A Prayer

(NLT)Psalm 62:1-2
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. [2] He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

Father, many of us are in a time of waiting. The next step is not quite clear, or perhaps we are listening for the trumpet to sound the charge for a battle plan already laid out. Either way, when waiting we need to keep our eyes on You, for from You comes our victory.  Grant Your children peace and the security that comes from knowing You are our rock and salvation, our fortress that will not be shaken.

In Christ we pray, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Help

(NLT)Hebrews 2:18
Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

Remember school? Yeah, I try not to go there mentally very often too. But I think it will help clarify this thought. Think of those teachers who covered so much stuff in class and left you no clue what would actually be on the test. I'm not suggesting cheating, but wouldn't it have been nice to talk to someone who had taken the test who could tell you which parts you really needed to study. Or maybe, you could have had a tutor who could help you prepare.

Life's testing is sometimes much tougher than a highschool exam. We have a High Priest, a friend, a constant companion comforter, a Father, God who has been there, done that and He will help us. The key to that help is in asking, seeking and knocking. I find that I often rush ahead thinking, "God's given me wisdom. I'll just take this bull by the horns and..." then the bull and I together trash the China shop. When we rush ahead we are like a child who steps into the street without looking both ways.

Today, in the midst of decision, ask, seek, knock and listen for your Heavenly Father's guidance. Few major decisions have to be made imediately. No problem is so big that His hand cannot reach and help. Take time to seek the help of the One who can truly help.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Self-made?

(NLT) Psalm 100:1-5
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! [2] Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. [3] Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. [5] For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

A man comes to dinner at a new friend's house. While they eat, the new friend's small son keeps staring at the guest. Finally, the guest says, "Why are you staring at me like that, young fellow?" The kid says, "Daddy told me you were a self-made man.""I am.""Well, why did you make yourself like that?"

Verse 3 above tells us that God made us. Some translations go on to say, "not we ourselves," instead of "we are His." Either way, He made us and we are His. Any good that comes from our lives is due to His grace in our lives.

Today, acknowledge that He, the Lord is God and surrender yourself to His ownership. Do so by giving Him thanks and praise.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Such a simple thing, how did I get unplugged?

(NLT) Matthew 11:28-30
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

I pushed the switch on the table lamp in our dark foyer. The darkness remained. So, I pulled my mobile phone from it's holster and used the light from it's screen to inspect the problem. The power cord lay on the floor right below it's source of strength. Upon plugging the cord into the outlet the room filled with light and the darkness was dispelled.

Well, that's just common sense, right? Do you ever find yourself void of spiritual light or strength? Are you weary in well doing? Unlike the lamp which has no ability to reach for the outlet, we can, at any time reach for Christ, or at the least cry out to Him for aid. Like that lamp we are not far from the source of our strength. He will not leave, nor forsake us.

The point is to be connected to Christ through prayer. Have you talked to Him today? Have you listened for His voice for direction? Have you looked to Him for real rest?

Today, talk to Christ, listen to Him and ask Him for His rest.

Love in Christ Jesus,
Steve Sherwood Sr.

Whose we are. A prayer.

(NLT) Romans 8:15-17
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." [16] For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. [17] And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

When the enemies' weapons are all manned
On Christ the solid rock I stand
When their weapons are depleted and they themselves defeated
In Papa's lap I climb and curl up
I say, "Thank you, Lord. Please fill my cup."
He wraps His loving arms around me
And there within His sweet caressing
I find my self completely resting
In Papa's lap.
                                        -Steve Sherwood Sr. (1980)

Dear Heavenly Father, may we be found faithful this day. When in battle clearly show us the path to victory for Your Name's sake and for Your glory. Do not let us run from the battle or the suffering that is ours to share in. Remind us to stand on You, our solid rock.
During and after each battle remind us Whose we are. Papa, Abba, Father take us in Your arms and hold us. Remind us where our strength comes from and that we are Your children. There grant us Your rest.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN

Steve Sherwood Sr.

Chosen

(NLT) Philippians 1:7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.

(NLT) John 15:16
You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.

(NLT) John 15:19
The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

I'm not going to get into any deep discussion over the sovereignty of God, or Calvinism vs Armenianism. (NLT) Psalm 131:1
Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.

