Pray for Reign

Pray for Reign: The Lord's Prayer

Sermon notes from teaching series 

by Senior Teaching Minster Rick Atchley

The Hills Church August 2017

"Teach us to Pray"

•  Don't pray to impress others or improve our own situation. 
• Lord, teach me to pray. Jesus is an expert on how to talk to God.

"Our Father Who art in heaven"

• Our God is a really good Father. In this prayer, Jesus teaches us to come to God as our Father, to approach God as His child. He CHOSE to adopt you. 
• The CEO of heaven and earth, through Whom all things are possible, who has all perspective and all power is accessible to me...but God answers prayers for His reign not ours.

"Hallowed be Thy name"

• Holy is your name - honor God in your petition. The first thing you pray for is for God to be honored.
• Pray about the things that are important to God. "God here is my life, I want to honor you."

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven"

• Prayer is not for the enhancement of my kingdom. My reign is over. 
• Prayer is not a way of bending the will of God but should be used to discern the will of God.
• Prayer wants what God wants. "Thy Kingdom Come". Tell me what I should want. "God isn't answering my prayers=God is not giving me what I want"
• Prayer is not to advance MY kingdom. 
• YOUR kingdom come....a declaration of war...we need more heaven on earth
• Pray with an expectation of victory, for the enemy to be displaced and pushed back.
• Surrender to Him as King. 
• Don't use God - ask Him to use me to help bring His Kingdom.
• Obediently enlist, don't give Him your wish list.

"Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors"

• Through prayer we are able to get through each day. 
• Worry weighs a person down - give them to God.
• 3 challenges we face every day: 

1. Our daily bread: literally & metaphorically. Be through with worrying about basic needs. God is not our butler. Provide what I need to be a kingdom person. Replace worry with gratitude and generosity. Contentment and stewardship. 
2. Forgiveness. Be done with regret. Jesus has taken my overdrawn account of everything I owe. Be debt free and feel debt free. I depend on His grace. God wants us to stay out of "debt" as much as possible. 
3. Resentment. Following Jesus isn't a promise that you won't be hurt by others. A debt collecting heart is not a heart where God reigns. Forgive debts as a response of gratitude to my Father. The best way to love is to forgive. Dispense mercy. Refusing to forgive is a declaration that you are on the thrown. Choosing to forgive is living in Gods kingdom. What God pours on me I will pour on others. 

"Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil"

• Living under the reign of God means you will come under attack. 
• Reign through me before the storm comes to me. 
• Deliver us from the evil one. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.
• Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers. We need the prayers of others. Pronouns in this prayer are plural (our, we, us) - we are not only children, we are part of a big family. The enemy pounces on the isolated Christian. 
• Trust in the delivering power of God. You can not fight the battle in our own strength. 
• Would Jesus teach us to ask for something that wasn't available? No, Jesus knows that God can deliver. 
• God takes away sins power over you through victory on the cross. The evil one has to back off. Submit yourselves to God and the devil will flee as you resist him. 
• Jesus faced the devil as a man for forty days with 2 weapons: the word of God and prayer. 
• In the hymn "A Mighty Fortress is our God:

                And though this world, with devils filled,
                Should threaten to undo us,
                We will not fear, for God hath willed
                His truth to triumph through us:
                The Prince of Darkness grim,
                We tremble not for him;
                His rage we can endure,
                For lo! his doom is sure,
                One little word shall fell him.

                That "little word" is Jesus. 

"For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever and ever. Amen."

• Gods kingdom is coming! Deliverance is sure. Restoration is promised. 

Lord, reign in me. Reign in me as a witness that You reign in all. 

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of Angel armies 

Is always by my side

Reckless Love of God

I've been struggling. Its embarrassing to admit it even though I know we all do it. I hate it when I am weak, when I am so weary that the lies of the evil one begin to sound like truth. Thanks be to God for placing friends in my life that are not afraid to speak words of truth over me and pray for me. Thanks be to the Holy Spirit that leads me gently into His presence when I just want to curl up in my bed and cry or run away from home.

If you ever been rejected or deserted by someone you love, you may be able to relate to how I've been feeling. Just as you begin to feel like you've healed, something happens that irritates the wound. And that's when the evil one sees a chance to pounce.  The accuser wants me to believe that I will be forever alone, that I am unloved and unlovable, undesirable, damaged goods, too much trouble, worthless and unworthy of pursuit. These are all lies, deep down I know it, but in the silence of loneliness, these lies can be very loud.

Instead of running into the arms of the One who promises that He will never leave me or forsake me, I've wrestled with Him questioning His love. Thanks be to God that He is forever faithful and will not let me go no matter how hard I fight Him. He will not let me go.

