Tag: prayer

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Five

The Harvest is Plentiful

Heller Estates, Vineyard

Week 63 | Section 70a

Heller Estates, VineyardLegacy planning is a term many are familiar with but there are none that have proven better than Jesus’. The success is in part due to His master plan and God’s very nature which was instilled within humanity. In today’s study we find our selves peering pack onto the eve of a movement that transformed the world forever.  It was late summer, for two-and-a-half years they had followed Jesus, then become his disciples, and in the spring Jesus had selected them to be his Apostles – yet there was more to do together than relish each moment with the Lord.

Scripture:

[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 9:35-38
35 Jesus went1 about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.2 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered,3 like sheep without a shepherd.4    37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful,5 but the laborers are few.6 38 Pray7 therefore that the Lord of the harvest8 will send out laborers into his harvest.”. 9¯10[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Mark 6:6b
6b He went around the villages teaching.[/one_half]

Group Dialog:

  1. How would you define the needs and sentiments of your neighborhood, community, and the surrounding towns?
  2. How is the Lord’s command at this time in the life of Jesus and the Apostles, differ from his command after his resurrection (Matt 28:19-20) and Paul’s instruction in Eph 4:12-14?
  3. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul writes, “our battle is not against flesh and blood”. What then should we understand about Jesus’ command for prayer and labor?
  4. As a disciple yourself, how are you personally responding to this command of Christ?
  5. How ought the church unite and serve? Under whom are we to unite (who is the leader)? What is the common cause (read: 2Cor 5:11-21)? What purpose does our diversity of ministries and vocations, and strength serve to fulfill this common cause?
  6. How is being part of Jesus’ movement different that becoming a member of a church?

Learning Objectives:

Prayer is essential, we must engage in the ministry of reconciliation, diversity of ministries, vocation, spiritual gifts, strengths, common cause, unity of the Church, work of the Church, evangelism, service,

Photo: Heller Estates winery in Monterey County, CA. 2014 Harvest. Heller Estates is an organic winery high up on the hillside within the Carmel Valley Appellation.

Study Notes:

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Five

Just Believe

Victoria Lilypads at Bok Tower Gardens, FL

Week 61 | Section 67

Victoria Lilypads at Bok Tower Gardens, FLOne of the name’s used to describe God is Jehovah Shammah which when translated is “The God who is there”. In today’s study we see to miraculous events among those who believe – the woman who touched his cloak and those from the house of Jarius. Despair had struck them both but faith in Jesus delivered them in an instant.  Yes, the purposes and power of God reach far beyond what we can grasp or imagine.

Scripture

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 9:18-26

18 While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”1 19 Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples. 20 Behold, a woman2 who had a discharge of blood for twelve years3

came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; 21 for she said within herself, “If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.”4

22 But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith5  has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd in noisy disorder, 24 he said to them, “Make room, because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” They were ridiculing him.

25 But when the crowd was put out, he entered in, took her by the hand, and the girl arose.

26 The report of this went out into all that land.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 5:21-43
21 When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side,6 a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea. 22 Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, 23 and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.” 24 He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides. 25 A certain woman, who had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse, 27 having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd, and touched his clothes. 28 For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well.” 29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 His disciples said to him, “You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.”

35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?” 36 But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”7 37 He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 He came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing. 39 When he had entered in, he said to them,

“Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.” 40 They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying. 41 Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, being interpreted, “Girl, I tell you, get up!” 42 Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 8:40-56
40 When Jesus returned, the multitude welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.8 41 Behold, a man named Jairus came. He was a ruler of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’ feet, and begged him to come into his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.9

But as he went, the multitudes pressed against him.10 43 A woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her living on physicians and could not be healed by any11

44 came behind him, and touched the fringe of his cloak.12 Immediately the flow of her blood stopped.

45 Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch me, for I perceived that power has gone out of me.” 47 When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared to him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 He said to her, “Daughter, cheer up. Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” 49 While he still spoke, one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house came, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Don’t trouble the Teacher.” 50 But Jesus hearing it, answered him, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be healed.” 51 When he came to the house, he didn’t allow anyone to enter in, except Peter, John, James, the father of the child, and her mother. 52 All were weeping and mourning her, but he said, “Don’t weep. She isn’t dead, but sleeping.” 53 They were ridiculing him, knowing that she was dead.

54 But he put them all outside, and taking her by the hand, he called, saying, “Child, arise!” 55 Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He commanded that something be given to her to eat.13

56 Her parents were amazed, but he commanded them to tell no one what had been done.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. From this passage, what should learn about our response to our emotions and situations of life?
  2. Do you think you are aware of your surroundings, as Jesus was, and the need of those around you?
  3. Are miraculous healing possible today? (The answer is yes.) What then does it take to be healed?
  4. What is it that you desire the Lord to do in your life today (this week, this month, this year)?

