Does God answer prayers? –Sometimes God says “No”.

In John 11, Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to heal their dying brother, yet Jesus allowed Lazarus to die. Why did He say “no” to these grieving women who loved Him so much? Because He had greater things planned for Lazarus, things that no one could possibly have imagined.

“No” is one of the hardest answers we can receive. But, once again, it is important to remember that God is all-knowing and is aware of the entire timeline of history. He knows every possible outcome of every possible choice in every possible situation; we do not. He sees the “big picture”; we see a partial brushstroke. Proverbs 3:5 says to “trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” When we get a “no” answer, we must trust that whatever we asked for was not God’s will.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Join Us At Beach-Schmidt

This Sunday @ 10:00 am

All church BBQ to follow

How God answers our prayers

This week we are looking at how God answers our prayers. God has promised that, when we ask for things that are in accordance with His will for our lives, He will give us what we ask for.

In the first two chapters of 1 Samuel, Hanna prays and asks God to give her a baby. She had been unable to conceive which, in biblical times, was considered a mark of shame for a woman. Hannah prayed fervently—so fervently that a priest who saw her praying thought she was drunk. But God heard Hannah, and He allowed her to give birth to a child.

Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” John 14:3. If you have prayed specifically for something and God has granted it to you, then you can be assured that it is His will. Nothing happens without God allowing it to happen. ^”And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Join Us At Beach-Schmidt

This Sunday @ 10:00 am

All church BBQ to follow

Does God answer prayers?

This week we are looking at why Goes not always answer our prayers. God has promised that, when we ask for things that are in accordance with His will for our lives, He will give us what we ask for ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14–15. However, there is one thing to add to this: we may not always like the answer.
We pray for a lot of things—some good, some bad, some really pointless. But God listens to all of our prayers, regardless of what we ask ⁷“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” Matthew 7:7. When we talk to Him, He has promised to listen and respond.

Keep in mind that prayer is not our way of getting God to do what we want. Our prayers should be focused on things that honor and glorify God and reflect what the Bible clearly reveals God’s will to be. If we pray for something that dishonors God or is not His will for us, He is unlikely to give what we ask for. God’s wisdom far exceeds our own, and we must trust that His answers to our prayers are the best possible solutions.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Join Us At Beach-Schmidt

This Sunday @ 10:00 am

All church BBQ to follow

How to Pray For a Miracle Part 5

Jesus’ encounter with a blind man has been showing us how to pray for a miracle. We’ve learned we are to pray passionately, persistently, precisely and positively and today we conclude by praying with praise and thanksgiving. When a miracle happens, we are to express our gratitude.

In Luke 18:43 “Immediately he received his sight and followed  Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it they also praised God”

Notice the two things this guy did AFTER he received his sight,

He followed Jesus and he gave thanks to God.

Those are the two things you are to do after you've received an answer to prayer. You follow Jesus more closely and you give thanks to God.

The scriptures tell us that ten lepers came to see Jesus. They were social outcasts. Nobody wanted to touch them. Nobody wanted to get close to them for fear that they too might get leprosy. Jesus touched them and healed them all. They all went away. It says later one of them -- only one of them -- came back to thank the Lord. How sad. When a miracle happens, we are to express our praise and thanks.

I believe you should thank God while you're asking, not just after the answer comes. While you're asking, you should maintain the attitude of gratitude. "Thank You, Lord, that You've already provided for so many other needs. I thank You for what You've provided in the past and You're going to provide in the future. Here's what I need right now.

Let me ask you a question. What do you take for granted in your life that God has so graciously given you that you need to be grateful for?

I believe that we need to be as precise in our thanking God as we are in our asking God. We don't just say, "Thank You, God, for all my blessings." No, name them one by one. Make a list of things to thank God for. Just like you ask specifically, you thank God specifically.

Gratitude and praise should to be a part of the permanent lifestyle of a believer. The Bible says "Rejoice in the Lord always." Always rejoice in the Lord!