Over the last several weeks I've had to make myself go to church. All this wrestling has left me drained and grouchy. I've been on the outs with God and really haven't wanted to spend time with Him, but the Spirit wouldn't leave me alone and I had to go. Arms crossed, heels dug in...I will be here, but I will not be moved. Uh, wrong.  I listened to the words of this song as the congregation sang and tears streamed down my face.

Before I spoke a word

You were singing over me

You have been so, so

Good to me

Before I took a breath

You breathed Your life in me

You have been so, so

Kind to me

Oh the overwhelming,

Never-ending, reckless love of God

Oh, it chases me down,

Fights 'til I'm found

Leaves the ninety-nine

I couldn't earn it

I don't deserve it

Still You give yourself away

Oh, the overwhelming,

Never-ending, reckless love of God

When I was Your foe,

Still Your love fought for me

You have been so, so

Good to me

When I felt no worth

You paid it all for me

You have been so, so

Kind to me

Oh the overwhelming,

Never-ending, reckless love of God

Oh, it chases me down,

Fights 'til I'm found

Leaves the ninety-nine

I couldn't earn it

I don't deserve it

Still You give yourself away

Oh, the overwhelming,

Never-ending, reckless love of God

There's no shadow You won't light up

Mountain You won't climb up

Coming after me

There's no wall You won't kick down

No lie You won't tear down 

Coming after me

He not only loves me with an unconditional, everlasting love but He PURSUES a relationship with me. The King of all creation desires a relationship with me. There is nothing that will stand in His way...He is crazy about me just the way I am. And the way He loves me is perfect, its exactly what I need. 

The first time I heard this song was four weeks ago. It has been sung at every Sunday service since. I laughed this morning as it began again ... Ok, Lord, I get it. I hear You. Thank you for being so in love with me. Thank You for Your relentless love that will not break my heart, won't give up, won't walk out on me.  What can I say, what can I do, but offer my heart, oh God, completely to You. 

Break Every Chain

There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.

The words to the song we sang during worship service this morning resonated in my ears all day: there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain. Every chain. 

Chains are used to bind, confine, restrain, restrict; chains withhold freedom. What are the chains that can bind a heart and mind? 

Addiction is a chain that entraps in many forms - substance, stimuli, approval, performance. Chains also bind through anxiety, depression, fear, low self-esteem, past failures, betrayal, unforgiveness, bitterness. 

So I raise the question to myself: what chains are weighing me down, cutting into my wrists, restraining me from freedom and fulfillment? What chains am I willfully holding onto because they give me a warped sense of security? What does it take to loosen the chains and step into freedom? 

There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain. 

Scripture is full of instances where powerful things happened when they were spoken and done in the name of Jesus. The Lord Himself encourages us to pray in His name and the Psalms & Proverbs are full of promises that His name is a strong tower and those that run to it will be safe. 

In the name of Jesus, let the chains that are holding me back be severed. Lord, shake loose the things that hinder me from being the woman you want me to be. Let the rusty chains of my perceptions about myself, my past, my pain, be eroded away by the Living Water of Your love. And instead, let Your grace, Lord, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee. 

Take A Stand

I had dinner with a dear friend this week in an effort to be an encouragement and moral support to her during a difficult situation at work. She had an employee undermine her authority, slander her and make false claims and accusations. She was charged with the task of having to call him and clear up the situation. It is really difficult to be professional and civil when you want to punch somebody in the face. My counsel to her was to mostly listen and be slow to speak. Irate people love to stir others up. I've found that being calm under fire gives the agressor less fuel. As we talked before her phone conversation, we concurred that she needed to have a "stance statement", a phrase of truth that she could stick to if he became unreasonable. I was very proud of how she stuck to her guns, didn't retaliate, and repeatedly spoke the truth.

As I spent time with the Lord this week, He took her situation and used it to remind me of something that had gotten a little dusty in my memory. 

When the major storms of my life started to churn a few years back, I cried out in desperation to the Lord asking "why". He spoke this promise to my spirit: "This is for your good and for My glory". That is my "stance statement". The accuser has been after me lately, feeding me lies and making me feel defeated. He is a real jerk. BUT I know the truth. I know God's promises and He does not lie. His stance doesn't change and neither does His love for me. Everything that life throws at me, my Savior, the Redeemer of my story, PROMISES that He will use it for my good and for His glory. 

I choose to listen to truth. I choose not to be swayed by the lies of the accuser. I choose to take God at His word. Thank you Lord, for reminding me that You are my safe place, my defender, and that Your promises stand firm.