Learning Objectives:

Faith in Jesus, humbled, humility, humility of Christ, the compassion of Christ, power of Christ, healing, godly reaction to our own emotions and situations, spiritual attentiveness, God’s desire to heal us, intercessory prayer, prayer,

Photo: Victoria lily pads at Bok Tower Gardens, FL These water lilies are almost unbelievable – 5-9 feet in diameter and strong enough to hold up 150lbs.

Study Notes:

Categories
Five

Such Great a Faith

Such Great a Faith

Week 47 | Section 55, 56

Such Great a FaithWe open to sections 55-56 for our study in week 47 Harmony Bible Radio. This week we read two healing stories and hear the witness of Jesus’ power and authority over  sickness, time, space, and even death as such our lesson hones in on the nature of faith – not of our own accord but faith in Jesus.

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Five

Ask, Seek, Knock

Week 46 | Section 54 h, i

In this broadcast we conclude a 5 week series of the sermon on the mount.  Jesus wraps up the teaching with a familiar lesson on prayer with a simple summary: Ask, Seek, Knock.

This week is a perfect opportunity to explore and discuss the importance of prayer and talk about how you yourself as the disciple have integrated routine, regular, and continuous prayer into your life.  Its also a terrific time to talk about the intimacy of your relationship with God, your desire to be with him, and abide with him. Another theme to explore is the aspect of ego, sin and other obstacles that separate us from God and the behaviors that nurture your relationship with God.

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Five

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lords Prayer

Week 44 | Section 54f

In the fourth message within the Sermon on the Mount we read from Section 54f in the ‘Harmony of the Gospels’ by Thomas and Gundry. In this section (Matthew 6:1-18) Jesus teaches the disciples and apostles gathered ‘how’ to give, forgive, fast and pray without hypocrisy.

History and archaeological records highlights the rapid spread of the Lord’s Prayer throughout Israel, to Italy, Africa, and even into Syria by the middle of the second century. By the fourth century some integrated the original form of prayer granted us by Jesus teaching, to a poetic prayer that could be said by the masses in unison. After nearly 1500 years some today recite the Lord’s prayer without understanding the meaning and truth within its words and form.

We pray that this study will invigorate your own prayer life and help you prepare to provide this teaching to those you are discipling.

May we become the fragrance of Christ, and ambassadors of the King of kings.

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Three

Gratitude and the Gospel

Gratitude and the Gospel

Week 31, Section 45

Gratitude and the GospelA year since Jesus was baptized his public ministry now includes more healing as he shows his compassion to others and the number of followers and disciples is increasing.  Our study today reveals something more about Jesus’ purpose, his manner of ministry, and his concern for our own physical condition.

Scripture:

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 8:2-4
2 Behold, a leper came to him1  and worshiped2 him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”3¯4 3 Jesus stretched out his hand,5 and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately6 his leprosy was cleansed.

 

 

4 Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priest,7 and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:40-45
40 A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.” 41 Being moved with compassion,8 he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, “I want to. Be made clean.” 42 When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.

 

43 He strictly warned him, and immediately sent him out, 44 and said to him, “See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” 45 But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places. People came to him from everywhere.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 5:12-16
12 While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”9  13 He stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 He commanded him to tell no one, “But go your way, and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”10

15 But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.11 16 But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. Why does the leper come to Jesus? By doing so, he breaks the rules of Lev 13-14 (Lev 13: 45-46)
  2. How might our perspective of what God wants and what he’s able to do affect the way we approach Him in prayer, worship, and service?
  3. In the midst of serving in ministry, has your prayer life become stronger or less frequent?
  4. What is stopping you from being His witness, sharing your testimony of what God is (and has) done in your life?
  5. Pray for one another’s healing, well-being, and ministry.

Learning Objectives: obedience, compassion toward others,  Character of Christ, healing, God’s will, gratitude, testimony, prayer in success, no shame, ask, worship, reverence.

Image: An armadillo seen in a land preserve in Orlando, FL. In America leprosy is most often transmitted by contact or consumption of armadillos.

Study Notes:

Categories
Three

The Priority of Prayer

The Priority of Prayer

Section 44 | Week 30

The Priority of PrayerThis week our study illustrates how prayer was an essential aspect of Jesus’ relationship with His Father and an integrated quality of his life, ministry, mission and strategy. In light of this, and instruction throughout the Scriptures we must integrate the same discipline into our lives or suffer the perils of pride, prayer anemia, and spiritual malnutrition.