Today, just soak your mind in the humbling fact that your Heavenly Father chose you. He, God chose you to be His child, to come out of the world, to join Him in sharing the good news of Christ, and to receive answers to prayer.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood, Sr.

Through every circumstance

(NLT) 1 Corinthians 13:7
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

How do you see God? Is He the one you turn to only when facing trouble? Do you get aggravated and does your faith wane if He doesn't respond to your situation in your time?

As I shared yesterday, I recently found myself frustrated over the way a situation was going. I struggled with faith in the truth of (NLT) Romans 8:28,
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. In my own heart the part that says, "those who love God," was brought into question.

So, I've spent a lot of time the last few days checking my own heart. "God doesn't want to be your situational rescuer. He wants you to be a loyal son or daughter." - thesolidrockrd (Twitter)

Today, I pray in every circumstance we will be strong in the Lord and that our faith will not waver.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Applying the love chapter to the Father

(NLT) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. [6] It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

After finding myself disappointed in the snails pace speed at which God was moving in a situation, my own journey recently took me back to this passage.  Verse 5 questioned my love for my heavenly Father. I was getting irritable over the fact that He was not responding to one of my prayers my way.

Okay, I've confessed it and now I thank God for His forgiveness. (NLT) 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

I have often used this passage to correct my actions toward someone I found to be difficult, but this is the first time I've ever tested my love for God with 1Cor 13. We may revisit this again this week.

Today, ask God to reveal any ways in which your love for Him does not line up with Paul's definition of love in 1Cor 13:4-7.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood, Sr.

A prayer for our minds.

(NLT) Philippians 4:8
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Oh Father in Heaven, You have created our brains which house our thoughts. What a magnificent machine that shows Your creative greatness.

Father, give us today what we need to feed our brains and minds. Forgive us for every evil thought. Remind us, by the power of Your Holy Spirit to take every thought captive. Grant Your grace to forgive those who sin against us with words that lead our thoughts into unholy paths, such as self hatred. Guide our thoughts in paths of righteousness for Your glory's sake. Keep us from sin and from the evil one and all his lies. Fill our minds with Your powerful love for us and with the worth we have in You.

All glory is Yours. Be glorifed in our thoughts. You rule over every kingdom. Do so in the kingdom of our thoughts. All power is Yours. Remind us this day that You are God in charge today.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.

Do good

(NLT) Acts 20:21
I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike-the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
(NLT) Psalm 37:3
Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Today, be sure you are trusting in Christ, but also do good. We are not to continue in the old way of life.
(NLT) 2 Corinthians 5:17

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.

Where do I start?

(NLT) Psalm 54:1-7
Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. [2] Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. [3] For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. Interlude [4] But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! [5] May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them. [6] I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. [7] For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.

David was in big trouble here. This wasn't someone just vying for a promotion at work. Nor was it an irritating neighbor or family member. These people wanted David dead. Some of them didn't even really know him. In verse 1 he starts at the right place. He takes his burden to the Lord his God. Through out this Psalm he speaks of God as his helper.

Many would ask, "Why me, God?" Thereby, dragging their troubles into a pit of despair. Some would rely on vengeful tactics and only make matters worse. David went to the source of true help and he ended up in triumph. We know from studying the scriptures that this victory took time, but it's culmination was in God's perfecting timing. 

Today, where will you take your troubles? Start in the right place (God) and you will end up in the right place at the right time.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Withdraw for prayer

(NLT) Luke 5:15-16
But despite Jesus' instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. [16] But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

If Jesus saw fit to pull away from the hustle and bustle of life and pray, how much more should we?
This passage seems to indicate that He didn't stick around for every group that headed His way. The urgent, important and dramatic was not as appealing nor necessary as time with His Father.

Today, when things get hectic,don't be afraid to withdraw to a place of quiet worship, prayer or holy contemplation.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.

A Prayer for Each Other

(NLT) James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

If you are still looking for yesterday's installment I apologize. I didn't get it written.

I want to meditate on the phrase, "pray for each other." It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own needs to the point we forget to pray for others. Yet often, our own healing comes while we are focused on someone else.

The model prayer uses the words, "our" & "us".

So, below is today's prayer for us. As you read it, pray it for us, all believers world wide.

