Barnabas Ministries UK

                                                   

Rev. E. Anderson

GOD’S THOUGHTS AND WAYS

 

THE WAY OF PRAYER

READING       Daniel 6

 

INTRODUCTION

 

EMPHASIS: One of the things that has great emphasis within the Scriptures is that of prayer. It is most apparent that prayer was and is intended to play a predominant role in the life and experience of those who would have any relationship with God and have any real authority in life. Men and women are to be seen at prayer and know the powerful effects of it. DEFINITION: Prayer can be defined in the first and main instance of having and holding intercourse with God. It is fellowshipping with Him in holy communion and conversation. From this strong relationship there is the standing to ask and petition Him with regard to the needs that only He can meet. EXAMPLE: Many examples could be brought forward to prove that the way and path of prayer is a route that influential people tread with God. Numerous ones could be brought forward to make known this vital exercise. As the disciples beheld this exercise in Christ and saw its power in and through Him they said to Him: “Lord teach us to pray.” Elijah was a dynamic man in the way of prayer – c.f. James 5. But Daniel is a person who appears in a great light in this life and ministry. CHARACTERISTICS: In looking at him and his life-style of prayer there are certain qualities that are revealed on this pathway that underline its potency within his experience. They need to be truly known and applied again if there is to be real success in this vital area.

 

(1)      PRAYER MARKED BY A DIVINE CONSCIOUSNESS – DAN. 9: 3

 

Throughout his whole spiritual career, which spanned a long time, Daniel had  knowledge of and a reverence for Jehovah his God. He may have been exiled in a strange land but he never forgot that Israel’s God was his God and he would respect Him whatever the prevailing circumstances would be. Right from the outset this was his attitude of mind and heart. He would not be moved from this conviction by anyone or anything. In addressing the LORD it was always in true reverence of and deference to Him.

 

(2)          PRAYER POSSESSED BY A DIVINE ASSURANCE – DAN. 2: 16-19

 

He was not only sure and certain of God, he was utterly persuaded of His interest, ability and commitment to himself and the cause of His people. No doubts were allowed to plague his spirit. He stood strong in the belief that as he prayed, God would listen and respond. This was an unchanging stance and law that he took and he would not be shaken from it.

 

(3)     PRAYED FROM A CONDITION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – DAN. 6: 22; 10: 12,19

 

Daniel not only believed in a God of righteousness, he knew that if he was to have any personal, intimate and profitable relationship with Him, then he must be a man of integrity and honest conduct. There was nothing shady in his practice. Even his enemies were aware of the fact that he lived a blameless life – Dan. 6 5. In his own heart he knew he had done nothing amiss worthy of judgment - v22. His name means ‘God is my judge.’ He made sure that all he was and did fell in conformity with heaven’s principles. The testimony that he bore before all those around, his kith and kin, those from other pagan places knew he was a man to be trusted. One of the governing factors with regard to praying and with decided results hinges on righteousness - James 5: 16.

(4)  PRAYED WITH A SPIRIT OF CONSISTENCY – DAN. 6:10

 

In this recorded instance, it is affirmed that he “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks to God, as he did aforetime.” These enemies knew they could catch this man upon his knees because it was a constant and consistent procedure of life. Throughout his whole life there had never been any neglecting of this spiritual exercise. Even in later life, he did not pray less and less but more and more as he perceived its value. The daily habit was the regular habit and feature of his behaviour and everybody knew his way of life on this front.

(5)     PRAYED IN A SPIRIT OF EAGERNESS – DAN. 6; 10

 

It was an eager, avid and enthusiastic factor that he engaged upon. Prayer was not a monotonous procedure but one that gave him untold pleasure as he learned to commune with God. There was a looking forward to his daily encounters with the Lord because they brought so much spiritual life and revelation to his being. He would rather pray than eat. No lethargy or apathy of spirit existed because he longed to spend time with God because so much was made known to him in the time spent on his knees.

 

(6)     PRAYED UNASHAMED OF THE FACT – DAN. 6: 5-9

 

He wasn’t worried about being labeled a ‘man of prayer.’ As far as he was concerned, it was the highest honour that could be conferred upon him. It was better and far superior than being called ‘a man of state.’ What did it matter if others knew that this was his common belief and practice. As he looked at the benefits that had come to him by this means and measure, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Even this would turn to his good and God’s glory because he had prayed.

CONCLUSION

Inspiration and provocation to pray should be gathered from the beautiful pattern set by this godly man.

 

It is essential to see the way and be ready and willing to traverse it.

 

Our lives will only become spiritual, powerful and influential only as we give ourselves to this vital ministry. Prayer not only changes things, it changes us.

 

 

                                                    

Rev. E. Anderson

Come Up Higher Dear Daughter

 

You may not know me but I know everything about you - Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and rise up - Psalm 139:2

L am familiar with all your ways – Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered - Matthew 10: 29-31

For you were made my image – Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being - Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring - Acts 17:28

I know you even before you were conceived -Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation -Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake for all your days are written in my book - Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live - Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made - Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb - Psalm 139:13

                    And brought you forth on the day you were born – Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me – John 8: 41-44

I am not distant angry but am the complete expression of love- 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you – 1 John - 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father - John 3:1

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand James 1: 17

For I am you provider and I meet all your needs - Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope - Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love - Jeremiah 31: 3

My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore - Psalm139:17-18

I will never stop doing good to you - Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession - Exodus 19:5

And I want to show you great and marvellous things - Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart you find me – Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart - Psalm 37:4

For it is I that gave you those desires - Philippian 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine -Ephesians 3:20

I am the Father who comforts you in all your troubles – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are broken hearted I am close to you - Psalm 34:18

As a Shepherd carries a lamb I have carried you close to my heart - Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes - Revelation 21: 3

And I will take away every pain you hove suffered on this earth - Revelation 21:3-4

           I am your Father and I love you as I love my Son, Jesus - John 17:23

For in Jesus my love for you is revealed - John 17:26

Jesus died so you that you could be reconciled – 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you – 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8: 31-32

If you receive the gift of my Son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again - Romans &38-39

Come home and I will throw biggest party heaven has ever seen - Luke 15:7

I have always been Father and always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

 

Love Your Heavenly Father

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  

Rev. E. Anderson

LOVE BEYOND THE YEARS

 

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80’s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am .

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I

inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

 

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who are you?

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, ‘She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.’

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought; ‘That is the kind of love I want in my life’. 

 

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. Trus love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I though I could share with you.

The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did. 

 

‘Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.’

 

 

These are but points to ponder that will initiate a greater comprehending of God’s mind and procedures. He desires that there should be a knowing of His sovereign plans and purposes so that life, ministry and service will be enriched and enhanced by His input. There is a revelation that His “thoughts and ways” are infinitely superior to ours – Isaiah 55:8, 9. We need to know and embrace them so that we might be able to achieve and succeed according to His desire and determinations. God bless you in your quest.