“[God] hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him.” 1 John 5:15 (GNT)
Do you ever wonder if prayer really works? You’re praying about something and Satan whispers to you, “This is a waste of time. Forget it! Who do you think you are? What do you think you’re doing? God isn’t listening. Don’t waste your time.”
Prayer works because God is in control. The basis of all miracles is God’s sovereignty. Why does he do one and not another? Because God is in control. We have to trust his wisdom and his goodness.
Ephesians 3:20 says,
“God . . . is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes” (TLB).
Prayer can do whatever God can do. His resources are available to you. Twenty times in the New Testament it says, “Ask.” It’s encouraging to know that the things out of my control are not out of God’s. I may not be able to change a situation, but I can pray, and God can change it.
I know exactly what some of you are thinking right now: “If I can pray and ask God to change things, and if God is really in control of everything, why don’t I get everything I pray for?” Good question. Here are three reasons:
God is not a genie. You don’t just put in a prayer and get whatever you want. If every prayer were answered, we’d be spoiled brats. Do you give your children everything they ask for? I hope not. You know what’s best for them. You can see the bigger picture. If you can see the bigger picture for your kids, how much bigger is the picture God can see?
Sometimes Christians pray in conflict. If two Christians are praying at the Super Bowl for different teams, who’s God going to answer? Obviously, God can’t answer every prayer at the same time.
But I think the real reason is this:
God knows what’s best, and you don’t. If you think you do, that is very presumptuous. The Bible tells us,
“We are sure that [God] hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will” (1 John 5:14 GNT). Look at the phrase “according to his will.” The attitude of your prayer needs to be: “Lord, this is my prayer request, but thy will be done.” That’s what Jesus prayed in Luke 22:42:
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (NIV).
Talk It Over
- Why is it important that God is good and sovereign?
- “Prayer can do whatever God can do.” How do your prayers reflect what you believe about God’s sovereignty?
- How can you show God that you desire and trust his will and not your own?
Why Wait Any Longer to Trust Jesus?
We don’t have to earn God’s love or work our way into heaven. The Bible says,
“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
The Bible says we can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ.
If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer? If you’re ready to step across that line and make a decision to believe in Jesus Christ and follow him, pray this prayer:
“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.
“I confess my sin, and I believe that you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say that salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to you. I want to live my life the way you want me to.
“Jesus, I want to relax in your love. Thank you that I don’t have to earn it or work for it. I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In your name I pray. Amen.”
As Pastor Mike continues the sermon series entitled SEEKING GOD, you are invited to join him in a time of fasting during the month of January. God promised that he would move if we seek him with all of our heart and soul, so would you fast one meal a week? During this time please pray for renewal, revival, and spiritual growth for all of us in 2021.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WOMEN’S BINGO NIGHT: Old Hickory Women's Ministry will host a Bingo Night on January 22 at 6:00PM in the FLC. There will be (store bought) pies, beverages, and prizes. We will social distance in the FLC and masks will be required to wear unless eating (with family members). We will have hand sanitizer and wipes available. We are looking forward to a fun (and safe) time of fellowship.
CHAIR YOGA: Exercise classes will resume this Friday, January 15th from 8:30-9:30am in the gym. Masks will be required & we will continue to social distance & sanitize our chairs. If you are interested in starting an exercise regime this year, please join us. We follow the silver sneakers protocol using a chair, including yoga, strength & balance, and we even do some "dancing to the oldies." Come join us... it's free & open to anyone.
SECRETARY NEEDED: We are looking for a part-time secretary to help at the church. If you know of anyone, have them contact Pastor Mike or Terri Ray.
FOOD PANTRY: The pantry is open on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm and Thursday from 10:00am-12:00pm and volunteers and donations are needed.
COFFEE SHOP: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00am-2:00pm. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.
KELLY'S CLOSET: Kelly needs volunteers to help serve women in need of clothing and support. See Kelly Shinn for more information on how you can get involved or donate.
CLASSES & STUDIES
SUNDAYS
Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join + Deanna & James Boorsma hosts for any who would like to join the class in person, meeting in the last room on the left of the new wing on Sunday mornings at 9am.
Meeting ID: 868 1977 8952
Password: Bible101
Kenneth Ray & Gracie Smith lead the Friendship Class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join. They meet Sunday mornings at 9am in the classroom beside the office.
Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
Password: Bible101
Sandy Hunter leads the Teen Sunday School in person 9:00am in the Teen Room.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP begins at 10:00am in the sanctuary. The services will continue to be live streamed on Facebook and our website home page for those unable to be with us in the church building.
To keep your safety a high priority, the Church Board has asked that we go back to our prior guidelines for seating in the sanctuary. If you are wearing a mask you are welcome to sit anywhere on the main floor. If you would prefer to not wear a mask, we ask that you please sit in the balcony. Thanks for your help as we do our best to keep everyone healthy.
OH|KIDS CHURCH for K-5th grade meets during the worship hour at 10:00am with Pastor Maddie! Parents can take children directly to the OH|Kids room before worship (instead of starting in the sanctuary). See Maddie if you would like to help.
WEDNESDAYS
Wednesday Night Bible Study with Debbie Woodard is on Facebook Live (from Debbie's page) at 6:30pm.
THURSDAYS
Richard leads prayer and devotional on Thursdays at 7:00 PM via
ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 894 2501 3143
Password: Prayer605