Come this Sunday and learn about what to do when God DOESN”T answer your prayers.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

It's not too late to join the women of C3 on Saturday at 10am for a Ladies Brunch! Karen McCullough will be sharing her testimony on what God has been doing in her and her families life! And you will be given a sneak peak at the upcoming ministry, “Moms In Prayer”.  Great food, fellowship and God's word! Hope you can make it! E-mail  womens@celebratejesus.org

How to Pray For a Miracle Part 4

Jesus’ encounter with a blind man has been showing us how to pray for a miracle. We’ve learned we are to pray passionately, persistently, precisely and positively. In other words we need to pray expecting that God will answer. In Luke 18:42 Jesus said to this blind man, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."

Focus on the word "faith."  The blind man expected God to answer.   

Remember the story in the Bible where the father wants Jesus to deliver his demon possessed son and the man said I believe, help my unbelief.

Be honest with God, trust Him and then make GOD sized requests which will help your faith grow like a muscle. 

Mark 11:24 says "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it will be yours."  What an incredible promise! " Now we are warned in the Bible not to ask for things with the wrong motive: ie “I want my boss to get shingles so I can take over his job. Let me win the lottery so I can buy a Porsche”.  Instead we are talking about praying positively and expecting results.  

How can you be more positive in prayer? The Bible says that faith comes by hearing the word -- so get into the word of God. Learn what God has promised. 

There are hundreds of promises from God in the Bible you can count on.  

Here are two of those promises of God I have been trusting in lately:

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Matthew 6:26

Philippians 4:19 My God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

This Sunday Pastor Brant and myself will both be dealing with the important question, “What if God DOESN”T answer my prayer?”

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Make It A Point To Be @ Beach-Schmidt

How to Pray For a Miracle Part 3

Throughout this week we are looking at how Jesus’ encounter with a blind man shows us how to pray for a miracle. We have learned to pray passionately, pray persistently and to pray precisely.

Praying precisely means to not be vague in your prayers. Be specific. Tell God exactly what you want in detail. Not only do we have a problem when we pray careless prayers where our mind and heart really isn't in it fall short when our prayers become cliché.

When you pray, "God bless my family or God bless America" how do you know if that happens or not? It's so vague. When you pray you need to be specific like the blind man who knew exactly what he wanted.

“Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. vs. 40-41

He knew exactly what he wanted and his request was clear and precise.

If Jesus Christ were to say the same thing to you, "What do you want Me to do for you?" What would you say? Would you pray a general prayer like “Bless Me”? Would you be able to answer specifically as this blind man did?

James 4:2 says "The reason you don't have what you want is because you don't ask God for it. You have not because you ask not."

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

How to Pray For a Miracle Part 2

Throughout this week we are looking at how a blind man shows us how to pray for a miracle.

“Those who led the way rebuked (the blind man) and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Luke 18: 39

The Blind man is persistent. He reminds me of the woman who sought healing from Jesus thinking after she had tried every thing else. She believed that if she were only be able to touch the hem of His garment, then she will be healed so she crawled through the crowd to get to Jesus.

I like people like these two who are determined. I admire their tenacity. Nobody's going to stop them from getting their requests to Jesus. That’s the way to approach God, with persistence. The verse says “he shouted all the more”. Even more loudly he said he wanted a miracle!" He's passionate and he's persistent.

Are you relentless in praying for your needs? Or do you just pray for them and then just drop them when the answer doesn't come immediately. Do you give up too soon?

Colossians 4:2 says "Don't be weary in prayer. Keep at it. Watch for God's answers." He's saying, don't quit too soon. Jesus said it like this in the Sermon on the Mount, Ask… Seek… Knock…"Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking."

Need a miracle? Be passionate and persistent as you ask God in prayer.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Sign up for C3’s 24 for 24 Prayer emphasis by calling 785 625-LIVE

How to Pray For a Miracle Part 1

As we continue with our focus on prayer, let me ask you a question; do you need a miracle in your life? When you read about miracles in the Bible, you find very ordinary people receiving miracles from the Lord. Throughout this week we will see how a blind man shows us how to pray for a miracle.  

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. He called out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Luke 18:38

When you pray, pray like the blind man did; with passion and intensity. As he calls out he is acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and he’s passionately pouring out his heart to God. We can’t expect to move the hand of God by reciting worn out clichés and what Jesus calls vain repetitions. When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane he prayed so passionately he sweat blood. Jeremiah 29:13 "God says, `You will find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.'" 

Half hearted praying doesn't cut it. Need a miracle? Pour your heart out to God.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

God Will Provide a Way Out

"This, then, is how you should pray”:

Throughout this week we are looking at the Lord’s Prayer and how Jesus taught us to use it as a model for how to connect with Him in a personal and powerful way.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Here is a course in LIFE 101. The way you think determines the way you feel. The way you feel determines the way you act.  Temptation always begins with a thought.  The battle always begins in your mind.  Whatever gets your attention gets you. That is Satan’s strategy.

The key to overcoming temptation is to refocus your attention. When tempted with your eyes, just look at something else. When your thoughts have turned to lust or greed or gossip, think about something else, something good, something honorable.  Don't try to fight temptation, just refocus.  Whatever gets your attention, gets you.  It's a psychological law.  You move toward whatever you focus on. 

To overcome temptation it is important to understand the following scripture,” No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The devil made me do it is an unacceptable excuse.

God will always give you an alternative to turn to Him first for deliverance from what the evil one wants you to do.

This Sunday join Pastor Brant and myself as we continue in our series called, “PRAY”.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle 

Tonight: Unite Marriage Ministry Tailgate Party

Everything starts at 7:00pm!

Great food, awesome games....AND CHILDCARE!

To register email RSVP@CELEBRATEJESUS.ORG

Tomorrow: Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am (I will be speaking on Being Prepared)

Isn’t it time you joined C3?

Connections Class THIS SUNDAY

12:45 PM Lunch Served Child Care provided rsvp@celebratejesus.org

Or call 625-LIVE

Forgive us…AS we forgive others

"This, then, is how you should pray:

Throughout this week we are looking at the Lord’s Prayer and how Jesus taught us to use it as a model for how to connect with Him in a personal and powerful way.

“Forgive us our sins, as we also have sinned against us”.

God forgives freely, instantly completely and repeatedly.

You don't earn it or deserve it, it's a free gift.

How do I get forgiveness? There are some things you don't do.

You don't have to beg. You don't say, "God, please, please, pretty please... forgive me!" Just be sincere.

You don't have to bargain. "God, if You'll forgive me this time I will never do it again." Ha! If that's your area of weakness you'll be back there in 24 hours. Forgiveness is not a promise to be perfect. Forgiveness is saying, "God, I admit it was wrong.

You don't have to bribe. "God, if You'll forgive me, I'll read my Bible every day. ... I'll tithe 20%. ... I'll even work in the Children’s Sunday School!!!."

All you have to do is just believe. Believe that what Jesus Christ did on the cross was for you, and accept that gift and that your sins have been paid for.

Who are you still needing to forgive? A parent? A husband/wife? A former spouse? A friend who betrayed you? Let it go! For your own sake, let it go! Resentment and and unforgiveness is like a cancer that eats you up from the inside. Do the right thing whether you feel like it or not. You need to let it go.

You say, " Pastor Kyle I can't! I just can't forgive."

That's why you need Jesus Christ who through His power you can do all things.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

God is our Source for ALL

"This, then, is how you should pray:

Throughout this week we are looking at the Lord’s Prayer and how Jesus taught us to use it as a model for how to connect with Him in a personal and powerful way.

Give us today our daily bread… Matthew 6:11  

Everything that we have and everything that we are is because God has blessed us with it. So we in prayer we go to God as the source of all our needs.

*When I don't know what to do, God is my Source of Wisdom (Proverbs 6:9)
*When I run out energy, God is my source of strength. (Isaiah 40:29)
*When I feel depressed, God is the source of my happiness. (Matt. 5:1-11)
*When I’m feeling hopeless, God is the source of my hope.   (Rom 15:13)
*When l become stressed out, God is my source of peace. (Romans 15:33)
*When I'm irritated, God is my source of patience. (Romans 5:3)
*When I'm feeling guilty, God is my source of forgiveness. (Hebrews 5:9)
*When I feel like giving up, God is my source of encouragement. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Don't we have a GREAT God?  He's the source of all these things.  

And my God will meet ALL YOUR NEEDS according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

In your prayer time give Him thanks for ALL that He has done and for ALL that He will provide for you.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle

THIS FRIDAY is our Unite Marriage Ministry Tailgate Kickoff!

Everything starts at 7:00pm!

Great food, awesome games....AND CHILDCARE!

To register email RSVP@CELEBRATEJESUS.ORG

"This, then, is how you should pray:"

Throughout this week we are going to be looking at the Lord’s Prayer and how Jesus taught us to use it as a model for how to connect with Him in a personal and powerful way.

Yesterday we learned to seek Him personally as a Father while yet reverently as a “Heavenly Father”. . “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” Matthew 6:9

Today we learn to put His priorities above our own. ”your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.

I used to think that prayer was ALL ABOUT ME. Were all about what I wanted, what I thought I needed.  So many times I would come to Him thinking He’s like this cosmic Vending machine.  I believed if I inserted a prayer He would deliver my wishes.

I have come to learn that when we approach God in prayer, it’s all about Him. It’s all about what He wants to do in us and through us each day. We have to come to a place where we seek His priorities, His plans over ours. When we get to the place that we really trust Him we can have confidence that His plans are perfect for us. In Jeremiah 29:11 we learn that His plans are “To prosper us not to harm us plans for a hope and a future” 

What I am about to say to you is SO important. We have to get to the place in our time with God, where we’re seeking the Giver and not the gifts that He gives. Did you get that? Prayer is about seeking the Giver and not the gifts that He gives

Hear the promise God makes to us when we do.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

To "seek the Kingdom of God above all else" means to put God and His priorities first in your life, and when we do He provides us with all our needs.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Sign up for C3’s 24 for 24 Prayer emphasis by calling 785 625-LIVE

His Name is Not Harold

"This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Matthew 6:9

Throughout this week we are going to be looking at the Lord’s Prayer and how we are to use it as a model for how to seek God in prayer.

When Jesus teaches us to address God as Father he is letting us know that God is a person not a power. We like that because we can relate to a person.  We can get to know a person.  We can all have a relationship and get personal with a person. Jesus qualified the term by also saying "Our Father in heaven hallowed is His Name”.

Hallowed means holy.  Jesus is saying, “When you come to God in prayer like a Father, we still must recognize that He is our “Heavenly” Father who is holy, pure, set apart and sovereign”.  Through prayer we have the opportunity to personally worship and communicate with the ONE ALL POWERFUL CREATOR   of the universe! So even though we come to Him personally, we also come with a sense of reverence, awe and worship. What a privilege we have to seek His presence with a worshipful heart.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Sign up for our 24 for 24 prayer emphasis by calling 785-625-5483

Praying 2 Chronicles 7:14 Each Day

Ever since September 11^th 2001, this scripture verse has taken on a new and significant meaning for me. Please take it to heart and pray it today in your home or in our 24 for 24 prayer room.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

God directs His people to do certain things. “If” you will do your part, “then” He will do His part.

“If My people, which are called by My name...”

God is addressing His people, those people that are called by His name.  Today, He would be addressing Christians.  God expects Christians to listen to Him, to look into His Word for direction, and to live according to it.

Pray: "Thank you Father that through Jesus you know my name.  Today, direct me and show me how to live for You."

“...shall humble themselves...”

