by Whitey | Apr 2, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (v. 46)
We all face temptation every day, some days more than others. But the Bible promises that God always provides a way out. And I wonder if sometimes it’s as simple as Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in this passage…
“Get up and pray.”
Jesus’ temptation was to flee from or resist the coming storm, His crucifixion. It was a trial He did not want to go through. But it was part of the Father’s plan. Jesus sets an example for us here when He faces the temptation to disobey. He prays.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (v. 42)
He prays. He’s honest about how He feels, but He submits to the Father’s will. He chooses to obey. And when the time comes for His arrest, Jesus does not resist, because He’s already settled the issue with His Father in prayer. He does the right thing, for us.
Meanwhile, the disciples — who slept instead of praying — are overcome by fear when the storm arrives. When temptation comes, they flee, betray and deny.
Whose example do we follow? How often does something as simple as fatigue or laziness win out over prayer in our lives? How often is defeating temptation as simple as getting up and praying?
Get up and pray!
by Whitey | Mar 22, 2012 | Uncategorized
1. Me in a suit. 2. Me holding a baby.
This was shot at Immanuel Church’s national annual conference. I got to re-connect with a lot of people, including a good friend (a Japanese pastor) whose wife had a baby since the last time we saw each other.
by Whitey | Mar 12, 2012 | Uncategorized
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/38273966 w=400&h=225]
相澤順子 Junko Aisawa – My Story of Hope (English Subtitles) from Jesus.net Japan on Vimeo.
by Whitey | Mar 9, 2012 | Uncategorized
Not sure why, but the last post had only 1 pic even though I thought I uploaded 3. So here they are again…
These are some pics from last weekend: English Cafe, young adult prayer time & dinner; and a sushi party at the home of some students. It was a full and fun birthday weekend. And yes, there was cake. And yes, I’m blogging about food again… but don’t food and ministry go hand in hand?
by Whitey | Mar 1, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!” (v. 37)
In Jesus’ parable, after the master returns from his journey to find his servants waiting, the master serves the servents. I find this really encouraging. What an amazing picture of the reward God has in store for us who are His servants in Christ!
In the end, it will be worth the wait. It will be worth the pain. It will be worth the struggles. Be faithful.
by Whitey | Feb 22, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (v. 13)
In His teaching here about prayer, Jesus doesn’t promise us that we will receive everything we think we want. But He does promise that we will receive what we need. And what we need — or rather, who we need — is the Holy Spirit.
God offers us Himself. He promises that those who week Him will find Him. But so often we seek other things to fill that hole. This affects both how we pray and how we live.
Father God, I pray for more of Your Holy Spirit in my life. May it be You that I seek, You who are my purpose, goal, center and life. Please purify my prayer life, my priorities, my heart. Lord, teach me to pray.
