How Does God Feel About Our Prayers?

This from THF Member, Mike Hensley

I had never really thought about this. I know scripture tells us that we should pray. In fact, I Thessalonians 5:17 says we are to pray continually. Scripture abounds with references to prayer. But how does God feel when we pray to him? Usually I am so concerned about my needs and feelings I haven't even considered God's.

But John in Revelation the 5th chapter gives us some insight. John is seeing a vision of heaven and in verse 8 describes what he sees,

"And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

Our prayers are sweet smelling incense to God. When we pray he is surrounded by pleasant aromas. So how does God feel when we pray? I think it draws God to the believer. And that is VERY cool. So pray, church, and talk to God about your life and His.

Mike Hensley

The Other Jonas Brother

Many of us know what it is to live life in the shadow of an accomplished sibling or parent or boss. It's amazing to live in that proximity...but it's maddening to have their shadow cast over what you do, day after day. Or, to be known as "So and so's" brother/sister/child/friend, etc.

For those of us like that, know that we have a hero. He's the "other" Jonas brother - not the guys from entertainment, but the guys from the pages of scripture. His name is Andrew Barjona (the brother of Simon-Peter). Be a part of what God will show us this weekend. Prepare your heart to receive God's thoughts and purposes as we gear up for Sunday's celebration.

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

One of my favorite shows of the past was the show, Whose Line Is It Anyway. I found the improv and most of the humor amazing. What talent God has given men.

One of the sketches that was recurring in the show was titled "Super Heroes" - a very funny expression of the hero genre of literature and media...but it also reflected our infatuation with greatness and accomplishment. It reflects how we look upon our heroes and how we want somebody to "save" us. The funny thing about the sketch is how the comedians took mundane things and people and gave them super hero powers.

And what Drew Carey and cast did on a TV show, Jesus has done for real...and not because He was trying to be funny, but because He is a transforming God. I hope to see you this Sunday as we begin to explore the lives of twelve ordinary men who allowed Jesus to make them Larger than Life. By His transforming power, we all can find our mark, our line, our reason for being.