Three Important Lessons about Prayer…

Yes I know that there are many aspects to prayer. Many lessons to be learned, and yet some things can be distilled down to basic necessity level.

From my time as a child unto the moment she went to be with the Lord I have been impressed with my Mother’s prayer life. She didn’t just pray, she knew how to communicate. She didn’t just ask God for stuff, she knew how to rely on God. It seems like she understood and valued the “personal” in personal relationship with Jesus Christ her Savior. With all the struggles she encountered raising us four children on her own; she did some powerful teaching with her life. Through her prayer life I learned some great lessons that I have tried to keep portable – something that I could take with me. Although there were many wonderful lessons, let me share three for now:

First, there are three persons in the Godhead, treat them like persons…

Matthew 28:19 gives us what is known as the great commission, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Three persons but just one God. God gave us personalities and desired to have this wonderful relationship with us. Although I have a profound respect and humility regarding the holiness of God, that respect does not keep me at a distance.

He is the one that began the relationship by His sacrifice at Calvary. I responded to salvation, but that’s only part of it. I want to know Him and that starts with a belief that He, God, is knowable. So I treat God as God but also as a person that I can be personable with and share those things that are on my heart. How I feel, the things that trouble me, the things I need and also the things I find amazing, beautiful and fascinating.

Second, keep it a two way conversation, read the Bible first and last…

People seem to grasp the idea that praying is talking to God. Although for most there seems to be more asking for stuff than genuine communication going on. Stop and think about this for a moment, if someone you loved, you might even say “so loved” only came to you when they wanted something, how would you feel? What if when they came to you they did open up about what was on their heart or things going on in their life, but monopolized the conversation never gave you a chance to speak. How would you feel?

When we limit our conversation with God to a one way conversation – only we do the talking, we are losing out on fellowship and communication. Try this the next time you want to spend time with God, make it a two way conversation. First, remember the command, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heather, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10. Sometimes when we want to communicate with God we just have to stop and listen in earnest quietness. Yet most important, before we begin praying, read the Bible, when finish praying, read the Bible. Since the Bible is God’s Word, what better way to let Him speak than to read what He has to say – His Word?

Finally, follow up with God, don’t ask once and then forget it!

Spend time with God in whatever you are doing. Driving down the road? Talk with God, after all you have the time to yourself and besides, you may get a ticket for texting or calling on the cell phone, but I never heard of someone getting a ticket for praying.

Also, keep a prayer list. Pray about what you are taking to God and continue to pray until you have the answer. Then when the answer comes, write down how God answered. I have often observed that God rarely answers just like I asked – He almost always improves on the request. I get more than what I asked for. Not when I asked for it – but at the perfect moment.

One final thing about a prayer list with completed dates, when you are tired or feeling low, go to the list and read for encouragement. Few things feel as good as looking over a list of prayer requests and realizing how incredibly God has answered in your life and those around you. To realize the timing and wisdom of God in the people He brought into your life, moved out of your life and resources that came into play meet your need.

God is personal and wants to spend time with us – but He honors our free will. He will not monopolize the conversation, but how much better it is stop, be still and listen for God. Finally, it is exciting to be consistent in our requesting and talking with God, especially when we step back, realize what He has done and give Him the praise!

Copyright 2010 © Charles Lyons

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Capture The Morning... Act On Your Vision!

I really do enjoy spending time with people who have vision and are prepared to act on their vision. I was blessed yesterday to spend some time with a doctor and an Assistant District Attorney. Their vision: to touch the lives of orphan children. They are in the process of putting together a non-profit organization to build, fund and run an orphanage.

Sure, they could complain about the problems of children without parents or homeless or even overcrowded conditions in state run organizations. Instead they are taking personal responsibility to make a difference. It will not take time from their busy schedules. It will not take it, because it is time that they are willingly giving.

This is a great lesson for all of us, the strength of giving of ourselves. It is important to count the cost before we commit to a project. However, if we focus on what it takes alone, we miss the blessing of giving. The focus is not money, stuff or time. The focus is allowing God to move through us and find where we can serve and touch lives. Whatever talent or gifts we feel we have, using them to the glory of God will at some point end up allowing us to touch lives in ways we could barely dream of.

