Sometimes When Our Prayers Seem Unanswered...

I'm watching a sermon by Pastor Dale and had to take a moment to blog this. This sermon is about what to do when our prayers seem unanswered. We've all had times when we felt we weren't being heard.

This is also the #1 time when faith can begin to slip and we question the existence of God. In reality, we may just not "understand" prayer properly!

Reason #2 Pastor Dale gives is: "When we pray for the right things but for the wrong reasons."

Pastor Dale refers to James 4:3 (NIV):

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

He explains that when we pray, God doesn't just care about the CONTENT of our prayers, but the REASONS for our prayers. He looks not only at the content, but your heart.

Many times we pray for personal gain, for materialism, for self-promotion or even out of anger and spite. In those circumstances, your prayers are unanswered NOT because God does not exist, but because you are not following his Word.

Take a moment now to think about a prayer you feel is unanswered. Now, honestly, evaluate your "motive." Personally, I find that almost every prayer I've had unanswered was because my heart was not aligned with the Word of God.

Heed this now as you go on praying - just because what you pray for is right, does not make the prayer right.

Fear Clouds The Answer

I had a great talk recently with someone very close about FEAR. More importantly, the impact FEAR has on PRAYING. Remember my post where I mentioned the STEPS to praying? Click here to go read it real quick...

Here's the steps:

It's STEP #2 that I get worried about when it comes to FEAR. See, God can only speak to us if we're listening. FEAR is a VERY loud voice inside your head that is SUPER irrational.

Actually this voice, personally, I feel is the Devil working in you. It's so stubborn, it just feels like it won't go away many times. There are many Scriptures even in the Bible that talk down on "fear." The Bible consistently preaches that FEAR should be replaced with LOVE.

So, if you wrap yourself up in FEAR, you'll never be able to hear God. OR, the answer you hear will actually be the Devil or Satan tricking you. Think about it...it makes sense.

Fear is the #1 weapon that Satan can use - it's one of the most overwhelming emotions. I even find sometimes that FEAR can overwhelm LOVE. Be careful of that.

So, please, please, please. CALM DOWN. Stop always thinking about what can go WRONG and take 2 minutes to think about what can go RIGHT. Show LOVE, pray in peace and tell that voice in your head to "Go back to hell."

But if you're going to Pray, doing so with a mind full of fear is not going to work. Step #2 will fail - you have to let God in, if you don't open the door, he can't come in!

Bible (New Testament) - Romans Overview

The 6th book. Personally, I found the beginning of it very repetitive regarding the message of "sin."

However, the last half of this Book swept me off my feet. There were parts and pieces that I really loved. This message was mostly written for Israelites at the time, however, there are certainly golden nuggets inside!

Again, if you want to follow my notes and bookmarks, check out my YouVersion.com page:

http://www.youversion.com/users/asingal

Here's my favorite scriptures from The Book of Romans.

1. Romans 5:1-5 - One of my favorites out of the entire Bible right now...

Talks about God's #1 gift to us! Peace...

2. Romans 8:12-13

Never live through the flesh...

3. Romans 8:26

I love this one as well. I always feared if I'm not praying right. This scripture puts me at ease!

4. Romans 12:9-21

Also a MAJOR favorite so far from the Bible. This is amazingly stated. It talks about how you should leave all judgement and "revenge" to God. Do nothing but love and serve others, even your enemies.

5. Romans 14:1-4 

Another major favorite. Basic message - don't judge others, what they believe is what they believe. They are still a child of God. Leave it to God to judge if anything. It's not your place.

6. Romans 14:15

It's a sin to do something that weakens another's faith in your presence. Don't work against the work of Christ.

Again, you can visit my page for more commentary and even talk back with me!

http://www.youversion.com/users/asingal

Bible (New Testament) - John Overview

The 4th book of the New Testament - this is where most Christians agree that one should begin his Journey to discover Jesus. Especially after reading other books from Old Testament first, I could not agree more with everyone's opinion.

The shortest way I can describe my experience with John was:

"It serves almost like a Cliff Notes to Jesus's life, his walk, his preachings - you get an overall, yet detailed view."

A lot of the other Books are either written for a target (such as Romans for the Jews) or have a specific "area" they focus on. John doesn't do that. Honestly, if someone wants to read a summary of the New Testament, John is where you start!

I have already been through John TWICE (once audio, once reading). I plan on going through it a third time soon. If you want to follow my personal BOOKMARKS, go to my YouVersion.com account.

http://www.youversion.com/users/asingal

If I started writing down EACH scripture here, it will take forever!

I found a great summary of John here - http://www.scribd.com/doc/15951237/Summary-of-John  - I took pictures of the notes below for you to read!

My 3rd Visit To Church Service - Went Alone! :-O

This morning, I got word that my friend couldn't come today, so I had a decision on my hands. Go alone or watch the service online (live streaming). Something compelled me to go, so I chose to "bite the uneasy bullet." As you can see, I survived (haha, no idea why I get so anxious, they're probably the nicest people at this Church).

I chose to turn the "networker" on and spent some time meeting people. I even sat next to a very nice girl who invited me to a "Young Adult" program. Can't make it, as I'll travel soon, but I'll definitely peek when I get back.

Pastor Dale was being more humorous than usual today. Apparently in 2011 he had made a mission to make this Church the "Friendliest" in the County. Today he declared the 2012 challenge - make the Church the 'Singiest." There was a huge chorus up-front and and even larger band.

Going to service here is nothing short of going to a rock concert I feel...

Today's Topic: What To Do When Life Gets Hard

This is the topic for the month. He started with the story of Joseph and how he came to lead Egypt against all odds after his brother sold him into slavery. He spoke of the "good times" that came to the Israelites under a certain King (who revered Joseph). Then his focus shifted to the sudden change when a new King of Egypt came.

The Israelites were persecuted and pushed into slavery. Pastor Dale spoke mostly of 'Exodus' (means the road out or way out) being an excellent book to show you "What to do when times get hard." He provided evidence of how God was at work even when the times were toughest. He provided evidence of how God heard the "groans" and cries of his people.

Although many thought he was not listening, he was busy preparing the one man to answer their prayers - Moses. He was waiting for the right time, the right union amongst the Israelites and other things. Having read Exodus already, his message made a lot of sense. Although I can't help questions such as "Why did God wait over 400 years before he helped" certainly pop up.

Finally he gave 6 "areas of focus" when life gets hard:

1. Look Up - Trust
2. Look In - Grow
3. Look Around - See
4. Cry Out - Pray
5. Reach Out - Connect
6. Hold On - Hope

Some other notes:

Re: #1 - He said that when life gets hard, we get "pressed down." We are more likely to walk with our heads down. It's that very moment we need to look UP to fight the "pressure." We need to trust in God and have faith.

Re: #5 - He made humorous jokes about how humans have a tendency to want to have a "pity party" that only has 3 guests when they are sad: Me, Myself and I. We're prone to crave isolation. "Isolation is actually a tool of Satan" is what Pastor Dale explained. He WANTS us to be alone. It is this very time that you should be reaching out to others and surrounding yourself with ENTHUSIASM and SUPPORT.

There are certainly a LOT of scriptures in the Bible that confirm how God reaches out to those who cry out to him - the only thing you have to do is extend your hand out to him!

I've taken pictures of my note sheets for you - hope you can read them!

 

Bible (Old Testament) - Numbers Overview

I just finished reading and reviewing the Numbers Book of the Old Testament and here were my first thoughts:

1. Wow, God can really kick butt if he gets mad. His punishments are not even painful, they were terrifying. He sentenced people to 40 years of torture and would wait till all the non-believers simply died off and let their children have his Gift of the land.

All because they didn't believe him and murmured against him. Yikes. 

2. Moses made ONE mistake (all be it, it's argued that mistake changed the entire way Jesus's 2nd coming would be), but still he was human. He made one mistake of not listening to an instruction from God (instead of striking a rock for water, he was supposed to speak to it). He was banned from the very land he spent his entire LIFE getting the Israelites to.

I found two EXCELLENT summaries.

