When I was an unbeliever, I woke up each day feeling alone. Without God’s agape love, I didn’t know what love was. I had no hope for eternity. I had little peace on Earth. I did not know what I did not know.

   Now that I am a believer, I wake up each day in spiritual unity with God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, as well as, my brothers and sisters in the “Body of Christ.”  Every believer, all over the world is in full support of me and I of them. We must love one another.

God Requires Us to Pray without Ceasing

   “Pray without Ceasing“, what a daunting task from 1 Thessalonians 5:17. 

   Must we get down on our knees in a private place, bow our heads, close our eyes and pray to God our Father at all times? No, not continually.

   Must we get down on our knees in a private place, bow our heads, close our eyes and pray to God our Father at some times? Yes, for sure.

   We are blessed because God wants to be in communion with our thoughts and actions every day, all day long.  So, how about using our entire lives as a continuous prayer?  OK, but how do we do it?  God tells us in His Word.  All we have to do is ask Jesus.

John 15:7-8 NLT “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”

Be Surrendered to God. Pray something like, “Father God, Examine my heart and make me just like your Son Jesus. Do with me as You will and keep me “IN” Christ always.

We Can Do Nothing without Him

Romans 12:1 NLT  “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

Romans 12:2 NLT  “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

Galatians 12:20 NLT  “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Be a Godly Perceiver. Pray something like, “Holy Spirit come. Lead me into service for others as Jesus did. Give me new instruction every day, all day long.”

 Jesus Listened to the Holy Spirit’s Leading

John 4:7-10 NLT  “Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, (the Holy Spirit led Jesus to her) and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.””

Luke 19:1-7 NLT  “Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus (the Holy Spirit led Jesus to him). He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said, “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.”

John 5:5-8 NLT  “One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years (the Holy Spirit led Jesus to him). When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!””

John 9:1-7 NLT  “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth (the Holy Spirit led Jesus to him). “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!”

Be Godly Intentioned. Pray something like, “Holy Lord Jesus, Make me see people as you see them. Give me “Your good intentions“ always. Cause me to serve others as you do. Turn my life of “good intentions” into “prayers without ceasing”.

Have Eyes of Eternity

Romans 8:31-32 NLT  “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these (God’s good intentions)? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”

 Colossians 3:17 NLT  “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Galatians 6:2-3 NLT  “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”

Rely on Our Helper for Prayers too

Romans 8:26 NLT  “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”

Things Said while “in the Spirit” Are also Prayers 

“Welcome”, “Thank you”, “God be with you”, Rest in peace”, “Are you Ok?”, “Be Blessed”, “You are welcome”, “make yourself at home” and many more of your own.

“Did you see that man cut me off and speed away? I’m glad I didn’t call him a so-and-so. He may have had an emergency to deal with. Anyway, get home safe brother.”

Faith and “Good Intentions” are Great, but What if Fear Creeps In?

gotquestions.org  Says It Best!

When our thoughts turn to worry, discouragement fear, and anger, we are to consciously and quickly turn every thought into prayer and every prayer into thanksgiving. 

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul commands us to stop being anxious and instead, “in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). He taught the believers at Colossae to devote themselves “to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). Paul exhorted the Ephesian believers to see prayer as a weapon to use in fighting spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:18). 

As we go through the day, prayer should be our first response to every fearful situation, every anxious thought, and every undesired task that God commands. A lack of prayer will cause us to depend on ourselves instead of depending on God’s grace. 

Unceasing prayer is, in essence, continual dependence upon
and communion with the Father.

For Christians, prayer should be like breathing. You do not have to think to breathe because the atmosphere exerts pressure on your lungs and essentially forces you to breathe. That is why it is more difficult to hold your breath than it is to breathe. Similarly, when we are born into the family of God, we enter into a spiritual atmosphere where God’s presence and grace exert pressure, or influence, on our lives. Prayer is the normal response to that pressure. As believers, we have all entered the divine atmosphere to breathe the air of prayer.

Unfortunately, many believers hold their “spiritual breath” for long periods, thinking brief moments with God are sufficient to allow them to survive. But such restricting of their spiritual intake is caused by sinful desires. The fact is that every believer must be continually in the presence of God, constantly breathing in His truths, to be fully functional. 

It is easier for Christians to feel secure
by presuming on—instead of depending on—God’s grace. 

