Wednesday, March 12, 2014

How to pray truly effective prayers!


We continued our series this past Sunday "Stories" With special guests "Life Challenge" from Detroit. 4 students shared how their life hit rock bottom due to drugs and alcohol but now they have been transformed by the power and grace of Jesus Christ!!! You can listen to the podcast at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can download it from iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158  

This next Sunday we'll be having some college students from the University of Michigan and Matthew & Julie Payne from Chi Alpha.

There is a very short verse found in 1 John 5 that is extremely powerful. This one verse has the potential to breathe fresh life, vigor and expectation in your relationship with Jesus. This one verse has the potential to change your view of your job, family, friends and circle of influence. Let's check it out and see what it says..

1 John 5:14-And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

There are many other verses in the New Testament that talk about asking according to God's will. There is nothing more powerful and effective then praying the very heart of God and will of God.

We know that Jesus came into our world and gave His life so that none should die but all come to repentance. We know Jesus said that He came to seek and save that which was lost. We know that Jesus said it is not the healthy that need a doctor but the sick. We know that the Bible says that God so loved the world that whosoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.

God's heart is for your friends. God's heart is for your family. God's heart is for your co-workers. God is for that person in your life who you think is hopeless and too far from God. Jesus gave his life so they had an opportunity to find hope, life and grace in Jesus Christ.

That is why it is so important that we pray for those who are in our sphere of influence that have not crossed the line into a relationship with Jesus. When we pray this prayer, we are praying and asking for something that pleases God. We are praying according to His will.

That is why during this series Stories we are encouraging you to bring a friend or two. That is why we are challenging you to pray for them throughout the week. Praying the heart of God and the will of God is the most effective prayer you could ever pray. God wants to use you to make a difference in others lives. You can start right now. You can start this week! Pray big and watch God answer your prayers!

Easter Sunday is only about one month away. As we approach a Sunday where many people are willing to come to church, I encourage you to start praying today for the people in your sphere of influence. Start praying for open doors and opportunities for you to talk and invite others Start praying for God to challenge your heart and expand His love in your life.

Ps. Don't miss our next "Refresh" Sunday, March 30th 6:30-8:00pm Refresh is an extended time of prayer and worship. It is a great place to learn prayer and experience God's presence..

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Bed Time Stories



We continued our series this past Sunday "Stories" With special guests "Life Challenge" from Detroit. 4 students shared how their life hit rock bottom due to drugs and alcohol but now they have been transformed by the power and grace of Jesus Christ!!! You can listen to the podcast at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can download it from iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158  

This next Sunday we'll be having some college students from the University of Michigan and Matthew & Julie Payne from Chi Alpha.

How many of you remember being told bed time stories growing up? Maybe it was your grandma or grandma. Maybe it was your mom or dad. Maybe it was an aunt, uncle or cousin. Regardless, growing up as kids we loved to hear stories read to us or told to us.

Now that we all are mature adults, nothing has really changed. No we may not be told bed time stories but nothing speaks to the core of our hearts like stories. That is why we love watching the based on a real life story movie. That is why we love the ABC or NBC specials. That is why many woman love to watch Lifetime or behind the scene stories. Nothing speaks more to us than a powerful and meaningful story.

Most people don't realize that the Bible is one story. There are two parts to it; Old Testament and New Testament. There are 66 books but one central main character. One person that is the center of it all, Jesus Christ.

When we cross the line into a relationship with Jesus, we become a part of a GREATER STORY. We become part of a story that includes millions of characters and that is still unfolding. We become a part of the story of God!

If you have never taken time to think through and write out your story, I encourage you to join one of our weekly home groups for the remaining 6 weeks. People will be taking time to work on their stories and then share them with the group. What a safe place to practice and take a growth step.

PS. Our next water baptism is Sunday, March 30th. We are excited to celebrate more stories and peoples lives that have been transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ.