Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

prayer day

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"Bibles read without prayer, sermons heard without prayer, engagements to marriage without prayer, travel undertaken without prayer, homes chosen without prayer, friendships formed without prayer, the daily act of private prayer itself hurried over or gone through without heart--these are the kind of downward steps by which many a Christian descends to a condition of spiritual paralysis, or reaches the point where God allows him to have a tremendous fall." J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)



Wednesday, April 12 we are observing Prayer Day on the campus of Columbia International University. This is a day we suspend all regular activities and devote our heart, mind and strength to worship and commune as a body with our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Will you set aside a portion of time to observe your own Prayer Day with us?

Be encouraged to participate with us in your own setting. Please find below some simple suggestions to strengthen, enlarge and enrich your prayer life.
Every person prays differently.
Some will omit one or more of these elements.
Some elements require only one minute, others may take 15 minutes or more.

Please make it a point to join with us in prayer today.

Praise: Begin by recognizing God's nature, esteeming Him for His virtues and accomplishments (Ps 63:3; Heb. 13:15; Matt. 6:9b);

Waiting: Be quiet in God's presence, rest, be still. (Ps 37:7; Is 40:31; Lam 3:25);

Confession: The Psalmist knew sin was the greatest roadblocks to effective prayer. (Ps 51:10,11; 139:23,24; 1 Jn 1:9);

The Word: Read God's Word. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (2 Tim 3:16; Ps 19:7,8);

Intercession: Pray for the lost and dying, for others with needs, missions, ministry, family, etc. (1 Tim 2:1,2; Ps 2:8; Mt 9:37,38);

Petition: Open personal needs to God. (Mt 6:11; 7:7; James 4:2);

The Word: Pray God's Word. (Jer 23:29; 2 Sam 22:31; Nu 23:19);

Thanksgiving: Offer prayer and supplications with Thanksgiving. Recognize God for specific things He has done. (Phil 4:6; Ps 100:4);

Singing: Worship in singing songs, hymns and spiritual songs. (Ps 100:2; Eph 5:19; Ps 144:9);

Meditation: Actively ponder on God's Word. (Jos 1:8; Ps 1:1,2; 77:12);

Listen: What is God telling you? (Ecc 5:2; 1 Ki 19:11,12)

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