• A = adoration - praise God for Who He is and what He has done
• C = confession - not only of sin, but of truth
• T = thanksgiving - recount your blessings and thank Him
• S = supplication - ask Him to meet your needs and the needs of others

Confess truth in prayer: We often think of confession as it relates to our sins- a needed component of prayer. But also consider confessing truth.

Each time you pray, confess (agree with God) concerning His truth. For instance you could use passages of Scripture or the CBC Statement of Faith- “God, I agree that your Word is …” or “God, I confess that you created man … ”

CBC Statement of Faith

Consider how much time you spend on your phone. Now consider using this device to prompt you, to remind you to pray. There are many free apps that can be loaded to your phone from which you can receive reminders and on which you can build your prayer list. Some examples are listed below. CBC does not endorse any of the apps -- search "prayer list" on your favorite app store for more selections.

• Prayer Notes - A Daily Journal With God - iPhone/iPad
• Pocket Prayer Pro (Lite) - iPhone/iPad
• Prayer Notebook Lite - Journal and Daily Devotions - iPhone/iPad
• Pray Through Prayer List App - Android
• Ceaseless Prayer - Android / iPhone/iPad
• PrayerMate - Android / iPhone/iPad

AND if you just want reminders, think about programing your mobile calendar to send you reminders each day of the week.

Simply read one to three verses of a Psalm​,​ and then pray in agreement with what you read.

Consider how you might pray through Psalm 15:

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
*pray thanking God for His holiness, confessing sin, and asking Him to draw you closer to Him

He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart;

He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
*ask God to daily conform you to His image by giving greater grace to be a person of integrity

In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.
*thank God for friends who fear Him and that you cannot be separated from His love

Isaiah 37:16-20​

Focus: The Majesty of The Lord
Praise God for Who He is​​; recall His attributes and eternal character.
¹⁶ “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.

Focus: The Glory of The Lord (contrasted by one who reproaches The Living God)
Pray that God be attentive to your needs, that those who rage against Him would be judged and His glory be manifest.
¹⁷ Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God.

Focus: The Salvation of The Lord and His Renown among the Nations
Ask God to save you, not merely help you, but deliver you from temptation, oppression, and the evil one. Pray His will be done and His Name be praised among the nations.
¹⁸ Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, 19 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. 20 Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord, You alone.”

Since appears that it is going to be a nice week, consider setting aside one hour this week for personal worship. Select an outdoor location, set a time, and take with you a hymnal or a device with several songs & your Bible.

Sing three or four songs then pray asking God to illuminate your heart and mind. Next read, stopping as frequently as you want to reflect (selah moments). Conclude with more prayer and singing another two or three songs.

Household worship - if you have not already done so, consider establishing a time each day for Household Worship.

Your household might be 1 person or 10; and you could involve visitors. You might start with 2 or 3 days a week and add days as you proceed. This time of worship in your house can be early in the morning, at dinner time, or just before going to bed.

Start simple: a short reading from God’s word and then a prayer. Once that is established, consider memorizing scripture. If you have those among you willing to sing, worship the Lord together in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (yes, you can use a media device).

If you miss a day or two, don’t give up; just start again tomorrow.

Remember, if you have younger children, be prepared for questions. Often the best answer is, “I don’t know. I will get the answer and let you know.”

Finally, if you are looking for a good guide for scripture reading, copies of “Family Discipleship Voyage 4” are available in the CBC Foyer. If you use it, you will also be in sync with our Wednesday night Family Discipleship study for children and youth.

How do you prepare for corporate worship? For some, it means arriving at church close to the time the service begins. May I recommend preparing for corporate worship, in advance?

Beginning the week prior ...

Monday: Read the passage that will be taught. If you are uncertain as to which verses will be referenced, just ask your pastor.

Tuesday: Pray for your pastor - that God might guide his study, and safeguard him from temptation and sin.

Wednesday: Read the passage again. Pray - asking God to give you insight, and then write down questions you hope are answered during the sermon.

Thursday: Pray for those who will be serving, and those who will be attending the worship service.

Friday: Meditate upon a verse, or paragraph, from the upcoming sermon.

Saturday: Determine what you (and your children) will wear, and what you will need to take with you to church: Bibles, diaper bag, coats, and miscellaneous “church stuff.” Stage these items near the door (or in your vehicle), in advance. *If you attend Sunday morning services, go to bed at a “reasonable time” on Saturday night.

If you attend Saturday evening services, plan to arrive 15 minutes early to greet & visit with others, find your seat, and quietly prepare your heart,.

Sunday: If you attend Sunday morning services - (having gone to bed at a “reasonable time” on Saturday night), plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to greet & visit with others, find your seat, then quietly prepare your heart.

Later that day, read the passage again and take time to rest.

Sunday evening, Tim Taylor, an Elder of Community Bible Church, spoke from Psalm 100 reminding us that God is both Great and Good.

During the sermon, he mentioned that he makes a distinction between praising God, and worshiping God. "Praise" is given to God because of WHAT He has done, while "Worship" is given because of WHO God is.

This week, make a list of what God has done in your life, and daily give Him praise. In addition to that list, write down the attributes of God (God is … holy, righteous, gracious, faithful, long suffering, etc.), and worship Him daily for Who He is.

This week set aside some time ​to read through a book of the Bible​, ​at one sitting. If you have never done this before, start with a short epistle in the New Testament, like Philippians. If you have done this before, perhaps read through a Gospel.

This week is a repeat of something I mentioned week one – memorize scripture.

Like the Psalmist, we should be those who can affirm, “Thy word I have hid in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119).

Simply select 1-3 verses that are refreshing to you and state them each morning when you wake, before each meal, and every night before you go to bed.

Pray that His Spirit plants His word deep within you and that His Spirit daily transforms you more and more into His glorious image.

As I mentioned this past Sunday, consider praying through the CBC prayer requests in the bulletin each day.

You might also pray through the CBC Directory this month.

Each day, you could pray for the families on one page.

You would be able to pray for each family two times in the month of April.

On Sunday night, April 2nd, CBC Elder Kevin Monroe, preached from Genesis 2. He reminded us that God has given us a great gift, a weekly Sabbath, so that we might work 6 days and enjoy a day of rest.

He concluded his sermon with a challenge: examine our lives to determine if we fall into one extreme or the other - a Work Idolater or a Rest Idolater. Do we work to the exclusion of rest or do we fill our lives with “days off” and leisure? Neither extreme exemplifies the plan of God for us - to enjoy a day of rest and to find our delight in Him.

Therefore, this week, I encourage you to examine your life. Do you honor the Lord with six days of work and set aside a day to be “holy” (and wholly) unto Him? Does it consist of worship, joy, rest, and satisfaction in seeking Him? To delight in the fear of the Lord includes His gracious gift of Sabbath now and Sabbath rest for all eternity.

We were reminded this past weekend that before the Lord, everyone must stand to give account for the life lived and everyone will bow to acknowledge that Jesus is Lord (Isaiah 45).

As Christians, we are aware that every moment of everyday is lived in the Presence of God. Granted, one day our faith will become sight and we will see Him face to face, but in the meantime, we must strive to please Him as we live our lives in His presence.

How do we do that? We must begin with our minds being renewed that as Christians, He is with us and He is in us. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Each of us must daily participate in God-aware disciplines such as periodic prayer, reading & meditating upon scripture, and serving others. We would benefit from reminding ourselves there is nothing hidden from the Lord. He knows more than our actions, He knows our thoughts, our desires, our intentions, and our secret sins.

We can neither justify our sins, nor hide them from Him. He sees all, knows all, and graciously still loves us as demonstrated by sweet conviction and faithful discipline - designed to correct us and draw us closer to Himself.

As you sense the Spirit convicting you and as you experience the gracious discipline of the Lord, delight in His love for you and in His presence. As He fills your spirit with the joy of His salvation, take time to praise Him for His faithfulness to give you refreshing, abundant life.

It is a privilege to serve. God-honoring service begins in prayer. In praying for the lost, we ask God to open their eyes & ears and give them a heart that responds in repentance and faith to the gospel message. But how do we pray for fellow believers?

Often our prayers for fellow believers focus on physical concerns - healing from infirmities and safety during travel. Such prayers are good and should be offered before our merciful and benevolent God.

Our prayers for fellow believers should also include spiritual concerns. I would like to recommend that you pray in agreement with scripture, such as the prayer contained in Colossians 1:9-14.

Here are the themes of that prayer:

1. That God might grant the knowledge of His will – that the believer might have wisdom (to see things from God’s perspective) and spiritual understanding (to look beyond what is seen with the physical eyes) discerning not only what is good, but what is best
2. That He might work to align their intentions and affections – that the believer might “walk worthy” of the Lord, living a life in agreement with His commandments, which is pleasing in His sight
3. That He might continue to sustain an abiding life – that the believer might be productive - with spiritual fruit and increased intimacy, knowing and loving God
4. That He might strengthen the beloved – that the believer might experience His glorious power which will be demonstrated in being patient with others, and during times of suffering will express a spirit of joy, rather than bitterness
5. That he might continue to remind His children of His saving grace – that the believer might be faithful in giving thanks in & for all things, and rejoicing no matter what they encounter in life

Solomon, having considered the vapidity of life, concludes that there is but one appropriate response: to fear the Lord and to keep His commandments – this is “man’s all.” These seemingly two distinct elements are one. The second flows from the first; they are inseparable. Like Solomon, if steadied by God’s grace as you grow older, you will conclude the same thing.

In the meantime, I would like to encourage you to do a simple exercise:

Determine a manageable amount of time – for you it may be a year, a month or a week, but for others, a day or even an hour. If this is the only time you have remaining before the Lord calls you home, what will you do? What will be your priorities, and in what order will you tend to your planned activities? If you have never done this exercise, set aside 10 to 20 minutes and write down your plans on a piece of paper.

With your list in front of you, imagine your life as it comes to an end. Has your focus been put on fearing the Lord and obeying Him? If not, a realignment is in order; your plans should be adjusted to set yourself on a course of “man’s all.”

Our lives, in review, are very short, passing as a vapor which appears and then vanishes away. We busy ourselves with what seems urgent, but often neglect what is eternally important. To delight in the fear of The Lord, through faithful obedience, is to live a life worth living. May God grant you grace this week to attend to “man’s all” by living each moment, drawing every breath as if it is your last, with the intention of knowing the delight of fearing Him.

Pray for missionaries during the month of June: take a moment to pray for missionaries every day this month.

You could pray for Pastor Hugo, Sonia, David, Oscar, and Danya in Queretaro.

In addition to the Martinez Family, every day this month, pray for any other missionaries you personally support.

Ask that God might make their feet beautiful upon the mountains as they bring Good News, proclaim peace, bring glad tidings of good things, proclaim salvation, and say, “Our God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)

There is a true beauty that is precious in the sight of the Lord (1 Peter 3:1-6). This beauty is seen in a woman who fears the Lord.

This type of woman will establish godly priorities, in order to love those in her family, to be obedient to God’s word, and to be zealous for good works (Titus 2:4-5).

Sisters in Christ, are you women who fear the Lord?

If you are single, do you love the members of the family of God, praying that Christ be formed in them?

If you are married, do you love your husband in a Christ-honoring manner?

If you are a mother, do you love your children, raising them in the fear and admonition of the Lord?

• Are you discreet, not seeking attention, but moderate in all things?
• Are you chaste, maintaining purity of mind, body, and soul?
• Are you diligently working in your house, creating a blessed home?
• Are you faithfully kind & benevolent to those you know and encounter?
• Are you gracious in God’s call, if married, to obey your own husband, thus demonstrating the submissive spirit of Christ?

Those who know her will praise such a woman, and more importantly, she will be precious in the sight of God.

Our confession before the Lord in prayer should include truth and sin. A few weeks ago, in our monthly prayer time during corporate worship, we focused on the confession of sin. Several of you have asked for a copy of what was said that day. This is an attempt to reproduce it; consider using immediately, or save for times of prayer, in the future.

We are reminded in Romans, there are those who neither honor God, nor are they thankful (Romans 1:21). If you determine that you lack a thankful heart, if you fail to thank God for His daily blessings, then confess to Him that you are, at times, unthankful.

Some have suggested that at the heart of sin is selfishness. The Bible uses several terms, all of which seem to suggest a selfish disposition. Among these are covetousness, greed, and envy. If there are times at which you realize you are simply selfish, confess that to God.

