Seeking God

I would like to share with you a couple of verses;

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."
--Psalm 105:4

"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul."
--Deuteronomy 4:29

How amazing is it that our Father wants us to seek him.  It is so incredible that He desires a relationship with us.  He tells us to look to Him for strength, for times when we are weak.  He promises he will give us the strength.  He also tells us to seek his face and to seek him.  He promises that if we seek him with all of our heart and all of our soul, that we will find Him. That is a promise.  And imagine, when we do find Him, how great will that be?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pray for you, it is such a privilege for me to have the opportunity to do so.  If you have anything that you would like me to pray for, do not hesitate to email me back.

If you are looking for a quiet place to just get away and have a one on one time with God, the Prayer Center is the perfect place to do just that.  Located on Dorm 13 on the other side of the laundry room.


In Christ,

Cody Petersen

God Our Provider

I would really like to encourage with somethig that God has taught me over and over again during my stay here at Liberty. I don't know if you are facing any kind of financial struggles, I can assure you that God is our Provider.

In Matthew 6:31-32 He says, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them."

God is a promise keeper and faithful God. He has been really faithful to me regarding all my needs and I am sure that He will do the same for you.

--Payel

Living Above Reproach

I was reading 1 John chapters 1 and 2 this morning and the call was clear for all of those who are in the Lord. We have to live above reproach. We as the body of Christ as Children of God cannot live in a way that will disappoint or bring disgrace to His name. There is this reoccurring theme in the Bible that is an imperative to us to “Be Holy for [The Lord] is Holy.” I know that statement is easier said than done. I do not know where you are in your life at this point but that The Lord is putting me through some tests to make sure that I am up to par with this statement. There is an urgency to walk in the light as he is in the light. My encouragement for you today is to always remember that you live for an audience of One, the only One that matters.

"God is light in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  But if we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us from all sin."

--1 John 1:5-7

“Dear Father,
     Thank you for everything that you have given us today. Lord I thank you for revealing your most powerful attributes in times of struggle and pain. I thank you for being strong when I am weak. Lord help us every day to become more like you. Not repaying evil with evil but living above reproach. Lord I ask for your grace whenever your children stumble and do things that are not pleasing to you but I also ask for the strong conviction to not do those things in the first place. Lord I thank you for being who you are.

           In Jesus name I pray Amen!”

Enduring Faith

The devotion that I did today comes from Hebrews 12. The book of Hebrews does not have a known author. The author wrote this book for the purpose to present the sufficiency and superiority of Christ to Hebrew Christians. This was written more specifically for Hebrew Christians who were considering a return to Judaism. These people were probably exploring the possibility of converting their faith, due to the lack of understanding Biblical truth.
The twelfth chapter of Hebrews focuses on the importance of endurance in our faith. This chapter elaborates on the perseverance we need to overcome endangering sins and trials. How we choose to persevere through these things is seen as a tester of one’s faith. If we fall into these sins and transgressions there will be Godly consequences. Godly consequences may seem harsh to some ears, but this only shows God, the Father, loves us. Hebrews 12:6 says this, “because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” It is for our own protection that we face his consequences. The Father loves us and does not want us to put ourselves in danger. If we do not receive consequences then we will not break those chains; which will put us in harm’s way. He knows what is best for us, and he has promised to bring us through anything if we hand our trust over to him. Only through this can we be healed with his power within us.

1 Corinthians 10:11-14

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:11-14

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."

Who is God?

God warns us (v11)
God sets a firm foundation (v12)
God is faithful (v13)
God does not give us more than we can handle (v13)
God provides a way out of temptation (v13)
God gives endurance (v13)
God is jealous (v14)

How Should I Respond?

By being a Godly example and not poor one (v11)
By heeding God's warnings (v11)
By strenghtening my foundation in every aspect (v12)
By overcoming temptations (v13)
By relying on God to guide me through temptation (v130
By getting out of temptation (v13)
by fleeing from idolatry (v14)

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that I heed the Lord's warning in my life (v11)
Pray that Godly examples will be brought into my life (v11)
Pray that I be a Godly example and a light to the world (v11)
Pray that I continue to build a firm foundation (v12)
Pray that I overcome temptation (v13)
Pray that I rely on God for every aspect of my life (v13)
Pray that I flee from temptation (v13)
Pray that I flee from any form of idolatry (v14)

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should listen for the Lord (v11)
I should build a firm foundation on the Lord for my life (v12)
I should flee from temptation and know that the Lord will provide an escape route if I listen to Him (v13)
I should flee from idolatry and not let anything in my life receive more worship and attention that the Lord (v14)

Jesus Our Sustainer

My name is Shiloh Finch and I serve as a Prayer Ministry Manager at the Prayer Center. If you are looking for a quiet place to spend time with God, here is the perfect place for you to get that quiet time. We are located on the circle dorm 13 on the first floor. I challenge you to come here one day this week and spend some alone time with God.

We just wanted to let you know that we are here praying for you, by name. Currently, I am praying for you right now here in the Prayer Center. I am praying for you to be used to better the Kingdom of God.  I am also praying for your schoolwork, health, financial needs, your relationships with people around you, and most importantly your relationship with God. I wanted to share a quick verse with you that I was reading and studying through today before my time of prayer.

2 Corinthians 4: 7-9 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

I encourage you to read through verse 12 to finish the passage. Today in convocation I was really convicted, as I hope you were as well. Jesus is the only thing in the world that will sustain us. I know that many of us believe that; however, are we living that in our lives? Is it enough for us to have Jesus in our lives? Would we be content with our only possessions being our bible and the LOVE of God? Nothing in this world will ever be enough to fill the void of God in our lives. We should see the man in prison who was beaten for his faith as an example. I want to have the type of character that the 14 year old boy who was beaten to death had who died praising Jesus' name! THAT IS HOW POWERFUL GOD IS! He is sufficient!

--Shiloh Finch

Romans 2

Who is God?

God is just. His judgment is based on truth and righteousness. (v. 2)

God is kind. His kindness leads us to repentance (v. 4)

God is a giver. (v. 7)

God is just. He doesn’t show favoritism. (v. 11)

How Should I respond?

Stop judging others. (v.1)

Be obedient to God. Stop being so stubborn to what I want, but rather allow God to work in my life. Let His will be done and not mine. In the end, God will reward us with eternal life. (v.5, v.6. v.7)

What Should I Pray About?

Pray for obedience, (v.7) Pray for Mom and I’s relationship. Pray for my roommates and their studies (v. 6) Pray for my best friend Esper for her school, and all the students at liberty. (v.6)

Where Do I go From Here?

I want to know Lord what you want me to do in order to serve You. I want to see you in my relationship with Mom, Ally, Clay, and Dad! I pray that hopefully I’ll stop being self-centered and I pray that you are going to take away this pride I have inside. They should see You through me instead of parading myself like a hypocrite (v.24).

--Rolando Doronila Jr.

1 John 3:1-10

Who is God?

God is our Father. (vs.1)

God is who we should have our hope in. (vs. 3)

God is pure. (vs. 3)

God is righteous. (vs. 7)

God is the destroyer or the works of the Devil. (vs. 8)

How should I respond?

I should be thankful to be a son of the true living God. 

I should love my brothers.

I should run from sin and cling to Jesus.

What should I pray for?

Pray that God would show me how to love like he loves. 

Pray that God would never let me forget that He is my father and my righteousness.

Where do I go from here?

To God my father. 

1 Peter 2:1-10

Who Is God?

God is good (v. 3).

Who Is Christ?

The living Stone (v. 4)

Chosen by God (v. 4)

The avenue of our spiritual sacrifices to God (v. 5)

A chosen and precious cornerstone (v.6)

How Should I Respond?
 

