Black Canyon Community Church
SonShine Learning Center
Black Canyon City, Arizona



Prayerful
Thoughts
Older Prayer Messages
2010 Prayer Messages


“Setting priorities”                                                             8/29/10

There is only so much sand in the hourglass.  

Who gets it?

You know what I'm talking about, don't you...
"The PTA needs a new treasurer with your background and experience and talent and wisdom and love for kids and degree in accounting,
YOU are the perfect choice for the job!"

It's a tug-of-war, and you are the rope... "Blessed are the meek"  Jesus said.  But we are reminded the word meek does not mean weak.   It
means focused.  It is a word used to describe a domesticated stallion.  Power that is under control…  Strength with direction...

Blessed are those who recognize their God-given responsibilities.  Blessed are those who have knowledge that there is only one God and have
quit applying for his position.  Blessed are those who know what on earth they are earth to do and set themselves about the business of doing it.

In every way be an example of doing good deeds.  When you teach, do it with honesty and seriousness. Speak the truth so you cannot be
criticized... Grace teaches us to live now in a wise and right way and in a way that shows we serve God.  We should live like that while we wait
for our great hope and the coming of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.  
Titus 2: 7 - 8, 12 - 13

PRAYER:  Dearest Heavenly Father, Bless me with doing the business you need me to do with responsibility and direction in your time, as
often my hourglass is empty and I need your strength.  Amen.


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“CONTENTMENT - Have Any?”                                     8/22/10

Satisfied? That is one thing we as humans tend not to be.
We may take a vacation of a lifetime...have much fun in the sun, good food and laughter - but before we are even home from the trip; we dread
going home and begin planning another! We are not satisfied. As a child, we want to be a teenager - as a teen, we want to be an adult. If we are
single, we want to be married. If married, we sometimes ask "if only..." Why is contentment such a difficult virtue? Because there is nothing on
earth that can satisfy our deepest longings; we long to see God and for many of us, we won't be truly satisfied until we do.
Philippians 4:6-7, 11-13
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.  And God's peace, which is so great we
cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus....  I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything
that happens.  I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time
in everything that happens, . I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I look to you for satisfaction and contentment needed in my life.
Through your Word, and my prayers, I will find it. Amen.

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“God Hears You!”                                               8/15/10

When you pray, believe that God hears you. He has told us that He does. We may ask anything of Him knowing that if it is in His will, He listens,
He hears us and is true to grant us our request. Know that God loves us and desires His very best for us. He tells us He delights when we come
to Him with our praise and our petitions. We can come before Him with confidence. But know this: Satan does not want us to have such
confidence. I therefore, encourage you to go humbly and boldly before the King and with reverence in the name of Jesus, ask and your prayers
will be heard and answered.
                                                                Blessings, Pastor Norm

GOD MADE US AND LOVES US AS WE ARE!

NOTE: Above copied from a January 2009 bulletin and is still pertinent for today!

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"I forgive you." A simple phrase...                                  8/8/10


Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13

Grudges and grievances. We feel them; we welcome them; we ponder them; they grow; they make themselves at home in our lives. It’s almost
as if we enjoy them and the drama they bring—but ultimately they sap energy, joy, peace, and spiritual vitality. In fact, we end up being judged in
the same way we judge others (see Matthew 7:2). What we think is going to protect our very self is the thing that gnaws at it. The antidote is
simple. Not easy. But simple. Forgiveness! Not holding someone’s wrongs against them. Considering their slights and disregard for naught; as
if they were never done against us. "I forgive you." A simple phrase. A different task. But a task empowered and rewarded by God!

Try it! It works!

PRAYER: Lord, allow me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Amen.

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Christ's Incredible Love                           8/1/10

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:44–45

Is someone making your life miserable? Driving you crazy? Keeping you from some simple goals and plans you have for your life? If so, what is
your response to that person? Do you complain to others about that person’s unfairness? Or do you pray for him or her? It’s not in our love for the
lovable that we demonstrate our faith. It’s in our response to those who are difficult. One of the ways to lose the joy of salvation is to focus on the
faults of someone who feels like an enemy. But we can maintain and restore joy by loving the unlovable person through intercessory prayer. Don’
t just ask God to make that person start treating you better; ask God to change him or her on the inside—and to use you to minister in that
person’s life. That’s not an easy prayer to pray. But the reward for truly loving as Christ loves is incredible. It may not be a physical or monetary
reward, but what greater gift can we receive than the gift of joy?

PRAYER: My Lord, I lay aside my own legitimate complaints and frustrations right now in order to bless and pray for those who act against me.
Thank You for allowing me to experience You more fully in my life as I mediate for others. Amen.