Let us always practice not letting the business of the day take our time. We can recapture the most precious of moments when we chose where the time is spent. Capture the morning and spend it reading God’s Word first and praying. The rest of the day will be more manageable when reflect what and where God wants us and then taking our time and talents and going there.

Copyright 2010 © Charles Lyons
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Ability to Go Through Much...

I just finished reading a letter from a man that had lots of major tragedies in his life. They span from his time as a child to his time now as an adult. From family to disease, he has a carried a load that most of his would have felt burdened down from any one individually. Yet he finished his first page with a statement of pure confidence in his ability to relate to God, understand His Word, and His appreciation of others in ministry who had been a blessing to him. He then continued on for another page requesting prayer for others, not he.

That to me is a profound example of the grace of God in a person’s life. The ability to go through so much negativity, pain and hurt and yet see God at work in his own life is a testimony to the man’s character and to the God he serves. This is faith that not only sustains; it is a faith that lays the foundation for a powerful testimony. It is not that you have to go through great hurt to have a great testimony. It is that you have to lean on God in the hurt, in the joy, in the sunshine and the rain that comes.

Each of us has the opportunity to turn our difficult moments into “Sonshine moments.” We have to simply keep our focus not on us, not on the events but on the Savior we love, serve and praise. He has redeemed us, once for all. It is a blessing to praise Him. Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Copyright 2010 © Charles Lyons

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Where Are You - If Your Not There?

While having breakfast at a restaurant this morning I encountered a question and answer that gave me food for thought. A couple came into the restaurant and immediately walked back to the table area by-passing the hostess who does the seating. The woman walked up to what was presumably her preferred waitress and asked where she was. The waitress responded by pointing across the room and stating clearly, “I’m over there.” The woman responded positively and the couple went over and sat down at the table that the waitress had pointed to.

Perhaps this brief communication would not puzzle you. However, I confess a brief moment of confusion at the thought that when asked where a person was that you could clearly see followed by a response of pointing to a totally different area then where the person was standing made me wonder if there had been a brief shift in the time space continuum. OK, perhaps I’m overreacting to a simple question, but it did get me to thinking.

How many times do people ask questions and receive answers that obviously are not right and yet go ahead and act on it. The waitress was clearly not across the room, even if she was assigned to wait on that table that she pointed to. More often though, how often do we ask leaders about their beliefs or positions on matters, are given their answer and act on it… even when we know their reputation does not support it?

When we speak of politicians many people make their voting decision based on public sound bites. These are cleverly worded statements often scripted by speech writers and delivered by people who have them in memory if not their hearts. How often do we reach our decision based on the sound bite rather than the person’s record?

Of greater concern to me is our own personal integrity. Over time we develop a reputation, in our families, in the workplace and yes even in church. I wonder are we careful enough to rely on our reputation backing up our words or do we rely too much on an easy going character and smile. If so, are we any better than the politician? If we are to be someone who will have the respect of our families, coworkers and friends, our actions need to accurately reflect and support our words.

We are often quick to judge public figures. They can make a mistake and reporters and the public quickly attack. Yet for our own shortcomings we want lots of patience and lots of grace. Why not take the first step by walking a consistent walk of integrity. When our family, friends and coworkers want to know, “where we are” on an issue or how we feel about something, our actions should be the same place our words are. This is a special facet of integrity. Not just saying the right words but living the right words.

Let’s make sure people can see where we are and not have to rely on our words only. Remember Titus 1:16 KJV, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

Copyright © 2010 by Charles Lyons

Olympic Courage…

Most people I have encountered this past week have been pretty much obsessed with the Olympics. In fairness it is a global event that has a rich and long heritage. People and nations prepare long and hard to be ready to test their standings not only against their personal best – but against some of the world’s best athletes.

Don’t misunderstand what I am about to say as I have nothing against the Olympic Games. I have even been blessed to know a few athletes of that standing and yes, I was impressed with their talent and commitment. My only comment is one of perspective.

