Motivation for Ministry

Marilyn and Chris Johnson

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God
our Father means that we must care for
orphans and widows in their troubles and
refuse to let the world corrupt us.
James 1:27 NLT

MARCH 2010

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING   1 Thessalonians 5:17

Most of us are aware that prayer is something that God wants all of us to participate in on a continual basis. We know that prayer keeps us in constant communication with God and is the avenue for supernatural results in life. What most of us do not recognize is that prayer does something so much more. You see prayer is the cure for what ails each of us, but not necessarily from the outside in (our circumstances in life), but from the inside out.

The treatment for anger, resentment, jealously, hurt, fear and the list goes on is in prayer. But here is the kicker; if you're like me you have spent most of your time praying for God to change your circumstances around your life, to help you feel better, or to take away those thoughts and feelings that haunt us etc.

                    I've realized that the power of prayer is not in praying for me,

                                But the real power comes in praying for others.

For example, if you have been laid off from your job we usually pray, Lord help me to not be angry and help me find a job better than before. That would have been my ordinary prayer, for God to change my circumstances and to help me. I have learned if you want to know and experience the heart of God, the key is in praying for others.  To pray that God bless and prosper your old company, to bless the boss that let you go. Pray that God would bless your ex wife or husband and they find joy and spiritual fulfillment in life. Pray for the one who has hurt you, for their happiness and good fortune.  How about for President Obama that he have a spiritual awakening and that God would bless his wife and children.

              Praying for others is the most humble, pure act of love and sacrifice
               that we can give someone . NOW does that remind you of anyone?

Of course that is exactly the act of love that Jesus himself gave to all of us.  In Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father forgive them, they do not know what they do". His prayer was for us, not for Himself. Why...because hurts, anger, resentment and all the other ugly thoughts can't live in the same place of one who prays for others.

Finally my friends, please pray for us here at Be the Gift.  We would love for you to pray for the ministry, our family and all that God has for us. I heard it once said, I'd rather have one person pray for me than a hundred others just thinking about me.  There is so much power in prayer and we promise that we are praying for you as well.

God Bless!!!   Chris and Marilyn

GET INVOLVED

We have projects going each week to help a Single-Mom. Some require special skills, some just a willing, serving heart and a desire to help someone in need.

Each project we do requires money and funding. It is amazing how a few dollars can make such a difference. Our goal is to increase quality of life for these ladies, and fixing and improving their home is so rewarding for them as well as for all of us.

We invite you to get involved.

Call or E-mail if you would
like to volunteer or help

with a project -- go to

www.bethegift.net

Also your financial support
with a one-time or monthly

gift is needed and

appreciated. We accept

donations in check form,

monthly online giving or credit card if more convenient.