Mission: Assimilation (Week 3) by Theresa Zuber

Now that we’ve (hopefully) gotten into the habit of focusing on some “power” verses that can help us in our day to day struggles, we are going to focus this week on prayer. Again, using Jesus as our example, the book of Luke 5:16 tells us “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Don’t think of “lonely” as a sad place. Think of it as a quiet retreat where there are no other distractions; a place that would allow someone to “Be still, and know that I am God;” (Psalm 46:10a)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says we are to “16 Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Wow. Pray continually? The King James Version says “Pray without ceasing.” Another version, the NIRV says it this way, “Never stop praying.” How are we to pray continually? We have to work, right? And shower, cook, pay bills, do laundry. But while doing all these things we can be in a constant state of communication with God! Talk to him about what’s bugging you at work. Pray for your children while you’re sorting their socks. Ask for help with your finances as you balance your checkbook. God wants to be a part of EVERYTHING!

Just be certain that your prayers are genuine and not just meaningless babble. 5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:5-8 (Don’t panic… I know it’s a long passage. If it’s too much just memorize verse 7 or the one that speaks to you.)

God isn’t concerned with our format or our fancy words. God is concerned with our hearts, our intentions, and our sincerity. “16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

There are many, many verses that guide us as we try to follow the scriptural instructions on prayer. This week as you study these verses, begin to “pray continually” not just at meal times or when a crisis arises. "6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Are you curious what Jesus’ prayers would have been like? Take a little time to read his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane in John 17. He prays for himself, his disciples and then for all believers. If you believe in Jesus Christ, that’s you and me! Continue to refresh yourself on the previous weeks’ verses. If God’s word is truly going to be a lamp to our feet and light to our path then we have to make sure we pick up the lamp and hold it out to shine the way - every day. Pray for one another this week and take some time to be still and know that He is God.

Grow Up by Julie Short

When I was a child I acted like a child, unfortunately I still find myself at 49 acting like a child at times. I want to grow in my spiritual walk with God so, I need to put away childish ways. (I Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways behind me.)

I still can laugh and enjoy life, I just need to stop having tantrums and fits. A 49 year old having a 3 year old's tantrum, isn’t pretty and it doesn’t glorify God. I have spent a lot of time crossing my arms, sticking out my lower lip, crying and stomping my feet yelling, "I can’t , it’s too hard" or "I don’t want to do what I know is right."

My job is to observe children and their environments. I often think that if the adult just saw how they were interacting with the child (through the use of a video camera) no words would be needed they would simply stop.

I often act childish when I’m out in public with my husband. Well, by public I am referring to taking a walk and complaining the entire time about this or that. Then I remember “you may be the only bible someone reads” Ouch! Will they see a 49 year old proclaiming to be a Christian and acting like a spoiled 3 year old, or will they see a woman who is walking in love, full of self control and gentleness?

I praise God and thank Him for being a merciful God, but that does not mean I need to continue in my sin. (I John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin…) It means I need to make a strong, determined effort wrapped in constant prayer to be a vessel that God can use to show His love. Anything good in me comes from God. In my weakness I am a mess. When I stop acting like a child, God can do amazing things through me.