By ridding myself of rid “all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (v. 1)

By craving spiritual milk that I might grow in Christ (v. 2)

By offering spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God (v. 5)

By trusting in the cornerstone that is Christ (v. 6)

By “declar[ing] the praises of Him who called [me] out of darkness into His wonderful light” (v. 9)

By recognizing that I am now a person of God who has received mercy (v. 10)

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that more people would taste that the Lord is good (v. 3)

Pray that God would rid me of malice, deceit, and other such wickedness (v. 1)

Pray that God would also help others be rid of wickedness

Pray that God would shape me into a usable “living stone” that I might be “built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” (v. 5)

Pray that those who stumble would not continue to disobey the message (v. 8).

Pray that God would help me and others to abstain from walking in darkness but rather walk in His marvelous light (v. 9)

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should live every day cognizant of the fact that, as a believer, I am part of a royal priesthood and should live accordingly. (v. 9)

I should lean and rely on God so that I can continue walking in the light (v. 10)

I should live life in obedience to the message so that I do not cause others to stumble.

I should seek to rid myself of the wickedness described in the first verse (v. 1).

I should seek spiritual milk so as to continue living strongly in the salvation I have been given (v. 2).

God Bless,

Jacob Carter

Everyday Prayers

Even though I have never met most of you, I was praying for you as I read Scotty Smith’s (1999) Everyday Prayers for March 16.  He concludes his thoughts by praying:

 

“Father, because of past grace, present grace, and future grace, I want to live with bowed knees and palms up toward you. I seek to worship other things less by loving you more. I pray in Jesus' exalted name. Amen."

I pray that each of you might adopt this worshipful attitude in all aspects of your life and ministry.

--Dr. Charles Hughes and Luke Earley

Meditations on Prayer

Prayer Journey Bible --Towns, Destiny, c. 2011.—Proverbs 12 :25 "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." Prayer Principle 487 Tongue –Disciplined Prayer, James 3:8 --"Lord, I love to learn the good principles of life."

My Utmost For his Highest—Oswald Chambers , March 12 – "Total Surrender" – Mark 10:28 – "See, we have left all and followed you." Our motive for surrender should not be for any personal gain at all. 

Teach Me To Pray -365 Readings – Andrew Murray, March 12, "The Life That Can Pray" – "I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit so that the Father will give you whatsoever you ask for, using my name."– What life must one live to bear fruit? What must a person be in order to pray with results? What must one do to receive what he or she asks? The answer is simple. Live as a branch depending on the vine for strength. The source of power in prayer is the vine.

Seize The Day by Dietrich Bonhoeffer {whose faith –driven resistance to the Nazis during World War II resulted in his execution.} March 12 – "Being Thankful for the Small Things" – Ephesians 5:20 –"Lord, grant that in the small things I may be thankful. And in the big things I may not lose my appreciation of what you do. Amen."

Grace For The Moment – Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year – Max Lucado , c. 2000., March 12- "Slaves to Goodness." Romans 6:22, "Now you are free from sin and have become slaves of God." We didn’t even know we were slobs until we met him. Then he moved in. Things began to change. What we threw around we began putting away. What we neglected we cleaned up. What had been clutter became order.

Strategic Prayer –Eddie Smith , -Applying The Power of Targeted Prayer – Essential Prayer Strategy – “the incremental execution of a singular realistic {achievable} objective, under unified command, with verifiable results."

Everyday Prayers, 365 Days to a Gospel–Centered Faith, Scotty Smith, Baker Books , c. 2011. “All of us are just as capable and culpable of crushing the spirits of others--Melt the madness of meanness with the grandeur of your grace. I pray in your near and healing name. Amen."

--Dr. Hughes

True Peace

My name is Tiffany Samuels, and I am a junior here at Liberty University. I am from Baltimore, Maryland, and I am majoring in English. I am super excited about this semester; I have already seen God do so many miraculous things on my hall alone. I am also a prayer manager at the prayer center located on Dorm 13-1. The chance to serve at the prayer center is a blessing. I can see it changing the way I view prayer, by praying for people I don't even know, but knowing that God knows exactly who they are. That's pretty amazing!!!

If you don't mind, I have a verse that I would love to share with you. This has been on my heart all semester and I am so glad I get to share it with someone. John 14:27 says, "Peace, I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled. Neither let it be afraid."

I pray that you will allow Jesus to be your peace. He says it isn't of the world, so don't be fooled if you see people who claim to have the peace of the world. The True peace comes from an intimate relationship with Him who loves you so much. As humans, it is so difficult to realize that the peace we are seeking was always with us, even when we didn't feel it. Know the peace in your mind, and it will carry over to knowing that peace in your heart. Jesus is with you, even though you may not feel Him. I am so thankful for that peace, and I pray that you are as well.

Meditations on Prayer

Prayer Journey Bible, Towns, Destiny, c.2011 -- March 8, 2012
Principle of prayer - 286 - Listen-Prayer, Matt 18:19
Proverbs 8:33 - "Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not."
"Lord, I will always put you first in my life. You love those who follow wisdom's principles, and I will love wisdom to become smarter. I want godly character, inner peace, and Your happiness. Amen."

My Utmost For His Highest, Oswald Chambers c. 1935. -- March 8 - "The Surrendered Life -- Galatians 2:20 -- "I have been crucified with Christ...If you have faced the question of whether or not to surrender, make a determination to go through the crisis, surrendering all that you have and all that you are to Him. And the God will equip you to do all that He requires of you."

Teach Me To Pray -- Andrew Murray --365 readings -- "Difficult Prayer" --Luke 22:44 "He prayed more fervently..." All nature has been so arranged by God that nothing is found without work and effort.

Strategic Prayer -- Applying The Power of Targeted Prayer --Eddie Smith - Bethany House, c. 2007. Principle 6 -- Targeting Supply -- Pray against the Devil's tactics that rob us and others of our time. Ask God to supply the financial resources necessary to expand His kingdom through our lives. Pray that Christians would properly evaluate their use of money and would begin to give, by faith, toward that which brings the greatest return.

Grace For The Moment --Max Lucado --Inspirational thoughts for Each Day of the Year -- c. 2000--- Led by the Spirit -- Romans 8:14 -- The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them...but when it comes to the Holy Spirit, we are confused at best and frightened at worst.

Everyday Prayers --365 Days to a Gospel Centered Faith -- Scotty Smith --Baker Books , c. 2011. - "Blessed Are the Refreshers" ---Proverbs 11:24-25 --- "One person gives freely, yet gains even more: another witholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." And as grace runs downhill to the needy, so it flows to others. To whom would you send us today--to whom would you send me? Freely I receive; freely I will give. I pray in your most generous name Amen.

Seize The Day - with Dietrich Bonhoeffer - March 8 - No Regrets - II Timothy 4:7 -- "To have no regrets is to have made good choices and to have exercised the mnistry of forgiveness."

--Dr. Charles Hughes

Peace & Thanksgiving

My name is Rolando C. Doronila Jr. and I am from the Philippines. I am majoring in Graphic Design and it's already my third year here at Liberty. I am currently residing at the hill dorm 23-1.

Tonight, in my devotion I was reading the passage Colossians 3 and in this passage, I was encouraged to be more spiritual in my words and thoughts. Allow me to share this with you.

 

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:15-17

I pray that you will carry your cross everyday by fighting anything that goes against God's will. Allow His reality to sink into your being regardless of your problems and struggles.

1 John 2:15-29

Who Is God?

God is Father (vs. 15)

Jesus is the Christ (vs. 22)

How Should I Respond?

Fall more in love with God, so that I don't love the world or the things of the world.

Be aware that there ware Antichrist out there in this world.

Praise God for the knowledge that He has given. 

Let his anointing teach me. 

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that God would strengthen me to go into the world but to never love the world. 

Pray that I would be able to clearly know who the Antichrists in the world are. 

Pray that I would allow God to teach me.

Where Do I Go Form Here

Into deeper knowledge of God. 

Hebrews 13:1-19

Who is God?

God is love (v.1)
God shows mercy (v.3)
God is a judge (v.4)
God is a jealous God (v.5)
God is always with us (v.5,8)
God is our helper (v.6)

How Should I Respond?

By showing love and kindness to everyone (v.1-2)
By being thankful for the situation I am in, my world could turn upside down at any moment (v.3)
By honoring God with my marriage and marriage bed (v.4)
By being content with what I have (v.5)
By imitating leaders who are strong in the faith and praying for them (v.7, 17-19)
By sacrificing my everything to follow Christ (v.10-14)
By continueously praising His name (v.15-16)

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that God will provide opportunities for me to love and show hospitality to everyone I encounter (v.1-2)
Pray that those who are in physical and spiritual bondage that they could be freed from it (v.3)
Pray that I continue to stay pure in my thoughts and actions so I can strive for a pure marriage (v.4)
Pray that I will desire God's will for my life, not desire the plan I have for my life (v.5) 
Pray that our spiritual leaders that they will continue to be a strong influence and not lose faith (v.7, 17-19)
Pray that we set our eyes on Christ and not the things of this world (v.14)

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should continue to love my brothers and sisters in the faith (v.1)
I should show hospitatlity to everyone including strangers, we could be entertaining angels and never know it! (v.2)
I should be thankful for what I have and that God will never forsake me instead of complaining for the things I don't have (v.5)
I should look up to strong leaders of the faith and imitate how they grow closer to the Lord (v.7)
I should be careful who I listen to and not be led astray by false teachers (v.9)
I should sacrifise my life and time and everything to serving the Lord (v.10-13)
I should seek the holy city and not the city of the world (v.14)
I should continuously offer up sacrifices of my time through praise, worship and thankgiving (v.15-16)

--Rachel Lind

Meditations on Prayer

Seize The Day -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer -- Participating in Life: "Preparation for heaven is not withdrawal and passivity, but a strenuous participation in the challenges of life."

Prayer Journey Bible –Towns – Proverbs 5:7 "..depart not from the words of my mouth." {Prayer Principle 207 Guidance – Prayer, Rom. 12:1-2}

Teach Me To Pray – 365 Readings – Andrew Murray – Deuteronomy 3:28 "Commission Joshua and encourage him." Let us confess before God our lack of prayer. Lack of prayer is the proof of the lack of faith.

Strategic Prayer – Applying the Power of Targeted Prayer, Eddie Smith. –Principle 2 – Targeting The Power Grid – "The Devil’s power grid is deception. God’s power grid is truth. We must speak the truth in love."
Everyday Prayers - 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith – Scotty Smith, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, c. 2011. – March 5 – A Prayer about All-Weather Friendship – "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." {Proverbs 17:17}

Grace For The Moment – Inspirational Thoughts For Each Day of the Year – Max Lucado – March 5 – Sole Provider, Sole Comforter – "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest." -- Matthew 11:28. As long as Jesus is one of many options, he is no option.

"Gracious Lord , give us fire and faith for loving as all-weather friends. What do we do next? Do we get in our cars, buy an airline ticket, call up, show up? How can we best come alongside our hurting friends? Show us, Jesus; lead us. We pray in your faithful and compassionate name. Amen."

--Dr. Charles Hughes

Psalm 27

Who Is God?
God is our help.
God is faithful.
God is good.
God is light and our salvation.
God is our shelter and protector from harm.
How Should I Respond?
Trust in God’s goodness in all circumstances.
Thank God for what He has already done, is doing, and will do.
Praise God for who He is.
Wait patiently until God’s right timing.

What Should I Pray For?
More faith and patience.
Ask God to fill me with the Holy Spirit and reveal more of His truth to me.
To become more faithful in the little things of today.
That I may be able to give thanks in any and all situation, good or bad (change my perspective).
For better concentration, while I try to focus on my studies and reading assignments. For my mind to get less distracted.
That God would speak to every single person listening to convocation today and that our ears and hearts would all be open to the Holy Spirit.
That God would heal my mother’s arthritis in her hands.

Where Do I Go From Here?
Let go of my plans, goals, and time schedule and trust in His perfect timing.
Daily worship God on my own time, in class, while I study, while I eat, and with others.
Be consistent with spending time in the Word and give my undivided attention to the Holy Spirit. Spend quality time with the Lord.
Trust in God’s goodness.