1. Wikipedia - This is a SUPERB summary. Better than the entire "Bible in 24 Hours" summary.
2. The video embedded below.

Straight from Wikipedia:

"God orders Moses, in the wilderness of Sinai, to number those able to bear arms—of all the men "from twenty years old and upward," and to appoint princes over each tribe. 603,550 Israelites are found to be fit for military service. In chapter 26, a generation later and after approximately forty years of wandering the desert, the Lord orders a second census. 601,730 men are counted.

The tribe of Levi is exempted from military service and therefore not included in the census totals. Moses consecrates the Levites for the service of the Tabernacle in the place of the first-born sons, who hitherto had performed that service. The Levites are divided into three families, the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites, each under a chief, and all headed by one prince, Eleazar, son of Aaron. Preparations are then made for resuming the march to the Promised Land. Various ordinances and laws are decreed.

The first journey of the Israelites after the Tabernacle had been constructed is commenced. The people murmur against God and are punished by fire; Moses complains of the stubbornness of the Israelites and is ordered to choose seventy elders to assist him in the government of the people. Miriam and Aaron insult Moses at Hazeroth, which angers God; Miriam is punished with leprosy and is shut out of camp for seven days, at the end of which the Israelites proceed to the desert of Paran. Twelve spies are sent out into Canaan and come back to report to Moses. Joshua and Caleb, two of the spies, tell that the land is abundant and is "flowing with milk and honey"; the other spies say that it is inhabited by giants, and the Israelites refuse to enter the land. Yahweh decrees that the Israelites will be punished for their loss offaith by having to wander in the wilderness for 40 years.

Moses is ordered to make plates to cover the altar with the two hundred fifty censers left after the destruction of Korah's band. The children of Israel murmur against Moses and Aaron on account of the death of Korah's men and are stricken with the plague, with 14,700 perishing.

Aaron and his family are declared by God to be responsible for any iniquity committed in connection with the sanctuary. The Levites are again appointed to help in the keeping of the Tabernacle. The Levites are ordered to surrender to the priests a part of the tithes taken to them.

Miriam dies at Kadesh Barnea and the Israelites set out for Moab, on Canaan's western border. The Israelites blame Moses for the lack of water. Moses is ordered by God to speak to a rock but disobeys, and is punished by the announcement that he shall not enter Canaan. The king of Edom refuses permission to the Israelites to pass through his land and they go round it. Aaron dies on Mount Hor. The Israelites are bitten by Fiery flying serpents for speaking against God and Moses. A brazen serpent is made to ward off these serpents.

The Israelites arrive on the plains of Moab. A new census gives the total number of males from twenty years and upward as 601,730, and the number of the Levites from a month old and upward as 23,000. The land shall be divided by lot. The daughters of Zelophehad, their father having no sons, are to share in the allotment. Moses is ordered to appoint Joshua as his successor. Prescriptions for the observance of the feasts, and the offerings for different occasions are enumerated.

Moses orders the Israelites to massacre the people of Midian. The Reubenites and the Gadites request Moses to assign them the land east of the Jordan. Moses grants their request after they promise to help in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan. The land east of the Jordan is divided among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Moses recalls the stations at which the Israelites halted during their forty years' wanderings and instructs the Israelites to exterminate the Canaanites and destroy their idols. The boundaries of the land are spelled out; the land is to be divided under the supervision of Eleazar, Joshua, and twelve princes, one of each tribe. 

Also check out the video below:

WOW! Another Biblic Proof of "Law of Attraction"

Wouldn't you know it. The SECOND video I clicked after posting about the FIRST one. READ THIS POST. I found a sermon that is even more DIRECTLY linking "law of attraction" to God, Faith.

In this one even words like "energy" are used. Also a new scripture reference is made:

"The thing I feared came upon me." JOB 3:25

The basic teaching here is to NOT focus on the negative and worry but to replace it with HOPE, FAITH and GOD's love. Start watching this at 2:17

Please fast forward the video to 2:17 to start the message:

Joel Osteen Found "Law of Attraction" In The Bible!

OK, I cannot hold my joy back so I'm posting. Firstly, weird or not, I've been a HUGE Joel Osteen fan for years. Yes, before I cared for religion, God or any spiritual matter. I don't know what it is about this man, but he speaks to me.

I admire the way he speaks. I admire his message. I admire his insight of the human psyche. I admire his vision. I admire his goals. I admire him.

Now that I've built a shrine for him here :P let's get to the point. Below there is a video (10 minutes), you MUST watch it (after you read below).

For at least the last 10 years, I have been an avid believer in the "Law of Attraction." What is it? Well Wikipedia says the following:

"...a metaphysical belief that "like attracts like", that positive and negative thinking bring about positive and negative physical results, respectively."

Essentially - thinking good puts out good energy to Universe, Universe gives you good and vice versa. In my life, I have honestly seen the law of attraction do wonders. I remain a firm believer.

However, I always felt RELIGION or GOD was "ANTI-law of attraction" since you are to turn all things over to God. Well, today I know I was wrong thanks to Joel Osteen.

In 10 minutes he explains how even God and his word through the Bible practices law of attraction. He quotes a verse here:

"According to your faith be it done unto you." Matthew 9:29

Interesting. In "traditional" law of attraction they use a word "energy" and "Universe." In GOD "speak" we use the words "faith" and "god" interchangeably! This is a PROFOUND concept for me, I could literally do a back flip right now.

Joel says that we should expect good things from God. Think good thoughts and look for the good. We shouldn't be afraid of it. We shouldn't think that we don't deserve it. We should know that God will do good for us and it's OK to "expect" that.

Now, Joel gets hammered in the comments by (excuse me for my opinion) IDIOTS. They are criticizing him for preaching that one should have "expectations from God." This is ridiculous! It is also proof that they did not watch the entire 10 minutes. At exactly 6:40, Joel himself clarifies that he does not mean you "expect from God." No one is asking you to be supernatural yourself.

Those of you writing negative comments. Stop your whining and go watch it again, the man even QUOTES the Bible!

Yet another quote is to reference those who are AFRAID of good things. As soon as something good happens they begin to think "Oh wow, I wonder how long this will last, I wonder when it will end." This is not good faith, it's a failure in faith, for God himself said:

"His favor is for a lifetime." PSALM 30:5

Thanks Joel. You rock. I highly recommend everyone watch this video below.

The Bible Is 8 Things...

Went to Church today for the 2nd time, I'll talk about that in a minute. Today, Pastor Dale said something very interesting. In the middle of preaching on "praying and fasting," he mentioned:

"The Bible is 8 things, write these down..."

1. Convicting/correctional agent
2. Cleansing agent
3. Calming/Comforting agent
4. Clarifying agent
5. Commissioning agent
6. Counter-acting agent - stops you from wrongful thinking
7. Creative agent - afterall God "created" mankind.
8. Constructive agent

He said it so fast, I almost feel he could do an entire service on just this. I'm going to think more about this, pretty profound though, no?

My Problem with Leviticus

Firstly, do not take this personally. I am simply voicing questions and concerns not offering judgment. The Book of Leviticus is about rituals and sacrifices. From my studies of Jesus and Christianity, it seemed that rituals and sacrifices were looked down upon.

However, the Bible is the word of God. Christians follow the Bible. Jesus defends, explains and expands on the Old Testament (a part of the Bible). Leviticus is IN the Old Testament. Hence, Christians (and Christ himself) believe in the Leviticus. Right?

Established?

Then, why do I not know a SINGLE Christian that follows these practices or laws? Most I know eat Pork (against Leviticus 11:7).

None I know offer any such sacrifices or rituals. The opposite happens. They avoid and judge other religions for their sacrificial background and beliefs.

I asked my Christian friend and she said:

"Well the Bible is the word of God. We won't understand it all. That's OK. We just trust him. We can't pick and choose what we BELIEVE, we must believe it all. However, some things do change with the time and culture."

BAM! I got a problem with that last statement.

No where in the Bible does it state that we have the right to tweak it based on "Time." Jesus never said that either. So...who said we can then?

And, if so, who decides? Where is the line?

What applies and what doesn't?  This opens a BIG hole. This opens a LOT of room for personal "opinion."  I'm not saying that's bad or good. I'm saying Christians need to be true to that and realize it.

I guess that's why we have so many denominations? Just interesting. 

I guess I don't like that people feel they can say "ohhh that...yea that is not applicable due to the time" to something they don't do. But, to something they DO follow, they can scream "bloody murder" at another Christian and pass judgement.

It smells of hypocrisy. That's all :)  I part in peace, no offense intended.

Bible (Old Testament) - Leviticus Overview

I have a lot to say about the Book of Leviticus - mostly questions. I found MANY things here that are not practiced by any Christian I know.

Here's a great short summary video:

Also, Wikipedia as always has an EXCELLENT summary - Click here to check it out...

Here's a REALLY quick synopsis:

The Book of Leviticus is about holiness, atonement and rituals. I was lost at "rituals" - I tend not to believe in these. Even though I've been raised Hindu, I don't like "sacrificing animals" and related beliefs.

I was surprised to see this Book in the Bible and defended by Christ. Actually Leviticus is even said to foretell of Christ's crucifixion.

Underlying messages:

- Sin must be atoned for through the offering proper sacrifices.
- Proper sacrifices means the blood of certain animals (such as Lamb).
- Outline of DIETARY restrictions and allowances.
- Day of Atonement - Sacrifices are made on behalf of all man and our collective sin.
- Guidelines for holiness
- Holiness can only be attained through atonement which can be attained only through the appropriate rituals, festivals and sacrifices.

Personally, I didn't relate much at all to the Leviticus and it's led to a lot of questions. Look at my next post to see my thoughts.

Learn The Bible in 24 Hours

Being a Marketer, I got captivated by the Title! Sounds very promising. I've now about 6 hours in as of writing this and the feedback is about a 60% rating.

I'm finding it VERY difficult to follow the summaries, they seem to go by so fast. 

- A bombardment of new characters
- Wars, famines, fights, buildings - AHH so fast and so many.

But, is this a fault of the BOOK or just in general? Meaning, is it just the Bible - is it a topic that has no shortcut to learn properly?

I'm beginning to think that it may just be the Bible and the depth of it's teaching/topic/writing style. Meaning, it's hard to just understand it through summaries, most of the WISDOM of a Bible lies in the actual SCRIPTURES.

So, do I still recommend this book?  YES.

But, I'm getting certain now that you should study the Bible in TWO ways:

1. Actually read or listen to it - scripture by scripture.
2. THEN, read a summary on it (such as this book).

So far the Books I understand the most are definitely the ones I read line by line and also studied in summary books (or articles). 

Bible (Old Testament) - Exodus Overview

I've finished studying Exodus. Rather than read it all (or listen to it), I resorted to the latest summary book I'm reading, some notes/cliff-notes available online and the video below:




For a great summary, better than I could ever write - check the Wikipedia entry. It's by far the best resource I found.

Wikipedia Review of Exodus, Old Testament...

Studying The Bible - Gets Easier & Easier!

I must say, I am impressed. A random idea came to me to search the iPhone app store for Bible related applications, I found this one to be the most popular and top rated:

Click Here To Go To The App Page...

It's Free & it ties into an entire web based community. Try: http://www.YouVersion.com 

When you get the App you can register for a free YouVersion account as well. I've been playing with it all day right from my cell phone (this means even like 30 second breaks in the day are useful to learn).

My favorite features so far:

• Instant Search - WOW, type in a scripture, a word, a chapter - anything.
• ANY Version of the Bible - They have basically all of them - FREE.
• AUDIO - Again, free - you can listen to many versions.
• Reading Plans - My favorite feature (described below):

Reading Plans:

They have hundreds in here. Based on topics, devotion, questions, time, etc... So if you want to do narrow topics that are troubling you, 4-7 day reading plans. I'm enrolled in 3 right now, I finished Day 1 for each in 30 seconds or less.

The reading plan basically hops you around the Bible to the exact scriptures related to that topic. Incredible tool. 

I highly recommend it.

