Own Your Faith

I'm not ok. We are not ok. In light of the murder of George Floyd--another in the long list of black bodies killed at the hands of racism whether by law enforcement or civilians--this is an honest message about where I am as a black man, a Christian, and a pastor. A look at Cain and Abel and the words of Cain, "Am I my brother's keeper?" in response to God asking, "Where is your brother?" This is a reminder and a challenge that we are our brothers' and sisters' keeper in the fight against racism/racial injustice.

Jesus continues to show us how to pray in times of uncertainty or transition. He prays these critical prayers for His disciples. He prays for unity, for joy, and for protection. This is how we ought to pray for each other. | John 17:11-19

When Jesus prayed this prayer in John 17, known as the true Lord's Prayer or the High Priestly Prayer, he didn't just pray for himself, he prayed for his disciples as well. He models for us an extended list of prayers for those closest to him. This is how we ought to pray daily, but especially during times of transition or uncertainty. | John 17:6-10

Jesus's prayer in John 17 was a prayer that occurred in a time of transition. Jesus was about to be betrayed and beaten and executed in order to fulfill the prophecy and call on his life. He begins this prayer praying for himself in a time of uncertainty, but yet confidence that God the Father was with him. He teaches us how we ought to pray during uncertain times. John 17:1-5

Moses told the people of God "you've been on this mountain long enough." There are times when God moves us from the place we've been wandering or stagnant for quite some time. There comes a time when transition is necessary to accomplish what God is calling the people of God to do. Deuteronomy 1:3,6

We ought to be praying because temptation preys on us. Jesus exhorted his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to pray so that they do not enter into temptation. Our strength comes from our time in prayer before we get into temptation. Luke 11:4

Part of how Jesus taught the disciples to pray included praying for forgiveness while acknowledging they forgive others. Forgiving people recognize they are forgiven people. Forgiveness is cancelling the debt that someone owes you because of their offense towards you. Being debt-free is not just about paying off your own debt, sometimes it is not holding onto the debt of others.

Cindy ministers to us about praying for and being content with the daily provisions(bread) that God blesses us with each day. Jesus calls himself the "bread of life." There is something fundamentally sustaining about bread in a literal sense and in a spiritual/theological sense. Listen as Cindy teaches us the importance of praying for "our daily bread."

Is there such a thing as the perfect prayer? Jesus prayed the most God-honoring prayer he could pray (in my opinion) when he said, "Not my will, your will be done." (Luke 22:42) The willingness to surrender our will no matter how hard it is, no matter how much we desire a thing in order for God's will to be done just might be characteristics of the perfect prayer. The Holy Spirit prays the will of God (Romans 8:27). God considers the counsel of God's own will before acting (Ephesians 1:11). So why wouldn't we pray the will go God daily since God's will holy, acceptable, and perfect?

When we consider prayer, we must think about how we approach God in prayer. When we pray we are approaching God. We are entering into a sacred space rather than talking to a God that is far away. When must see God as holy and approach with reverence and respect. We should be courteous (having manners fitting for royalty or a royal court) and comfortable (feel safe, at peace). Luke 11:2 | Exodus 3:1-6