Land that I Love

Land that I Love

Summer time is a patriotic time. On Memorial Day we celebrate the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and we celebrate our nation’s birth on the 4th of July. It is truly great to be an American.

I am a patriot. I love the United States of America. I thank God that I was born in this country. I am thankful for the men and women that gave their lives to defend our freedom. As of late, I have a problem. I can’t recognize the country that I love. It is as if someone was able to take the country I love and replace it with one I don’t recognize. Our country is plagued with civil unrest, racial tension and the current sexual revolution. As a Pastor, I have to ask myself what can I and my church do to reclaim the country we love. There are no easy answers, but the suggestions below are a good place to start:

1. Pray

This should be the starting place for every American believer. We have access to the power of God through prayer. In Ephesians, chapter 1, Paul is praying for the Ephesian believers when he writes,

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:18-21

Pray often, specific, and passionate prayers to the only One that brings lasting change and revival to our great country.

2. Get Ready and Stay Informed

In all likeliness it is going to get worse before it gets better. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Paul describes the terrible time in the last days:

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

These verses, though written long ago, describe the days we are living in. This is no time for “Casual Christianity.” It is time for the Church of Jesus to be ready and informed to be change agents in our society. One place I turn to keep informed about current events is a daily podcast entitled, The Briefing, by Dr. Albert Mohler. Dr. Mohler informs the listener about current news issues from a Christian worldview. He is insightful and does an amazing service to the Christian community by helping Christian leaders and believers interpret the times we live. Try it out at www.albertmohler.com

3. Take a Stand and Speak the Truth in Love

This is not time for believers in Jesus Christ to be silent. Some of the problems we see in our culture today are caused by the church being silent too long. Once we understand what is happening in our culture we must know the truth contained in the Word of God and speak up for what is right. Read how Jesus prayed for His disciples and for us.

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. John 17:15-19

In Ephesian 4:15, Paul writes about the attitude we should have as we stand for that which is true:

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Taking a stand for the truth and communicating that truth in a loving manner is a power tool in the hand of our Heavenly Father. While we may not recognize the land that we love, we can be part of the solution. God is not done with the United States of America. We are still “One Nation under God.”

This article by Sean Vickers originally appeared in The Dalhart Texan.

Identity – Powerful

Identity – Powerful

Ephesians 3:14-21

#1 POSTURE OF THE HEART Ephesians 3:14-15

#2 PRAYER FOR POWER THROUGH THE SPIRIT Ephesians 3:16-17a

#3 POSSESSING MEASURELESS LOVE Ephesians 3:17b-19

#4 GOD’S POWER TO DO THE IMMEASURABLE Ephesians 3:20

#5 PRAISE FOR OUR GOD FOREVER Ephesians 3:21

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

God’s Will

God’s Will

There is much conversation about God’s will for individuals and organizations. Some wrongly describe God’s will as being a secret or hard to find. Even worse is the pursuit of God’s will apart from a pursuit of God Himself. The truth is that God wants you to live in His will daily and have confidence for your life. In the devotional Experiencing God Day by Day, Henry Blackaby writes,

“If you are walking daily with the Lord, you will not have to find God’s will—you will already be in it. If you are walking with Him in obedience day by day, you will always be in the will of God. The Holy Spirit’s role is to guide you step by step to do God’s will. Walking closely with God each day guarantees that you will be exactly where He wants you to be. You would have to reject all of the Holy Spirit’s activity in your life in order to get out of the will of God.”

Devotion

Devotion to God and a close growing relationship with Him is essential for living in the will of God. The disciplines of the Christian faith become paramount in order to live in God’s will. The disciplines of prayer (John 10:27) and fasting, reading the Word of God (Psalm 119:105), and worship (Romans 12:1-2) lead you to a closer relationship with Him. As you abide in Him, He will direct your steps.  John 15:5

Desire

As you devote yourself to God you will notice something amazing happening in your life. The Holy Spirit will work in your life to transform your heart and mind and lead you to God’s perfect will (Romans 12:2). Following God’s desires is the natural response of a believer what is devoted to Christ. Through your transformed desires God’s is leading you from the inside out. Psalm 37:4 says,

Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Determination

Your devotion to God will also lead you to a determination to do God’s will. In Ephesians 1:2, Paul describes himself as an “apostle of Christ by the will of God.” Paul had a determination to follow Christ even though his path was hard. It’s the power of God working through devoted followers that allow them to do God’s will in sometimes hostile environments.

Living daily in God’s will is more a matter of “being” His child than “doing” His will. He is the goal. Philippians 3:14.

Sanctuary Prayer

Sanctuary Prayer

SanctuaryPrayer

We are committed to prayer at First Baptist Dalhart. Part of that commitment is our invitation for people to come and pray in our Sanctuary during the week. Below is a Prayer Guide for you to use as you pray. Consider using it as you prayer in the Sanctuary of your church.

First, you will notice our beautiful stained glass that displays the Cross.

Begin your prayer time by thanking your Heavenly Father for your salvation that was made possible of the sacrificial death of Jesus and His resurrection. He is the reason we have peace, hope and eternal life.

And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NLT)

You will notice the American Flag.

Let the flag remind you to pray for our country. The United States of America has strained far from the strong biblical foundation it was founded on. Pray that our country would return to God and that revival fires would once again sweep across our nation.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godlinessand holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

You will notice the Christian Flag.

Let the Christian flag remind you to pray for the Bride of Christ, the Church. Pray for churches in our community, the state of Texas, the United States of America and the World. Pray that the Church would be about the Kingdom and Glory of God.

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgivetheir sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Pray for First Baptist Dalhart. As we strive to worship our great God, grow closer to Jesus Christ, serve God by serving others, and share the Good News about Jesus with others through the power of the Holy Spirit.

You will notice musical instruments.

Pray that First Baptist Church will be a place of authentic worship where God is honored and lifted high. Pray that the focus will be on God, not on individual desires or preferences. Pray for our Music Ministry to be led by the Holy Spirit as they lead us into the presence of God.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 (NLT)

You will notice that you are surrounded by pews.

Pray for the people who will sit in there pews for worship. Pray that they will be transformed by their time in God’s sanctuary. Pray that God would fill the empty seats with worshippers and that they would feel welcomed and become part of the family of God known at First Baptist Church Dalhart.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 (NIV)

You will notice the pulpit area.

Pray for your Pastor and church staff. Pray that they would be filled with the Spirit of God as they lead. Pray that God would protect them from temptation and discouragement. As the Word of God is preached, taught, sang, and applied that if would transform our church into a place where God is honored and lifted up.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:17-18 (NIV)

And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32 (NIV)

Then finally, you will notice the altar.

This is the place of commitment. Pray that the altar will be filled with people committing their lives to Christ. Pray that it would be a place where people lay down their burdens and place their faith in Jesus to meet their needs according to His riches in Glory.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19 (NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV)

Pray for Rain

Pray for Rain

Let me state the obvious: We need rain. If you live in Dalhart, Texas you know exactly what I am talking about.

Since moving to Dalhart, I have developed the habit of praying for rain. We desperately need the heavens to open and for rain to fall down on our dry land. Psalm 63:1 says, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; 
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water. (NIV)” This Psalm shows us the way we can pray for rain.

The first priority in prayer should be to seek God with our whole hearts. God reigning in our lives is our first priority. Notice how passionately David pursues his God. He says, “earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.” There is a great spiritual principle here. When we passionately pursue God, He will meet our needs and work in our lives in ways only He can. Let me ask you a quick question. How passionately are you pursuing God? This is a heart-probing question that we must ask. There is always room for pursuing Him more and focusing our attention and affection on Him. My church, First Baptist Dalhart, or one of Dalhart’s Bible believing churches can help you along this path.