Rearview Mirror 2016

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

A chronology of a year of adventures.


January 

• Visit from my Uncle Harold and Cousin Betti Jo
• Divorce finalized
• Found homes for orphan puppies
• Visited friends in Dallas

February

• Esther's dance competition
• Drove Esther and myself to Waco, Austin, then San Antonio for TMEA conference
• Grandparents' Day at Trinity
• Dancing in Dallas

March

• Lost my precious student John David to cancer and was asked to sing at his funeral
• Troupe-in-training performance of Aesop's Fables
• Dancing in Dallas
• Saw Andre Day in concert at the Granada in Dallas with Stephen
• Spent Easter in McAllen visiting Jeff Reedy
• Day at the beach on South Padre

April

• Esther went to prom
• Started my Mary Kay business
• Dancing in Dallas
• Garage sale

May

• Troupe play: Rocket to Rayleen
• Jadan graduated from Panola College with his Associates degree and then Texas Early College High School 
• two friends surprised me with a visit to Marshall: Jeff, then Kim
• Trinity Spring show: Let's Go to the Movies

June

• Interviewed and applied for a job at Fort Worth Christian School 
• Blue Bonnet Bash Swing Dance in Dallas
• Trip to nrh2o waterpark with the kids
• Turned 41
• Taught Troupe camp: Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite
• Was asked to lead music at Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Father's Day
• Accepted job at Fort Worth Christian School

July

• Celebrated the Fourth of July in Jefferson
• Did lots of packing
• Visited LeTourneau University with Jadan to begin registration for the fall semester
• Taught Art in Motion camp at the Michelson Museum in Marshall
• Taught Troupe camp: The Princess and the Pea
• Esther performed as a fairy in Longview's Artsview production of Peter Pan

August

• Esther and I moved to North Richland Hills to stay with Stephen and Richard
• Started teaching elementary music and high school speech and theater at FWC 
• Moved Jadan into college at LeTourneau in Longview
• Mom and Dad came to visit us and see our new school
• Esther turned 16

September

• Esther's friend Nick came for a visit
• Took a trip to the zoo
• Dancing in Dallas with my Longview swing dance crew
• Enjoyed doggie beach with Dexter at nrh2o waterpark
• Homecoming week at FWC
• Theatre company walked in the parade

October

• Dancing in Longview
• Weekend trip to Marshall
• Esther and I had a wreck in Dallas
• Helped Stephen with his art show in Fort Worth
• Jadan turned 19
• Hiked enchanted rock with Esther and Jeff; visited San Antonio
• Directed 2nd grade musical: Unity Tree
• Trick or treating with the Chapas
• Helped with fall festival for The Well Church

November

• Dancing in Longview
• Weekend visit to Marshall
• Auditions for Peter Pan production
• Quick visit with family in Pflugerville on the way to spend Thanksgiving with the Reedy's in McAllen
• Spent a couple of days at South Padre
• Quick stop in San Antonio on the way home

December

• Troupe performance at FWC: Jingle Jury
• Attended the Texas Thespian Conference in Dallas
• Andra Day in concert at the House of Blues in Dallas
• Saw the new Star Wars movie
• Dancing in Dallas
• Dancing in Longview
• Moved into an apartment
• Christmas

Seekers of Your Heart

A few weeks ago my pastor spoke a word of truth to my heart that I've been wrestling with. This afternoon, I spoke with his lovely wife, a beloved friend and trusted counselor, and that word resurfaced...and now it is something I cannot ignore.



Initially, it was in reference to the parable of the Prodigal Son. I've always loved that story of homecoming and redemption, but to be completely honest, I've never related much to the prodigal personally because in my pride-filled mind, although I fully acknowledge that I am a sinner, I haven't blatantly run off into a rebellious lifestyle. I actually relate more to the brother who stayed home and got huffy when the prodigal returned to be received into open arms. The problem with him was, though he was faithful to his father, it was out of duty, obligation, what was in it for him, and not as an outward expression of his love for his father...that hurt His father as much as the rebellion.



So the question was posed, "Do you love the Father because of who He is or because of what He can do for you?". Do I love Him because I'm a Christian and I'm "supposed to"? Do I love Him only when He gives me blessings or can I love Him during the pain? Do I love the things He does for me or can I be content just to be with Him, not expecting anything in return? Do I really even know who He is, do I know His heart?



My Dad suffered a stroke right before Christmas and has made amazing strides in his recovery. He apologizes to us for not being well, for not being able to do for us what once came easy. Truth is, I don't miss the things he can't do because I am just so grateful for what he means to me and that he is still with us. Its not about what he can do, its about who he is.



God loves me far more than my daddy ever could. He loves me with an unconditional steadfast fierce love that beckons me to know Him, to know His heart. So often I get distracted by His gifts, His action or what sometimes feels like inaction. But what I fail to realize is that all God does for me and in me is because of who He is and how much He cares for me. He wants me to know Him. He wants me to crawl up in His lap and just be happy to be with Him with no expectations, with no wish list. How often have I done this? Not nearly as much as I ought.



The purpose of the Christian life is to become like Christ, to strive after holiness, to emulate the character of God which will draw others to Him. How can I be like Him when I don't know His heart? How can I be like Him by simply knowing what He does and not who He IS?



I find myself so drawn to people of faith, places of faith, workings of faith - while those are blessings,  what I should realize is that in those things, what I am really being drawn to is God Himself. He wants to be my the Love of my Life, the Treasure of my Heart. He wants to have quiet moments of just being with me. He wants my adoration as much as I crave His.



Lord, help me to realize that all I long for is found in You. Thank you for those in my life who point me to You and help me see that my relationship with you should not be based on what You do, but WHO YOU ARE. Thank you for loving me so much that You want my attention, You want to spend time with me, You want me to truly know You and seek Your heart, You want me to fall in love with You.



Seekers of Your Heart



Until we give You first place
Until we let You begin
To fill us with your spirit
Renew us from within
Nothing matters
Nothing's gained
Without your Holy presence
Our lives are lived in vain

Lord we want to know You
Live our lives to show You
All the love we owe You
We're seekers of your heart

Because your heart was broken
Because You saw the need
Because You gave so freely
Because of Calvary
We can now be
Called your own
Completed creations
Filled with You alone



Lord we want to know You
Live our lives to show You
All the love we owe You
We're seekers of your heart




    

A Pearl of Great Price

I have always loved pearls. To me they are a symbol of classic, simplistic beauty. And they just so happen to be the birthstone for June - which is when I was born.


On a choir tour during college we went to Walt Disney's Epcot Center. In the country exhibit for China they had a table full of oysters. Guests could spend $10 to select an oyster and hope for a hidden pearl inside. I remember standing in awe watching as they opened oyster after oyster. Some had pearls, some did not. Of those that did have pearls, some were better than others. To indicate the quality of each pearl found, they would ring a bell - the louder then bell, the more valuable the pearl. I took a calculated risk and handed over my $10, sincerely doubting I would get much of anything. I was tickled to receive a loud peeling of bells as my pearl was discovered. I still have it.

How a pearl is formed is one of God's fascinating mysteries. There is a beautiful lesson here.


No matter how secure the oyster may think its shell is, there is always the possibility that an intrusive irritant can get through. Often the irritant is so painful that it can kill the creature. If the oyster survives, it sets to work dealing with the pain and creating a stunning byproduct.  Instead of ignoring the pain, the creature wraps it up with its spit (essentially)! It painstakingly works to heal the pain in the solitude of its own shell, covering it with a soothing balm. Some oysters work on the same irritant for months, some even years. But when its work gets done - wow, what a treasure!
My dear friend Kim calls me Pearl, because she sees something of value in me. I cherish that nickname and am beginning to see how fitting it is.


I had a very tough shell that I thought was impenetrable, and then, a year ago today, my husband left. Talk about an unanticipated irritant! Over the past year, with much encouragement from family and friends and heavily leaning into the Lord, I have taken the pain and not allowed it to kill me. I have dealt with it and used it to create a more beautiful me.


I am a different person than I was a year ago. My faith and relationship with God has never been more strong or more real. I have REAL friends - people who love me at my highest and lowest, who pray for me and point me toward Jesus. I have strength and resolve and feistiness that I didn't know I had. I know what is important to me, what I want; I am unwilling to settle for less than God's best for my life. I've always been a "people person", but I have discovered that I have a huge capacity for love...I feel it bubble up when I'm with my students, my family, my friends. My life has become an open book, now that it's not "perfect", because I want to help others create a pearl of their own.


The Evil one has tried to thwart my pearl making process. He always seems to hit me when I'm tired, confused or down. But I'm on to him and I'm tired of him throwing doubts and lies my way.


The TRUTH is that I am a daughter of the Most High God Who loves me with an everlasting love. The TRUTH is I am His workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do amazing things. The TRUTH is He will never leave me or forsake me. The TRUTH is He has plans for my future. The TRUTH is He will grant me the desires of my heart as I delight in Him. I am His Pearl.