Too many believers become satisfied with physical blessings and have little desire for spiritual ones. When programs, methods, and money produce impressive results, there is an inclination to confuse human success with divine blessing. When that happens, passionate longing for God and yearning for His help will be missing. Continual, persistent, incessant prayer is an essential part of Christian living and flows out of humility and dependence on God.

Sermon on the Mount

Lesson #02 – The Beatitudes   “Assume these character traits for your own”

Lesson #03 – Salt and Light   “The example for Christ followers.”

Lesson #04 – Christ Came to Fulfill the Law   “Answer to the big questions about Christ doctrine.“

Lesson #05 – Anger   “The sin that kills unity in the Body of Christ.”

Lesson #06 – Lust   “The sin that kills the soul.”

Lesson #07 – Divorce 

Lesson #08 – Swearing Oaths

Lesson #09 – Love You Enemies 

Lesson #10 – Retaliation 

Lesson #11 – Giving to the Needy

Lesson #12 – The Lord’s Prayer 

Lesson #12a – Fasting

Lesson #12b – Do Not Be Anxious 

Lesson #13 – Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

Lesson #14 – Judging Others 

Lesson #15 – Effective Prayer 

Lesson #16 – The Golden Rule 

Lesson #17 – The Narrow Gate

Lesson #18 – A Tree and Its Fruit 

Lesson #19 – I Never Knew You 

Lesson #20 – Wise and Foolish Builders

Active Listening   “Read this article over and over.”

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Disciples   “How do we show agape love to her brothers and sisters.”

3 Things Some Christians Do  “DO NOT do these things”.

Disciple Lesson 1 – Why Make Disciples?

The main reason we are called to make disciples is because Jesus himself was the  living example of it. God designed discipleship to be the way He would change the world. We are to mimic Jesus’ methods, who made disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples. Their very lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to be more and more like Jesus.

Every minute of every day during His mission on Earth, Jesus spent discipling. He taught his disciples through teachings and he led by example. Jesus performed miracles like the feeding of the 5000; healings of the sick; driving out of demons; sermons and parables; and of course, by His very presence, death on the cross, resurrection , and ascension to the Father.

Every minute of every day during your life on earth you are discipling. The Holy Spirit enables you to speak the words of Jesus to an unbelieving world and your very life is an example for all to see, if you choose to Him. You may be a Discipler or an influence for the world. Your choice.

A Discipler is someone who is involved in teaching, praying, modeling and reproducing themselves. He is someone who is a disciple of Christ and is actively participating in sharing the gospel to others. He is someone who teaches others to obey everything Christ Jesus has commanded. He is someone who takes heed of the Great Commission.

In fact, it could be said that God‘s plan is to make disciples of everyone in heaven.

It is so important that we start anything we do that is of importance with “why?”. If we don’t know why we are making disciples, chances are we won’t accomplish our objective. We won’t stay focused. The temptation is for our ministry and approach to drift over time. Keeping things on track will take intentionality. It will take a solid plan that is done with consistency. It will take a good role model, Jesus.

“The Disciple Maker’s Handbook” by Harrington and Patrick lists 7 reasons for making disciples. It is very good reading and is a treasure trove of suggestions.

1. We obey Jesus’ final command:  Matthew 28:19-20  “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

2. We follow Jesus and Jesus made disciples.

3. We help people receive eternal life.

4. We give people the personal help they need.

5. We change lives

6. We truly love others!

7. We live out the priesthood of all believers:  1 Peter 2:9-11. “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”

Please go to: “Contact Us” and 1) Ask me any question, 2) Leave your valuable comments, and/or 3) Request prayer.

Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word.  Let’s go!

Disciple Lesson 2  – The Beatitudes

  What can we learn by asking ourselves questions?

   The Beatitudes are a collection of statements made by Christ at his Sermon on the Mount. They pertain to a person with certain character traits needed to be a renowned citizen in the Kingdom of God. Are we a person of such character as the below blessings?

Matthew 5:1-2  “‘Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

Matthew 5:3   “Blessed are the poor in spirit”

   Do you know yourself to be a humble sinner before God, without pride and in desperate need of His saving grace? If yes, then you are poor in spirit and just who the Father wants.

Matthew 5:4  ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.’

Do you truly mourn your own sinful condition? Is your repentance of the type that results in a deep spiritual sorrow, prompting the earnest seeking of God’s forgiveness? God will provide the comfort of the “Comforter” himself, the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:5  ‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.’

   Have you assumed a character of gentleness of spirit, love and genuine humility toward God the Father and others? Meekness can only be seen from the perspective of God, not man. God’s reward is “spiritual prosperity” or “blessing”, not necessarily earthly happiness.

Matthew 5:6  ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.’

   Do you find yourself continually “seeking first the Kingdom of God” and “always placing faith in Jesus Christ”, in order to attain righteousness with Him. God grants a deeply satisfied, spiritually complete soul for the effort. 

Matthew 5:7  ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.’

   Are you able to show forgiveness and compassion to those in need, regardless of circumstances? Does the phrase, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”, ring a bell? If we want mercy, we must show mercy.

Matthew 5:8  ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.’

      Do you consider your heart to be clean? Is cleansing by fire and the Holy Spirit the best way to attain purity? Have you been Baptized? We must give our hearts to Jesus and ask for him to do the cleansing for us.

Matthew 5:9  ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’

   Do you have the peace that comes from knowing God? Do you take it to others? Only children of God can take the peace of knowing God to others. There is peace between God and sinners because Jesus died for that condition.

Matthew 5:10  ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.’

   Have you ever been persecuted? Persecution is suffering because of our striving for righteousness. Orient your life toward God and his will. You can know that you are on the right path if you are being persecuted.

Matthew 5:11  ‘Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’

   When attempting to verify the true meaning of scripture, one needs to pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit, compare the research of Bible scholars, or ask other believers (such as SendUsLord.com comments section) Every reader should “dive deeper” into God’s Word as a life-long goal. Spiritual maturity is the reward. God desires to make His Word known toe everyone.

Please go to: “Contact Us” and 1) Ask me any question, 2) Leave your valuable comments, and/or 3) Request prayer.

Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word.  Let’s go!

Disciple Lesson 3 – Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16  ‘You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’

Lesson Questions:  What part of your life does salt represent? What happens when salt loses its taste?  Is your light like a flickering candle? Is your light like a steady campfire? Is your light like a blazing bonfire? How can you add fuel to the fire that produces your light?

Please go to: “Contact Us” and 1) Ask me any question, 2) Leave your valuable comments, and/or 3) Request prayer.

Let’s go forth and tell “this people” about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word.  Let’s go!

Disciple Lesson 4 – Christ Came to Fulfill the Law

Matthew 5:17-20  ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’

Lesson Questions:  For hundreds of years, the Jews had been committed to following the law of Moses and the oral laws of the Pharisees. Why was it important for Jesus to say he was not there to abolish the law or the profits?  Why should a person’s righteousness exceeded scribes and the Pharisees?

Please go to: “Contact Us” and 1) Ask me any question, 2) Leave your valuable comments, and/or 3) Request prayer.

Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word.  Let’s go!

Disciple Lesson 5 – Anger

Matthew 5:21-26  ‘You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

So, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.’

Lesson Questions:  Why would Jesus say “you have heard that it was said to those of old“?  Is the definition of murder more strict in the Old Testament or the New Testament?Why have reconciliation before offering your gift?

Please go to: “Contact Us” and 1) Ask me any question, 2) Leave your valuable comments, and/or 3) Request prayer.

Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word.  Let’s go!

Disciple Lesson 6 – Lust

Matthew 5:27-30  ‘You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. 

For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.’

Lesson Questions:   Is the definition for adultery more strict in the Old Testament or the New Testament? Why is it more important for a person to lose a member or an eye?

Please go to: “Contact Us” and 1) Ask me any question, 2) Leave your valuable comments, and/or 3) Request prayer.

Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word.  Let’s go!

Disciple Lesson 7 – Divorce

Matthew 5:31-32   ‘It was also said, whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce. But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.’

Disciple Questions:   The Old Testament way of divorce was simple as a man giving his wife _________.  The new testament way of divorce was more stringent. One can only divorce on the grounds of __________.

Please go to: “Contact Us” and 1) Ask me any question, 2) Leave your valuable comments, and/or 3) Request prayer.

Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word.  Let’s go!

Disciple Lesson 8 – Oaths

Matthew 5:37  ‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.

But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.’

Disciple Questions: What happens when an oath is broken when it is sworn before God?  What is the Earth known as when swearing an oath? What is the proper answer when asked to swear an oath?

Please go to: “Contact Us” and 1) Ask me any question, 2) Leave your valuable comments, and/or 3) Request prayer.

Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word.  Let’s go!