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Prayers: From Stinky to Savory

04.18.2016 by hpcs

Do you feel that your prayers are lacking?

Do you find yourself praying the same things over and over again in dull routine? Is prayer the one part of your spiritual life that gets very little attention? If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place.

My goal today is to help you improve upon your ability to communicate with The Lord.

While it may seem that prayer should come easily, it can be quite difficult for many Christians to know how to talk to God. As much as I hate to admit, I have personally struggled with this in my own life.

In my younger years I was not exactly a shining example of a healthy prayer life….in fact, you could say I was a perfect example of how not to pray! Here I was, a young girl who loved to read her bible, go to church, sing songs of praise throughout the day…yet when it came to my prayers, they were short, shallow, and shoddy. I cringe just thinking of them.

Every night before bed, my teenage self would pray something to this effect:

“Dear Father – Thank you for this day. Thank you for your blessings. Be with my family and friends. Be with those who are sick. Forgive me of my sins. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen”

Let’s be real: a prayer like that just downright stinks. It’s impersonal, it’s demanding…it has no depth. Of course I can be rather critical, because I’m speaking of words that came from my own mouth. Yet to this day I am saddened to see many adults (who should be mature in the faith) who have not grown past similar immaturity in their prayers.

Ladies, if you struggle in this area, don’t be discouraged! Like anything, our prayer lives can be refined to full potential through knowledge, determination, and practice.

Is it our desire to be a sweet savor unto our Lord? Do we want our words to be a delight to Him? Then first we will need to filter out some bad prayer habits that are a hindrance.

Let’s consider the three most common errors made concerning communication with God:

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Error # 1: Prayer Slacking

It should be obvious that this is the biggest problem one can face with prayer: not praying at all! This negligence is more common than one might think – but why? What excuse do we have not to pray? We are more than able.

A blind man may not be able to see, a deaf man may not be able to hear, and a mute man may not be able to speak…yet every single one of these can still effectively communicate with their Maker. No infirmity prevents us; no obstacle is in the way, save our own obstinate will.

Beware…the longer we spend avoiding prayer, the easier it gets. Before long we rarely pray – if ever! Yet by the same token, the more we pray the more natural it becomes. They say old habits die hard – well so do good ones!

Once we take a step in the right direction and set aside time each day for prayer it will not only become habitual, but most enjoyable and a time that we look forward to.

Christian women don’t slack on prayer. We pray often.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:8

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Error # 2: Prayer Slimming

Many Christians pray daily, but haphazardly.

While the frequency of praying is there, the occasion lacks real sincerity. Instead of having heartfelt conversations with the Lord, they form a habit of saying rote prayers of their own making. The idea is, “I pray because I know it’s right, but I make it as quick and convenient for myself as possible.”

This reminds me of the prayers I offered God as a teenager. Not much thought went into what I was saying, and I rushed through the words so I could get some shut-eye. Is this kind of attitude God-serving or self-serving? Of course it is the latter.

It is simply not glorifying to God when we put the majority of our efforts into other activities and give Him the scraps. We would do well to remember that He is our KING! This means He is to be first priority in our lives.

Sisters, praying is really a small sacrifice to give to the One who redeemed and purchased us with His own blood! If we can’t muster up the energy to pray to Him then I believe we have a real heart problem. Perhaps it is that we don’t really believe He is as real or as good as we proclaim. If we did, we would spend so much more time in His presence than we do.

Christian women don’t slim down prayers. We give God our best. (Not to mention that when we give God our best, we too are blessed!)

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

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Error # 3: Prayer Slanting

Some pray frequently, some pray fervently, but they pray without understanding. They pray for what seems right to them, but ignorantly they pray outside of God’s will. One example I see quite often is when individuals ask God to heal “so-and-so” or to bless “so-and-so” without stopping to think that it may be outside of God’s authority.

Consider these three strong passages from the book of Jeremiah:

“Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?” Jeremiah 7:16-17

“Then said the Lord unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.” Jeremiah 14:11-12

“Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.” Jeremiah 11:14

I firmly believe that we ought to take more caution in what we boldly ask God to do. It is folly to ask God to heal someone or bless them when perhaps He is afflicting them for their own well-being.

Perhaps the hardship a Christian is going through is meant to sharpen them. Would we do well to ask God to take it away from them when it is for a purpose? That worldly person that is stricken with cancer – would we do well to ask God to heal them so that they might so conveniently go back to a life void of Him?

Rather we ought to pray that sickness, disease, affliction and the like would cause people to turn their hearts to God. It is in vain for a person to be healed just for healing’s sake. We can and should have compassion for people. However, that does not mean we overstep our boundaries and petition God to take away what He very well may have ordained.