While the world watched in awe of skiers on Saturday many, yet a smaller crowd than those watching the Olympics, stood in respect for a young man at my church. While many listened for the announcements of scores… we listened to the sound of taps. A genuine Navy hero from our church family had come home and we laid him to rest.

I heard nothing of his courage and heroism announced on the local stations. I heard repetitious reporters drone on about gold and bronze medals. Yet nothing was mentioned of the medals this man had earned. Don’t tell me he was just one and there were so many athletes competing. Don’t do that, because although there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of Olympic athletes, there are hundreds of thousands, even millions of true American heroes.

While there was not a passing mention of this man’s sacrifice or short life of character and courage, there was one short news story of interest. There was a gathering downtown in one of our major hotels here in Houston. Another small crowd had gathered. This small group of men grows smaller in number each year… yet taller in stature each moment. They are the last remaining of the Marines who fought for and were victorious at a small island known as Iwo Jima.

There may not be many who get excited about our heroes in uniform. Not many commemorative coins struck in their memory sold on late night TV. Yet I still humbly stand for such men and women who have earned my respect. I still shed tears when I think of their sacrifices. And yes, I still take time to pray for those serving now, for their safety and for their families. These people are and remain my heroes.

Copyright © 2010 by Charles Lyons

Yes it’s Valentine’s Day This Sunday!

And after all, what’s more romantic than ensuring a call center is staffed and preparing for hundreds of calls for prayer?

OK, perhaps that part was a bit rhetorical.

However, demonstrating your love for your Savior, others in the body of Christ, and even total strangers is a special blessing. That’s one of the reasons I’m here. Then there are the special groups of people who faithfully come out to pray with people. They began as total strangers and have become family touching lives one at a time month after month.

We could be anywhere on Valentine’s Day. We are all involved in our Church and after all this is Sunday. The classrooms, the lobbies, and worship areas are all more spacious and attention getting. Yet we come here for a different reason. These are people who come complete with a servant’s heart.

As I write this we have already been at this for more than two hours. We will continue with different teams of volunteers coming in for the next five hours. The simple truth is that there is an incredible need. Often it is a need that is more felt on days like Valentine’s Day. It is a day when people are reminded of love and happiness… and perhaps that they are alone today.

This band of volunteer’s chose to stay here and demonstrate their love for our Savior and this special area of ministry. Being here when those who are hurting call and need prayer is a powerful demonstration of love. Having known the love of God in our own lives is motivation to share that love with others.

The Bible says in John 15:13 that, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus did that for us and more. Coming out to pray with others is a reasonable service. I share these thoughts today not to brag on those who come out and serve, and especially not myself. I share this with you in hopes you will find a place of service and touch lives. Yes, you will be a blessing to others. But here is the other side; you will be greatly blessed in the process!

Last year we received over 22,000 calls for prayer. The need is great, why not join in at your church and find a place of service.

Copyright 2010 Charles Lyons

The New Year has begun and I am Thrilled!

The New Year has begun and I am thrilled! The start of a new year means new opportunities, challenges and lives. There will be new opportunities to touch lives, be used of God, and see how God will work in our lives. We will also experience new challenges. Some of these will be difficult, some even heart breaking. Yet although every challenge comes wrapped in questions, we know that the changes inside the wrapping can be used for us to grow in grace, strength and trust in God. Tied to all of the opportunities and challenges are lives.

When I say lives this represents the cherished individuals God has blessed us with as the years have passed. They have taught us, loved us and sadly, sometimes for us, were called to leave us. Yet their love and memories live on… a special part of our lives. Then there are the wonderful lives that we have yet to meet but are waiting just around the next corner. These may help us to grow as individuals and we may be blessed to be a blessing in their lives.

It is February. January has already flown by. Don’t miss the opportunity to begin planning with excitement what you will do in the months ahead. Time will pass regardless what we do. Why not get involved in the blessings of the moments that await us? Spend time in the Word of God in the days ahead and look for what goals and dreams God will fulfill in us this year of our Lord 2010.

God bless!
Psalms 18:30 KJV – “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried : he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”