James reminds us that the cause of fights and wars among us is the lust within our hearts (James 4). From this, we enter into strife in relationships, and we can be very contentious. If you struggle within, unsettled and seeking greater fleshly satisfaction, confess that to your Lord.

James also reminds us that our tongue is often a vicious member of our body, set on fire by hell, by which we will curse others and bless God (James 3). Unfortunately, we can be those who gossip, and speak ill about/to others. If your tongue needs to be bridled, ask God to be its Master.

A proud look, a haughty eye, and an arrogant disposition are not pleasing to the Exalted King of Glory (Proverbs 6:16-19). None of us should look down upon another. If you find you struggle with pride, confess your battle to the Lord.

Among the things listed in the lowest stage to which God gives over a society, is disobedience to parents (Romans 1:30). All authority is given by God and to be honored, even if those in authority do not always honor the Lord in their role. If you have dishonored authority, acknowledge that in prayer, right now.

Our yes is to be yes, and our no is to be no (Matthew 5:37). We should be individuals who are trustworthy. We should also be forgiving (Ephesians 4:32) and full of compassion (Colossians 3:12). If you examine yourself, and realize you are untrustworthy, unforgiving, or lack compassion, humble yourself before Him, and confess your sin.

James 5:16 (NKJV) Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

This coming weekend, we will be challenged by three questions and the necessary response:

Isaiah 50:10 “Who among you fears The Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the Name of The Lord and rely upon his God.”

Since fearing The Lord includes obeying Him, we readily see the connection between the first two questions. But, what about the third?

It is a reminder to us, that at times of great hardship, severe trials, and intense suffering (like the Israelites in captivity in Babylon), we feel as though we walk in darkness. Such testing requires that we walk by faith in the light of His word. In so doing, we demonstrate that we rely not upon ourselves, but upon our Great God and Blessed Redeemer.

Psalm 30:5 state- Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

There are many long dark nights in our lives. We feel abandoned, forgotten, and even rejected. At times, there is great uncertainty and at other times, we simply feel life is not fair. Those nights can feel like a season of silence, a season which will never end.

BUT GOD remains God. Darkness yields to light. And weeping turns to joy even if the tears remain. For those who fear The Lord, a peace that surpasses all understanding replaces the unanswered questions. Once again, the child of God finds delight in fearing Him.

Rev 11 (NKJ) ¹⁵ Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" ¹⁶ And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. ¹⁸ The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth." ¹⁹ Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.

Our time on earth is very short; life is like a vapor that appears for a short time, and then vanishes away. Unfortunately, as creatures set in time, we often fail to recognize the eternity God has promised to His children, those whom He has redeemed, those who fear Him. In part, saints will receive rewards, the greatest being that we will be allowed to be in His presence forevermore. Regardless of our smallness, or greatness, in the Kingdom of God, we will receive this glorious reward. May our affections, ambitions, thoughts, actions, and reactions remain focused on Him, that we might give Him glory as long as He gives us breath here on earth.

Psalm 18 (NKJ) ¹³ The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. ¹⁴ From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; ¹⁵ He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.
¹⁸ Behold, the eye of The Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy.

Psalm 18 reminds us that God sees all things. There is nothing hidden from His sight. We are unable to think or do anything in secret; there is no privacy when it comes to God’s watchful eye. But verse 18 seems to express something beyond God’s ability to see all things. What does it mean that His eye is on those who fear Him?

It does not mean that He is taskmaster, eager to expose our failures, looking for weaknesses to exploit, or correct with a heavy hand. This look of The Lord is benevolent and merciful in nature. The next verse (Ps. 18:19) expresses that He will deliver His beloved ones’ souls from death, and provide for them in times of famine. It is similar to the gracious benediction, “the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you and the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

May our confident hope be in the God of all mercy - His eye is upon those who fear Him.

Psalm 103 (NKJ) 17 but the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, on those who fear Him ...

This coming weekend at Community, the focus will be upon the young, that they might be God-Pleasing Children. This note, however, is directed toward parents, who must strive to raise God-Pleasing Children.

Fathers are given a direct commandment from The Lord, to raise their children in the training and admonition of the Lord. In order to fulfill this commandment, parents must fear the Lord, and teach their children the fear of the Lord. This requires that all of us keep the correct balance between our love of and respect for the Lord.