1 PETER 5:7, PSALM 55:22, PROVERBS 3:5-6, MATTHEW 6:27,

Reference this blog post to see why I'm writing about these particular versus of the Bible.


1 Peter 5:7:

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Right now, this particular verse is holding VERY near to my heart. It's precisely what I've been doing the last few days and all seems to be getting better so fast.


PSALM 55:22

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

This scripture gives one such peace - makes you feel like you truly have nothing to worry about.


PROVERBS 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

I love the word "paths" that came up here. I've been using that a LOT the last 10 days or so, never from reading it here - just a word that came to me.


MATTHEW 6:27

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Love this one because NO GREATER truth can be spoken. God or no God, religion or no religion - honestly answer this: "Can worrying help you in ANY way. No. Then we should stop! I've decided I'm going to now for sure."


Thanks "friend who's name I won't mention here" - you rock for showing me these!

A Really Interesting Story - A Fight with a Friend Leads to an AH-HA Moment!

2 nights ago I grew defensive and snapped at a friend. We ARGUED and got off the phone angry. We're OK now, we Emailed and gave each other virtual hugs - it happens!


I realized lately there are certain topics I get very defensive about - very stressed about. If someone even tippy toes around them, I get my swords out and start growling. Well, it was a time to put an end to that.

On my conquest to further find my "peaceful place" - I came to an "awkward" realization on my own - something I have NEVER thought of before.  Read what I wrote to her in my reply - it explains better.

I honestly have NO idea where this came from. She was shocked and sent me this text message:

She followed it with this one:

Really interesting. I went onto research the scriptures she pointed out and my jaw dropped! I literally have no idea where my mind came up the words in that Email.

I've never spoken that before. Pretty awesome!

"Start At The Book of John" - Advice I Recently Got...

I've been a bit frustrated trying to find the proper studying source for the Bible. I'm now discovering it's actually the OLD TESTAMENT that's harder to understand. The NEW TESTAMENT is making much faster sense to me.

A friend recently advised that I start at the Book of John, I never asked her why, but today I skipped ahead to it (way ahead). I'm really enjoying it and it's making very clear sense.

Again, for anyone interested, I'm listening to the NIV Dramatized Audio version (This way I can listen to it in the car and while walking around - more study time ;)

Also, I had a MOMENT today worth hearing about - I'll post that next!

Bible (Old Testament) - Genesis Overview

I found a series of videos on YouTube that are helping provide a SUMMARY of each of the Books in the Bible - I find it to be a good REVIEW (but not a great way to learn the Bible the first time).

Here it is:

Abraham (Abram) Led To THREE Religions!

As I read the Bible and other books/articles that clarify the Bible, I learned that Abraham (born name Abram) is a recognized authority in 3 religions:

1. Christianity
2. Islam
3. Judaism 

The Old Testament is amazing. This 1 piece of writing has led to 3 of the MOST popular religions in the World! The more confusing religious studies can get, the more connected they become as well.

Many times the NEW Testament gets more importance (especially by Christians), but take my word for it. READ THE OLD TESTAMENT too!  It's very different than the New, but it sets up the stage.

What a world...

"I'm a Good Person...Doesn't That Mean Anything?"

No. It really doesn't in the end of the day.

...Says an avid Christian. This is the ONE thing I don't like about Christianity. Essentially, if you don't admit that 'Jesus is the one and only.' You have zero chance of being saved.

The thinking here is that its IMPOSSIBLE for humans to be truly-good. It's impossible for us not to sin. Even God recognized that so who are we to argue?

So, you may be a "good person" but you still sin. The ONLY way to wash sin and be forgiven of it is Jesus. This saddens me. It reminds me of endless dinner debates I had in the past concerning my future. My only argument was:

"But I live by the VALUES that Christianity teaches!  I'm a GOOD person and I do GOOD things. Heck, I'm better than most Christians I even know.

Doesn't that stand for ANYTHING?"

The answer I got: "No it doesn't. At the end all that counts is if you believe in Jesus as your true savior."  It just seems so rigid, stubborn and well, unfair. As I study, I suppose I'll understand more.