THE ENDO CLUB...Please Pray for Us!

Hello girls! I pray that one day that I can be articulate enough to explain to you in a caring way many things. I want everyone on the site to understand the ways to a relationship with God. That there is only one way to this relationship. I pray that my words are filled with compassion for you. I have trouble with this though as I many times on pages and on the forum, I do not have the words. Should I tell you that I love you? I do. I love you who come to this site. I read your stories on the forum and I fall in love with you. I know it sounds crazy, but it is so true! Saying that, when you read my articles, please know that my heart is with you.

Prayer according to the Bible series

Whose prayer does God Hear?

  Definitions spoken of here:
        Covenant-a binding contract
             Repent-going in the opposite direction towards God
                    Mediator-reconciler, intercessor
                         Justification-made right with God

~ACCESS TO GOD~ JESUS            

The Bible says, "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth" Psalm 145:18. What is truth? Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man may come unto the Father except through me" John 14:6  What does it mean that the only person who has ACCESS to the FATHER must come through Jesus?

In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were used for ‘payment’ or ‘atonement’ for sin.  This was never truly sufficient, because Jesus was the only ‘perfect Lamb’ whose death would truly atone for and pay for sin.  For ACCESS to God, there must be a repentant heart that understands its need to be saved, and trusts that the payment has been made, and accepts it thankfully and fully…trusting in nothing else to save them. Not good deeds, not a dead apostle, not church attendance and not any rituals. Otherwise, this would be saying that Jesus’ death was not quite enough, that we need to ‘help Him along’. This would be a slap in the face of Jesus. This would be saying that his death was not different than the animals sacrificed in the Old Testament ( See Hebrews 10:4, 10:11-12, 10:14)

What does this have to do with prayer? EVERYTHING...We are justified (made right with God) through faith. Therefore then comes the ACCESS through the Holy Spirit which is given to us. THEN we have the strength and the desire to follow and obey Him as the Love and Hope of Jesus is poured into our hearts.

Thank You Jesus!

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have ACCESS by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5

...according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and ACCESS with confidence through faith in Him. Ephesians 3:12

For through Him we both have ACCESS by one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:18

~OUR MEDIATOR~JESUS

For there is one God and one MEDIATOR between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. 1Ti 2:5

Now a MEDIATOR does not MEDIATE for one only, but God is one. Ga 3:20

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, in as much as He is also MEDIATOR of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Heb 8:6

And for this reason He is the MEDIATOR of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Heb 9:15

.. to Jesus the MEDIATOR of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Heb 12:24

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the son of God...Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14,16

Once the Holy Spirit is living inside us, life is never the same!!!

Put your faith in Jesus!

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Do you know how sometimes we can be in so much pain,  fatigued, worried and just do not have the strength or ability to pray? I have been there and I also hear some of you speak of this. There is good news!!! When you believe in Christ, God gives us His Spirit as our helper and guide.  He identifies us by giving us his Spirit. We are sealed or given the mark of ownership. We become His - a CHILD OF GOD.  Also, when we are in Christ, Gods Spirit intercedes for us when we are in distress and do not know what to pray.

 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.  2 Cor.1: 21-22

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become CHILDREN OF GOD, to those who believe in His Name. John 1:12

The Greek word (pisteuo) for BELIEVE is a verb and actually means to 'entrust' or to 'commit unto'. It does not merely mean to know something as a fact.  A scripture that comes to mind is James 2:19 'You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!'. So to BELIEVE means to fully commit one's salvation to Christ, to fully trust that Christ made the payment for our sins.

Jesus said: And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints, according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Again, sometimes we can be at a loss for words and not be able to express our emotions and not know what to pray and ask for or even know the will of God… and the Spirit of God will make intercession for us. You can simply say” Lord, I do not know what to ask of you and what to say. I come to you as your Child; let your will be done.” Thank You Lord!! So many times I laid in bed with the Bible on my chest saying "Help me Jesus" Many other times was in the bath pleading with Him until the physical and mental pain subsided. Since I came to Christ and through prayer, I was given a desire to know him more. I was given a path to healing, meaning for my life, a desire to start this prayer club and strength to carry on despite difficult circumstances.  Life is far from perfect, but I have hope and am thankful now for what the suffering has done for me.

CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE IN THE FAITH

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test Yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? -Unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Cor. 13:5

Has your life changed? Do you have new desires to please Him? Is He the Lord of your life? Years ago a guy came up to me and asked blatantly "Do you have Jesus in your heart" It was an easy question, but the answer was "No" I tried to justify it by telling him my religion... My life was not filled with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and even though I prayed to God and asked for help, I do not think those prayers were heard by God, because I did not know Christ. Truly most of my life, I was under the wrong assumption that I would get to God by striving to not sin(which was impossible), by following church rituals and by knowing the fact that Jesus was God’s son. How my life has changed! since I came to faith and repentance in Christ and now I know He hears my prayers!!!

When we believe, we are given a new nature because we are created in God's likeness, righteous holy and true. Christians no longer live under the control of their sinful nature. Instead with the Spirit living inside, we can live in a way pleasing to God and have an effective prayer life.

But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, He is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness. Rom. 8:9-10

Are you His?

Thank You Jesus again for this prayer club and all of us who have been brought together!!!! Do you understand this? If you don’t, feel free email me theendoclub@roadrunner.com
Also the book of John in the New Testament and then Romans is a good place to start Bible reading.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you have done with this prayer club. Thank you for bringing all of us together.  Please draw these ladies close to you who do not know you. Show those who do know you more of yourself. Help our families to understand our needs and help us to cope with our challenges. I pray that all of our lives are filled with the Holy Spirit, that our prayer life is deepened, that you brings us ways to cope, a path to healing and strength for all the trials that life brings. Help Lori to find the words. Bring me the words of Christ and hide me in your arms. Help me to know how to run this site.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

• Have you looked for what He would have you do?  By myself, I can do nothing: I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself, but him who sent me. John 5:30 
  
• Before going on to the next questions, please think about this question as it will effect or nullify our prayers big time! Have you been born again? (Read John 3:5-8) We already know that this is God's will for all of us as the Bible tells us so! For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day. John 6:40  And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12
  
  The Holy Spirit dwells in believers. Because of this we can seek out God's wisdom...We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:12-15
  
• Have you prayed about your decision? Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Phil 4:6-7
  
• Have you looked for Godly wisdom? If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
  
• Have you searched the Scriptures for the answer?  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Tim 3:16
  
• Have you repented (a change of heart and mind from sin toward God)?  The word of God tells us that He will not hear our prayers when we are in sin, untruth or indifferent...If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Psalm 66:18 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall not find me. Proverbs 1:28
  
• Have you delighted in the Lord, putting Him as first place in your life? Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
  
• Are you allowing the world's attitudes or influences to affect your decisions? Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom 12:2
  
• Do you have doubts?  Which decision gives you peace? See Phil 4:6-7 above & Col 3:15-17 below. Remember Christ is the Prince of Peace. His peace will accompany his authority.
  
• Have you patiently waited for God to answer? I waited patiently for the Lord' and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 
  
• Have you sought advice from those who are walking with Christ? Read Titus chapter 2
  
  In regard to treatment decisions: Have you examined the situation carefully?  Did you give a fair review of all choices?  Are there other choices you have not yet considered? The popular choice is not always the right choice or the healthiest choice. Unfortunately sometimes there are selfish desires behind the treatment/drugs pushed on us. Sometimes the treatment offered to us would put us in sin if we are unmarried. Another treatment could be a large burden on our family.... Does your Dr. have your best interest in mind? Would he/she give this treatment to his/her spouse? Please pray about your decisions, seek Godly counsel and pray for good Drs.
  
• If God shows you his will, will you accept it even though it is difficult or does not make sense? Oh how this can be difficult at times! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight. Prov 3:5
  
• Can you thank God for the outcome? Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since  members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Col 3:15-17

For more information on how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please read the page of the site here:
www.theendoclub/donotread.com

or read the Bible. The Book of John which is the 4th book of the New Testament is what I read late nite about 6-7 years ago. Wow was I surprised! It was the night that "I Believed" Life has not been the same since.