If and when we do pray for God’s healing over individuals (especially those outside the Faith) we need to make sure that we are willing to use the experience to lead them to Christ, else the healing be for naught.

Christian women don’t slant their prayers. We pray with discernment.

“Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.” 1 Samuel 12:23-25

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Bottom line: Pray. Pray often, pray genuinely, pray wisely. Don’t forget about the Father, don’t give Him scraps and don’t pretend you are His boss.

It all comes down to honor. Do we honor God? The more we respect and adore our great and mighty King, the easier it becomes to talk with Him. Praying is meant to be a sweet savor unto the Lord. It is also meant to change us.

Pray with humility. Pray with fervency. Pray with adoration… and for crying out loud, don’t pray with a case of the “gimme’s.”

Girls, it takes practice to form savory prayers. It is a process that may not happen overnight, and God knows your sincerity! He is gracious to us in our immaturity. He wants to hear from you, and He expects you to offer Him your best.

Where you are weak in this area, He is strong (Romans 8:26). My intent is not to make anyone feel foolish or that their prayers are not good enough, but rather to encourage each of you to examine your prayer life. I did, and my relationship with the Lord has grown so much as a result. I want to see the same for you.

God bless, and take a chill pill!

CA Bolks
Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

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03.31.2016 by hpcs // 2 Comments

“Grace is a free gift!”

“You can’t earn salvation”

“Faith alone saves you!”

Throughout my life I have often heard these phrases used. Usually the words are said in quick defense against a person claiming that salvation can be met through man’s part…even be it by his obedience to God. I have witnessed these heated conversations so many times that I can vividly picture the two sides sparring at one another. Here are two or more individuals shooting back and forth with favorite catch-phrases that are meant to disarm the other person, while both are getting virtually no where. Each individual is convinced that they are right, and neither will back down.

– Our Conundrum

It’s a very common argument: one says that people have a responsibility towards their own salvation; while another says that salvation is free. So which one is correct? Hold your fire, but I daresay both of them!

“How can this be? The two views are in direct opposition to one another!”

At first glance, it would appear so. Yet I would like to present an idea to you that perhaps you’ve never thought of…

-His Condition

Let’s take a moment to think of salvation as a product.

We all know that many stores offer “buy one get one free” specials from time to time. Need I define it? You can’t get a much more straightforward name for this special: you literally buy one item, and thus earn the privilege to a second item free. A favored special of frugal mothers everywhere!

Now to tie this in with salvation, consider this: many say that if you in any way “work” for your salvation (ie. by confessing, repenting, and being baptized), that the salvation would no longer be free, which would contradict God’s word. While I understand and respect the concern of these well-meaning individuals, I firmly believe that they are looking at it the wrong way. If I buy a first product and receive a second product free on special, what have I done? I have earned a free product. It’s really not an oxymoron; my purchase of the first product does not negate the fact that the second product is free – however it does indicate that the store placed a condition upon how I would go about receiving my free gift.

Much the same concept is true of God’s grace. Salvation is free, there is no doubt. Yet we must realize that it is free “on special”.

So what must we purchase in order to earn this gift of salvation? I believe Proverbs 23:23 presents our answer. We will call this God’s “buy four, get one free” special:

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (*emphasis added)

Product #1. Truth

To receive God’s free gift of salvation we must buy truth.

In John 14:6, Jesus says “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father except through me”

So we must believe in Jesus and the authenticity of His gospel. We must forsake all other paths and follow Him exclusively and entirely. As our Lord clearly stated, there is no other way to heaven but through Him.

Product #2: Wisdom

To receive God’s free gift of salvation we must buy wisdom.

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness…
Ecclesiastes 2:13-14a

We must repent of our old sinful lifestyle. This means daily crucifying our flesh as we walk in newness of life. Any man or woman who wants to be a child of God is obligated to turn from their sin and walk according to the spirit.

Product #3: Instruction

To receive God’s free gift of salvation we must buy instruction.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1 John 2:4-5

As much as the denominational world fights against it, we must submit to the Lord’s instruction for all men to be baptised. This act signifies abandonment of our old carnal nature and is the point in which God gives us a newfound spiritual nature.

Product #4: Understanding

To receive God’s free gift of salvation we must buy understanding.

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:6

It’s not enough to merely believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, but we must take it a step further by making confession. Contrary to popular belief, confession is not merely acknowledging words we say before being immersed; but rather a continual process. To confess is to live our lives in such a way that we continually proclaim Who it is that we serve.

– The Conclusion

Lastly, Proverbs 23:23 gives us this command regarding the four products: “sell them not”. We can’t take any of the products back without also returning the free product. That would be stealing and cheating the system. Stores do not allow this behavior and neither does the Lord. Salvation is free, but it is also a commitment and we have a responsibility on our part to keep our end of the bargain.

There is no better gift that could ever be offered to us, and just for the small price of four life-changing products. Who are we to scoff at such a deal? Our God has been more than generous to mankind – AND – unlike an earthly salesman, He does not drop off the scene once His products have been purchased. He’s not out to get a buck, but He truly cares for us.
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Consider our salvation in this way: God plans to take us on a free cruise, but He expects us to come equipped with our own bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a beach towel. The responsibility is on us to come forward garnished with the right gear so that we can truly enjoy the unveiling of His great gift to us.

I plead with you to come to The Lord on His terms. I don’t want you to miss out on the joy of heaven, and neither does He. Come get your free gift of salvation. I assure you, the price is right.

God bless, and take a chill pill!
CA Bolks

Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

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02.29.2016 by hpcs // Leave a Comment

“…we are the same that our fathers have been;
we see the same sights that our fathers have seen,
we drink the same stream, and we feel the same sun,
and we run the same course that our fathers have run.
The thoughts we are thinking, our fathers would think;
from the death we are shrinking, they too would shrink;
to the life we are clinging to, they too would cling;
but it speeds from the earth like a bird on the wing.”

– Excerpt from “Mortality” by William Knox

Have you ever seen one of those old-fashioned zombie flicks? You know the kind – rotting flesh, oozing eyeballs, undead monsters with outstretched arms and dilapidated jaws gargling “me huuuuungry” while chasing people down the street….well, you get the picture.

I think we can all agree that the zombies in these throwback films are quite literally all the same. You know…no zombie individuality, no zombies thinking outside the box, no heart-warming zombie sensitivity to be found. Let’s be real; when it comes to the minds of these walking dead, their singular thought process is as simple as: chase, kill, eat, repeat. Basically sums it all up.

What I want to consider today is that sometimes we as christians can have this same zombie-zeal. Now at face value, that doesn’t sound half bad, right? After all, they are pretty zealous to meet their desired goal of chomping down on every brain within reach! Even so, their mode leaves much to be desired, in the fact that they are overtly goal-oriented…looking to their destination without giving thought to any intricate and willful planning in order to arrive at that destination. In the end, humans conquer these guys every time, because zombies simply have no insight in their one track-minds!

In the same way, we christians can become so lost in our goal that we never evaluate our intent, our plan of action. In some ways it can be to our detriment to “run the same course that our fathers have run” (as in the poem above). Yet perhaps they were genuine and righteous in their zeal, so how could our imitation be a negative thing?

Friends, it is because we are running off of borrowed zeal, which will set us up for inevitable failure.

Consider that each christian has their own unique part in God’s plan. All it takes is a short study of 1 Corinthians 12 or Ephesians 4 to know this to be true. We must identify the gifts that we have, and seek to have a zeal all our own. This is the only way we will reach our full potential as an active servant of the King! Sometimes what was good for “our fathers” is completely beneficial for our ministry, sometimes partly beneficial, and sometimes it’s best to simply let their methods stay in the past. A good rule of thumb is to never be zealous over anything merely based on the fact that someone we respect is zealous about it. For our faith to be genuine it must be our own.

In Galatians 1:14-16, Paul recalls that before his conversion, at the time he was persecuting Christians, he had been “exceedingly zealous of the tradition of his fathers”. Yet he goes on to say that after God’s will was made known to him, he “immediately conferred not with flesh and blood”. In other words, the zeal that he once had (while genuine), was misplaced. In fact, his zeal was causing him to commit sin! We do not want to fall into the same error. God’s will ought to trump traditions, old habits, and blood ties every time.

Here are three things we need to know about our zeal to surpass “zombie” level christian (otherwise known as “novice”):

First of all, what is the source of our zeal – is it our feelings, or the Truth? Are we zealous because it makes us feel good about ourselves, or are we seeking to fulfill God’s will through the individual gifts he has given each one of us?

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. – Romans 10:2

Secondly, how can we methodically utilize our zeal to lift up the church and minister to the lost? Do our ideas sound good only in theory, or are we personally going to take a step in the right direction and begin working for the common good?

“…Forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. – 1 Corinthians 14:12

Lastly, are we insightful enough to change gears should our methods prove unsuccessful? Are we strong enough to keep trudging on in the face of adversity, knowing that God is glorified by our diligence?

And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel. – Numbers 25:13

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Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light! (Eph. 5:14)

Ladies, let us no longer be spiritual zombies…dead inside though physically alive. Our God wants us to be a shrewd and thriving people – a people who can victoriously proclaim: “our zeal is the real deal“. One that has the right source, the right utilization, and the right endurance.

God bless, and take a chill pill!

CA Bolks

Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

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