(NKJV) Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. [10] Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. [13] And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood, Sr.

PS. A reminder. We will be having a praise & prayer service Saturday night at 7 pm at Fairview Baptist Church.

Confession

(NLT) James 5:16-18
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. [17] Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! [18] Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

It doesn't tell us to confess our sins to a pastor or priest, but to each other. This act puts us in a state of accountability to each other. (NLT) Galatians 6:2
Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

I know very few believers who are honest about their own struggles and especially their failures with sin. We are quick to confess the faults of others but cover our own with a facade of self righteousness. Or we justify our sin by comparing it with the sin of someone we deem much worse than ourself.

(NLT) Luke 18:9-14
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: [10] "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! [12] I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' [13] "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' [14] I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

The end of this passage goes right along with (NLT) 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

So in confessing the truth of our own sin we are forgiven. In covering it up we are all the more guilty.

Today, confess your sin to God and ask Him to give you an accountability partner who will lovingly hold you to a higher standard.

More about this tomorrow.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood, Sr.

Me? Like Elijah?

DE 20100706

(NLT) James 5:16-18
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. [17] Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! [18] Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

Elijah was as human as you. This is the guy who called down fire from heaven, raised a dead child, and blessed containers holding flour and oil so they didn't run out for the duration of a drought. You are like him.

Yesterday I pointed out that our righteousness is in Jesus Christ. I urge all of us to be more earnest or sincere in our approach to prayer.

One of the biggest obstacles to prayer is the belief, "God won't hear me. I mean, who am I?" You are like Elijah, a human with the same passions and desires. You are one for whom Jesus Christ died.
(NLT) Romans 8:31-32 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? [32] Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else?

Today, take time to pray earnestly keeping these things in mind:
1. Christ's righteousness has been imparted to you.
2. God loves you so much He gave His son for you.
3. Elijah was just as human as you and yet God answered his prayer to control the weather for 3 and a half years.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.

Righteous Person?

(NLT) James 5:16-18 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. [17] Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! [18] Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

Now I have no problem being earnest in prayer, but I struggle with the righteous person part.
Matthew 9:13 Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

Okay, this I know all too well. I do not think I (Steve) am righteous.
(NLT) John 16:10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.
(NLT) Romans 3:24-26 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. [25] For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, [26] for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

(NLT) Romans 4:5-8 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. [6] David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: [7] "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. [8] Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin."

Oh! So, it's not about my righteousness, but about the righteousness of Jesus Christ imparted to me by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Today, rejoice and pray with confidence in Christ's righteousness, that your prayers will be heard and will produce wonderful results.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Friday A Prayer for Calm

(NLT) Mark 4:39-40
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. [40] Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Dear Heavenly Father,

Some of our friends, Your children, are smack dab in the middle of a storm right now. Though they know the promise that You will not leave us nor forsake us, it seems to them that You are asleep in the boat.

You have carried me through many storms. At times it was clear that You cried out, "Peace, be still!"  At other times I questioned Your purpose, care and love until my feet were on dry ground on the other side. A few times I stood strong, by Your grace and mercy, but in every storm I've been through I know You were there watching over me.

Papa, I'm asking You right now, whether You calm the storms or secretly guide the vessel, strengthen our friends with Your grace and mercy. In their weakest moments let them feel Your loving arms around them. Give them a glimpse of the shore line. Send them a dove with an olive branch, a friend with a kind word, a reminder that someone is praying for them right now or perhaps a mighty miracle. Please do not let their faith in You fail.

In the Powerful and Holy Name of Jesus Christ the Righteous,
AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.

Thursday A Calm and Undisturbed Mind

(AMP) Proverbs 14:30
A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.

If anyone had cause to be anxious and disturbed it is Jeremiah. He preached to a hard hearted people who rejected him and the message form the Lord. But let's read what he says...

(NLT) Lamentations 3:21-26
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: [22] The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. [23] Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. [24] I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" [25] The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. [26] So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.

Today hope in the Lord. If you have failed, note that His mercies are new every morning. Start today afresh in His loving care. Take some time to wait quietly in His presence. If you are concerned about the economy note what or Who your eternal inheritance is. (vs 24) Hope in the Lord for a calm and undisturbed mind and heart.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr