The Love Of Christ

The Love Of Christ

The Love Of Christ
Prayer Point 108 - March 6, 2023

Paul prayed that the Christians in Ephesus would be able to comprehend the “width and length and depth and height“ of the love of Christ. I find that passage in Ephesians 3:18-19 to be an amazing description of how vast God’s love is. You know, having served in church leadership for many years, it’s not uncommon for me to talk to people who feel like God is mostly mad at them, or sadly disappointed in them for some reason. The truth is, though, that He could not be more in love with us. He went to the cross to prove it. Friend, just remember today that when you lift your voice in prayer, God smiles with loving delight. You are His beloved child. Now that’s something to pray about!

Derek Kistner
God Hears Your Tears

God Hears Your Tears

God Hears Your Tears
Prayer Point 107 - February 27, 2023

In Psalm chapter six, David wrote with stirring emotion, giving us one of the great passages of Scripture for those who have simply been reduced to tears. He wrote this: “For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer” (Psalm 6:8-9). David not only believed that his tears were seen by God, but cherished by God—received by Him as the special prayer that they are. Friend, whatever may have you down in this season of life, whatever may be weighing on you so heavily, know that God is near when your heart is broken. He sees every tear. He hears every grief-stricken prayer—and the answer to them is never too far off. Now that’s something to pray about!

Derek Kistner
William Seymour - Azusa Street Revival

William Seymour - Azusa Street Revival

William Seymour - Azusa Street Revival
Prayer Point 106 - February 20, 2023

As we celebrate Black History Month throughout February, I wanted to draw our attention to William Seymour. Seymour, an African-American pastor best known for his leadership during the Azusa Street revival in the early 1900s, was known as a meek man of prayer. The approximately three-year-long revival he led was remarkable in that, during a time of segregation, people from virtually every nationality, race and culture were attending services. Seeing this first-hand, one man remarked: “the color line has been washed away by the blood (of Jesus).” As we seek revival in our churches and communities today, let’s pray not only for a renewed spiritual fervor, but also a unity like in the days of Azusa under William Seymour. Now that’s something to pray about!

Derek Kistner
Repentance

Repentance

Repentance
Prayer Point 105 - February 13, 2023

Charles Spurgeon, the renowned Prince of Preachers, described repentance as a continual life-long act and wrote that “It is a thing to be done all your life long.” The biblical concept of repentance is often misunderstood though. Repentance is a summons from a gracious king, not a threat from a harsh tyrant. Whatever Jesus may be asking you to turn away from, know that He does so with much kindness, and offers much more in return. My encouragement is to pray this week asking God to help you let go of whatever gets in the way of your relationship with Him. He is calling out with love to you to draw closer than ever before. Now that’s something to pray about!

Derek Kistner
Sticking With The Vision

Sticking With The Vision

Sticking With The Vision
Prayer Point 104 - February 6, 2023

Sometimes we think that because a lot of time has passed, and that things have gotten harder, or that our ability to feel connected with God seems more difficult, that somehow we went wrong. The truth is, however, that hardship is simply part of the journey. All the trials we go through are necessary for where God is taking you and me. Let me encourage you to hold fast to the vision God has given you, and not to give up. If no new instructions have come, then nothing has changed. He still wants you to do what He has called you to do. Keep being salt and light, loving your neighbor, serving the church and loving Jesus. By the grace of God, let’s stick with the vision He has given us. Now that’s something to pray about!

Derek Kistner