Once we are pursuing Him earnestly we can approach Him with confidence and ask Him to meet our need for rain. Philippians 4:19 declares, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Seeking God first and then trusting Him for our spiritual and physical needs leads to transformed lives and a changed community.

In his book, The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson tells the story of Honi, the circle maker. Honi lived in the time between the Old and New Testaments. He followed God passionately and persisted in prayer until the rain came. This is an uplifting book that I would highly recommend.  Click here for more details about the book. It is my prayer that God would raise up many in our community who would seek Him with their whole hearts and pray for the rain we so desperately need. Seek Him and pray for rain!

This article originally appeared in the Dalhart Texan and was written by Sean Vickers.

 

National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer

From BGEA . . .

Billy Graham has said that the three most important things that one can do are: 1) Pray. 2) Pray. 3) Pray.

“When Paul said we should “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17, NKJV) he chose a term used in his day to describe a persistent cough. Repeatedly, throughout our day, we should be turning quickly to God to praise and thank Him, and to ask for His help. God is interested in everything we do, and nothing is too great or too insignificant to share with Him.” (Billy Graham, Hope for Each Day)

On Thursday, May 2, people across the U.S. will join together to celebrate the 62nd annual National Day of Prayer, with the theme “Pray for America.”

As My Hope America with Billy Graham continues to spread across the country, it is important to recall that prayer is the most crucial and basic element of the program. We hope that you will join us in praying for America on May 2. We encourage you to pray specifically for your neighbors and friends who don’t know Christ. Our nation needs to hear the Good News, and it is our prayer that the movement can begin through us as individuals committed to seeing our communities transformed with the Gospel.

 

Pray the Pledge

Pray the Pledge

Pray the Pledge

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,

Thank God for our country and the blessing of being a citizen of the greatest nation the world has ever known.

and to the Republic for which it stands,

Pray for the political process as we elect those who will represent us.

one Nation under God,

Pray that our nation would return to God. 2 Chronicles 7:14

indivisible,

Pray for unity for our nation as the political debate continues.

with liberty and

Thank God for the religious liberty that we have and ask Him to preserve that liberty.

justice for all.

Pray for justice for all Americans including the unborn, elderly and defenseless.

Awake Church-wide Fast for Revival

Awake Church-wide Fast for Revival

Boiling Springs First Baptist just finished 21 days of Prayer and Fasting. This is a annual emphasis where churches all over world humble themselves and seek God though prayer and fasting. Awake21.org is the website that coordinates the effort. God truly changed my life and the life of our church during this time.  At the end of the 21 days we had a church-wide fellowship that featured testimonies and a meal to break the fast. Members young and old shared how God had spoken to them during the 21 days.

Top Ten Ideas about Hospital Visitation

Top Ten Ideas about Hospital Visitation

Top Ten Ideas about Hospital Visitation

During 15 years of full time ministry I have had the opportunity to minister to many church members and friends while they were admitted to the hospital. Below are some ideas about making hospital visits:

10. Don’t miss the opportunity to minister to your friends and family when they are in the hospital. Those in the hospital and their families appreciate your visit.

09.  Always check in at the information desk. Check the room number and get directions to the room.

08.  Once you get to the room, check with a nurse to make sure a visit is o.k.

07.  Use hand sanitizer and check the door for any instructions about those that enter. You may need to wear a mask and gloves. You always wanted to look like a doctor!

06.  If the door is shut. Knock before entering and go in slowly.

05.  When you enter introduce yourself unless everyone already knows you.

04.  Ask questions without going into too much detail. You may find out more than you want to know. Never give medical advice unless you are a doctor.

03.  Keep the visit brief. Let how well you know the person determine how long you stay. If you are visiting a family member you will stay hours. If you are visiting someone you just met you will stay 5 minutes max.

02.  Always have prayer for person you are visiting. Pray for the doctors and nurses that attend to your friend. Shorter heart-felt prayers are better than longer KJV prayers.

01.  Thank Jesus for the opportunity to represent Him to your friend in their time of need.