Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

     There is a phrase that appears seven different times in the Gospels. It does not appear exactly the same each time, yet the meaning is very consistent throughout. One of those instances is found in Mark 6:46, "He departed to the mountain to pray." The disciples many times witnessed the priority that Christ put on prayer and in Luke 11:1 actually ask the Lord to "teach us to pray." The early church understood the importance of prayer as recorded in Acts 2:42, "….they all continued steadfastly in…..prayers."

      The following is adapted from a quote by Leonard Ravenhill,

     "No man is greater than his prayer life. The Christian who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying…. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of Christians, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing in prayer, we fail everywhere."

      Andrew Murray said, "Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God."

     Abraham Lincoln is quoted saying, "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go."

     Corrie Ten Boom's statement reveals a heart that is connected to God in prayer, "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"

      John R. Mott also reflects the importance of prayer, "The Church has not yet touched the fringe of the possibilities of intercessory prayer. Her largest victories will be witnessed when individual Christians everywhere come to recognize their priesthood unto God and day by day give themselves unto prayer."

     Scripture admonishes us to pray.

     1 Thessalonians 5:17, "...pray without ceasing"; Luke 18:1, "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." 1 Peter 4:7, "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."

      So, what do we do with all this prayer knowledge? Let's take time to pray, and watch what God accomplishes as we seek Him in solitary times of prayer.

      A few of us still meet on Wednesday nights at 7 PM for Bible study and prayer, and a few of our men still meet on Thursday mornings at 6 AM to pray. We invite you to join us in prayer.

      Pastor Paul

Prayer Guide For Faith in Action Sunday

1. Pray for a spirit of unity, humility and boldness around our church’s mission.
2. Pray that God would give Grace Baptist Church a growing love for our neighbors, a burden for the things that grieve the Spirit in our community and around the world, and the courage to act.
3. Pray for service projects—that they would go smoothly and safely, and that God would bless the church to be a blessing to its neighbors near and far.
4. Ask God to search our hearts and lives, and ask forgiveness for any ways that our own actions (or inactions), lifestyles or prejudices may have contributed to problems in our community and world.

Harvest Festival 2009

Grace Baptist Church
Wednesday, October 28
6-8 PM

• The Best Pet Parade Ever!
  (Registration forms available in church office and are due by October 23.)

• Costume Contest
• Jump House
• Hay Ride
• Fun Games
• Prizes, Candy and More!
• See Trish Sexauer as soon as possible if you would like to help.

Ladies of Grace

Saturday, October 3, 2009

9:30 - 11:30 AM

"Apples of Gold"

Join the Ladies of Grace as they welcome the fall season. Bring an apple snack to share and wear your apple colored attire. Meet in the Youth Room.

Life Chain

Sunday, October 4, 2009
2:00 - 3:30 PM
Colusa Highway

Annually on the first Sunday in October, LIFE CHAIN invites the churches in each city and town across America to stand on a designated local sidewalk and pray, while holding one of the approved pro-life signs. