Prayer is a great tool to use against the problems that we encounter as we go through life, and it is also a great weapon in the arsenal we use to fight off the devil and all of his works. However, in our very busy lives we sometimes forget to pray, but we have to allocate our time to God, if we expect to receive his time. Doesn't that seem fair? Prayer also gives us a chance to tell God how we feel and what we are going through. Yes he already knows, but sometimes sharing our problems with Him provides a more intimate relationship with Him. We start to get closer with Him. Isn't it great to have someone to talk with and be able to get things off of our chest. Who better than God?

In an effort to get closer to the Lord, I was praying about a month or so ago and I asked the Holy Spirit to provide me with a prayer. Within seconds, the words just came out of my mouth. No explanation, no stumbling with words or making sense of the words coming out. It was a simple prayer that I make sure I say every day. I wish to share this prayer with you but I also encourage you to pray in the Spirit. Praying in the Holy Spirit helps to strengthen our relationship with God. After all, God sent the Holy Spirit to help us. I recently added the last verse (three lines) after reading the Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. I encourage all of you to obtain this book and read it. I also recommend the Secrets of the Vine, also by Bruce Wilkinson. I cannot explain how I came about finding these books. I was running a little early for a meeting a few weeks ago and I happened to notice a Christian book store. I went inside but I was not looking for anything in particular. I seemed to wander through a few of the isles and my eyes focused on the Prayer of Jabez book. I became curious and picked it up and started reading and I was immediately

edified by what the contents. As I continued on I immediately noticed the Secrets of the Vine and I started to read it and again received a pleasant feeling inside. In my heart I believe that I was lead to those books purposely because they provided answers to what I was going through at the time. I encourage to read them both. I know they will change you life.

Father, as this day begins I shall work for your glory, knowing that what you have placed in my heart, shall be the passion to accomplish your will.

Confident that the Holy Spirit directs my path, assured that my actions are at your direction, bringing to past that which is pleasing to you.

This will I do without question or hesitation, for while not worthy of being your servant, I have been saved by your sacrifice of love.

Father, shower me with all of your heavenly blessings, and expand my responsibility and my territory in the name of your son Jesus Christ, so that I might be a light and an example to others for your glory.

Remember, we sometime confuse what God wants us to do. We sometimes think that it means going around and preaching or saving souls. But God has a special purpose just for you in life. He has called many to his table as preachers and evangelists. You may have been called to be a police officer, a housewife, a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a painter or a carpenter. God has a special purpose and mission for you. Whatever you do, make sure that you do it for the glory of God. Have you ever wondered if what you are doing, God wants you doing? If you enjoy your job and you are doing it well, God has placed it in your heart. He would never have you miserable at something that is for His glory.

Now you might ask, why would God need anyone in those positions. The answer is that God may use the individuals in these positions to help, teach or inspire someone that God also has plans for. For example, who better than a man or woman who has chosen to stay home with their child while the other works outside the home. This person will have a tremendous impact on how that child grows up, their thoughts on right, wrong and morality. Who better to ensure that the child is well grounded in the word of God.

How about a painter? Painters can often be used to inspire others. I'm inspired every time I look at my painting by Arnold Friberg, The Prayer at Valley Forge. A truly magnificent oil painting of our first President on his knees praying to God, just before the turn of the war that lead to Washington's victory. It always reminds me how God formed this country and yet it saddens me to see how this country continues to deny, reject and to turn away from God. This was the only country in the history of the world that was founded on Christian beliefs and it has become the most resourceful and powerful country in the world. Yet there are those who would have you believe that one has nothing to do with the other, but they are wrong. It was not coincidence, it was God. How long will WE sit by and let this continue. Freedom of religion has turned into freedom from religion and the country continues to become more immoral, perverse and display an attitude of arrogance toward God.

Have you ever wondered if your deeds are what God wants you doing? A few years ago a pastor told me this, if you can do it in the name of Jesus Christ, then its fine. Can we help a child in the name of Jesus? Certainly. Can we cheat on our spouse in the name of Jesus. Well, you get the picture. When it comes down to it, you know as a Christian what is right and what is wrong. If you have to start dancing around and making excuses like our former President, then you know your off track.

We will see the great love of our Lord pouring out on us if we do everything for the glory of God. It's that simple. Perform your job and carry out your mission that God has planned for you. We can't all be president's, or senators and leaders of vast nations. No matter how menial we think our job is or our mission is, just remember you are doing it for our Lord Jesus Christ. If you still ask yourself why can't I be a leader, then just look back on what Jesus did for the glory of God and He was not on earth as a leader of nations but as a carpenter. Look at what He accomplished for God! You're in good company.

God Bless