Hope Harbor

This week I began a series of blog posts on the topic of prayer. I proposed an acrostic that might be helpful as we focus on components of our communication with God: P - Praise R - Repent A - Ask Y - Yearning In this and upcoming posts, I will address specific elements of the process of prayer. Today I will begin to consider praise. I have an acrostic for this important element of connecting with God. In fact, I chose two words for each letter: P - Purposeful and Proclamation R - Recollection and Rejoicing A - Action amd Attitude I - Individualized and Inspiring S - Sincere and Sacrificial E  Excellent and Enthusiastic Praise and worship usher us into the presence of God. Psalm 100:4 New International Version (NIV) 4  Enter his gates with thanksgiving      and his courts with praise;      give thanks to him and praise his name. v Psalm 22:3 New International Version (NIV) 3  Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;      you are the one Israel praises.

I have been pondering the value and power of prayer. God does not demand a specific formula nor does He want us to engage in meaningless repetitions. Jesus did however provide a pattern for us in what is often referred to as the Lord's Prayer. Matthew 6:9-13   New International Version (NIV) 9  “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father  in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10  your kingdom  come, your will be done,      on earth as it is in heaven. 11  Give us today our daily bread. 12  And forgive us our debts,      as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13  And lead us not into temptation, [ a ]      but deliver us from the evil one. [ b ] ’ Here is a link to a video of Joyce Meyer teaching on this passage of scripture as a model for our prayers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzuSpC5t4qc We can consider these points as we consider prayer: PRAY P -Privilege Prayer is not merely a duty or religious obligation. It is a benefit available to th

I am happy to announce that the book Irresistible Invitation: A Bible Study about God’s Extravagant Love for People with Disabilities that I had the privilege of writing with the excellent editorial assistance of my dear friend Melina Marie will be showcased at an exhibit during the Disability Ministry Conference in southern California on Saturday, April 27th. https://www.disabilityministryconference.com/ Thank you Joanna Sanner for your willingness to attend on my behalf. This book is also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Irresistible-Invitation-Extravagant-People-Disabilities/dp/0692976841/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=irresistible+invitation%3A+a+Bible+study+about+gods+extravagant+love+for+people+with+disabilities&qid=1555529415&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSM96OA39ic&feature=youtu.be God is Trustworthy  On this day given to pranks and hoaxes, I wanted to submit and proclaim truth that is steadfast and reliable. April Fools' Day  or  April Fool's Day (sometimes called  All Fools' Day ) is an annual celebration commemorated on April 1 by playing  practical jokes  and spreading  hoaxes . The jokes and their victims are called  April fools . People playing April Fool jokes often expose their prank by shouting " April fool(s) " at the unfortunate victim(s).  (source Wikipedia) However, on every day we can depend on God. Verses about the trust worthiness of God https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/september-2009/is-god-trustworthy/ Hebrews 6:16-19 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation  is  for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of