Prayer that Avails Much, James 5:16-18

 

 ¹⁶ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

 ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

It’s hot. You’re thirsty.                                                                                                

You lift the handle and plunge it back down.

The old pump squeaks.

You do it again.

Nothing happens…or so it seems.

You do it again. And again. And again….

The old pump gurgles.

You cup your hands under the spout.

The coldest, freshest water pours out.

You splash your face and hair and drink long and deep.

Refreshed.

That’s prayer.

It’s work.

It works.

It taps reservoirs unseen.

It draws the answer at first pull.

If quit too soon, the answer is never seen.  

 ¹⁶ Confess your trespasses...

Confess... More than the words being spoken, or the confession being made, this is an open, honest, humble transparency, no hypocricy, no façade.

Confess your trespasses, your sins, yours, not somebody else’s.

Confess your trespasses, sins, iniquities, where you miss the mark, fall short, cross the line.

Confessing sins must be done with a spirit of humility, not an attitude of arrogance like showing off battle scars.

Confessing sins must be done with a heart for victory, not intoxicated by victimhood.

Confess your sins to one another... it does not say confess to the priest, the padre, the pastor, the whatever... Confess your sins to one another. The body of Christ, the family of God, the Ekklésia, which is called and equipped to do the work of the ministry.

Ephesians 4:11-13
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another...

Pray.

Not diagnose, not rambling psychobabble.

Pray.

The prayer has a purpose... that you may be healed.

The word for “healed” means exactly what we think it means, physical healing.

However, we’re not talking about healing physical sickness. We’re talking about confessing sins.

James 5:14-15 talks about physical sickness, saying, “the prayer of faith will save the sick.” The word for, “save” is sózó, it means to save, to rescue, to deliver, to heal, to preserve.

That’s no mistake. God didn’t use the wrong words in the wrong place. He’s revealing priority.

He’s more interested in healing our soul from sin than our body from sickness.

But no matter the situation, our directive from Scripture is the same.

Pray.

Prayer is consequential. Prayer reaps results. Prayer is powerful and effective.

Prayer Avails Much. 

¹⁶...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Prayer in the hands of Love is the most powerful force on earth..

God is Love.

Not all prayers reach God. Not all prayers are powerful and effective. Not all prayers are heard.

Whose prayers are heard, powerful and effective and avail much?

The prayers of the righteous... Those in right standing with God.

RIGHTEOUS

Psalm 66:18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayer.

Proverbs 15:29, The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Isaiah 59:2, But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

James 4:3, You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.

 ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours...

WOW!

Can you believe it?

The Holy Spirit compares you and I, to Elijah, the mighty prophet of God.

Elijah, the man the Lord used to raise the widow’s son from the dead. 1 Kings 17:21-22.

Elijah called fire down from heaven, more than once. 1 Kings 18:38, 2 Kings 1:10.

Elijah parted the Jordan River. 2 Kings 2:8.

Elijah never died, he took a chariot ride into heaven. 2 Kings 2:11.

Elijah, a man with a nature like ours.

WOW!!!!

and he prayed earnestly...

EARNEST

The Lord compares Elijah to us and then immediately says “he prayed earnestly” because He expects us to do the same.

that it would not rain...

This is not something Elijah would’ve prayed for of his own volition. But he yielded his will to God’s and thus his prayers were prompted and propelled by the Spirit of God.  

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours...  So, that means our prayers ought to be prompted and propelled by the Spirit of God, too. Ephesians 6:18, Jude 1:20.

Elijah prayed, and then led by the Lord, sprang into action.

Elijah told Ahab the king, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” 1 Kings 17:1.

You better know for sure and certain you heard from the Lord if you make such a statement.

He did.

and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

Drought and famine hit hard.

Answered prayers aren’t always easy, but always right.

Elijah camped by a brook and was miraculously fed by ravens. 1 Kings 17:2-5.

But because there was no rain, the brook dried up. 1 Kings 17:7.

Then, the Lord sent him to stay with a poor widow. She was about to eat her last meal, but God made her jar of flour and jug of oil never run empty until the famine ended. 1 Kings 17:8-14.

During the drought the widow’s son died.

Elijah prayed earnestly, and the Lord raised the boy back to life. 1 Kings 17:17-24.

And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.” 1 Kings 18:1,

¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

OBEDIENT

So, Elijah obeyed the Lord and went to Ahab.

Then, Elijah said to 450 pagan prophets: “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21.

He challenged them. You set up your altar and I’ll set up mine. The God who answers by fire, is God. You can go first. 1 Kings 18:24.

After the 450 false prophets begged and pleaded all day for their non-existent god to answer. 1 Kings 18:25-29.

Elijah prayed.

God answered.

Fire consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones, and the dust, and it licked up all the water in the trench around the altar. (Elijah had his sacrifice saturated with water).

Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” 1 Kings 18:30-39.

Then, Elijah executed all 450 of the prophets of the false god baal. 1 Kings 18:40.

After that, while there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, he said to Ahab, “I hear the sound of an abundance of rain.” 1 Kings 18:41.

PERSISTENT

From the top of Mount Carmel, Elijah bowed and prayed for rain.  

Elijah knew it was God’s idea and God’s timing, but it was up to him to pray it through.

God created the earth and then handed the keys to man (Genesis 1:28).

Therefore, by Divine design, God is willing to help us, to work with us, and through us, but not enable us to be lazy by doing everything for us.

He expects us to do our part, to bring His will on earth as it is in heaven, through the power of prayer and the walk of faith.

After praying, Elijah sent his servant to look toward the sea.

Nothing but blue skies was all his servant could see.

Elijah prayed more and sent him again.

Nothing.

Elijah was persistent, he prayed and sent again.

Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Again, and again, and again.

He didn’t quit, he kept pumping prayers toward Heaven.  

Seven times he prayed and sent.

Seven, God’s perfect number, of completion.

Teaching us to pray without ceasing, until completion.

The seventh time the servant saw a small cloud, the size of a man’s hand.

A small cumulus cloud.

That’s all it took.

Elijah sent word to Ahab. Prepare your chariot and go down before the rain stops you. 1 Kings 18:44.

Cumulus: means accumulate, heap up, pile up. Cumulus clouds become Cumulonimbus clouds (rain clouds, thunder clouds, big black burly storm clouds) by an accumulation of water vapor carried up on powerful currents.

As powerful and effective, fervent and earnest, currents of prayer accumulated in Heaven...

The clouds grew, the wind blew, the sky went black and there was a mighty outpouring of an abundance of answered prayer in the form of rain. 1 Kings 18:45.

The Holy Spirit knew what He was doing when He chose this example of Elijah for prayers that avail much.

Elijah, a man with a nature like ours, walked righteously, prayed earnestly, obediently, persistently...

So can we.  

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, thank You for this example of Elijah, and even more for encouraging us by comparing us, to him. WOW! So, in accordance with Your will, we pray we, like Elijah, walk righteously, pray earnestly, obediently and persistently, that Your will is done in our lives, and in all those You’ve given us.

Thank You.

We love and trust and follow You, forever.

Amen.

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The Prayer of Faith, James 5:13-16

 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  

 Is anyone among you suffering?
Let him pray.

Suffering: Greek kakopatheó.

Kakopatheó is used only two other times. Both, by Paul writing to Timothy about enduring suffering for the Gospel’s sake, even imprisonment. 2 Timothy 2:9, 4:5.

The Founding Fathers of the Church were no strangers to suffering, and they did not run from it. They faced it, embraced it.

James opened this book saying, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials...” James 1:2.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

Acts 14:22 tells us “through much tribulation we enter the Kingdom of God.”

1 Peter 4:12, says “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.”

So, please do not tell anyone: “Just receive Jesus and all your troubles will fade away.”  

Instead say, “BUCKLE UP. If you do this right, you’re going to suffer, you’ll have sleepless nights, folks will hate you, friends will forsake you... and you will experience the greatest joy, and deepest peace, and most overwhelming love, above and beyond anything you could ever ask or think. It’ll be the ride of your life, and it will last forever.”   

Is anyone among you suffering?

Kakopatheó: the definition is to suffer hardship, to endure affliction.

The word literally refers to any type of trouble other than sickness.

We all have troubles.

Family troubles. Financial troubles. Friendship troubles.

We’re troubled over our loved ones not knowing Jesus.

We’re troubled over the condition of our nation.

The roof leaks, the a/c breaks down, and the car blows up.

The month lasts longer than the money.

We face all these troubles and think we need to fix them.

I need to tell them about Jesus.

I need to write my congressman.

I need to run for congress.

I need to find a mechanic.

I need to get a job or a loan, or...

Maybe. Eventually.

But first we need to do what our text says: Let him pray.

No matter the trouble, the first step is always the same: pray.

Do we?

Be honest.

Or do we do everything else, then say, “Well there’s nothing left to do but pray.”

Psalm 50:15
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.

In the day of trouble... not the day after.

Jesus tells us in this world we will have trouble, it’s unavoidable.

But that does NOT mean we just sit back and let it happen.

Ephesians 5:15-20

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (that’s a picture of my wife, Roxy)

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

We walk circumspectly, preprayered, avoiding many snares and troubles.

Preprayered = preventative maintenance prayers.

If preprayered, you often see signs of trouble before it arrives, and you head it off at the pass before it manifests.

My old cowboy friend from Oklahoma used to call preventative maintenance:

"Fixin' yer fence fir th' cows git out"

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

At the first sign of trouble, the moment anything goes sideways. Don’t panic. Pray.

Before talking to anybody, talk to Jesus.

And then, listen.

Prayer is communication.

Communication goes both ways.

No matter what the trouble is, Jesus has the answer.

Talk.

Listen.

Obey. (NOTE: In the heat of trouble there are multiple conflicting voices. Be sure to hear and heed only The Voice of the Lord. *More on how to do that, in a moment.)

Proverbs 19:2-3, Message Bible:
Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste. People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?

Dougism 101: Take your time, you’ll get there faster.

Is anyone cheerful?

Let him sing psalms.

When suffering we pray.

When cheerful we praise.

In whatever situation we are in, we talk with the Lord.

It’s a covenant relationship.

For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, we walk with the Lord is an ongoing, ever growing, life giving, conversation, till death do us unite.

 ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick?

Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Is anyone suffering? Pray.

Is anyone cheerful? Praise.

Is anyone sick? Phone a friend.

Our relationship with the Lord is personal and powerful, but not private.

We need each other.

So, God puts us in family.

Hebrews 10:25, forsake not meeting together.

Acts 2:46, 5:42, the early Church met daily, breaking bread, with gladness of heart, in one accord, sharing the Love of Jesus.

That is the prototype of the Church.

We are not meant to be alone.

God looked at Adam and said, “It’s not good for man to be alone.”

So, He created family.

Now, when we are born again, He puts us in family.

Church family.

The Word the Lord uses for Church is Ekklésia. A group of people called out to live out the Word of God. To lovingly understand and explain, and where appropriate, enforce, the Word of God. It’s all about the people, not the steeple.

According to Jesus, our family, is not flesh and blood relation, but spiritual, those who do His will. Matthew 12:50-51.

Is anyone sick? Call the elders of your family, Church, Ekklésia.

Elder, literally means, Floridian, just kidding. It means, elder, older.

However, in context it means a seasoned leader in your Church.

1 Timothy 3:6 teaches that a leader must be, seasoned. In other words, not a novice, not a newbie, in faith, lest he become proud and fall into the same sin as the devil.

So, if sick, call the weathered warriors of your family (Ekklésia).

They do nothing new, but the same powerful thing.

PRAY.

Are we picking up a pattern here?

If suffering pray.

Cheerful, praise.

Sick, call the elders and... pray.

Why is this different? Why call somebody? Why not just pray like when we face any other kind of suffering (Kakopatheó)?

Great question.

You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body.

Your spirit is who you are, created in the image of God.

Your soul is your mind, will, and emotions.

Your body is your earth suit to walk through this earth.

Your earth suit is under the curse of the earth. It grows old, gets damaged and sick, which affects, and infects, your soul.

So when you, are wounded in body and soul, the Lord says it’s not good for you to be alone, phone a friend.

There are no lone ranger, Christians.

You were not born with bootstraps to pull yourself up.

You were born (again) into family (Ekklésia), to help you, hold you, nurture you, nurse you, and carry you, if need be, until you are healthy and strong and doing the same for others. 2 Timothy 2:2, Ephesians 4:11-16, Romans 12:6-8.

So, dear Saint, when you’re sick, call the elders and they will pray, anointing with oil in the name of the Lord.

The oil represents the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit.

So, we remember, it is not the people, not the steeple, not even, the oil; but by My Spirit says the Lord. Zechariah 4:6.

Like the waters of Baptism. It is not the water, not the baptizer. It’s the Spirit of God in the heart of the baptized.

Like marriage. It’s not the gown, tux, rings, ceremony, or cake. It’s the Love in the hearts of the bride and groom.   

 ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

We do our part.

Suffering – pray.

Cheerful – praise.

Sick – ask for prayer.

The elders pray, the prayer of faith.

God does His part, save, raise, and forgive.

But that does not mean this beautiful, powerful verse is a cookie cutter formula.

You will not find “The Prayer of Faith” written anywhere in Scripture. The Lord left it out on purpose. Just like “The Sinner’s Prayer” is nowhere in Scripture. These are prayers of faith from the heart, not memorized words recited from the head.

Notice: prayer of faith. Not prayer of emotion, passion, eloquence, length... it may be those things, but if it is not of faith, it is just, hot air.

The prayer of faith springs from hearing Jesus. Romans 10:17. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of Christ.

Faith comes by hearing, but not just hearing anything, but specifically faith comes by hearing the Word (rhema, spoken Word) of Christ.

* This is the part we previously said we would get to in a moment.

The best way to hear the Word is to know the Word.

Jesus says, “My sheep know My voice, and a stranger’s voice they will not follow.” John 10:1-5, 8,14,16,27.

So, as we’re walking with the Lord in our ongoing, ever growing, life giving, conversation, we’re also feasting upon His Word (Mt. 4:4), studying to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing His Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15), able to hear and discern His Voice (Hebrews 4:12).

So, when you, the elder, receive a call at 3 a.m. from someone saying, “I’m sick, please pray.” You do not need to say, call back next week after I build my faith muscles. No. You simply, immediately, call Jesus. Then, open your mouth, by faith, and let the abundance of your heart speak (Luke 6:45). Much to your sleepy surprise, you will hear, the prayer of faith, laced with words of Jesus, and the will of Jesus, custom made to save the wounded, sick and weary, soul.

Next, notice the Holy Spirit through James says, save the sick. He does not specifically say, “heal” the sick.

The word for save, is sózó. It’s used 108 times. It means: to save, to rescue, to deliver, to heal, to preserve.

Interestingly, the word sózó comes from the word, sōs? Like, SOS, save our ship.

The first time sózó is used is when the angel is talking to Joseph about Mary and Baby Jesus and says: “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save (sózó) His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21.

The next time is when the disciples are in a boat, in a storm, Jesus is sleeping, they are freaking, screaming, waking Jesus saying: “Lord, save us!...” Matthew 8:24-25.

But then in the next chapter, Matthew 9:21, sózó is used again, only this time it refers to physically healing the woman with the issue of blood. She said, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well. (sózó).” As you know, she touched, and was oh so sózó (healed), in that instant.

That’s how it goes, customized sózó, whether body, soul or spirit, the Son of Man came to seek and to save (sózó) that which was lost. Which is what He said regarding the salvation of Zacchaeus, in Luke 19:10.

It’s no accident that the word for “sick” in this verse is not the same as the one in verse 14. This one, kamnó, doesn’t mean sick, as in having the flu, but sick as in being weary to the point of sick from exhaustion.

It’s only used one other time.

Hebrews 12:2-3. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary (kamnó) and discouraged in your souls.

The Lord is showing us the prayer of faith, isn’t just for healing bodies, but ultimately, primarily, for saving sick souls.

In summary:

The sick call, the Church prays, the Lord saves and raises and it all points to His grand plan and purpose, the forgiveness of sin.

Which is how our text ends:

And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

It is all fueled by, led by, fulfilled by... PRAYER.

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us You love us, by offering us the privilege of prayer. Not just to talk, but to hear. Knowing You’re listening makes every suffering easier. When we hear, help us obey. As we obey, help us reflect Your Goodness, which leads to repentance, so of all those You’ve given us, none are lost.

Thank You.

We love You, forever.

Amen.

Prayer Requests:

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Email: pray4measap@aol.com

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This was feed for you to read. Now it’s Seed for you to sow.

Thank you for sharing. 

 

Dad's Are a Big Deal

What kind of car did dad pick out to drive the family to Church?

Honda, because he read in Acts 2:1, they were all in one accord.

Why did grandpa keep his eyes open when he prayed.

Because the Bible says, “Watch and pray” Mt. 26:41.

Where do you keep all your dad jokes?

In the dadabase of course.

Okay, enough of the obligatory Father’s Day dad jokes.

If you want to find a good parking spot and the best seat in the House of God, Father’s Day is the best day to go to Church.

Statistics say, Father’s Day, is the least attended Church service all year.

Mother’s Day, on the other hand, is one of the most attended services all year, only behind Christmas and Easter.

Which is interesting because statistics show:

If a father attends Church regularly, regardless of what the mother does, between 66-75% of their children attend Church as adults.

If a father does not go to Church, even if his wife does, only 2% (1 child in 50) will become a regular worshiper as adults.

Another study, focused on Sunday School, found similar results on the impact of fathers:

• When both parents attend Bible study in addition to the Sunday service, 72% of their children attend Sunday school when grown.
• When only the father attends Sunday school, 55% of the children attend when grown.
• When only the mother attends Sunday school, 15% of the children attend when grown.
• When neither parent attends Sunday school, only 6% of the children attend when grown.

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Charles Spurgeon said it like this: Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself.

Another survey found that if a child is the first person in a household to become a Christian, there is a 3.5% probability everyone else in the household will follow. If the mother is the first to become a Christian, there is a 17% probability everyone else in the household will follow. However, when the father is first, there is a 93% probability everyone else in the household will follow. 

90% of homeless, and run away children, come from fatherless homes.

85% of behavioral disorders in children are from fatherless homes.

63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes.

71% of teen pregnancies are from fatherless homes.

85% of youth in prison are from fatherless homes.

Children from fatherless homes are:

Four times more likely to live in poverty.

Ten times more likely to use drugs.

14 times more likely to commit rape.

32 times more likely to run away.

Dad’s, don’t get a big head, but you’re a big deal.

You make a big difference, for better or worse, as evidenced by statistics.

You’re made in the image of God, like everybody, but becoming a father, is the biggest promotion of your life.

God created family. He set it up with the father as the head. (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:23, 6:4, 1 Timothy 3:4-5).

The job of a father is to reflect The Father.

For God so loved the world that He gave... John 3:16.

Ephesians 5:25. Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself...

Characteristics of a father: loving, giving, selfless. A giver, not a taker. A fountain, not a drain. John 4:14, 7:38.

Being a father bears the responsibility of allowing The Father to flow through you as, provider, protector, leader, teacher, helper, encourager, and friend. (Psalm 127, Proverbs 13:22, 1 Tim. 3:4-5, 5:8, Eph. 6:4).

A large part of being a father, is showing up.

It’s a big job.

But you can handle it because God can.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life I live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loves me, and gave Himself for me.

The roles change quickly as we grow older.

Don’t blink, they grow fast.

Grandpas, you are a lighthouse.

You’re not retired from fatherhood you’re promoted to a father of fathers.  

The kids and grandkids are living life, out there having fun in the sun, dancing high from wave to wave.

You’re boring like a tree, rooted, grounded, planted. Just steadfast, stable, standing, on the shore. Not going anywhere. Easy to ignore.

They’re out having fun, chasing dreams, living large and laughing loud, sailing carefree from shore to shore. (Just like you used to do).

But night falls, storms rise, waves they once danced with, threaten to sink them. They have no idea what to do or which way to turn.

It’s then, like the light of a lighthouse, through the wind and the rain and the waves, your prayers pierce the darkness, your words finally hit home, and they lift their eyes, and see the Light, and find their way Home.

STAND Grandpa.

SHINE on Papa.

Let your light so shine that they see and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16.

Don’t you dare think you’re out of the fight.

If you’re still breathing, God’s got a reason.

Grab grandma’s hand if you can and pray.

Even if you’ve never done it, it’s not too late. Start today.

You have a calling. You have a position.

Your family, your neighborhood, your Church, your nation, need you.  

Rise! Shine!

Be that shining beacon God’s called you to be.

Don’t worry about your weakness. Give the Father your past, mistakes, regrets, failures, wasted years.

Give it all to Him and watch how it turns it into wisdom from above.

It’s not too late for you to finish strong and finish well.

Yeah Doug, easier said than done. I’ve burned too many bridges with my kids. Those relationships are too far gone.

Doesn’t matter. Don’t try to figure it out. That’s your Father’s job.

If you’re hearing this message God is offering you a mission.

Everybody needs a father.

Be one.

Trust Him for Divine Direction and Connection.

Knowing nothing is impossible with God.

He is a Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows and sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:5-6b.

Speaking of Divine Direction and Connection.

Deland McCullough was adopted as a baby, into a two-parent home, but his adoptive father left when he was only two.

So, Deland was raised by a single mom, in Youngstown Ohio.

After a knee injury ended Sherman Smith’s NFL playing career, he wound up coaching at Miami University (Oxford Ohio).

He recruited 17-year-old Deland McCullough from high school to join Miami U as a running back.

Coach Sherman took Deland under his wing and became more than a coach; he became a mentor, a father figure, a friend.   

That’s why it was so sad when Coach Sherman moved away for another coaching position, nevertheless, they kept in touch.

Deland stayed the course and had a successful football career at Miami University, then went on to the pros, until, like Sherman, a knee injury ended his playing career. He also went into coaching. Currently he’s running back coach for Oklahoma Sooners.  

In 2017, when Deland was 44, he connected with his birth mother. He found out she was only 16 years old when she had him and gave him up for adoption so he could have a better life.

When he asked about his dad, she said he was someone she dated a little while in high school, but he never found out she was pregnant. His name was Sherman Smith.

The very same Coach Sherman Smith that had been more than a coach to Deland, he was a mentor, father figure and friend.

WOW!

He is a Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows and sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:5-6b

Deland and Sherman, knew that God orchestrated their Divine connection, but they had a DNA test done, just for documentation. It was a 99.9% match.

Over the years Deland had gone to Coach Sherman’s multiple times, but then he went for the first time, to Dad Sherman’s.

When Deland’s dad, opened the door, he simply smiled, invited him in, and said the two words Deland longed his whole life to hear from his dad...

“My son.”

1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

Dear Fathers, we all have the same top line on our family tree.

Adam was the son of God. Luke 3:38.

You have a Good Good Father.

Your Source is Him.

Thus, you lack nothing.

In Him, you have everything you need for life and Godliness. (2 Peter 1:3).

You have a calling, a position, a mission.

Seek Him with all you’ve got.

Stay the course, do not quit, and you will not fail. (Galatians 6:9).

Fathers, rise. Allow the Father and Fountain of Living Waters flow through you. (John 4:14, 7:38).

Father of fathers, shine. Let the Father of Lights shine through you. (Matthew 5:16).

Fathers, stand united, under the one banner of our Father, encourage, and pray and hold each other accountable.

Let’s pray.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the honor of being Your children. We love and honor You. Please flow through us, and shine through us, so all those You’ve given us, will be drawn to You and hear You say, “My child, well done.”

Thank You.

We love You, forever.

Amen.

Prayer Requests:

Call or text: 612-554-2522

Email: pray4measap@aol.com

Facebook: Church at WPV

Books: amazon.com/author/dougspurling

Watch online:

Facebook: Dad’s Are a Big Deal

You Tube: Dad’s Are a Big Deal

This was feed for you to read. Now it’s Seed for you to sow.

Thank you for sharing.