for them every time you remember them in your prayers (1:3-6)
• Pray for an overwhelming hunger and thirst to know Christ and that He would become the greatest passion in your life (3:7-11)
• Take to heart Paul's suggestion to not worry about anything but "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God" 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your reqests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7 These verses always remind us to go to the Lord in prayer, but remember to worship and prase God for who he is, and to also go to him with THANKSGIVING for everything!

"Thank you Lord, that You have promised to give us everything we need and give us the desires of our hearts."

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Thank you Lord for today is the day you have made - let me be happy in it!

Prayer -- The Responsibility of the Church

April 11, 2010-Cowboy Church

Scripture Acts 12 - Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison -

That's when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John's brother. When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter--all this during the Passover Week, mind you--and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover. Acts 12: 1-5 (MSG)



All the time Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously. Acts 12:5 (MSG)



Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even thought shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances! Acts 12: 6 (MSG)



Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up.: "Hurry!" The handcuffs fell off his wrists. (NIV - "Quick get up.")The Angel said "Get dressed. Put on your shoes" Peter did it. Then, "Grab your coat and let's get out of here." Peter followed him, but didn't believe it was really an angel--he thought he was dreaming. Acts 12:7-9

Past the first guard and then the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. It swung open before them on its own, and they were out on the street, free as the breeze. At the first intersection the angel left him going his own way. That's when Peter realized it was no dream. "I can't believe it--this really happened. The Master sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's vicious little production and the spectacle that the Jewish mob was looking forward to."
Still shaking his head, amazed, he went to Mary's house, the Mary who was John Mark;s mother. The house was packed with praying friends. When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice--Peter's voice! she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street. .....Finally they opened up and saw him--and went wild! Peter put his hands up and calmed them down. He described how the Master had gotten him out of jail, then said,"Tell James and the brothers what's happened." He left them and went off to another place. Acts 12: 9-17 (MSG)



Prayer is the most important mission of church members.

• When we earnestly pray heaven comes to our rescue. The help of heaven is sent to our side. The power of heaven is dispersed to us. Acts 12:5 tells us that the church was praying for Peter. Although, Peter was facing certain death the next day, he was at peace. He trusted God completely.


• There is light in the darkness. In Verse 7 when the Angel appeared, it flooded the room with light


• God raises us up. The Presence, the Power, the Light of God will lift us up. God's Angel was an answer to the Church's prayers! Peter was lifted up and saved from certain death by Herod.


• When we pray-the chains that bind us drop off. Prayer looses the chains that bind us.


• Get ready to go! Peter did not hesitate, he obeyed the Angel, even though he thought he was dreaming.


• Follow me. We must follow God even if we do not understand. Peter followed even though he did not understand.


• God silences the opposition. God removed the chains, kept the guards from reacting, and rescued Peter from the prison and delivered him to the City where Peter could joined his friends at Mary's house. Mary's house was packed with friends praying for Peter.


• When God is answering our prayers he opens all doors for us. The chains fell from Peter. The guards did nothing to keep Peter from leaving the prison, and the gate to the city opened for Peter.


• In time we will understand all that God has done. We may not understand God's answer all the time, but our prayers are answered in God's time not our time.


• You will see the answer to prayer.


• Praise God for the great things he has done.

God answers the prayer of a sinner immediately, when he asks for forgiveness and God's saving grace.

As the Church it is our daily responsibility to pray for the church, the pastor, the elders and leadership, members and one another. Only when the church prays will our desires, dreams, goals and purpose be fulfilled. Our prayers are always heard by God and he answers our prayers, but in his time not our time.

Choosing Right Thoughts - The Mind of Christ - Study Notes

1. Read 1 Corinthians 2:16 - According to the Scripture why is it possible for
us to think as Jesus did? We have his mind and a new heart and spirit.

2. Read Ezekiel 36: 26,27; Romans 8:6; Amos 3:3

a. Why did God give us His Spirit--a new nature, a new heart and mind--with the New Birth? He knew we would need them to heed His ordinances and His statutes.

b. What is the result of following the mind of the flesh? Death What is the result of following the mind of the Spirit? Life

c. What is the first thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ? Think positive thoughts

d. What type of outlook and attitude did Jesus display? A positive outlook and attitude

e. The mind of Christ in us is positive; therefore, anytime we get negative, we are Not operating in the mind of Christ - this is Satan taking our joy!

f. What is the dictionary definition of the word "depress"? "To lower the spirits SADDEN" How does this word apply to us? We regularly have the opportunity to think negative thoughts, but they will only press us down further.

3. Read Psalm 143 3-10

a. What are the eight steps we can take to overcome depression?

1. Identify the nature and cause of the problem.

2. Recognize that depression steals life and light.

3. Remember the good times.

4. Praise the Lord in the midst of problem.

5. Ask God's help.

6. Listen to the Lord.

7. Pray for deliverance.

8. Seek God's wisdom, knowledge and leadership.

b. Give a description of someone who is depressed. "Dwelling in dark places as one is long dead."

4. Read 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; Isaiah 26:3

a. Why does Satan use depression? To drag millions into the pit of darkness and despair.

b. Where do negative feelings come from? From negative thoughts.

c. What is the second thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ? Be God-Minded

5. Read Psalm 64:5,6; 77:12; 119:15; 143:5; 17:15

a. If you want to experience victory, what will need to to be a regular part of your thought life? Meditating on God and His ways and works

b. What is the advantage of fellowshipping with God early each morning?It is the one sure way to begin enjoying life.

6. Read John 16:7; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:16

a. Nothing is closer to us than our own thoughts.b. Since God is always with us, how do we become conscious of His presence? By thinking about him

c. What is the third thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ?
Be God-Loves-Me Minded

7. Review 1 John 4:16, and read Romans 8:35,37

a. How can we experience God's Love for us? The "conscious knowing" of God's love.

b. What is the result of meditating on and confessing Romans 8:35, 37? A "conscious knowing" of God's Love.

8. Read 1 John 4:18 KJV, Romans 5:8 KJV
What is the result of righteousness-based thoughts? a Righteousness-consciousness

9. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 12:8

a. Why should thinking about guilt and condemnation be avoided? Thoughts of
guild and condemnation are a waste of time and turn into action.

b. What must we do instead of feeling guilt and condemnation? Rebuke the devil and start going forward and thinking right thoughts

c. What is the fourth thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ?Have an exhortative mind

10. Review Romans 12:8 and read Ephesians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 13:7; Psalm 100:4

a. Based on the ministry gift of exhortation spoken of in Romans 12:8 what is exhortation? Saying something encouraging or uplifting--something that makes others feel better and encourages them to press on.

b. What happens when you begin thinking loving thoughts about others?You
will find them behaving in a more lovable manner.

c. Why do many people never see the answer to their prayers? They negate what they have asked for with their own thoughts and words before God ever gets a chance to work in their behalf.

d. What is the fifth think we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ. Develop a thankful mind.

11. Review Psalm 100:4 What is a sign that a person is flowing in the mind of Christ? He will find his thoughts filled with praise and thanksgiving.

12. Read Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 34:1

a. How can we be a blessing to the Lord? By letting His praise continually be in our thoughts and mouths.

b. Why is expressing appreciation so beneficial? It is not only good for the other person, but it is good for us, because it releases JOY!

13. Read Ephesians 5:18-20; John 5:38

a. How can we let the Holy Spirit ever fill and stimulate us?By speaking to ourselves (through our thoughts) or to others (through our words) in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. In other words, by keeping our thoughts and words on and full of the Word of God; by offering praise at all times and for everything, giving thanks.

b. What is the sixth thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of
Christ? Be Word-minded

14. Review John 5:38

a. According to the verse, what is God's Word?A written expression of His
thoughts, how HE thinks about every situation and subject.

b. Why was it given? So people could believe and experience all the good
results of it.

c. How is this accomplished? By meditating on it

15. Read Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2,3 How do we put the Word of God into practice physically? By first practicing it mentally.

16. Read Proverbs 4:20-22 The words of the Lord are a source of health and healing to the flesh.

17. Read Mark 4:24 How does the principle of sowing and reaping apply to this verse? The greater the amount of time we put into thinking about and studying the Word of God the more we get out of it.

18. Read Mark 4:22 Where does the power to do the Word of God come from? The practice of meditation on it.

19. Read James 1:21 How does the implanting and rooting of the Word of God take place in our hearts?Through attending to it--by having it on our mind more than anything else.

20. Read Romans 8:6; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
What do you achieve by continually "watching over" your thoughts? You begin to take every thought captive unto the obedience of Jesus Christ

Choosing Right Thoughts-The Mind of Christ

For several weeks, I have been reading and studying the book Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. I have come to what I think is the most important chapter in the book.

Our thoughts lead us to our actions. Negative thoughts lead us to a negative life. Our thoughts govern what we become. Choosing right thoughts or right thinking lead us to a positive life.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he...Proverbs 23.7. You cannot live a positive life and have a negative mind! Joyce Meyer says " If we think fleshly thoughts, wrong thoughts, negative thoughts, we cannot walk in the Spirit. God-like thinking is a vital necessity to a successful Christian life. Choosing right thoughts - making a decision to improve our thoughts and have a Mind of Christ is a conscious decision. We will never be perfect like Christ, but our Christian walk will certainly improve if we follow scripture and strive for a more perfect walk.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (NIV) Ezekiel 36: 26-27

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take a heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and you will keep My judgements and do them. (NKJV) Ezekiel 36: 26-27

I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. (The Message) Ezekiel 36: 26-27

This Bible verse is self explanatory - Once we have accepted Christ as our savior, we have a new spirit - if we live by God's Commandments, study the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will lead us to live a fuller Christian life.

Joyce Meyer gives us a list of things to do in order to follow in the mind of Christ. I felt this chapter was important enough to write my notes out for me to review from time to time and for anyone who reads my notes. (If you have not read Joyce Meyer's book, Battlefield of the Mind I certainly recommend it .)

1. Think positive thoughts. Have a positive outlook and attitude. Maintain
positive thoughts and expectations. Engage in positive conversation.

Overcome Depression - Psalm 143:3-10 gives a
description of depression and how to come it.

-Identify the nature and cause of the problem (Notice that the cause or
source of this depression, this attack upon the soul, is Satan) For the enemy has pursued and persecuted my soul, he has crushed my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in the dark places as those who have been long dead. Psalm 143:3

-Recognize that depression steals life and light.

Depression oppresses a
person's spiritual freedom and power. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me (wrapped in gloom); my heart within my bosom grows numb. Psalm 143:4

-Remember the Good times. Remembering, meditating, and pondering are functions of the mind. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands. Psalm 143:5

-Praise the Lord in the midst of the problem. I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land (for water). Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)! Psalm 143:6

-Ask for God's help. Answer me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit(the grave). Psalm 143:7

-Listen to the Lord. Cause me to hear Your living kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to you Psalm 143:8

-Pray for deliverance. Deliver me O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to you to hide me. Psalm 143:9

-Seek God's Wisdom, knowledge and leadership. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me into level country and into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

-Pray for deliverance.Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to you to hide me. Psalm 143:9

-Seek God's wisdom, knowledge and leadership.Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

Remember: Negative feelings come from negative thoughts. Choose today to be positive--casting down every negative imagination--and bringing your thoughts into the obedience of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV)

2. Be God-Minded - MEDITATE ON GOD AND HIS WORKS - Meditating on God and his ways and works will need to become a regular part of your thought life if you want to experience Victory. I shall be fully satisfied, when I awake (to find myself) beholding your form (and having sweet communion with you). Psalm 17:15 Fellowshipping with God early in the morning is one sure way to begin enjoying life. He is always with us, but we need to think on Him and be aware of His presence.

3. Be "God-Loves-Me" Minded - the love of God is meant to be a powerful force in our lives, one that will take us through even the most difficult trials into victory. FEAR NOT - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear... 1 John 4:18

BE RIGHTEOUSNESS-CONSCIOUS NOT SIN-CONSCIOUS--think deliberately according to the Word of God; don't just think whatever falls into your head, receiving it as your own thoughts. Rebuke the devil and start going forward by thinking right thoughts.

4. Have an exhortative mind. He who exhorts (encourages) to his exhortation......Romans 12:8 The person with the mind of Christ thinks positive, uplifting edifying thoughts about other people as well as about himself and his own circumstances. Remember that whatever is in your heart will come out of your mouth. Do some "love thinking" on purpose. Send thoughts of love toward other people. Speak words of encouragement to them. The simple rule is: if it's not good, then don't think it or say it. Love always believes the best of everyone. To live in victory you must begin by lining up our thoughts with God's words.

5. Develop a thankful mind. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him bless and affectionately praise His name. Psalm 100:4

BE THANKFUL AT ALL TIMES - Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess the glorify His name. Hebrews 13:15 We should offer thanksgiving at all times--in every situation, in all things --and by so doing we enter into the victorious life where the devil cannot control us. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 Show appreciation in your family, mentioning certain things specifically that we are thankful for. Expressing appreciation is not only good for the other person, but it is good for us, because it releases joy in you. Meditate daily on all the things you have to be thankful for. Rehearse them to the Lord in prayer, and as you do you will find your heart filling up with life and light.

OFFER THANKS ALWAYS FOR EVERYTHING - We can be filled with the Holy Spirit by speaking to ourselves (through our thoughts) or to others (through our words) in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and by keeping out thoughts and words full of the Word of God offering praise at all times for everything giving thanks.

6. Be Word-minded - Meditating on the Word of God is one of the most important principles we can learn. Vines Dictionary of the New Testament defines the words translated meditate as follows: "...to care for," "to attend to, practice," to "be diligent in" "to murmur or to mutter.

HEAR AND HARVEST - And he said to them Be careful what you are hearing. The measure (of thought and study) you give (to the truth you hear) will be the measure ( of virtue and knowledge) that comes back to you -- and more (besides) will be given to you who hear. Mark 4:24 The greater the amount of time you and I spend personally put into thinking about and studying the Word we hear, the more we will get out of it.

READ AND REAP - (Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything (temporarily) kept secret except in order that it may be made known. Mark 4:22 The word has hidden in it tremendous treasures, powerful life-giving secrets that God wants to reveal to us. They are manifested to those who meditation, ponder, study, think about, practice mentally and mutter the Word of God. The Lord keeps revealing His secrets to those who are diligent about the Word. Study the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to bless our life with truth. Remember the power to do the Word comes from the practice of meditating on it.

RECEIVE AND WELCOME THE WORD-So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the word which implanted and rooted (in your hearts) contains the power to save your souls. James 1:21 The Word has the power to save us from a life of sin, but only as it is received, welcomed and implanted and rooted in our hearts (minds). This implanting and rooting takes place through attending to God's Word--by having it on our minds more than anything else.

CHOOSE LIFE! Now the mind of the flesh (which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit) is death (death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter). But the mind of the (Holy) Spirit is life and (soul) peace (both now and forever) Romans 8:6

As a born again Christian you have the mind of Christ, begin to use it. If Christ wouldn't think it, you shouldn't think it either.

...whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue in excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them). Philippians 4:8

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of Peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Summing it up friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best not the worst, the beautiful not the ugly; things to praise not things to curse. Put into practice what you have learned from me, what you have heard and saw and realized. Do that and God who makes everything work together will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message)

Five Principles for Doing the Will of God

Dallas County Cowboy Church March 7, 2010 - Notes from Pastor Mike's sermon.

Scripture Proverbs 3:1-10

These principles/times are for an individual or for a church.

1. Nesting Time - This is the time when an idea begins to formulate, and the heart begins to seek. Prayer is a very important component. You must let the words of God be on your heart. Proverbs 3: 1-2

2. Testing Time - This is a time of temptation. When we decide to do the will of God. Are you serious? Proverbs 3: 3-4

3. Investing Time - The time for you to pour your life into the will of God. You begin to sacrifice Proverbs 3: 5-6

4. Arresting Time - The time to be stopped, bound up, held. The enemy wants to stop you completely. You must keep your eyes on the Lord and lean on Him. Proverbs 3: 6-7

5. Cresting Time - This time comes from God himself - when God shows you his power and his blessings. Proverbs 3 8-10

These principles or times can be found in Jesus life.

The Nesting Time for Jesus was his boyhood, his early years. The time he spent in the temple as a 12 year old.

The Testing Time for Jesus was after he left the carpenter shop to start his ministry - The 40 days and nights he was tested in the wilderness by Satan.

The Investing Time for Jesus began when he started his ministry, preaching the Gospel!

The Arresting Time for Jesus was the Crucifixion and all the acts that lead up to the cross, from the betrayal to the Crucifixion.

The Cresting Time for Jesus was the Resurrection! The power of the Resurrection from God. God gave Jesus the name King of Kings, Lord of Lords - Gods power working through Jesus.