Recently I wrote a blog: “Teach us to pray”. I cited Dr. Charles Stanley’s information that parents who pray for their children’s purpose and direction in life and teach their children to pray the same, almost unanimously the children knew their purpose and direction in life. This was especially true of those going to college. They knew what they wanted to do from the very beginning. Whereas, most college students have no idea what direction they want to go when they enroll.

Normally as children we just grow up. We go through grade school and enter high school. We get a driver’s license, finish school and possibly get married. We then start the cycle over again for our children. How often do we stop and think: what is my purpose in life and what direction should I be taking? Why have I been put on this earth? I am told that many older people close to death often wonder what their purpose on earth was and did they fulfill it? Wouldn’t it be better to know why God put us on this earth and then live for years accomplishing that purpose? When our final day comes we can say we did our best to fulfill our purpose and helped others succeed while we were here. I know some parents whose greatest achievement in life was raising their family. Because of them, their children made the world a much better place.

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

What does it mean: we have been called according to God’s purpose? Rick Warren in his book: “The purpose driven life” shared what he believed God’s purpose for each of us was and I paraphrase:

1. To worship God and develop a relationship with Him.
2. To love and fellowship with other believers in our community.
3. To know Christ and become like Him.
4. To serve God through the church.
5. To become a minister for Christ and share the gospel.

God’s purpose for each one of us is to become a part of His family. As a member of His family He has shared how His children are to live and behave. Everything we do is to prepare us for the family reunion that will take place when we get together in heaven.

How are we going to live? At birth I have been given certain rights. I can choose any path I wish to travel. Do I travel alone or do I follow God’s guidance? As Christians, saved by grace, we can take with us the Holy Spirit. It is kind of like, do I want to go to sea with or without a compass? Am I so self-centered that I am unwilling to accept any help?

Our purpose on earth is to develop an unconditional love for God and others and have a servant’s heart. As we head down life’s path our carnal nature, our self-centeredness, the storms we encounter and the devil’s seducing spirits will try to guide us too often onto the wrong paths. That’s when we check our compass, the Holy Spirit, and make sure we stay directed to the path that leads to the ultimate goal, which is living with God and Christ forever. When we take that last breath, what is the most important thing we can take with us? Is it all of our material things that we have accumulated? Or, is it eternal security? Since there are so many death-bed conversions we must believe it is eternal security with Christ.

Matthew 6:20 – “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Do you want to pass on with nothing stored up in heaven? Pray that God will help you live for the purpose you were created.

Luke 11:1 – “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

From Colossians 1:7 – 14 – “since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, “

If the disciples asked how to pray probably many Christians do not know how to pray. I have heard a number of ministers teach on prayer and most recently Dr. Charles Stanley. Over the years, from personal experience and from other Christians, I have learned that prayer can transform one’s life. The more we pray the greater that transformation will be. The following is from notes I have compiled.

Stop saying, “God if it is your will.” If we believe that God may not answer our prayer it is not necessary to make excuses for Him. We need to know what His “will” is and if we pray in His “will” we must have faith to believe He will keep His promises. Following is what I have learned:

1. We must continually pray and ask God to fill us with the knowledge of His will. God will give us direction and a purpose for life if we continually ask Him. We will never know His “will” if we don’t study the Bible.

2. Every Christian parent should consistently pray that God will give their children direction and a purpose for life. It has been proven that those parents who began praying daily for their children’s purpose and direction had children who grew up being Christ followers. They also taught their children, early in life, to pray to God for His direction. When they went to college they knew exactly what they wanted to do. The majority of college students have no idea their direction.

3. We must pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding in order to walk in a manner worthy of Christ’s name. We must pray that others can see the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We must live a life patterned after Jesus and pleasing to Him. Thus, others will see that our character and our conduct are such that they can recognize Christ in us.

4. We are to pray that our lives will bear fruit and good works in every aspect whether at work or at home. We must demonstrate His power that is in us. We are to pray that our lives make an impact and a difference in the lives of others.

5. We are told to grow in the knowledge of God. Once we become knowledgeable we will have more patience and greater endurance. Pray that God will give you the spirit to not give up. Too many believe that if they attend church and listen to the sermon they will become knowledgeable of God’s “will”. Just listening and not studying, usually will not make us godly people.

6. Pray that we will experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God wants to bless us. For everything we say or every act we commit there are consequences. If we are obeying God’s will, we will be blessed. If we are disobedient we may receive consequences that are not favorable.

7. Pray that we will be joyful and positive people. It is important that we have the right attitude. We can be any kind of a person we want to be. However, to be kind, joyful, trustworthy, caring, gentle, loving and sensitive requires a lot of prayer and help from the Holy Spirit. Remember: Scripture teaches constant prayer promises to transform lives, ours and others.

Recap:
a. Pray that we may know God’s “will”.
b. Pray for God’s purpose and direction.
c. Pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding in order to walk as a representative of Christ.
d. Pray that our lives will bear fruit and good works.
e. Pray that we will become more knowledgeable of God and will grow in patience and endurance.
f. Pray that we will experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
g. Pray that we will be joyful and positive people.

When you read all of the things I read in Monday’s IBD 9/21 you realize we are living in some very “scary” times. One Scud missile with a nuclear warhead could be fired from a ship off of our coast and blown up over America. Senator John Kyl, R. Arizona says if detonated at the right altitude, it would interact with the Earth’s atmosphere producing an electromagnetic pulse radiating to the surface at the speed of light. It would cause all technology to shut down. It would close all air and rail transportation. Farmers would not have fuel to produce and harvest products. Hospitals could not operate. Lack of producing electricity and gas would put us back at least 100 years. This would cause teenagers to panic; there would be no cell phones or telephones that would work. However, they may be pleased to know that schools would be closed for lack of electricity.

Put this information in the proper perspective. An Iranian mullah said their hope was to see a world without America and Zionism. Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said at a “World without Zionism” conference in 2005, that goal was attainable and could be achieved. He also said they had a strategic “war preparation plan” for the destruction of Anglo-Saxon civilization.

On July 2nd I wrote a blog on “Are we living in the end times?” I related where Iran and Russia, bitter enemies for centuries, have become allies for the first time in history. It has made me concerned. If you study Ezekiel chapters 36 through 39 it sounds like a war against Israel could breakout anytime. Should that happen, Scripture reads, no one will come to Israel’s rescue. Could that be a result of Iran having exploded a nuclear bomb on America before their attempted invasion of Israel? Or, a U.S. president who refuses to assist Israel?

The Review Journal paper stated that on Friday, the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah tens of thousands of protesters swarmed the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities turning out at their annual rally in support of the Palestinian cause and to denounce Israel. This year it was different. At the government sponsored annual anti-Israel day, thousands more Iranian Muslims, who have converted to Christianity and with tens of thousands of other Iranians, came to demonstrate against the government of President Mahmound Ahmadinejad. The protesters shouted, “Not Gaza, not Lebanon, I’ll sacrifice my life for Iran.”

Why do I sense this news is important? Is God intervening into Iran to slow down the potential threat of developing nuclear weapons? Will all of the anti-protesting coming from Iranians against their government have any influence on the “war preparation plans”? Are the last days that Scripture describes in Ezekiel being extended? If so, why? My hunch is that God will never let Israel or America be destroyed or the war to begin until He gives every human one last chance to accept Christ as their personal Savior. This would give reason to a spiritual revival that could happen universally at any time. I am persuaded that revival could very easily come out of Las Vegas, the last place on earth anyone would ever expect. God has most often done the unexpected. Wherever it starts is unimportant. That it happens is important and that we become a part of it. What really matters is that we recognize what is about to happen around us and drop to our knees in support of Christ’s command to witness to the world. While we are praying ask God to put a revival spirit in the heart of every Christian.

What if you were selected to participate in a reality show and could receive millions of dollars if you were the winner? What would you be willing to do? I have never watched a reality show but I have seen parts on TV that indicate some people would do almost anything for much less.

Let’s assume Bill Gates of Microsoft and Warren Buffett, the investor, Americas two richest men were to sponsor a reality show and you were selected. Here is what the winner will receive. At age 60 you will be able to retire to the most beautiful place on earth. You will be provided with a mansion and will receive one million dollars annually for the rest of your life. In addition, there will be servants provided to meet your every need 24/7. According to normal life expectancy you will live in retirement 25 years. You could have anyone you want live with you. In most cases you could provide for your entire family’s needs.

Most would jump at the chance. First, you would have to know the rules to determine whether you would want to participate. You must ask yourself; do you have a chance of winning? However, if the rules were reasonable you may want to at least try.

Here are the rules. You must love others as yourself. You must have patience with everyone with whom you come into contact. You must develop a personality that will generate kindness and goodness and be willing to serve others. You shall not lie, steal, murder, commit adultery and you shall not covet your neighbor’s possessions. You must honor your father and your mother.

There will be someone with you daily to monitor your progress, encourage you and check you anytime you decide to break a rule. Those are really tough rules. But look at the goal; isn’t it worth trying? Since you are 49 you only have to do it for the next eleven years. Imagine what it would be like to live 25 years and have every need met. At least you say you are going to give it your best shot.

The first few days you are really excited. You know you can do it. You can meet every requirement and there is someone who will help you meet the test. However, there are some things you must be willing to give up. You must stop getting angry when driving to work and those idiots cut you off. Oops! You mean those other drivers who were not paying attention. Maybe you had better stop meeting after work with your co-workers who drink a little bit more than they should. You should probably stop being jealous of your friend Ned who drives a BMW. Are you watching the person assigned to you continually taking notes? Are you hoping what is being written isn’t too negative? Maybe you haven’t fouled up too badly, yet. Are you wondering how the other contestants are doing?

You may find these rules are harder to keep than you thought. Is the prize really worth the effort by having to give up many of the things you used to do? This monitor guy keeps trying to help you or maybe “nag” is a better description. But you only have to live this way for another eleven years. Do you believe it is possible? You must ask again: Is the prize really worth it? Can’t you do most anything for eleven years you tell yourself? Just think how fantastic life will be when you reach 60. It is almost too good to be true that you were even selected.

If you haven’t gotten the gist of the story by now you may not have read your Bible. Why would so many be willing to work so hard for an earthly prize that will last for only 25 years and yet refuse to live for a heavenly prize that will last forever? One is tangible and you can see it and legally believe it can happen. The other takes faith because it is not tangible and you may not be sure what that prize will be. The heavenly prize is just a promise and can you really trust it to be true? However, the prize for the one you cannot see is told to be a far greater prize than the earthly one. With the earthly prize you have to compete. With the heavenly prize there is no one competing against you. It is available to everyone. Let us compare the two prizes. Which one would you rather have? If you select the heavenly prize, are you as willing to abide by the same rules as you were for the earthly prize? Who do you trust the most to deliver on their promise: God or Bill and Warren?

Since you are a believer the Spirit who has been assigned to you still keeps trying to help you. Probably you should accept His assistance. With His help you may want to meet the heavenly requirements because you realize how fantastic the prize is going to be. Isn’t the prize worth the effort? You believe it is, so you must be willing to repent and meet the rules.

Does this mean we are required to work our way to heaven? Romans 14:12 – “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” We are held accountable every minute to God as to how we live. He also tells us that if we allow sin into our lives expect turmoil to result. Is God asking us to work our way to heaven? No! He is telling us how to keep turmoil out of our lives.

There are as many Christians getting divorces as non-Christians. What do they not understand?

My wife does not want me to share how long we have been married because that would make her older than most people believe she is. However, we have three grandchildren over 20. Many think she is ten years younger than me. I point out she graduated from college two years before me. She quickly replies that I was in the service.

During these many years together we have never had a major disagreement. In fact, we are probably more in love today than we were the day we were married. So let me give you a brief history because that didn’t happen by accident.

I met my wife just after starting college. She was a junior and I was a lowly freshman. She was first violinist in the orchestra and in my mind the best vocal soloist in school. She was one of the more attractive young ladies majoring in music education. She was dating a senior math genius. So what were my chances? During my sophomore year they broke up and I asked her for a date. When she said yes I was in “Awe”. When I asked her to marry me and she said yes, I knew that only God could have made that happen. Therefore, I had better learn what God teaches about keeping a wife happy. Guess what—it works!

Our marriage started with Ephesians 5:21 – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” I read where it said husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the church. (Be willing to die for her.) She needed to feel my love and feel secure that she was always going to be the only one. She always supported me and gave me respect. The point I want to make is the Bible told us how to treat each other.

It didn’t take being married very long until we realized that we think differently. How long does it take to realize that you have a choice: you can either argue to be right or you understand that being right does not always bring togetherness? In most things how important is it to be right in marriage if you have totally surrendered your life to Christ. Isn’t it better to communicate and work things out and compromise? I believe that our self-centered nature causes more problems in marriage than anything. Scripture continually stresses we must die out to self. How many couples are willing to do this? Those getting divorces aren’t. Granted both must surrender. It probably is very difficult being married to someone addicted and is driven by their self-centered nature. This is why the Bible says we are not to be yoked together with a non-believer. A person who has not died out to self can make a marriage struggle.

It was hard learning the importance of unconditional love. During our pre-Christian lives we loved expecting something in return. We learned if God was first in our lives His ways taught us to respect each other and never intentionally do something that would harm or offend the other.

We are told to become more like Christ. Are we married to be served or to serve the other? Did the Son of God expect to be first in line or sit at the head of the table? How important do we think we are? The more humble couples are, the greater chance they will have of their marriage succeeding.

Everyone will have disagreements. How do we handle them? If you love someone enough you will negotiate with respect. Anger has no place in an argument with a spouse. Most anger is a response to a threat to our self-centeredness. If we are totally surrendered and committed to Christ our humility can overcome our anger.

Every day the last thing I do before leaving home is hug my wife and tell her how much I love her. The first thing I do when I come home is hug my wife and tell her I love her. While I am home there is never a doubt in my wife’s mind that I love her. As a result, I could not ask for a more supportive and respectful wife. The things the Bible says I need as a husband. Scripture says my wife needs to know she is loved. If you want a happy marriage do what the Bible says to do. If you are in a bad relationship one or both of you are ignoring what the Bible teaches.