This is a very hard concept in this culture. Humility. God does not force Himself on us.  He desires that you yield to Him and allow Him to take first place in your heart. 

Pray: "Lord God, show me those ways that I have become proud.  Help me to turn to You with a humble heart."

“...and pray...”

 This is not some thought lightly tossed toward heaven as you drive to work.  God desires that you come before Him and spend time in His presence. 

Pray: "Hear my prayer Lord as I bow my heart to You and seek You."

“...and seek My face...”

God wants a relationship with you; to know Him in a personal and intimate way.  He wants a face to face encounter with you.   

Pray: "Lord, I come close to You seeking to renew a relationship that seems to have grown cold. I want to spend time with You today."

“...and turn from their wicked ways...”

You may have little habits you know are wrong, or unconfessed sins, or an unforgiving spirit; these things build up over time.  Allow God to look into your heart and reveal to you your sins and then make a commitment to turn away from them. 

Pray: "Father, I know there is no sin so big that You cannot forgive, and no sin so small that You will overlook. Forgive me and allow me to walk with You in a new way without the burden of sin."

“...then...”

The next phrases tell you that after you have done those things required by God, He will then do those things that only He can do.  “He will hear from heaven, He will forgive our sins, and He will heal our land.”

Pray: "Heavenly Father, I beg you to be patient with me. I look for your forgiveness and healing touch for me, for my family, for my church, for my country."

Be a part of our 24 for 24 prayer emphasis. Call the church office TODAY at 625-LIVE and sign up for a time in our secure prayer room OR PRAY AT THAT TIME IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.  I spent an hour in the prayer room yesterday and left feeling SO blessed. I have signed up for an hour every day I am in town during these 24 days. Don’t miss out on being blessed. SIGN UP TODAY!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

God is a Close and Consistent Father

What makes the “Lord’s Prayer” so special is that Jesus taught his disciples that God is like a loving Father.

So far we have learned that God is a Caring Father.

God is also a Close Father.

The Bible makes it very clear that He's available, accessible, nearby whenever you need Him.

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him." Psalms 145:18

Today, many kids grow up with absentee fathers. Increasingly, many fathers are not around or too busy. Even when they are home they may be detached and aloof. They may be home but they're reading the paper, watching Monday night football, they're thinking about work. That's not the way your heavenly Father is. God is not detached, He’s close.

God is also a Consistent Father.

"Every good and perfect gift is from the Father who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17

God "does not change".  Some fathers are unpredictable.  They're fickle. Depending on the mood he's in, one minute he may be silent, the next minute he's violent. What’s bad about this scenario is that is that “inconsistent fathers produce insecure kids”. God on the other hand is a consistent father. While everything else may be changing and falling apart there's one thing I know I can always count on. I can always count on God to act the same way toward me no matter how I feel.  He is always caring, always close and He is always consistent, no matter what I think, no matter what I feel, no matter what I do.

Tomorrow we will learn one more quality about our AWESOME heavenly Father.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT we begin 24 for 24.

Have you signed up for a 1 hour time slot?

Call 625-LIVE or sign up on the wall in the Lobby of C3.

IF

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Solomon asked God to make provisions for the people when they sinned. God answered with four conditions for forgiveness: (1) Humble yourself by admitting your sins, (2) pray to God, asking for forgiveness, (3) seek God continually, and (4) turn from sinful behavior. True repentance is more than talk—it is changed behavior. Whether we sin individually, as a group, or as a nation, following these steps will lead to forgiveness. God will answer our earnest prayers.

At Celebration Community Church we are encouraging EVERYONE from C3 to sign up for ONE HOUR each week to come up to our secure prayer room behind the Worship Center where we will be praying 24 hours a day for 24 days. Sign up and pray for peace in our war torn world, for Godly leadership in our divided country ,for unity in our conflicted schools, for healing in our wounded families and for Christ's power to impact our community through us his churchSign up and pray for peace in our war torn world, for Godly leadership in our divided country, for safety in our streets and schools, for healing in our wounded families and for Christ’s power to impact our community through his church. Sign up in the lobby of C3 or call 785-625-LIVE TODAY!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

God is like a Caring Father

“This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,’” Matthew 6:9

What makes the “Lord’s Prayer” that Jesus taught his disciples so special is that he calls God “Father”. That is a radical idea. In the entire Old Testament God is only called "Father" 7 times. In this chapter alone, Jesus calls Him Father over 10 times. Jesus called God Father and told us to call God Father over 70 times in the Gospels. God wants you to relate to Him as a compassionate Father.

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who honor Him..." Psalm 103:13

One time the disciples were out in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and a storm came up. They started taking on water and started to sink. They asked of Jesus the most important question: "Lord, don't you care”?

Have you ever felt like that? I'm going under Lord! Don't you care? The answer is, Yes he cares. You have a heavenly Father who cares for you.

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7

He cares about your health. He cares about your house payment. He cares about your grades at school, your relationship with your boss, your marriage and family. God is a caring father who we can come to confidently in prayer.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Sign up for a time slot today.

PRAY

JESUS TEACHES US HOW NOT TO PRAY

As we begin our all church emphasis on prayer let’s look at how Jesus teaches us to pray and how not to. 

Don’t pray like the hypocrites  

⁵ "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:5

Some people want to be seen as "holy," and public prayer is one way to get attention. Jesus sees right through our self-righteous acts and teaches us that the essence of prayer is not public style but honest, personal private communication with God. 

Don’t pray like the heathens     

⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:7-8

Repeating the same words over and over like a magic incantation is no way to ensure that God will hear your prayer. Jesus encourages persistent prayer but he condemns the shallow repetition of words that are not offered with a sincere heart. Be Real, Be Honest and Be Open to hear what God has to say to you. 

Your pastor and partner in ministry, 

Kyle

His Master’s Voice

Yesterday in this blog I confirmed the fact that you cannot have a real healthy relationship with someone without good communication. The same holds true for your relationship with God. You need to be open and available to hear from God when He speaks to you. AND GOD DOES SPEAK TO YOU! He does so through His word, the Bible and He does so through quiet time in prayer. If you say you never hear from God you probably have not been spending any quiet time with Him and His word. Jesus said in John 10:27 “My sheep recognize My voice and they follow Me.”

When I talk to my wife on the phone she recognizes my voice. When I call her I don’t say, “Hello Debbie, this is Kyle Ermoian, your husband.” All I have to do is say ”Hi Honey”, and she recognizes my voice.

The longer you grow in your relationship with the Lord, the easier it is to know when He’s talking to you. The key is learning how to tune in to Him. It is like the old RCA Victor Recording logo that promises audio clarity so good that a dog can recognize “His Master’s Voice”, so we need to know our Master’s voice so we would not mistake another for Him.

Jesus said in Luke 8:8, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”, God has given you all the equipment you need to hear him. Take the time to listen for his “still small voice”.

Beginning this Sunday at Celebration Community Church Hays we are beginning a four week series simply called “Pray.

There are four components to this church wide initiative:

1) A Sunday morning message delivered by one of our teaching pastors on how to develop a personal and productive prayer life.

2) Dig deeper questions you can use to discuss with your family or small group.

3) The daily devotion you are reading now on how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as model.

4) A church wide 24 for 24 campaign to enlist our congregation to pray in our Prayer Room behind C3’s Worship Center 24 hours a day for 24 straight days (September 10^th through October 3^rd Sign up for an hour each week in the Lobby of C3)

Your pastor and partner in ministry…AND prayer

Kyle

Sign up for 24 for 24 Pray, in the Lobby of C3 by the gym.

You Can’t Have A Real Relationship Without Communication

All through Scripture, the Bible says God is speaking to us. Why? Because you were created for a relationship with Him. That is the whole reason you exist. God wants you to know him intimately and eternally.

Now you can’t have a real relationship without communication. The problem is that communication is very easily misunderstood. I’ve been married to my wife Debbie for over 13 years and I still don’t always hear her or understand her. So if I can’t even figure out somebody I’ve lived with for 13 years, how am I expected to always get it right hearing God?

That might surprise you because some people think pastors have a direct hotline to God. The truth is, sometimes I’m just as confused as you are in hearing God’s voice. I don’t get it clear every time – no different from anybody else -- but I will tell you this – it get’s better with time.

After 13 years of marriage, I can recognize my wife’s voice when she calls even when we have a bad connection.

And after more than 30 years in a relationship with God, I know his voice when he talks to me.

The longer you grow in your relationship with the Lord, the easier it is to know when he’s talking to you. The key is learning how to tune in to him.

Beginning this Sunday at Celebration Community Church Hays we are beginning a four week series simply called “Pray”. There are four components to this church wide initiative:

1) A Sunday morning message delivered by one of our teaching pastors on how to develop a personal and productive prayer life.

2) Dig deeper questions you can use to discuss with your family or small group.

3) The daily devotion you are reading now on how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as model.

4) A church wide 24 for 24 campaign to enlist our congregation to pray in our Prayer Room behind C3’s Worship Center 24 hours a day for 24 straight days (September 10^th through October 3^rd Sign up for an hour each week in the Lobby of C3)

Your pastor and partner in ministry…AND prayer

Kyle

Go see WAR ROOM this weekend and get fired up about prayer.

How NOT to Pray

Prayer is the most important yet least used gift a Christian has available.

Jesus’ disciples, recognizing this and noticing  that his power came in direct proportion to his life of prayer, asked him one day, “Lord, teach us to pray?” (Luke 11:1) In Matthew’s gospel chapter 6, Jesus begins by first telling them what not to do,
⁵  "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:5

Some people, especially the religious leaders, wanted to be seen as "holy," and public prayer was one way to get attention. Jesus saw through their self-righteous acts, however, and taught that the essence of prayer is not public style but private communication with God. There is a place for public prayer, but heartfelt personal prayer is not to be heard by others but by an audience of   One.

Beginning this Sunday at Celebration Community Church Hays we are beginning a four week series simply called “Pray.  There are four components to this church wide initiative:

1) A Sunday morning message delivered by one of our teaching pastors on how to develop a personal and productive prayer life.

2) Dig deeper questions you can use to discuss with your family or small group.

3) The daily devotion you are reading now on how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as model.

4) A church wide 24 for 24 campaign to enlist our congregation to pray  in our Prayer Room behind C3’s Worship Center  24 hours a day for 24 straight days (September 10^th through October 3^rd  Sign up for an hour each week in the Lobby of C3)

Your pastor and partner in ministry…AND prayer

Kyle

Go see WAR ROOM at the Mall Cinema in Hays

24 for 24 Pray

This Sunday at Celebration Community Church we are beginning a new series simply called “Pray”. This series will have 4 components to it to help you to grow in your understanding and experience of prayer.

1) A Sunday morning message delivered by one of our teaching pastors on how to develop a personal and productive prayer life.

2) Dig deeper questions you can use to discuss with your family or small group.

3) A daily devotion on how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as model delivered weekdays in PK’s blog.

4) A church wide 24 for 24 campaign to enlist our congregation to pray  in our Prayer Room behind C3’s Worship Center  24 hours a day for 24 straight days (September 10^th through October 3^rd )

Prayer is the most important yet least used gift a Christian has at his/her disposal. Just think, we have the opportunity to consult with the Creator of the universe, the Author of the Bible our manual for living, the One who knows us best, loves us most, and has made us for a purpose. Yet do we utilize this gift on a regular basis? Do we even really know how to pray?

Let’s get excited about getting our whole congregation to pray.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Praise Report:
Praise God! 25 believers were baptized Sunday at Luke & Julisa Haine’s pond.