Life Matters

Prayer and Evangelism

8/21/2011 from Fort Caroline Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Ways To Pray For The Spiritually Lost (Romans 10:1-2)

8/21/2011 from Fort Caroline Baptist Church on Vimeo.

My Prayer

Holy Father,

Thank you for this day of life. It is a gift from your hand. I ask you to search me, and reveal the sins of my life. As I confess them, please forgive and cleanse me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit today. Keep the vision of the crucified, risen, and returning Christ ever before me. Remind me of His agony, mercy, grace, and love. Holy Spirit, anoint me to reach the people of the world and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Let Jesus be Jesus in me!

Amen.

 

Have We Forgotten Haiti?

For many people, Haiti has fallen off the radar screen of their attention. Personal issues, family responsibilities, jobs, hobbies, and America’s economic/political woes have all conspired to draw our attention away from the heartbreak that still consumes the people of Haiti. Others may have forgotten, but the people of Fort Caroline Baptist Church have not.

A Powerful Prayer Meeting (Acts 4)

National Day of Prayer: Is It Unconstitutional?

A recent court decision has ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. Let me encourage you to read an article by Jim Daly, the President/CEO of Focus on the Family for a good response to this absurd decision. You can also read a report from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention here.

Please Pray For My Family Member Who Is A Missionary To West Africa

Chuck Luke is my wife's cousin. Chuck and I attended Corinth Baptist Church together as kids. He is one of the finest young men you will ever meet. He has a passion for the Lord and for sharing His love. God has called Chuck back to West Africa where he once served as a missionary with the International Mission Board. Please pray for Chuck as he prepares to depart and as he raises the funds necessary to do God's work. You can read a brief biography about him below. Visit his blog to learn more about his prayer needs. I would also encourage you to pray about making a donation. Every penny helps! We cannot all physically go to Africa, but we can support those who are going!

A Pearl Harbor Prayer

This prayer is in memory of those who lost their lives on Sunday, December 7, 1941, as well as the remaining survivors. I am especially honored to pastor a man named Harold Saly who is a Pearl Harbor survivor. God bless you, Harold.

O God of our Fathers,
We guard in our hearts today the sacred memory of those who gave their lives on that day which will live in infamy. Bless us, O Lord, as we humble ourselves in Thy presence to remember our shipmates and friends who served our country so valiantly.

Let us not disgrace those who still lie in the quiet places through our indifference or forgetfulness. Rather, help us to always remember Pearl Harbor and help us to keep America alert. May we never forget that more than 2,000 of our sons, fathers, brothers, and friends were killed and more than 1,000 citizens of our land were wounded on December 7, 1941. Their sacrifices were not in vain. They defended America’s freedom and demonstrated America’s goodness.

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the brave men who embodied your love by making this ultimate sacrifice. You have declared “greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). May we be willing to follow their example when duty calls.

We also give thanks for those who survived the attack on our country and who went on with their lives in a way that portrayed honor to a watching world. They carried on with life even as they bore deep within them the haunting memories of what they witnessed, heard, and felt. Bless them with continued grace and mercy from your holy hand.

Guide us and direct us in all that we do. Let us live to bring glory and honor to Thee.
This we pray in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Amen.

A Pastor’s Priorities

In the book, Pastor to Pastor: Tackling the Problems of Ministry, Erwin Lutzer lists five priorities that should guide pastors as, “they sort out the many options that confront all of us in ministry” (p. 103).  I want to discuss one of these each day this week. If you are a pastor I hope you will be inspired to evaluate your priorities and adjust as necessary. If you are not a pastor I hope you will be inspired to pray for your pastor as he seeks to fulfill his calling.

Lutzer’s List:

1. Praying Is More Important Than Preaching.
2. Preaching Is More Important Than Administration.
3. The Family Is More Important Than the Congregation.
4. Faithfulness Is More Important Than Competition.
5. Love Is More Important Than Ability.  

The Lord's Prayer

Start your day meditating on the Lord's Prayer.

 

The Lord's Prayer from Dan Stevers on Vimeo.