Harvest Church RDU

Worship Jesus. Love the Church. Reach the World.

prayer2016

Prayer & Pride

by

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

1 Chronicles 23:16-23

The history of the nation of Israel shows that they rarely ever followed the commands of their God especially concerning how they were to worship God. They were not content to pray to the one true God Yahweh but instead built places of worship to other god’s and prayed to them (Isaiah 27:9). King Uzziah initially sought after God and walked according to His ways (2 Chron. 26:4–5) and the kingdom prospered under his rule. But toward the end of his life he forgot where his strength came from and trusting in his own strength, offered burnt incense in the temple, an act that was only reserved for the priests (Ex 30:1-10). The priests tried to warn him but he was persistent therefore God judged him with leprosy.

Here Uzziah was more focused on his will, his way, and his kingdom than he was of God’s. His sin was not only that he acted out of line with how God directed the incense to be offered but also that he had displaced God in his mind and heart. Perhaps this is why the judgment of leprosy came to his head first because it was in his mind that his pride was first birthed, then acted out by his hands. Uzziah fell victim to pride.
coffeeshirt
Incense is often symbolized as prayer and we can learn from this passage how we should approach our God in prayer. Are we attempting to pridefully stand in our own strength before Him demanding He answer our prayer because of what we have done? Do we approach the altar of incense desiring to force our own way? Do we approach the coffee pot to fuel us from long nights and early mornings? Instead of humbly going to our knees to offer our life, do we pridefully hover over our to do list? many ways as you can imagiJust as Uzziah we often ignore godly counsel and persist in our own way. In as ne, we forget God and try to pridefully force our will.

Christ laid aside His comforts to approach the hill of Calvary. Christ fell to His knees to surrender His will to the Father. Christ literally died to Himself to give us life. We are to be humble servants to our God, coming before Him boldly not on account of what we have done or to force our will, but because of what Christ has done in order to advance His Kingdom (Heb. 10:19-20). Prayer and pride don’t mix. May we die to ourselves and trust in our great Savior.

– Matt Bishop

Passages to Review:
Proverbs 18:12; 22:4
Matthew 5:5

[/column]

When To Pray

by

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”When to Pray” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

As a triathlete, many people ask me how I am able to achieve my exercise goals. Scientific research, peak human performance, modalities of training, nutritional plans, technological breakthroughs, or even fashionable trends are all areas where many athletes seek to improve. There is no doubt that consistency is the greatest contributor to success.
“A prayerful life stems from a worship filled heart.”
One of our goals for Harvest Prayer Week is that we would be a people marked by abubrickclockndant prayer. There are many aspects of a healthy prayer life that are important, but none are more foundational than establishing a consistent pattern of prayer. (1 Thess 5:17, Phili 1:4, Col 1:3) A prayerful life stems from a worship filled heart. We have been afforded an abundance of grace which should lead us into an abundance of prayer. In this season of disciplined prayer, God has shown me that a persistent pursuit of prayer leads to a sanctifying pursuit of holiness. Listed below are some practical prayer nuggets that will hopefully challenge you to pray more consistently this week.
Pray with Others
As a people of God, we are marked by prayer. (Acts 2:42) Nothing creates more unity, passion, and vision than consistent prayer together. (James 5:16) Prayer in community develops accountability, growth, and mission. Be a prayer warrior who prays consistently with and on behalf of others. Encourage others by praying together with them. Let others know you are praying to the God of the universe on their behalf. Be vulnerable and humble enough to let others pray for you. Strive to be a Christian who friends know that can turn to for prayer.
Don’t Idolize Prayer
One of my favorite prayers in the Bible is Daniel 9. It is a plea for mercy and for God’s favor to “shine upon our face.” Many times we choose not to pray because we feel we aren’t adequate. Satan tempts us into thinking that our prayer life isn’t good enough. The fact is that we aren’t good enough apart from Christ, but Christ we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37-39). Consistent prayer develops resiliency to the the idolatry of prayer, and places all of our hope in God who delights in our worship.
Pray for People by Name
The Bible tells us that God will rejoice over each name that is in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 20:15). As followers of Christ, this should lead us to pray for the lost. God has challenged our community group to pray for people by name. Praying intentionally for a person by name means investing time and energy into the life of that person. Write someone’s name down and spend some time praying for them today. Make a plan to  pray for them consistently, invest into them relationally and boldly engage them with the Gospel. When we pray for people by name, we will see the sovereignty and power of God displayed in their lives.
Be Moved by the Spirit
Did you just get a message from a covenant member in need of your intercession? What about someone you just met at the park who shared their struggles in life? What is stopping you for praying for people out loud right in the moment? Praying immediately tells the world that there is power in the name of Jesus! Pray for boldness to intercede for others consistently. (Acts 4:31, Ephesians 6:19)
Have a Plan
It’s difficult to have a consistent prayer life in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Not having a plan is pray is the same as having a plan to fail. Developing the discipline to pray consistently is crucial to the spiritual development of every believer. Set aside a time each day and spend time in prayer throughout the day. Jesus himself prayed early and often as the example for us. (Mark 1:35) Fasting is a good way to develop a dependence upon God through prayer. If you are a list person like I am, it may also be helpful to have a personal prayer journal. Delight in prayer. See it as an opportunity and not a burden.
A People Who Pray
2016 is a new opportunity to experience grace; that we may grow us closer to Christ. There is no work more important for the Kingdom and devastating to the enemy than regularly praying the truth of God’s Word. At Harvest Church, our mission is to joyfully make disciples of all nations. As we continue through Prayer Week at Harvest Church, let’s seek to learn how prayer points us upward to Christ and outward to serve one another with the truth of the Gospel.
– Chris Villanueva