Scripture:

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 4:23-35

23 Jesus went about in all Galilee,1 teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.  24 The report about him went out into all Syria.2 They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. 25 Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:35-39
35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.3 36 Simon and those who were with him followed after him; 37 and they found him, and told him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.”4¯5 39 He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee,6 preaching and casting out demons.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 4:42-44
42 When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place, and the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he wouldn’t go away from them. 43 But he said to them, “I must preach the good news of God’s Kingdom to the other cities also. For this reason I have been sent.” 44 He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. Do you feel close to God?
  2. How has prayer benefited you?
  3. Why do you pray? (brokenness, for family, spouse, faith, fear, defeat, sin, depression, covetousness, something else?)
  4. Read and discuss these other passages of prayer (Ps 34:15,17; Ps 102:17; 1 Jn 5:14-15; Jms 4:3; Jms 5:16; Mt 21:22; Heb 10:19-22; )
  5. What is at risk when we fail to pray? (Heb 2:3; Jer 2:32; Rev 2:4;
  6. What is the most common reason you fail to pray? ☐ Self-Sufficiency ☐ Doubt ☐ Guilt ☐ Feelings of inadequacy ☐ Self-Interest ☐ Don’t know how ☐ Lukewarm Christianity ☐ Different Priorities
  7. What should we pray based on Jesus’ life, prayers, and and teaching?
  8. How does your specific focus in ministry rely on prayer, and your relationship with Christ?

Learning Objectives: prayer, recovery, spirit-filled, silence, strategy, renewal, ministry, priorities, spiritual disciplines,

Image: Looking toward the Caloosahatchee River at Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club in Fort Myers, FL (sorry its a sunset, not a sunrise). The palm trees and sun remind me of Psalm 113:3 “From the rising of the sun to its setting,  the name of the LORD is to be praised.”

Study Notes:

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Two

Jesus’ Baptism

Jesus' Baptism

Week 15 | Section 24

Jesus' BaptismToday we begin the second phase of Jesus ministry, which we will study over the next two months. In history these events took place over a period of about 12-15 months.

Now Jesus’ baptism, the event in today’s story, occurs when he is about 30 years old. John had been baptizing folks for over six months and had prophesied that one day one greater than he would come. Well that was the day. Though without sin, Jesus modeled for those present and all humanity the imperative and principle attitude and action of salvation and ministry – humility and acceptance.

Bethany on the East side of the Jordan River | Sonlife Video

This video is provided by Sonlife – one of our Ministry Partners.

Section 24
[one_third last=”no”]Mat 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.1 14 But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”2 15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”3 Then he allowed him. 16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. 17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”4[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:9-11
9 In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

 

 

10 Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting,5 and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.6 11 A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”7¯8[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 3:21-23a

 

 

 

 

21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized,9¯10 and was praying. The sky was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.” 23 And Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age.11[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. What is the work of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in this section?
  2. What does it take for Jesus to please God? What had he done?
  3. Who am I in the eyes of God? How is this reflected in my actions, thoughts, and feelings?
  4. What way can we pass on a blessing to others this week?

Learning Objectives:

Baptism, Trinity, Deity & Humanity of Christ, sin, humility, acceptance, prayer, discernment of God’s activity among us, grace, acts of righteousness, pleasing God,

Study Notes:

Categories
One

The Magnificat

The Magnificat

Week 6 | Section 7

The MagnificatMary’s song of praise, The Magnificat, shows her humility, prophetic understanding of God’s intent, and willingness to be counted among the servants of God for the sake of the world. The verses and prophetic promises which she sings forth are like the threads in the divine tapestry. She models for us not only humble service, but also true worship with her whole heart and soul and all the faculties of her being.

Scripture:
Luke 1:46-56

46 Mary said, “My soul1magnifies2¯3 the Lord.4¯5¯6¯7 47 My spirit8 has rejoiced in God my Savior,9¯10 48 for he has looked at the humble state11 of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations12 will call me blessed.13 49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me.14 Holy is his name.15 50 His mercy16 is17 for generations of generations18 on those who fear him.19 51 He has20 shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things.21 He has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has given help to Israel,22 his servant, that he might remember mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and his offspring forever.”23 56 Mary stayed with her about three months,24 and then returned to her house.

Group Dialog:

  1. Thinking about praise and worship, what do you find most astounding about the nature of God and his acts in your life and throughout time?
  2. How have you seen humility and pride affect your own life?
  3. The way Mary (age 12-13) was raised laid the seeds that allowed her to respond to the immaculate conception. How do our habits of study, prayer, and spiritual formation affect our ability to respond to daily events?
  4. In your closing group prayer consider offering up four parts: 1)affirmation of who God is 2) What God has done in your life (48-49); 3) What God is doing in the World (vs 50-53) 4) What God has done for Israel. Acts 1:8

Learning objectives:

Praise and worship, God the warrior, humility, servant-hood, plan of salvation, the graciousness of God, spiritual warfare, pride is the antagonist of prayer and worship as it besets humility. Humility then is the anecdote.  In the diminishment of humility pride increases and as does the virtues of compassion, consideration, kindness, and gentleness.

Study Notes: