HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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PRAYER

Table of Contents

TOPIC                                                
Introduction                                                        
What is Prayer?                  Chapter 1       
The Lord’s Prayer              Chapter 2       
The Right Frame of Mind    Chapter 3               
How to Start a Prayer         Chapter 4       
Thy Kingdom Come           Chapter 5       
Thy Will Be Done              Chapter 6       
Give Us This Day              Chapter 7       
Forgive Us Our Sins           Chapter 8       
Deliver Us From Evil          Chapter 9       
To God Be the Glory          Chapter 10     
Closing Comments              Chapter 11     

POEMS
He Meets Me                           #640          
When Sin Comes Between      #244          
My Advocate                         #378          
About Prayer                           #392          
When I Praise Him                  #263          
Access To God                        #504          
My Plans, or God’s Plans?        #652                 
Thy Will Lord                         #557          
The Will of God                      #289          
Our Father In Heaven              # 72           
Prayer                                      #93-B                  
One Day at a Time                  #888
A Privilege                               #567 
Take It To Jesus                      #574          

PRAYER
Written and compiled by: HIS SERVANT
Connie Kramer

Scripture verses taken from: [KJV] King James Version
Yellow bold italics is Jesus’ Words.
John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV]

Written and Compiled by:
His servant, Connie Kramer
Revised from original 10-2015

THIS BOOK IS NOT COPYRIGHTED,
AND IS NEVER TO BE COPYRIGHTED.
This book is free and not to be sold.

IT MAY BE USED BY “WHOSOEVER”
TO EDIFY THE CHURCH, AND TO
HONOR AND GLORIFY GOD.

I always try to make understanding God’s Word as easy as I possibly can for all. God will truly bless your efforts as you strive to learn more about Him. All praise and glory be to the
One and Only, Almighty God!

SALVATION

Jesus said “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). What does it mean to be ‘born again’? When we are born physically (of our mother), this is our ‘first birth.’ Your second birth comes the moment you truly accept Jesus as your Saviour. You cannot lie to God!
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (KJV) . . . Jesus has this power! You can be God’s child! But. Jesus said you can’t even “see” Heaven without being ‘born again.’ If we call on the Name of the Lord, we shall be saved. Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. [KJV]
Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (KJV)
Salvation is available to ALL people.
Salvation (eternal life in Heaven) can be accessed by anyone! It is not something you buy, not something you work for; it is a “gift”! God made salvation so simple that even a young child could understand and accept it; yet the more education a person has, or the older he is, the harder it is to reach him (or her). God loves you! He does not want you to go to Hell; yet if you refuse to accept the “Gift” of His Son, which is eternal life, you most certainly will end up there. Have you received God’s Gift?
          If you believe and accept Jesus as your personal Saviour, you can claim ALL the wonderful Promises of God by faith. If you reject Jesus, God promises that He will GIVE to you eternal or second death (Hell). See Matthew 13:49-50; 26:41, 46; John 3:15-18, 36; Romans 6:23; Rev. 20:11-15; 21:8. There IS a Hell! http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
         

HE MEETS ME

He meets me in the garden, when I go to pray,
Whether it be early dawn, or late in the day.
Always gives me words, to encourage and cheer,
I consider it a privilege, to have Him near!

He meets me in the mountains, where I go to be alone,
His guidance is a blessing; right roads are clearly shown.
He always gives me, enough light that I may see,
The dark, foreboding paths, looming in front of me!

He meets me in the crowd, when lonely I feel,
He makes me know, His friendship and love are real.
Always gives me great peace deep down in my heart,
Tenderly assuring, that He will never depart!

He meets me in times of sorrow and distress,
Quietly confiding, that He will forever bless.
Always gives me comfort, and strength to go on,
O’ how I praise, God’s only begotten Son!

Jesus meets me; any time, any place my friend,
With comforting assurance, that He’s there to the end!
Always gives me joy and contentment inside,
I consider it a privilege, to have Christ abide!

Do you ever meet Jesus, in your time of need?
Do you gain His wisdom, before you proceed?
Do you ask for His pow’r, before you start your task?
Do you thank Him, as in His placid peace you bask?
*********************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Feb.14, 2000 # 640
THANK HIM FOR EVERYTHING!
THANK YOU JESUS!

WHY???
         

When I became a child of God by belief in Christ (John 1:12-13), my life started to change. The closer I got to Jesus, the more I changed! Some people liked the change, some people hated who I had become; including (maybe especially) some in my family. “I liked you better before” was one comment. The devil surely tried to get me to retreat.
         
The Bible clearly states that if we do not change from our old lifestyle to one of obedience to God and His Word, we are not His children.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [KJV]
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [KJV]
         
When I believed in Jesus, and accepted Him into my heart, He made me a new person, from the inside out! I am not perfect, but I have changed for the better. Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. [KJV]

My lifestyle changed, my friends changed, my heart changed, my thoughts changed . . .  everything about me changed, for I truly wanted to please God and to serve Him. Before I honestly did not care about other people; their feelings, their loneliness, their pain, their sin. I did not care about my own sin, why would I care about the sin of others? Jesus made me do a complete turn-around! Jesus gave me a new heart that cared about others, that cared when I saw their pain, loneliness, sorrow . . . and especially their sin. One night I asked God to show me something of what Hell was like. That prayer was answered; over and over again! There were times I wished I had never asked for such a thing! The poems that came at that time were nearly all on Hell. Oh! I saw glimpses of Hell! Each time God gave me another poem, I’d sit here in agony and tears as I wrote the words down. This is WHY I write as I do! We are to imitate Jesus. When we take on His precious Name (CHRISTian), we must live as He would live, we must teach as He would teach. He said we must obey His commands (Matthew 22:37-40) which boils down to one word: LOVE!
         
I do NOT teach denominational doctrines! I teach the Word of God, the Bible! If you are offended by what I write, please check it out with Scripture! Don’t ever take my word for anything! See if what I am saying goes with OR against the Bible. I cannot offend God! I will not offend God! I must write what God places on my heart, not what people want to hear. I must obey God, and teach the Truth, although most people do NOT want to hear what God has to say.
         
Romans 13:8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. [9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. [KJV]  
   

PRAYER
Introduction
         

Just exactly what is ‘prayer’? Do all people truly know how to pray, and what to pray? I would say a most definite “No!”
  
Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. [KJV]  The Bible does not tell us which disciple it was who asked Jesus “Lord, teach us to pray.” But consider this fact; the disciples were all Jews. All of them had most likely been brought up in homes where prayer was a common thing. They all, most likely, had been praying since they were children.
Had someone asked them before this time if they knew how to pray, I’m sure they would have been greatly offended. Why then, did this committed follower of Jesus ask such a thing?
         
I think the answer is very simple. When Jesus prayed, He prayed in a completely different manner than the disciples (of that day, and now). The prayers of Jesus were not time or place bound. When the disciples saw Jesus pray, they knew they did not know HOW to pray! His prayer brought about contrasting results. He would enter prayer in one mood, and come out in another. And He spent hours in prayer, sometimes all night!

Do we do this? Are we stronger than Christ? Are we better than Christ? Do we truly know HOW to pray? Perhaps we all will learn more in this study, on how we should pray!

WHAT IS PRAYER??
Chapter 1
         

A great many people think that prayer takes place only when they have troubles in their lives.
This is not true prayer!
         
Prayer is simply talking to God. It is simply having a conversation with our Creator. God loves us, and He never tires of hearing from His children. What I will say next will not go over well with a lot of people. But I teach the Bible, the Word of God, and it very plainly states that God does NOT hear the “prayers” of unbelievers.
         
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [KJV] . . . We must be “born again” spiritually into God’s family or we cannot access God on His Throne, nor will we ever see Heaven!
         
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [KJV] . . . These verses very plainly tell us how to get into the family of God! We MUST receive Him (Jesus) and believe on His Name, and believe He can save our soul from Hell.
         
1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. [KJV] . . . If we BELIEVE God, and accept His Way (Jesus) we can access the Throne of God any time of the day or night! God will hear us!
         
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [KJV] . . . An awesome change takes place in the sinner’s condition, when he becomes a TRUE believer, no matter what he has done in his life before this. Being “justified by faith” he now has peace with God, where before he was God’s enemy (Romans 5;10; James 4:4). Through Christ, our great Peace-maker, the Mediator between God and man we can now access the Throne of Almighty God. We now have hope for the glory of God in the hereafter, and can rejoice in it now.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. [KJV] . . . HATH = HAS!!! The moment that we accept Jesus, we HAVE eternal life!
         
John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. [KJV]  . . . If we truly “worship God” (reverence, respect, stand in awe of), we will obey Him and accept His Son as our Saviour and Lord. This is the will of God.
         
Deuteronomy 31:18 And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods. [KJV] . . . Moses is told again that he must shortly die; even those who are most ready and willing to die, need to be often reminded of its coming. The Lord tells Moses, that after he dies, Israel would forsake Him; then God would forsake Israel. God is right and just any time He casts off any and all who so unjustly cast Him off. So any time, any one rejects God’s only begotten Son, who died on the Cross for their sins, God will reject those people, and there will be no access to God in prayer.
We cannot reject God or His Son and think we have access to God in prayer; for God will NOT hear us.
         
Isaiah 1:15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear.  [KJV]  . . . There are people who ‘go to church’ and pay their tithe, but will not part with their sins. They rely on the mere form (religious rituals) as a service that deserves a reward. No matter how costly the devotions of wicked people are; without a complete change of heart and life, they are not acceptable to God. Not only does He not accept them, but He abhors (hates) them. Sin is an utter abomination to God. If we allow ourselves secret sin or forbidden enjoyments; and if we reject the salvation of Christ, our prayers will be a complete abomination to Almighty God. He will NOT hear! These people cannot access God in prayer!
         
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. [KJV] . . . Sin offends our holy God and separates us from Him. Because God is holy, just, right and pure; He cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate sin as though it didn’t matter. A great many people think that times change, and everybody is doing it! Even older people, who should know better, are living their lives in sin. They ‘go to church’ so they think they can live a life of adultery and fornication because “It’s not hurting anyone, and they would lose benefits from a previous marriage if they were to re-marry.” This is NOT obedience to God! This is complete distrust of God! Does not God promise to supply ALL our needs? (Phil. 4:19). Sin cuts people off from Him, forming a wall between God and them. God wants you to live with Him forever, but He cannot take you into His Holy Presence unless your sin is removed. Only the precious Blood of Jesus can make you right with God, and place you in His family. Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord? Have you humbled yourself before Almighty God? Are you truly sorry for your sin? Have you confessed your sin to Him? Only GOD can remove sin!  NO man, NO earthly priest can remove your sin! The Lord can save you, IF you turn to Him.
         
If prayers of believers are not answered, it is the unconfessed sin that stands between you and God. Sin in any way, shape or form will separate from God. If you go to God in prayer, and you feel you are not making contact with God, go back over the day. What did you do to anger, hurt or sadden God? Confess that sin . . . get rid of it!
         
No plans of self-wrought salvation shall help those who despise and reject the Redeemer’s robe of righteousness. Every person who is without the Spirit of Christ, is always running to some sort of evil. They are strangers and enemies of God, and instead are “children of the devil” (1 John 3:10). God will NOT hear the prayers of the devil’s children.
         
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ words. Christ Jesus prays ONLY for those that are His.

If you are a child of God, through faith in God’s only begotten Son (John 1:12-13), a “born again” believer in the Almighty power of Jesus; our Saviour will pray for you, our Saviour will take your side before God the Father as your Advocate (1 John 3:1). This is a tremendous comfort and satisfaction to us. We can rely on Christ, in all He is and has, all He has said and done, all He is doing now and will do in the future. HE CANNOT LIE! So we can trust Him with our all, in everything! He is God! Christ prayed this prayer for His people alone, (believers in Him); and not for the world who rejects Him. If we belong to Christ, we belong to God the Father, for they are ONE! (John 10:30).
         
If you are reading this, and do not know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord; do you feel some kind of void in your life? Do you go through each day feeling incomplete? Unhappy? Discontent? Conflict? Distressed? Worried? Unsettled? Restless? Do you feel there should be more to life than this? Jesus is both willing and able to change your life! He can save your soul from an eternal Hell. All who come to God by Him, He can save to the uttermost! And when you do this, Jesus places you into the family of God. That honor, that privilege, gives you access to Almighty God in Heaven. You then have the right to ‘speak to God’ (pray) any time or any where!

WHEN SIN COMES BETWEEN

Sin will block you from our wondrous God,
Fellowship is halted, as you trod.
Sin, like a dark cloud, will come between,
Standing between you and God, as a screen.

In sin, we lose the “joy of salvation,”
Satan smiles at our degradation.
God’s Holy Spirit, we should not grieve,
We must turn away, from our sin leave.

Sin will always make your pathway dark,
Darkness prevails, when to Satan , you hark.
Dark black nights are sin and wickedness,
Ruled by old Satan, in his finesse.

We must confess our sin, night or day,
Our great God, we must  love and obey.
Lament, mourn, and weep; true sorrow show,
Then turn and run; from sin and Satan, go!

If we obey Him, our path is bright,
Christ will lighten, with glorious light!
With Christ, it’s always bright shining day,
His brilliance always lights the way.

When e’er you sin; that cloud comes between,
Dark will be the way; the path can’t be seen.
Of that sin, you must repent, and confess,
God will forgive; this He does promise.
**************************
By: Connie Kramer Aug.17, 1996 # 244
(Ps.66:18; 51:12; Is.59:2; 64:7; 1:15; Deut.31:18; 1 Jn.1:9; Mt.5:4;
Ep.4:30; Jam.4:7; Rev.21:23; Jn.1:4; 14:6)

MY  ADVOCATE

Satan stands firm in accusing me,
Of all my sins and iniquities.
But I need not worry ‘bout my fate,
For in Heav’n, I have an Advocate!

Satan accuses with mighty roars,
But he’ll never keep me from Heav’n’s door.
My Advocate always takes my side,
I’m secure, what ever may betide!

The devil accuses constantly,
I’m weak, and full of iniquity.
But my Advocate by me does stand,
An ultimate blessing, O’ so grand!

Satan’s accusations never quit,
But the Blood of Jesus does acquit.
My Advocate the Father will hear,
With Him on my side, I’ve nought to fear!

Tho’ Satan accuses, I have won,
The Father findeth no wrong I’ve done!
My wondrous Advocate stands up for me,
Frees me from sins and iniquity.

Tho’ my disquieted foe accuses,
God won’t hear him; He simply refuses!
Satan names all my sins, one by one,
Christ’s Blood paid for them all; I have won!
*****************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer July 31,1997 # 378
(Rev.12:10; Job 1:9-11; 2:7; Zec.3:1; Mt.4:1-11; 13:19,38,39;
Jn.8:44; 13:2; 17:11; 1 P.1:5; 5:7-8; 1 Jn.2:1; 2 Tim.1:12;
Jude 24; Heb.2:17; 4:14-15; 5:5; 7:25-27; 8:1; 10:19-23)

THE LORD’S PRAYER??
Chapter 2

I will be using the following text many times in this study, therefore I think it wise to try to understand these awesome words more fully.
         
Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ words!
         
These verses are called, by most people, “The Lord’s Prayer.” This prayer is NOT our Lord’s prayer. Jesus could NOT have prayed this prayer! There are two very good reasons why. (1.) Jesus does not join with us and call Almighty God “Our Father” because Jesus’ relationship with God is completely different than ours. The relationship between God, and Jesus the Son is one of begetting and deity (union). Our relationship with God the Father is one of adoption. God adopts us as His children, only through faith in Christ. Christ cannot join with me when I say “Our Father.”
(2.) “Forgive us our debts (sins).” Jesus never (ever) had any sin whatsoever to be forgiven  (2 Cor. 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 9:14; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22; 1 John 3:5). Jesus could not have joined with me in asking God’s forgiveness from sins!
         
Something else I think should be brought up about this awesome ‘Pattern Prayer.’ In a previous verse, Jesus so carefully and so very plainly tells us (commands us) NOT to use vain repetitions!
Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. [KJV] . . . So, if this is a ‘command’ of our Lord, why then, is this so-called Lord’s Prayer, repeated over and over and over and over again? Jesus tells us NOT to do it! People repeat it so unthinkingly and so fast, it is just an abominable muddle to Almighty God.
         
What I hope to do in this study is to make people understand, this is NOT a prayer to be repeated word for word, but a prayer to be used as a pattern for your own prayer that comes from your own heart. Am I totally against repeating these wondrous words that Jesus spoke all those years ago? No, absolutely not! But, IF you insist on repeating this prayer, word for word, PLEASE, consider its meaning! Say the words slowly and deliberately. Let the TRUE meaning of what Jesus is trying to teach you sink in!
         
Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. Would you want someone to speak to you in hurried, repeated words, over and over again? God does not consider “vain repetition” prayer! How do I know? Jesus says so! Matthew 6:8-A Be not ye therefore like unto them: - - - - - We are NOT to repeat this prayer over and over!

THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND
Chapter 3
         

When we go to God in prayer, we must be in the ‘right frame of mind.’ We must be in a receptive mood: in other words, we must be open minded, alert or heedful, responsive and focus our attention strictly on God, and just WHO He is! So, just WHO is God? He is the Almighty Creator of everything that was, is and ever will be! He made this world out of nothing (Job 26:7; John 1:3 Hebrews 11:3)! He knew His children even before He ever started to create the Universe (Eph. 1:4). God knows the end results of all things even before they begin (Isaiah 46: 9-10). God even knows our thoughts before we think them (Ezekiel 11:5-B). God is absolutely, fearfully awesome!
    
Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. [10] Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: [KJV] . . . We need to go to God in prayer with these thoughts in mind! There is indeed “None like Him.” We need to realize His awesome power, wisdom and foreknowledge. We need to remember that He sees all things (Hebrews 4:13) and knows all things (Isaiah 42:9; 1 John 3:20). We need to try to understand just how majestic He is! We need to know we are nothing compared to God. He could very well put His Foot on us, and smash us like a bug, if He so desired! We need to know that God is sovereign. Oh! So many people do NOT want to hear this! The SOVEREIGNTY of God, is His absolute right to do all things, or anything according to His own good pleasure (Daniel 4:25, 35; Romans 9:15-23; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev.4:11).
    
1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. [KJV] . . . The magnificence of God is unsearchable and unspeakable. We can never know how majestic God really is; nor can we ever find enough words to describe Him! God is great, and powerful, and glorious! Any and all that is in Heaven or on Earth, belongs to God! His is the Kingdom, and He is the Head of all things!
   
Psalm 93:1 The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. [KJV] . . . God displays His justice, holiness, and power in His dealings with fallen men; but He displays the riches of His mercy, and the power of His renewing grace to those who believe Him and humble themselves before Him. In this great work, God the Father has given all power to His Son, the Lord from Heaven, who has made atonement for our sins. Not only can Jesus pardon us, but He can deliver and protect each and every one who will simply trust in Him. We can rely on the power of Jesus, to do as He states! God has established this world, and it cannot and will not be shaken or torn down unless He gives the order to do so! Only Jesus can give us peace in this world of sin and darkness. Only He should be King of your heart! Does Jesus reign in your life today?

Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. [KJV] . . . God relates to those who are humble and are truly sorry for sins they commit (contrite). The high and holy God came down to our level to save us because it is impossible for us to go up to His level to save ourselves. Below is David’s prayer to God when he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. He was truly sorry!
    
Psalm 51:1-7 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. [4] Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. [5] Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. [6] Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. [7] Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. [KJV] . . . When I think of King David, and the sins he committed, I realize we all have a chance to be forgiven if we simply repent of those sins. David was truly sorry for his adultery with Bathsheba and for murdering her husband to cover it up. He knew what he had done had hurt many people. David went to God in prayer, and he was indeed in the right frame of mind when he did! Because David was sorry for what he had done, and because he repented of those sins, God mercifully forgave him. No sin is too great to be forgiven! Have you done something terrible? Do you feel that God could never forgive you? God can and will forgive you of any sin IF you repent! But remember one thing; even though God does forgive us, He does not always erase the natural consequences of our sin . . . David’s life and family were never the same again, as a result of what he had done (2 Samuel 12:1-23).
         
God’s Name is Holy, and we must truly know Him as a Holy God. He has tender consideration to all who bring their heart and mind to their sinful condition, and dread His wrath. He will take up residence with those whose hearts have been humbled, in order to recover and comfort them.   
     
2  Chronicles 7:14 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. [KJV] . . . God’s mercies will be shown to us if: (1.) we humble ourselves by admitting our sins, (2.) pray to God, asking forgiveness, (3.) seek God continually,  (4.) turn from sinful behavior. True repentance is more than talk . . . it is changed behavior. These steps lead to forgiveness. God answer all earnest prayers.

ABOUT PRAYER

Our heart must be the agent when we pray,
We must be sincere; there’s no other way.
Prayer is lifting up your heart to Him,
Words without heart is abomination.

God is the only object when we pray,
Those self-sufficient don’t need it, or care.
To the Father, thru’ Christ, we have access,
Only thru’ His Son, will the Father bless.

Prayer should be a constant exercise,
It’s not of the foolish, but of the wise.
Prayer moves the Hand that moves ev’ry thing,
It’s so important, for blessings it brings.

Prayer is something we should cultivate,
Continue in it; no matter our state.
By faith, look for answers to your prayers,
For God really loves you, He really cares.
***************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Aug. 31, 1997 # 392
(Pro.28:9; 15:8; Ps.65:2; Jn.3:15-18; 14:6,13-16; Ep.6:8; 1 Thes.5:17; Lu.18:1; Ro.12:12; Mk.9:23; 11:24; Heb.11:6; Jam.1:5-6; 4:2-3; 1 Jn.3:22; 5:14; Mt.21:22)

Prayer does not have to be eloquent or charismatic words. Prayer simply must come from your heart. The words can be very common, every day words, but they must be sincere! If you are not in the right frame of mind for prayer, simply go to God’s Word and start reading. If you don’t know what to say, the Holy Spirit will help you, for no one knows better than He what is in your heart.

WHEN I PRAISE GOD

When I praise God, it magnifies Him,
I focus on God, all else is dim.
His Presence, power, and ability,
Make me aware of His Majesty.

When I praise God, it does humble me,
I do see myself, as I should be.
Pride and ego are gone, far away,
Humility instead, comes to stay.

When I praise God, I see His pure love.
This true love comes only from above.
He died on the Cross to set us free,
Deep, heartfelt love, He gave you and me.

When I praise God, it opens my heart,
I want to please Him, and from sin depart.
Wanting only His will to be done,
To imitate Jesus, God’s only Son.

When I praise God, peace floods my soul,
This peace of which, just He has control.
With Him also is joy, ev’ry day,
Joy, that no one can take away.

When I praise God, I see many things,
He’s done so much, given great blessings.
If it were not for Him, we’d go to Hell,
And never, ever, in Heaven dwell.
***********************
By: Connie Kramer Sept.18, 1996 # 263
(Jn.3:16; 15:9,13; 14:27; 16:24,33; Jer.15:16; Ro.5:8; 8:35-39; 14:17;
Ep.2:4-5; 3:17-19; Gal.5:22-23; 1 Jn.3:1; 4:16; 1 P.1:8; Is.61:10)

ACCESS TO GOD

Access to the Father can be direct,
But God’s own Son we must not reject.
Only Christ Jesus can justify,
On His love and mercy we can rely.

By faith are we saved, thru’ God’s grace,
All our wicked sins God does erase.
We are no longer God’s enemy,
We’re now His children, you and me!

We now have access to God’s great Throne,
For Christ’s precious Blood did atone.
Direct access to God, day or night,
No matter our problem, or our plight.

To God, we have unlimited access,
He’ll answer our prayers, and He’ll bless.
Only Christ, this access can provide,
When in His vast power we do confide.

To God’s great Throne you can have access,
And God will daily, abundantly bless!
Into God’s presence, by Christ alone,
In the Word of God, this is plainly shown!
***************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Nov.14, 1998 # 504
         
Access to the Throne of God is a privilege for all of God’s children! When I think that the Almighty Creator has time to hear the prayers of a nobody like me, it makes my head spin! God loves us! He actually loves His children! Tell somebody!

HOW TO START A PRAYER
Chapter 4

    
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [KJV] . . .  Jesus’ words. . . . Only the Bible can interpret itself! No man (or woman) no matter how educated, no matter how high their IQ; will always translate the Bible rightly. But the Bible will not make a mistake! See what the Bible says in other places. You won’t go wrong. The Bible is always its own best commentary!
         
Jesus states that first of all, we must realize to Whom we are talking. It is the awesome, Almighty God! He lives in Heaven! His Home is Heaven!
         
“Hallowed be thy name.” What does this mean? ‘Hallow’ means to: honor, praise, beautify, enshrine, deeply respect, give glory to, esteem, give high regard to, admire, fear, reverence. If I had to pick just one of these words to describe ‘hallow,’ it would be to reverence. To hold in a place of awe. If we go to our Heavenly Father (GOD, the Creator), we must hold Him in a place of awe and reverence. This is HOW we must start out our conversation (prayer) with God the Father, for His Son plainly tells us this! God’s Name is Holy!
    
2 Samuel 22:4  I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. [KJV] . . . God is worthy of our praise!
   
Psalm 148:13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. [KJV] . . . Only God and His name is “Excellent.” Only His glory is above the Earth and Heavens. We should truly want to praise Him!
    
Psalm 9:1 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. [KJV] . . . Praise is simply expressing to God our appreciation of Him, and our understanding His unlimited worth. It is saying “thank you” for each of His almighty and majestic characteristics. The way we feel about Him deep inside, comes outside in our praises to Him. Any time we praise God, we are increasing our awareness of just WHO He really is. The Bible (especially Psalms) shows us the attributes and characteristics of God for which we can praise and thank Him.
    
Psalm 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. [KJV] . . . It should give us great joy that we can give deserved praise to God, for all He has done for us.
    
Psalm 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. [KJV] . . . The Lord gives strength to His people’s souls.  As we grow older, our physical powers will decline; and we will need God more and more. His TRUE children realize that He is our constant help. What a reason to praise Him!
    
Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. [KJV] . . . To “bless” the Lord is simply to praise Him.
    
Isaiah 43:21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. [KJV] . . .
Today, we as “Christians” (the Body of Christ, or the church) is anyone, no matter what race, color, creed, culture, etc. It is anyone (whosoever) that comes to God through Christ Jesus, God’s Son. It is both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). God has made us, and set us aside for Himself, and we should “show forth our praises” to Him! We should be glad in Him. And we should shout it to all from the highest mountain! Tell others about Jesus!
    
1 Peter 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. [KJV] . . . All true believers are a holy priesthood; sacred to God, and we should serve others; for God has given us heavenly gifts and graces. We are a “chosen generation” and we are built on Christ, meaning to believe in Him. It wouldn’t matter if the world were falling apart; we who have built on this foundation (Christ the Rock) have no cause for fear. We have no reason to be confused, for no matter what happens, believing souls can run to Jesus, and He’ll see us through.
         
All TRUE Christians are a chosen generation. We make up the family of God. We are distinct from the world. We were once in a state of total darkness, but God called us out of that darkness into a state of great light, joy, pleasure and spiritual prosperity. Because of this, we should “show forth the praises of the Lord” by professing His truth, and living a life of obedience to Him. We have an obligation to Him, who has made us His people; for He has shown great love and mercy to us! Anyone living without God’s mercy is in a sad and mournful state, even though they lack nothing in this present world. There is nothing more kindly and precious than the love and mercy of Almighty God. Abusing the awesome grace of God, or taking it too lightly will cause you to reap eternal havoc. Let us accept God’s love and mercy with an ever thankful heart, and walk as His people, praising Him always!
 
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. [KJV] . . . A “sacrifice of praise” includes thanking Christ for His Sacrifice on the Cross, and telling others about it. Living by faith in Christ means to be set apart for God, through Jesus’ Blood. We must willingly separate ourselves from this evil world. Let us bring our sacrifices to our High Priest (Christ), and offer them up by Him. The “sacrifice of praise” to God, we should always offer! This is a great way to worship God, and this is the first step of going to God in prayer.
         
Christ knew He needed to show His disciples (then and now) the correct manner and method of their prayers. There are six petitions in the ‘Pattern or Model’ prayer taught to us by our Lord Jesus. The first three relate more specifically to God and His honor; and the last three to our concerns (both temporal and spiritual). This prayer teaches us that if we seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; all other things shall be added to us.

THY KINGDOM COME
Chapter 5

Matthew 6:10-A Thy kingdom come. - - - - - - - - - [KJV] . . . This is referring to God’s spiritual reign, where people will live in peace and harmony, as God intended from the beginning. God’s Kingdom is present now; but it is only in all believers’ hearts, where they allow Christ to reign. It will be complete when all evil is destroyed and God establishes the new Heaven and Earth.
    
Matthew 8:11-12 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. [12] But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV] . . . The “children of the Kingdom” are the Jews. Jesus told the crowd that many religious Jews who should be in the Kingdom would not enter in because of their lack of faith. The Jews felt securely established in their religious traditions, and they would not accept Christ and His new message.
         
The east and the west stands for the four corners of the earth. ALL the faithful people of God will be gathered to feast with the Messiah one day (Isaiah ch. 6 & 55). The Jews should have known that when the Messiah (Christ) came, His blessings would be for Gentiles too.
   
Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. [KJV] . . . The Gospel Message is for ALL peoples, it is for “whosoever” will listen and take it into their heart.
God loves ALL peoples, and reaches out to ALL in love and mercy. Jesus’ message is for everyone. The Old Testament prophets knew this well (Isaiah 56:3, 6-8; 66:12, 19; Malachi 1:11), but most  of the New Testament Jewish leaders chose to ignore it. Each and every individual has the right to choose; accept or reject the Gospel. No one can become part of God’s family or Kingdom on the basis of heritage or who they know. Coming from a Christian family is a wonderful blessing (one I never had as a child), but it will NOT guarantee you eternal life. You must believe in, and follow Christ Jesus, and have a personal relationship with Him.
    
Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. [KJV] . . . Our precious Saviour came to guide men’s consciences, not to indulge their curiosity. Have you ever wondered: “How many will be saved?” Cast that thought aside. Jesus tells us the answer: only a “few.” Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [KJV]

Instead, ask yourself: “Will I be one of them?” Strive to enter in at the strait gate. Everyone that will be saved, must enter in at the strait gate, must experience a change of the heart and actions (life). Those that would enter in, must strive (exert oneself) to enter. We must trust and obey our Lord and Saviour. There are those who are last (here on Earth) who shall be first (in Heaven), and first (here on Earth) who shall be last (in Heaven). If we reach Heaven, we will meet many there that we thought were not ‘fit’ and we will most certainly not find many that we expected to see there. Only God knows our hearts. We cannot and must not judge others.
    
Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words. The Pharisees (religious leaders) asked Jesus when God’s Kingdom would come. They had no idea that it had already arrived. The Kingdom of God is NOT like an earthly kingdom with geographical boundaries. It is different indeed! It begins with the work of God’s Spirit in people’s hearts and lives, working in relationships. Even today we must resist looking to institutions or programs for evidence of the progress of God’s Kingdom. Instead, what we should look for is, what is God doing in people’s hearts.      
    
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [KJV] . . .  This Earth as we know it will not last forever. After God’s great judgment, He will create a new Earth. There will be no more sea. Sea is a symbol of separation. This most likely symbolizes freedom from any conflicting passions, temptations, troubles, or whatever else that can separate us from God.
    
2 Peter 3:7-13 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. [8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, [12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? [13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. [KJV]  . . . This Earth will definitely be destroyed (by God), and a “new” one will take its place. God had also told Isaiah that He would create a new and eternal Earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). We don’t know how the new Earth will look, or where it will be, but God and His children . . . those whose names are written in the book of life . . . will be united to live there forever. Will you be there? Can you sincerely pray? “Thy Kingdom come.”

THY WILL BE DONE
Chapter 6
    

Matthew 6:10-B - - - - - - - - - - Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words. When we pray “Thy will be done,” we are not giving ourselves over to fate or destiny, but praying that God’s perfect purpose shall be accomplished our lives, and in this world as well as in the next. So, what is the “Will of God”? Many people have trouble figuring this out. Let’s see what the dictionary says first: choice, command, decision, desire, determination, inclination, intention, longing, pleasure, request, strong purpose, wish. How would I put it? God’s ‘will’ is His desire done in our lives. http://www.hisservants.org/books_god's_will.html

Now, a question: can you honestly pray to God and ask that: “His will be done in your life”? Many people cannot do this, even though they ‘profess’ to be Christians! Asking: “Thy will be done” means you are willing to turn over everything to God! Most people cannot and will not do this. They know if they do this, the outcome may not be as they desire. But IF you truly believe God, and trust Him, you know in your heart that the end result of ALL things will benefit you. If not in this world, then in the world to come.
    
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [KJV]
    
Exodus 40:16 Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him, so did he. [KJV] . . . God told Moses to build the tabernacle. Moses did as he was commanded to do. God allows people to cooperate with Him in carrying out His will. Our task is not just to sit and watch God’s work being done, but to give our best effort when any work needs to be done. Moses did God’s will! I am very sure that Moses prayed: “Thy will be done.”
    
1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. [KJV]  . . . This is emphasizing God’s will, not our will. When we communicate with God, we as His children cannot demand what we want; instead, we discuss with Him what He wants for us. If we adjust our prayers to His will, He will listen; and we can feel sure that if He listens, He will give us a definite answer. There is something to remember: God does answer our prayers! BUT, He answers in one of three different ways: (1.) He will say yes. This is what most of us want, and expect! (2.) He will say no. We really do not want this answer, but IF God answers you with a “NO” answer, be certain it is in your best interest. (3.) He will say: “Wait a while.” If the timing isn’t right, God may choose to wait until a later date. We, as impatient humans, do not like to wait! If you do not get a “Yes” answer, don’t think that God has not answered you. Pray with confidence!

Our prayers must always be offered in submission to the will of God. Some times they are speedily answered; in others they are granted in the best manner, although not as we requested. So, can we ask to win the lottery? Can we ask for perfect health? A new car? A new home? A long awaited vacation? Remember; when we pray, we emphasize God’s will, NOT ours! A good rule of thumb in what to ask for and what not to ask for, is this: “Would Jesus ask for such a thing”? WWJD? What would Jesus do? Imitate Jesus! You won’t go wrong!
    
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words. Jesus is not making a guarantee that we can get anything we want simply by asking Jesus and believing. God does not grant any requests that would hurt us or someone else, or that would violate His own character or will. Jesus’ statement is not a blank check. If we are truly God’s children, we will not ask for selfish things, such as worldly riches. If we want our requests to be fulfilled, they must be in harmony with the standards of God’s Kingdom. The stronger our belief, the closer we are to Jesus, the more likely our prayers will be in line with God’s will. God will be happy to grant requests such as these. Trust and believe God!
    
James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. [KJV] . . . Quarrels and fights always result from evil desires battling within us; we want more possessions, more money, more recognition and more power. When we allow the devil to tempt us, we will want these things badly enough to do most anything to fulfill these desires. Instead of brutally, and sometimes almost inhumanly, grabbing what we want, we should submit ourselves to God, ask God to help us get rid of our selfish desires, and trust Him to give us what we really need. Desires and wants are NOT the same!
         
Some common problems in prayer are: (1.) not asking, (2.) asking for the wrong things, (3.) asking for the wrong reasons. When you talk to God, what do you talk about? Do you ask only to satisfy your desires? Do you seek God’s approval for what you already plan to do? Your prayers will take on a whole new meaning, become very powerful and effective, when you allow God to change your desires so they agree perfectly to His will for you.
    
1 John 3:21-22 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
22  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (KJV) . . . You will receive your requests from God, IF you obey Him, and IF you do what pleases Him, because this is God’s will. This does not mean that you can have anything you want, like instant riches. If you are truly seeking God’s will, there are some requests that you simply will not make. Every time we show our selfishness, it weakens our prayer link to God. Therefore, let your conscience be guided by the Holy Spirit; listen to and pay attention to it.
         
There is nothing wrong with wanting a pleasant life. God gives us many good gifts that He wants us to enjoy (James 1:17; Eph. 4:7; 1 Tim.4:4-5). But, friendship with the world involves seeking pleasure at others’ expense or at the expense of disobeying God. Any pleasure that keeps us from pleasing God is sinful; pleasure we receive from God’s rich bounty is good.
    
James 1:6-7 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. [KJV]  . . . To “believe and not doubt” does not mean just believing that God exists. It means that we believe in His loving care. This includes relying on God and expecting an answer when we pray. A mind that “wavers” is not completely convinced that God’s way is best. It treats God’s Word like human advice. It hesitates between faithfulness the world’s ideas, and God’s commands. If your faith is new, weak or struggling, remember that you CAN trust God. Doubt leaves a person as unsettled as the restless waves. If you want to stop being tossed to and fro, trust and rely on God to show you what is best for you. Ask Him for wisdom, and trust that He will give it to you.  God’s Promise is: “To any that asketh, it shall be given” BUT we must believe God and not doubt Him or his capabilities!
         
Do you believe God? Are you a Christian with a long face today? This big problem you have; are you wondering how ‘you’ are going to get through it? Do you think the worry that consumes you will help ease any problem? We as God’s children must keep growing in Christ. We must continue to go to God in prayer and ask (beg) Him, that His will be done in our life, NOT ours! We must submit to His will, and trust Him completely. “Thy will, O Lord!” Can you pray? “Thy will be done?”

MY PLANS . . . OR GOD’S PLANS?

With careful plans, my future looked bright,
My hopes and dreams blossom’d; all seem’d just right.
At the day’s end, I’d go to God in pray’r,
Lord, bless my plans, and keep me from despair.

As time went by, my plans came tumbling down,
All the smiles I had, were replaced by frowns.
I was confused; I could not comprehend,
How my hopes and plans, came to this tragic end.

Did I not ask for blessings, as I went in pray’r?
And ask that my plans be held in His care?
That my hopes and dreams, all would come true?
Yet failure set in; throwing plans askew.

Then in one night’s stillness, and shadows dim,
I heard His Voice; calling me close to Him!
“Why do you make plans, and not include Me?”
“As you now see, it just brings agony.”

“Dear child, please allow Me to make your plans,
Trust Me, and leave the future, in My Hands.
The path you now trod; I’ve seen it before,
Let your faith lead you, to blessings galore.”

My pride was now gone; as I bow’d in shame,
My spirit humbled, as I thought of Your Name.
Precious Lord Jesus; my soul Thou hast bought,
Thank You dearly, for this lesson You’ve taught.

I no longer pray: “Lord, bless all my plans,”
For I know the future is in Your Hands!
Now I pray: “Thy will be done; You plan for me,”
I commit my all to You, eternally.
*********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Mar.4, 2000 # 652

THY WILL, LORD

Thy will, Lord, not mine; tho’ dark it be,
For You shall lead, and light the path for me.
Tho’ rough and steep the path, I know ‘tis best,
For Heav’n awaits, when I top the crest!

Thy will, Lord; I would not choose, if I might,
For your way is better, and always right!
Tho’ I seek Heav’n, I ask You show the way,
For the choice I make, might lead my soul astray!

Thy will, Lord; my days with joy or sorrow fill,
For You shall always, your best to me instill!
Tho’ I may desire, just good, nice things,
I’ll trust your judgment, in what life brings!

Thy will, Lord, not mine, in sickness and health,
For You rightly lead, in poverty and wealth!
Tho’ in great or small things I choose,
I could be wrong; but with You, I’ll not lose!

Thy will, Lord, not mine; always let me trust,
For to win your favor, faith is a must!
The path may be dark now, but the end bright,
For your will Lord, leads to Heav’n’s light!
**************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Sept.27, 1999 # 557

THE WILL OF GOD

The will of God; let us contemplate,
We must magnify Him, and us deflate!
We must give Him, what to Him is due,
Worship and praise this great One so true.

The will of God; the same for us all,
Rich folks and poor folks, the great and small.
Glorify Christ, in all that we do,
Give Him the credit, NOT me nor you!

Our magnificent God, high above,
Filled with mercy, forgiveness and love.
We should always glorify His Name,
Not seek for ourselves, fortune and fame.

To honor Him; is the will of God,
No matter who we are, or where we trod!
We should always reverence our Lord,
Holding in awe, both He and His Word!

Honoring Him; there is a ‘best’ way,
Do trust and believe, ALL He does say!
Unbelief is telling God, He lies,
And that unbelief, He does despise!
**********************
By: Connie Kramer Jan.22, 1997 # 289
(Ps.143:10; Mt.12:50; Ep.6:6; Pro.16:7; 1 Thes.4:1; Heb.11:5; 13:16)

God gives me many poems. Sometimes 4 or 5 a day, then I won’t get ‘words’ for a week or two . . . or longer. This poem tells us that His will is simply to honor Him, give Him the glory in all things; and trust Him, by believing ALL He tells us.

GIVE US THIS DAY
Chapter 7
         

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words. When we pray (ask God) “Give us today our daily bread,” we openly admit and declare: God, and only God can sustain and provide for us.
         
It is a big mistake to think we are capable of providing for our needs ourselves. Most unbelievers will disagree with this. I have heard some well known (rich and famous) people brazenly say: “God didn’t do this! All that I have, I did on my own.” Most (not all) wealthy people have all the reward they will ever have, simply because they worship those riches and not God! It reminds me of the rich man and Lazarus.
Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words. The vast majority of all wealthy people (NOT all), will end up in an eternal, agonizing Hell because they would not humble themselves before the Almighty Creator God. The rich man in this parable had all the best on Earth.
Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [KJV]  
Luke 16:20-21 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [KJV]
         
The rich man did NOT go to Hell because of his wealth but because he was selfish. He refused to feed Lazarus, take him in, or care for him. God had provided well for the rich man, but his heart was as a rock, despite his great blessings. The rich man’s sin was providing for himself only. Me, me!
         
We must trust God daily to provide what He knows we need. When we ask God for bread (food), it teaches us self-denial and restraint. When we ask God for our bread, it teaches us to be honest and work hard.
Proverbs 20:17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. [KJV]  
Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. [KJV] . . . SO much of this going on today!
We must not ask for the bread of deceit, nor the bread of idleness, but bread honestly gotten. When we ask God for our daily bread, it teaches us that we should constantly depend on Him. We ask (beg) God to give it to us; not sell it, nor lend it, but give it. The greatest men of old, such as Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, David; just to name a few, were beholden to the mercy of God for their (and those in their care) daily bread. Are we any different or any better than they?          
When we pray, Give us this day our daily bread, this teaches us compassion for the poor. When we pray that God would give us bread this day; it teaches us to feed the desires of our souls toward God each day, as the desires of our bodies are fed. As we go to God in prayer, let us consider; can we go a day as well without physical food, as we can without prayer?
         
Give us this day our daily bread is such a simple, yet wonderful petition! Our bodily needs and our physical necessities are supplied by Him each and every day, therefore we should ask Him each and every day. Just as the Israelites gathered manna (their bread) in the wilderness each and every day, so too, we must ask of God each day.
   
Exodus 16:21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted. [KJV] . . . There was no laziness! The Israelites either gathered the manna or they did not eat! It was not like today where so many well abled people demand that the government feed them. 2 Thes. 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (KJV) . . . One day, it will be like this!

 Exodus 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. [KJV] . . . Why did God feed the people in this manner?  To teach them that man does not live by bread alone (Deut. 8:3; Mat. 4:4). If the people got greedy and collected more than they could use, the manna would spoil (Exodus 16:19-20). God expected them to obey Him just as He expects us to obey Him. If we do not obey God, we are not worthy of His many blessings.
    
When we pray “Give us this day our daily bread,” we are gathering ‘manna’ for the day, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness. God will “rain down food from Heaven” for us the same as He did for the Israelites when we pray as Jesus directed us to pray.
Besides the “bread” for the day, God will also bless us with “all our needs” (Phil.4:19). All we need do is ask! God is there for His children, day or night, in joy or in sorrow. Praise Him! Thank Him!
   

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN

Our Father which art in the Heavens above,
I come to you, in humility and love.
Hallowed and holy, be thy awesome Name,
With reverence I come, and confess my shame.

Thy Kingdom come, and I do pray it be near,
I’m really quite ready, for Christ to appear!
This world has much evil and wickedness,
They cannot see Jesus, they walk in darkness!

Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heav’n,
For the sin here today, is as much leaven.
I pray for the day when you will make it right,
Lord, I ask that those lost, will see the “Light”.

Lord, give us each day, food and strength to go on,
For I am so weak, I do need your Son!
I cannot do anything, by myself alone,
A Shepherd I need, for the way to be shown!

Forgive my trespasses, when I sin against you,
Let your Spirit help me live a life that’s true.
Please help me Father, so I can forgive,
A hard lesson to learn, in the life I live.

Please keep Satan and his evil plans away,
For in my weakness, I could be swayed!
When temptations come, help me to be strong,
I don’t want to sin, I don’t want to do wrong!

For thine is the Kingdom, glory and power,
And in your presence, the whole world should cower.
I lift up my heart in such great love and praise,
My prayer of gratitude, to you I do raise!
****************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Dec.16,1995 # 72
(Mat.6:7-13)
To God belongs the Kingdom, the power, the glory
and all the honor and love you can muster!

PRAYER 

Prayer is the ‘key’ to God’s mercies all day,
The key to safeguard and protection, alway.
Prayer crowns God with honor, due His Name,
Our glorious God, who does not always blame.

Prayer is our spirit, speaking truth, to Truth,
And God always answers, He always rescueth.
Grant grace, so my prayer deserves to be heard,
Let it be heart-felt, not just many words.

Prayer won’t change God; but changes him who prays,
Prayer moves the arm which moves the world each day.
Prayer is love raised to its greatest power,
Prayer is peace of our soul; so we needn’t cower.
********************************
By: Connie Kramer Jan.3,1996 # 93-B
(1 Chron.16:11; Mt.6:7,33; 7:7; 24:41;
Lu.18:1; Ep.6:18; 1 Thes,5:17; 1 Tim.2:8)

Prayer most certainly will not change God; but it will absolutely change the person who prays, if they go to the Throne of Grace with a repentant and sincere heart. We cannot go to God demanding our way; for God will not listen to a ‘prayer’ like that! God on the other hand, respects and hears a humble and contrite spirit.

FORGIVE US OUR SINS
Chapter 8
   

 Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words. Do you truly understand what this is saying? Do you truly understand what Jesus is trying to teach us? Read it again! One more time! Do you understand what this implies? Do you really want God to forgive you, as you forgive others? How do you forgive others?
         
HOW do you want God to forgive you? Do you really want God to forgive us exactly the same way we forgive the people who have wronged us? I cannot answer for you, but I can answer for me! I want Him to forgive me completely! I want Him to forget what I did! I don’t want Him to remember it, ever again!  I do not want that sin or wrong standing between us!
I do not want God feeling bitter or angry against me! SO! Just how should I forgive the people who hurt me, whether it be actions, words or whatever? I must forgive them the same way I want God to forgive me. If I want complete forgiveness, I must forgive and forget too. “Hard,” you say. You bet! But NOT impossible with the help of the Lord.

When I pray for forgiveness as in the Model Prayer, I normally pray in this manner: Lord, forgive my trespasses and help me to forgive those who hurt me, as You forgive me.
When we go to God in prayer, we must have forgiven others or God will NOT forgive us!
Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [KJV]  . . . If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you . . . BUT . . . if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Jesus warns us about forgiveness: IF we refuse to forgive others, God will refuse to forgive us. Why? Because if you are not ‘good enough’ to forgive someone, God won’t be ‘good enough’ to forgive you! God’s forgiveness of our sin is NOT the direct result of our forgiving others; but is a lesson to teach us what forgiveness really means. It is easy for us to ask God for forgiveness, but it is very difficult for us to forgive others. Anytime we ask God to forgive our sin, we should ask ourselves a question: “Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?”
    
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. [KJV] . . . This is Christ’s law of forgiveness as taught in the Gospels. God does not forgive us because we forgive others, but because of His great mercy. The more we learn about God and His great love and mercy, we want to be more like Him. Having received forgiveness from God, we want to be merciful too, and pass it on to others. If someone is unwilling to forgive, they have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34).
         
God makes us a Promise: if you forgive, your heavenly Father will forgive you. We must forgive if we hope to be forgiven. If we want mercy, we must show mercy.
   
 Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. [KJV]  . . . When God forgives our sin, He forgets it! East and west can never meet. This is a beautiful picture of God’s forgiveness! When God forgives our sin, He separates it from us and does not even remember it. If we want to follow Jesus, we must imitate His forgiveness.
    
Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. [KJV] . . . The religious leaders taught that forgiving a person 2 or 3 times was enough. So Peter thought he was being very generous to forgive someone 7 times. Even though we live entirely on God’s mercy and forgiveness, many of us are reluctant to forgive those who offend us! When I think of this verse, I immediately think of the thousands of times our merciful and gracious God has forgiven me! What about you? How many times has God forgiven you? Is Jesus telling us in this verse that we should keep track (mark down) of the times a brother (or sister) has wronged us? NO! I think it is exactly the opposite! He is NOT saying: “When someone sins against you 490 times, you can then stop forgiving them.” Is that what you want God to do to you? I certainly do not! We should not keep track of forgiveness because God does not keep track! I truly praise and thank Him for that!
   
Romans 12:19-21 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his
head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. [KJV] . . . This is one of the greatest lessons taught in God’s Word; yet by far, it is one of the most difficult things for a child of God to do! If someone does something hateful to us, we are NOT to go out with malice of forethought and ‘get even’ with that person. These verses very plainly state that we are to turn it over to God! If there is to be revenge, let God do it. Vengeance belongs to God!
We as God’s children, should treat our enemies with love and kindness so that they will become ashamed and turn from their sins. There’s no better way to get rid of an enemy than to make them your friend.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [KJV] . . . There are many so-called Christians out there who do not take sin seriously. If you ask them if they are a Christian, they would say “Yes.” But these people see no need to confess and repent of their sin. Some of these people encourage sin among believers, simply by living an immoral lifestyle. Children see this and think it’s O.K. Youngsters see that ‘so and so’ who goes to church all the time has a ‘live-in’ so it must be all right.
         
After we become Christians, we will still sin; so we still need to confess our sins. We need to remove the barrier that our sin has put between us and God. He knows we have sinned. He will not push us away, no matter what we’ve done. Instead He will draw us closer to Himself. Confessing our sins frees us to enjoy fellowship with Christ. It should clear our conscience and lighten our cares; but some Christians don’t understand this. They feel so guilty, they confess the same sins over and over again. If you have repented of a sin, God has forgiven you of that sin. Other Christians believe that God forgives them when they confess their sins; BUT, if they died with any unconfessed sins, they would be lost forever. This is not so, according to the Bible. Jesus died on the Cross so God could pardon us. When we believe God, and come to Christ, He forgives all the sins we have committed or will ever commit. Forgiven sins need not be re-confessed. We should continue to confess our sins, not because failure to do so will make us lose our salvation, but failure to do so will make us lose the “joy of our salvation” (Psalm 51:12). Our relationship with Christ is secure, but we want to be able to enjoy maximum fellowship and joy with Him.
         
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [KJV] . . . When you go to God and say these words, be sure you have forgiven those who have hurt or wronged you. God will indeed forgive you, just as you forgive others. Lord, teach us to forgive others.
         
Use the following Psalms to remind you of how easy it is to drift away from God, and into sin.  (Ps. 6; 14; 31; 32; 38; 41; 51; 102; 130; 143).

(1.) They recognized their sinfulness and tendency to do wrong. (2.) They realized sin was rebellion against God. (3.) They admitted their sins to God. (4.) They trusted God to be merciful and willing to forgive. (5.) They accepted His forgiveness.

DELIVER US FROM EVIL
Chapter 9

         Matthew 6:13-A And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: - - - - - - - - - [KJV] . . . Lead us not into temptation . . . we are asking God to help us recognize every evil thing, every subtle temptation that comes before us. We must understand it is the devil trying to set a trap for us, NOT God. The word lead tends to give the wrong impression, because God does NOT tempt any man (Jam.1:13). It does not mean to keep us out of temptation, but when we are confronted with it, help us get out of there! Lord, please don’t LEAVE us there! God does NOT lead us into temptation! The word “lead” gives us the wrong impression! I, personally like the word ‘leave’ better! “Lord, when we have temptation, don’t LEAVE us there.”  
      
James 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [KJV] . . . Temptation comes from evil desires within us, NOT from God. It may start out by being an evil thought. But if we don’t stop that evil thought, it becomes a full blown sin when we dwell on it and allow it to become an action. We give in to the temptation; then, like a snowball rolling down a steep hill, that sin grows more and more destructive as you let it have its way. The best time to stop temptation is before it starts! Later, it may be too strong or fast moving to control. RUN from temptation, hard and fast!
         
God does NOT “lead” us into temptation, although sometimes He does allow us to be tested by them. As disciples, we should pray to be delivered from these trying times, and too, for deliverance from Satan (“the evil one”) and all his deceitful tricks. ALL Christians struggle with temptation. Jesus was tempted, so too will we be tested! Sometimes temptation will be so subtle, that we don’t even realize what is happening!  God has made us a promise: He will NOT allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. Ask God to give you wisdom to recognize temptation; and to give you strength to overcome it!  He will help!
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. [KJV] . . . I love this verse! To me, it says: “When God shuts the door; He opens a window.” You will be able to escape! It’s a Promise from God!
Consider the following: (1.) Wrong desires and temptations happen to everyone. You are not alone! (2.) Others have resisted temptation, so can you! (3.) ANY temptation can be resisted because God will help you resist it.
         
How does God help you resist temptation? (1.) He will show you those people and situations that will cause you trouble. (2.) He’ll help you run from anything you know is wrong. (3.) He’ll help you choose to do the right thing. (4.) He’ll give you new friends who love Him, and can help you when you are tempted. Running fast and hard from a tempting situation is your first step to victory. Pray for God’s help! He’s there for you!
    
Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted there by the devil. [KJV] . . . This time of testing proved that Jesus really was the Son of God. He was able to overcome the devil and ALL his temptations. It also proves that Jesus can identify with us when we are tempted. Jesus was tempted 40 days (Luke 4:2) by none other than Satan himself. I feel sure this ‘temptation’ covered everything that we are or will be, tempted with. I feel sure it was non-stop! Jesus knows about temptations, and He will be available to see us through.  
The devil (Satan), tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and tempted Jesus in the desert. Satan is a fallen (bad, evil) angel. He is real, not symbolic, and he has vast power (Ephesians 2:2; 6:11-16; 1 Peter 5:8). He constantly fights against those who follow and obey our Lord Jesus. Satan’s temptations are real, and he always tries to get us to live his way or our way, NOT God’s way. Jesus will one day reign over ALL creation. Satan tried to get Jesus to claim His Kingdom before the proper time.  Had Jesus given in, His mission on Earth; to die for our sins and give us the opportunity (choice) to have eternal life, would have been lost. Anytime temptations seem especially strong, or when you consider giving in; ask yourself: “Is Satan trying to block God’s will in my life?”
         
Jesus’ temptation by the devil shows us that He was human, and it also gives us an example to follow when we are tempted. Jesus’ temptation was an important demonstration of His sinlessness. He faced temptation and did not give in. We can too, with His help! Temptation is NOT sin! Giving in to temptation IS sin!
         
Jesus was tempted in the desert where He was tired, alone and hungry, and most vulnerable. The devil tempts us too, when we are vulnerable; when we are under physical or emotional stress (lonely, tired, facing big decisions, uncertainty). But BEWARE! Satan also tempts us where our greatest strength lies. He knows we may submit where we are wide open to pride. We must be on guard at all times!  The devil tempted Jesus where He was strong. Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and the angels. Satan wanted Him to use that power and forget why He had come to Earth as Man. Anytime we give in to the devil and wrongly use our strengths and/or talents, we become proud and self-reliant. Anytime we trust in our own powers, we feel we don’t need God. Don’t fall into this trap! Realize that ALL our strengths and talents are God’s gifts to us.  We must dedicate those strengths to His service, for without Him we are nothing (John 15:5).
   
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [KJV] . . . Run from anything that arouses lust. Run to anything that makes you want to do right. Seek after faith, love and peace, and find friends who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Running away is considered by most to be cowardly . . . BUT . . . IF you are wise, you realize that removing yourself physically from temptation, can be the bravest thing that you can do! Paul warned Timothy to FLEE anything that brought on evil thoughts. If you have a persistent temptation that is difficult to resist, RUN from it, FAST! Stay away from any situation that stirs up desire to sin. Knowing when to run is just as important in spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight. Notice the action verbs in this verse: flee, follow, pursue. This means we have to ‘do something’! We can’t sit still and be idle! Be active!
    
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. [KJV]  . . . We must have an active faith! We must obey God with courage and boldness! We must do what we know is right! The previous verses are speaking about the “love of money” being the “root of all evil.” It does not become the children of God to set their hearts on ‘things’ of this world. We should set our hearts on the ‘things’ of God. We must fight against corruption, temptations and the powers of darkness. Is it time for action on your part? Don’t wait! Get moving! RUN from it! It may be the bravest and most daring thing you have ever done!
         
Lord, deliver us from evil! The Lord will help us out of ANY temptation, no matter how small, or how big! But, we do need to ask Him to help us! God will most certainly answer this prayer because it is His will! He does NOT want us to give in to temptation! “Lord, deliver us from the evil one!”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY
Chapter 10

Matthew 6:13-B  - - - - - - - - - - For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words.
    
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. [KJV] . . . The revealing of the Gospel is one which God has made by His Son. When we behold the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ, we behold the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Father (John 14:7). Because of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the world was under the wrath and curse of God. The Son of God, took on the work of redemption; sustaining it by His almighty power and goodness. The glory of the Person and office of Christ does not stop there; it proceeds to  the glory of His grace. The glory of the Person and nature of Christ, gave such merit to His sufferings that it was a full satisfaction to the honor of God; for He suffered endless injury and insult by the sins of mankind. We can never thank God enough that He has made a Way to save us fallen sinners. To God be the glory!
    
Psalm 115:1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. [KJV] . . . We, as the psalmist, should ask that God’s Name be glorified; NOT the nation’s, NOT any human’s! Before you pray, ask yourself: “Who will get the credit if God answers my prayer?” Is it God? Or you?
    
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words. When a vine bears “much fruit,” God is glorified. Just as He daily sends the sunshine and rain to make crops grow; we need to go in prayer to receive ‘nourishment’ to help us produce an abundant crop (much fruit). God is glorified when we come into a right relationship with Him and begin to “bear much fruit” in our lives. What is “fruit”?
   
 Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [KJV]  . . . Bearing fruit is allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. ONLY the Holy Spirit can produce these character traits (fruits) that are found in the nature of Christ, our Lord.
      
1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [KJV]  . . . How do we praise God  when we use our abilities? When we use them to help others, people will see Jesus in us and praise Him for the help they have received. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
   
 Psalm 29:3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters. [KJV] . . . Worship is giving to the Lord the praise and glory that is due Him! We must be devoted to God, and give Him the glory! God has complete control in nature. In thunder, lightning, and storms, we can see and hear His glory. Our hearts should be filled with majestic, exalted, and honorable thoughts of God. O Lord our God, thou art very great! The power of lightning equals the terror of thunder. The fear they cause should remind us of the mighty power of God and our weakness; and of the defenseless and desperate condition of the wicked (unsaved) in the Day of Judgment. But, IF we allow it, the effects of God’s Word upon the souls of men are far greater (yet gentle as a lamb) than those of the worst thunder storms. One day, the bravest will be made to tremble, the proudest will be cast down, and the secrets of all hearts will be brought to light. But for now, sinners can be converted; the savage, violent, immoral, and unclean, can become harmless, gentle, and pure by the awesome power of God! If you have heard Jesus’ Voice, and felt the gentle knock at your heart’s door, open the door and flee to Him for refuge! Then when the day comes for God to “thunder” in anger to His enemies, you will have no cause for fear. You will be safe and secure “in Jesus,” just as Noah was safe and secure in the ark in the day of the Flood.

God controls Creation: http://www.hisservants.org/books_god_controls_his_creation.html
    
Psalm 29:5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. [KJV] . . . The cedars of Lebanon were giant trees, up to 120 feet tall and 30 feet in circumference. A Voice that could break these cedars would be truly powerful! YES! God’s Voice alone, can break one these huge trees as if it were just a tiny matchstick! God is more powerful than you could ever imagine! Thine, O Lord is the power, now and forever more!
    
Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. [KJV] . . . Many things are impossible to mankind; but there is NOTHING impossible for the almighty power of our awesome God!
   
Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? [KJV] . . .   NOTHING is too hard for God!
    
Psalm 102:25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. [KJV] . . . Our Creator God is eternally with us and He will keep every one of  His Promises. This world will perish, but God will remain forever; just as powerful and wise as He has always been, is now and will be forever more! 
    
Romans 4:17-B - - - - - - - - - who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. [KJV]  . . . Only God has power to raise the dead to life again, whether it be physical death or spiritual death. There are MANY dead people walking around today who are spiritually dead. They are NOT in the family of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3). Jesus has the power to change you from a child of the devil, to a child of God. And, it is only our Creator God who had the power to create the Universe, out of nothing! I simply cannot understand how God did this, but He did! I truly “fear” the power of God! Fear means to reverence or give rightful respect to. But it also means to be afraid. Anyone who does not know Jesus as their Saviour and Lord, should be terrified of God’s power! 
    
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. [KJV] . . . God spoke! And the universe came into existence; out of nothing! He declared how it was to be, and it was! Talk about power! I absolutely cannot comprehend this! God created the entire universe just by speaking!  This is awesome, fantastic power.
When God speaks to you, do you listen? How do you respond?
         
Faith is the mark of God’s servants, and is planted by the regenerating Spirit of God, causing the Truth to be received. Faith makes us understand that we are justified by the sufferings and merits of Christ, and that we have eternal life because of that when we believe. Faith makes us believe ALL that is in the Bible. And if we believe one thing, we must believe it all, for the Bible gives us the true and exact account of all things. We must believe, not doubt the Bible in any way.
    
Matthew 6:13 For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [KJV] . . . The Kingdom absolutely belongs to God! The power positively belongs to God! The glory most certainly belongs to God! Now and for ever and ever, amen!  To God be the glory!
See our commentary: http://www.godcannotlie.org/matthew_ch6.html

CLOSING COMMENTS
Chapter 11
         

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Words. We should not try to live in ‘tomorrow’s time’ but in today’s. Worrying about tomorrow is wasted time. We need to go to God, our heavenly Father in prayer, and ask Him to take care of our needs for the day. We must trust in God’s provisions and guidance. Worry simply causes us to be consumed by fear, which will lead to distrusting God.  Don’t let worry about tomorrow interfere with your relationship with God today!
         
SEVEN REASONS NOT TO WORRY

Mathew 6:25 . . . God created life in you, and can be trusted with minor details of your life.
Matthew 6:26 . . . Worry about the future hinders your efforts for today.
Matthew 6:27 . . . Worry causes harm, not help.
Matthew 6:28-30 . . . God never ignores those who trust and depend on Him.
Matthew 6:31-32 . . . Worry really is doubt; it shows a lack of faith in God and His capabilities.
Matthew  6:33 . . .         There are challenges God wants us to pursue in our service to Him, and worry keeps us from doing that.
Matthew 6:34 . . . Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. Trust God!

If a minute were a dollar; spend a fortune on counting your blessings, but nothing on worry! If you are God’s child, trust Him completely in everything you do!

We should NOT seek tomorrow’s bread, tomorrow’s guidance, or tomorrow’s grace today. We should live in the present day (now)! We must trust God today, and leave tomorrow totally in His capable Hands! Today is ours. Tomorrow for us may never come. No amount of prayers done today will be enough for tomorrow. Prayers for tomorrow have no value at all to us. We simply cannot store up tomorrow’s prayers; in other words, do enough for two days, . . . or a week! Neither can we store up enough grace for tomorrow’s needs. One day at a time!

OBSTACLES IN PRAYER

Deuteronomy 1:45 . . . Disobedience.
Psalm 66:18 . . . Secret sin.
Isaiah 1:15 . . . Blood-guiltiness.
Micah 3:4 . . . Evil works.
James 4:3 . . . Self indulgence.
Isaiah 59:1-2 . . . Unconfessed sin.
Ezekiel 14:3 . . . You have an ‘idol’ in your heart.
Proverbs 1:28 . . . Indifference.
Proverbs 21:13 . . . Neglect of mercy.
Proverbs 28:9 . . . Despising the law.
Mark 11:25   An unforgiving spirit.
1 Peter 3:7 . . . Wrong relationships
James 1:5-7 . . . Lack of faith, unstable faith.
John 14:13-14 . . . Not asking in Jesus’ Name.
         
We must have a right attitude, and correctly approach the Throne of Almighty God, or our prayers will not be heard. God plainly tells us this all through His Book. Prayer is a very serious matter to God, and should be to us!

CONDITIONS OF SUCCESSFUL PRAYER

2 Chronicles 7:14 . . . Contrition or remorse.
Jeremiah 29:13 . . . Whole-heartedness.
Mark 11:24 . . . Faith.
James 5:16 . . . Righteousness.
1 John 3:22 . . . Obedience.
1 John 5:14 . . . Ask according to His will.
Luke 14:11 . . . Humility.
Isaiah 66:2   Fear of God’s Word.
James 4:7 . . . Submission to God.
Hebrews 12:14-15 . . . Following peace.
1 John 4:17-21 . . . Love.
2 Corinthians 1:12; Titus 2:7 . . . Sincerity.
Matthew 5:7; Luke 6:36 . . .  Being merciful.
John 14:13-14 . . . Asking in Jesus’ Name.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Have the right frame of mind before going to God in prayer. Reading God’s Word first is a tremendous benefit.
Always start by praising God and His Holy Name.
“Thy kingdom come” is praying for Christ’s reign of peace on Earth to come.
When we pray “Thy will be done” we are placing our body and soul in His capable Hands.
“Give us this day our daily bread” means we trust Him to supply our daily needs.
“Forgive us” and please help us to forgive others.
“Deliver us from evil” help us resist temptation.
“For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever.”  In Jesus’ Name I pray.  Amen.

ONE DAY AT A TIME

No need to worry, with You so near,
For I have nothing at all to fear.
One day at a time, this I must learn,
For Your guidance, I truly must yearn.

One day at a time, and worry not,
Strength and wisdom from You must be sought.
We know not what tomorrow may bring,
But with Your Presence near, our heart can sing.

What comes next year, next month or next week,
We can’t control, but You we can seek.
Having faith in Christ, God’s only Son,
Live one day at a time, each a special one.

Things that worry us, might never be,
Much of our life’s stress, comes for worry.
One day at a time, is all we need to bear,
Trust in the Lord, He really does care.

Don’t worry ‘bout things beyond your control.
But rather say, “It is well with my soul.”
Keep your eyes on Jesus, live for today,
Let Him guide you, each step of the way.

Worry can cause us to forfeit peace,
Don’t let fellowship with Christ ever cease.
Trust Him, you can live life so fine,
When you are living one day at a time.
*************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Aug.9, 2002 # 888
(Gen.7:16; 21:7; Ps. 37:8-9; 127:2; Pro.20:24; Mat.10:16-42; Luke 12:22-34; 22:24; Phil. 4:6-7. 1 Peter 5:7. Mat.6:25)

God, who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. Matt.6:26 Worrying about the future hinders your efforts for today. Mat.6:27 Worrying hurts more than it helps. Matt. 6:28-30 God never ignores those who love Him and depend on Him. Mat. 6:31-32 Worry reveals a lack of faith in God. Mat.6:33 There are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them. Mat 6:34 Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. (1.) Where can I go when I feel down? To God in prayer. (2.) How can God help me? Ask and you shall receive. (3.) What should I do when I feel sad? Know that Jesus is near.

God’s Mysterious Ways

On Aug. 9, 2002, God gave me a poem, “One Day At A Time.” That afternoon we received a letter from a new boy (22 years old). He told me that he’d once been a member of a prison gang, but he’d found the Lord. Now he was in Jesus’ gang, and now he would serve the Lord. Praise the Lord!
I wrote a letter back to him and enclosed “One Day At A Time.” A few days later I received another letter from him. He wanted to share something with me. He hoped it would be OK.
“My neighbor recently accepted Jesus Christ in his heart in order to receive salvation. But, as you well know, Satan doesn’t like that.”
He went on to say that the new convert had been having all kinds of dreams of temptations. He asked God how long he would have to put up with it; for months, years, for the rest of his life???
“Well, you know how God speaks to us with a still, small, quiet voice; inside we hear Him. Well, God spoke to him and said just two words . . . one day. One day?? he wondered, so he prayed again, and realized it meant to take it one day at a time.”
“Then the mail was brought to my cell; your letter and your beautiful poems. One was called ‘One Day At A time.’ I couldn’t help but smile. I told my neighbor, “Look! listen to this poem! As I read it to him, he screamed, “That’s awesome!”
“Now what are the chances of that happening? Just like many stories we’ve heard before. It was God’s way of confirming what the Holy Spirit told my neighbor.”

I thought it necessary to include this in this book.

A PRIVILEGE

A wondrous privilege, is that of prayer,
For Almighty God, truly does care!
God wants His children, in Him to abide,
Communication lines, are open wide!

Prayer can bring us instant relief,
For God can remove our sorrow and grief!
Prayer can remove our anxiety,
From all our worries, we can be free!

When we ‘talk’ to God, fear goes away,
Be it the night, morning, or mid-day!
To go to God in daily prayers,
Will help greatly, to dissolve your cares!

We can access God, in the night so still,
Great comfort from Him, your heart will fill!
We can go to Him in broad daylight,
Just He can chase away ling’ring fright!

When problems come up, I can’t solve alone,
Prayer helps the answer be clearly shown!
When I feel lost, and helpless and weak,
It’s a privilege, that to God I can speak!

When all my strength seems to dissipate,
He gives me pow’r, I can’t duplicate!
When all that I do just seems to fail,
His love and wisdom always prevails!

If you face a day that seems hopeless,
Go to God in prayer, and He will bless!
Don’t go it alone, or you will fall,
Use the privilege of prayer; and on God call!
***************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Oct.20, 1999 # 567

TAKE IT TO JESUS

When you have worry, that “blows your mind,”
Jesus is there, and He’s loving and kind!
Don’t let that worry, take hold of you,
Take it to Jesus, He’ll see you thru’!

When you have pain, that won’t go away,
Jesus is there for you, night or day!
His grace is sufficient, this you will see,
Take it to Jesus, He will hear your plea!

When you have sorrow, that fills your heart,
Jesus is there, for He will ne’er depart!
Don’t let that sorrow, burden your soul,
Take it to Jesus, let Him have control!

When you feel downtrodden, and so low,
Jesus is there, and He loves you so!
Don’t let those troubled times, keep you blue,
Take it to Jesus, He cares for you!

When you feel you’re in a topsy-turvey world,
Jesus is there, and His strength is unfurl’d!
Your ev’ry problem, be it large or small,
Take it to Jesus, He waits for your call!
***********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Oct.28, 1999 # 574

Don’t ever doubt Him or His capabilities!

Books You Should Read

Contradictions in the Bible??

Death, Then What?

False Teachers

God's Will

God's Wrath

God Cannot Lie

God Controls His Creation

Heaven vs Hell

Idolatry

??Is There Really a God??

Judgment in the Great Tribulation Period

??Paradoxes in the Bible??

Prayer

Pride, Violence, Sexual Lust

Resisting Temptation

Satan and Witchcraft

Second Coming of Christ and End Time Events

Sin and Forgiveness

Sovereignty of God

Walking With JESUS

Wicked Peaple Described

Wisdom From Psalms and Proverbs

Home Page

For our other web sites:

http://www.godcannotlie.org

Http://www.hisservants.org

Poetry . . . http://www.hisservantsministry.org . . . Poetry

http://www.judgmentcoming.org

http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org

http://www.worldlychaos.org