This past weekend, we were blessed to hear from two Elders at Community. Both preached from Psalms: Sunday morning, “A Song for A Rainy Day” (Ps. 88), and Saturday evening, “The Joy of … Fear?” (Ps. 34). During the message on “The Joy of … Fear?,” it was stated that in order to fear the Lord, there must be a proper balance between loving Him and respecting Him.

If one focuses primarily upon the reasons we respect the Lord, then the outcome might only be terror. On the other hand, if one focuses primarily upon why we love the Lord, then the outcome might be selfish living.

Parents, you present The Lord to your children in how you govern. You must find the balance between determined discipline and mercy. You must provide sufficient warning of punishment to follow disobedience, but also demonstrate “kindness” in forgiveness. You must demonstrate resolve in rules, but also express the beauty of being “flexible”, when it is in the child’s best interest. When necessary, you must serve your child with timely consequences for sin, but you must also present the glory of God in your love for them.

Remember Psalm 103 (NKJ) 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (But) 9 He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. (And)13 just as a father pities (has compassion upon) his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.

Proverbs 1 (NKJV) ⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

This coming weekend at Community, we will enjoy a glorious gift from God, Isaiah 53. I want to encourage you to enter into our time together well prepared to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we look at Isaiah 53, we will be commanded to, “Behold!” Behold! The Lord’s Servant, Jesus Christ, our Savior, the Messiah (Isaiah 52:13-15). We will see the One Who humbled Himself, and was obedient even unto humiliation (Isaiah 53:1-3). We will be reminded of the One Who suffered … for us (Isaiah 53:4-6), the Lamb of God (Isaiah 53:7-9). He is The Lord’s Savior (Isaiah 53:10-12), and by God’s grace can be our Savior, as well.

I encourage you this week to read through the passage each day (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Ask God to grant to you His grace, that you might fear Him and grow in knowing Him.

Deuteronomy 6:13 (NKJ and 10:20) You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him.

As Christians, it is important that we interpret Scripture with Scripture. So, as we read and study Deuteronomy 6:13 and 10:20, we are instructed by Jesus’ words in the New Testament, as to the meaning.

Luke 4:8 (NKJ and Matthew 4:10) You shall WORSHIP the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve.

The correct understanding of fearing the Lord in a godly manner is to worship Him. If the worship of God is our adoration of The One Who alone is worthy (Who is greater than us, and gives us our purpose & meaning), then to fear the Lord is to give Him adoration … to praise Him & give Him glory, in everything we do.

Sadly, all too often even as believers, we worship lesser things. Our adoration or affection is placed upon something that can only give us temporary satisfaction and meaning. Often the thing, the idol, we worship cannot even do that, but we imagine it can, or will. To worship a lesser thing not only results in frustration, but our failure to praise The One Who alone is worthy. While we cannot diminish His glory, we can fail to ascribe what is due to Him.

May our hearts be constrained by His Spirit to rightly fear Him, which is nothing less than to offer the sacrifice of worship that is due Him.

This coming week in our study of Isaiah, we will be admonished by these words:

“And of whom have you been afraid, or feared, that you have lied and not remembered Me, nor taken it to your heart? Is it not because I have held My peace from of old that you do not fear Me?”
Isaiah 57:11 (NKJV)

All too often our fear of a lesser thing causes us to sin against God. In some cases, it is fear of harm; we are afraid we will suffer loss if we do not lie, and protect ourselves. In some cases, it is simply pure selfishness. That is, we fear we will not be happy unless we satisfy our flesh, and sinful desires. In those moments, we have failed to “remember” God. We have lived like a fool in this world.

It is good that God continues to act. We need Him to not “hold His peace,” but bring immediate conviction, and necessary discipline. While we all rejoice when we fear Him out of love and adoration, we still need to be reminded He is also worthy of respect. As He acts, we should praise Him that He is faithful to continue to produce “the Fear of the Lord” within us.

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”
Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

What is your prayer custom? If you have one, continue faithfully to seek The Lord in prayer. If you do not have, consider developing one. Perhaps start with this basic pattern of praying to The Lord three times a day (when you wake, at midday, and when you end your day).

And Solomon said: "You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore, give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days."

1 Kings 3:5-14 (NKJV)

We are told if we lack wisdom, to ask of God, Who gives liberally (James 1:5). It actually seems like it is wise to understand one needs wisdom; this too appears to be a gift from God. And it seems wise to pray like Solomon, to not ask for things which are temporal, but for God’s eternal wisdom which comes down from above (James 3:13-18).

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

Acts 10:1-2 (NKJV)

What a great testimony, to be a man or woman who is devout and fears God! What is the evidence of such devotion and God-pleasing disposition? Nothing less than true and undefiled religion, giving to meet the needs of those suffering and always praying to God.

This week as you seek to be a man or woman who fears the Lord, consider what you are doing as it relates to a mercy ministry and be faithful in prayer. This week pray each for those who are in authority- your parents, your CBC Elders, your government officials, and other individuals who fulfill the role of authority in your life.

¹⁰ As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
¹¹ There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
¹² They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
¹³ “Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips”;
¹⁴ “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
¹⁵ “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
¹⁶ Destruction and misery are in their ways;
¹⁷ And the way of peace they have not known.”
¹⁸ “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Romans 3:10-18 (NKJV)

The correct understanding of Romans 3 is very painful: being born in Adam, we are all sinners worthy of condemnation. The final pronouncement is critical, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Apart from God’s grace, we are part of the ungodly citizens of earth, separated from God and declared to be His enemies who act accordingly.

But God is rich in mercy and grace. He redeems a people for Himself and we can be set free from sin. If you have been set free, then you have confessed your sins to Him, you have repented, and you have trusted in Jesus Christ alone as Savior and Lord.

If this is true in your life and if it has been awhile since you have given Him thanks for His salvation, take time today to thank Him that you are able to delight in the fear of Him.

In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God.

John 1:1 (NKJV)

God has revealed Himself. The Son is the exact representation and manifestation of God. The Son is the Word; the Son is God.

Take 30 minutes today to read John chapter 1. Write down everything you learn about The Word in that chapter. Then answer this question: “How is the revelation of Jesus Christ, The Word of God, impacting the way I live every day?”

He is the image of the invisible God…

Colossians 1:14 (NKJV)

God has revealed Himself. The Son is the image of the invisible God. It pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) all the fullness should dwell (Col. 1:19)

Take 30 minutes today to read Colossians 1. As you did with John chapter 1, write down everything you learn about Jesus from Colossians 1. Then answer this question: “How is the incarnation of Jesus Christ impacting the way I live every day?”

O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and harden our heart from Your FEAR? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance.

Isaiah 63:17 (NKJV)

As we close out our study of Isaiah, I am challenged to ask this question, “Are we a people who fear the LORD?” Each week, based on our study of Isaiah, I plan to add questions that might help us to realign to a God-Centered Worldview. I pray that these are both convicting and encouraging. Take time this week to ponder these questions and pray that God causes your heart to draw near to Him.

• Are you in His word and obeying His commands?
• Are you accepting of other diverse Christians?
• Is your heart humble & contrite, trusting Christ alone?
• Are you involved with compassion in a mercy ministry?
• Do you honor the Lord with a day of worship & rest?
• Are you convicted by and confessing sin?
• Do you faithfully witness to the lost?

O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and harden our heart from Your FEAR? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance.

Isaiah 63:17 (NKJV)

As I mentioned last week, as we close out our study of Isaiah, I am challenged to ask this question, “Are we a people who fear the LORD?” Below are four more questions that might help us to realign to a God-Centered Worldview. I pray that these are both convicting and encouraging. Take time this week to ponder these questions and pray that God causes your heart to draw near to Him.

• Do you know the security of The Lord as your Fortress?
• Do you honor the Lord with your resources?
• Are His Kingdom virtues evident in your life – righteousness, peace, & joy?
• Do you long for the return of Jesus?

O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and harden our heart from Your FEAR? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance.

Isaiah 63:17 (NKJV)

Continuing with the theme as we close out our study of Isaiah, I am challenged to ask this question, “Are we a people who fear the LORD?” Below are three more questions that might help us to realign to a God-Centered Worldview. I pray that these are both convicting and encouraging. Take time this week to ponder these questions and pray that God causes your heart to draw near to Him.

• Does your life present the glory of God?
• Do you desire the Kingdom of God to be manifest on earth?
• Are you diligent & persistent in prayer?

O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and harden our heart from Your FEAR? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance.

Isaiah 63:17 (NKJV)

“Are we a people who fear the LORD?” This is the closing question as we complete our study of Isaiah. Below are two more questions that might help us to realign to a God-Centered Worldview. I pray that these are both convicting and encouraging. Take time this week to ponder these questions and pray that God causes your heart to draw near to Him.

• Do you agree with God that you were born a sinner and need a Savior?
• Does your life present the glory of God and His Name?

O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and harden our heart from Your FEAR? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance.

Isaiah 63:17 (NKJV)

The question raised in Isaiah 63 is difficult for us to understand- why would God harden our hearts so that we do not fear Him? In context, these were rebellious people, who grieved the Holy Spirit (63:10). They were to blame for their lack of fear and we are still reminded of a fundamental truth: God, Who is God and we are not, is in control. That being said, “Are we a people who fear the LORD?” Are we an obedient people rather than a rebellious people? This is the closing consideration as we complete our study of Isaiah. Below are five more questions that might help us to realign to a God-Centered Worldview. I pray that these are both convicting and encouraging. Take time this week to ponder these questions and pray that God causes your heart to draw near to Him.

• Are you passionate in and for corporate worship?
• Do you know God as your Father, Redeemer & Potter?
• Do you lament over your sin and during seasons of suffering knowing God is The Help of your countenance?
• Are you ready for God to act, even if it increases trials in your life but results in the salvation of the lost?
• Are you thankful for the sovereign grace of God in your life, molding and making you more like Christ Jesus?

O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and harden our heart from Your FEAR? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance.

Isaiah 63:17 (NKJV)

“Are we a people who fear the LORD?” is the closing consideration as we complete our study of Isaiah. Below are three more questions that might help us to realign to a God-Centered Worldview. I pray that these are both convicting and encouraging. Take time this week to ponder these questions and pray that God causes your heart to draw near to Him.

• Are you praying for specific people- “God, please save!”
• Do you obey God or question His discipline in your life?
• Are your eyes fixed upon Jesus while compassionately watching your brothers & sisters in Christ?

But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.

Isaiah 66:2 (NKJV)

This weekend, we completed our study of the book of Isaiah. As we have closed out our study, we have been challenged to ask this question: “are we a people who fear the LORD?” Below are the final five questions that might help us to realign to a God-Centered Worldview. I pray that these are both convicting and encouraging. Take time this week to ponder these questions and pray that God causes your heart to draw near to Him.

• Are you preparing to suffer for Christ Jesus?
• Do you currently confess Him in your daily dying to self?
• Do you know Him as your ultimate & true satisfaction?
• Do you worship Him with a poor & contrite spirit?
• Do you long for the presence of God?

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:11 (NKJV)

Three times David states that God’s mercies are for “those who fear Him” in Psalm 103. His mercies are many: He forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, and satisfies (Psalm 103:1-5). As it relates to redemption, He has removed our iniquities (103:11-12); He pities us knowing our frailty (103:13-14); and His mercy is everlasting for those who fear Him, keeping His covenant through humble obedience (103:15-18).

• When was the last time you counted your blessings, praising God for His mercy in your life?
• Do you humbly obey Him, The One Who alone is Lord of all?

Then a voice came from the throne saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who FEAR Him, both small and great!”

Revelation 19:5 (NKJV)

John got a glimpse of The Throne Room of God. There he heard a loud voice of a great multitude praising God and witnessed the twenty-four elders and four living creatures falling down to worship God (Revelation 19:1-4). This set the scene for the marriage supper of the Lamb and the reception of a bride, the church, arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright. The call went out to all His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great, “Praise our God!”

If you are a Christian, this will be your future. You will be in His presence, part of the church of the living God, arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright to give praise the One Who not only created you, but saved you. In that moment, you will praise God.

In the meantime, what a privilege we have, every day to give Him praise and to gather weekly to praise Him corporately. Dear fellow believer, do not neglect neither the daily opportunities to praise Him nor the responsibility and privilege to gather weekly as His body. May we heed the message of the servant of God who spoke to John, “Worship God!” (Revelation 19:10)