[/column]

Why Pray?

by

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

Why should I pray?

Prayer is not some small or marginal thing. Prayer is at the heart of why God created the universe. According to Isaiah 43:7, God created us for his glory. One of the primary ways God displays his glory in us is by being depended on through prayer. When we, as God’s people, look to him to satisfy all of our needs and wants, we make him look great. It is more glorious to be a giver than a getter, and God is the ultimate giver. In this new year, may we glorify God by being faithful getters; never ceasing to pray, depending on God as the faithful giver he is.

I often find myself wondering what God’s will is. This year, I want to encourage you that God’s will is that we as his creatures ask him for things in prayer. We see this pattern of prayer in the bible; God’s will is that we would pray. Not only does God will and command that we pray, but he delights in our asking of him (Proverbs 15:8). In Revelation 5:8, He tells us that our prayers come to him as sweet smelling incense.

Practical Prayer

Putting prayer into practice is not a small task. Sin can lure us out of prayer. Distraction, lack of follow through, and absent-mindedness can rob us of the joys of prayer. One practice that has helped me to be more steadfast and alert in prayer (Col. 4:2), comes from John Piper. He says he prays in concentric circles. Start with yourself and work your way out from there. For example, I pray for myself, then my family, then my friends, coworkers, then my church, then my community, etc. until I get to the outer circle which is the nations. Consider praying this way, drawing out your own circles, engraving them in you mind and letting the spirit and your heart dictate specific needs in these circles.

-Ben Wright

[/column]

2016 Reading Plans

by

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”2016 Reading Plans” title_type=”double” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[accordion collapsible=”true”]
[pane title=”Chronological Reading” background_image=””]
[column_1 width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”undefined” title_type=”undefined” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[linkarea background_color=”” hover_color=”accent1″ href=”https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/5-chronological” target=”_blank” icon=”” icon_color=”accent6″ icon_size=”62″ image=””]
The Blue Letter Bible “Chronological” plan is compiled according to recent historical research, taking into account the order in which the recorded events actually occurred. This is a fantastic plan to follow if you wish to add historical context to your reading of the Bible. If the schedule provided is followed, the entire Bible will be read in one calendar year.

[/linkarea]

[/column_1]
[/pane]

[pane title=”The Bible in ONE Year” background_image=””]
[column_1 width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”undefined” title_type=”undefined” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[linkarea background_color=”” hover_color=”accent1″ href=”https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/48-ccv-the-bible-in-one-year” target=”_self” icon=”” icon_color=”accent6″ icon_size=”62″ image=””]
The Bible in ONE Year Reading plan was designed by Christ’s Church of the Valley to help you read through the entire Bible in one year. Each week day you will be provided with readings from the New Testament, Old Testament and Psalms or Proverbs. There are no readings on the weekends to allow you to catch-up or get ahead.

[/linkarea]

[/column_1]
[/pane]

[pane title=”The One Year Bible” background_image=””]
[column_1 width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”undefined” title_type=”undefined” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[linkarea background_color=”” hover_color=”accent1″ href=”https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/60-the-one-year-bible” target=”_self” icon=”” icon_color=”accent6″ icon_size=”62″ image=””]
Experience the insights and joy gained from reading the entire Bible. You can do it in as little as 15 minutes a day with The One Year ® Bible, the world’s most popular annual reading Bible. Daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs will guide you through God’s Word in one year.
[/linkarea]

[/column_1]
[/pane]

[pane title=”Eat this Book: One Year Bible with Daily Psalm” background_image=””]
[column_1 width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”undefined” title_type=”undefined” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[linkarea background_color=”” hover_color=”accent1″ href=”https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/206-eat-this-book” target=”_self” icon=”” icon_color=”accent6″ icon_size=”62″ image=””]
Following aspects of the traditional Jewish order in the Old Testament, this plan offers a sustainable reading pace, allowing you to experience first the Old Testament and then the New Testament in one year. Each day, you’ll explore an average of four chapters, and you’ll close your time in prayer by reading a Psalm.
[/linkarea]

[/column_1]
[/pane]

[pane title=”Daily Lectionary” background_image=””]
[column_1 width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column_1]
[/pane]
[/accordion]

[/column]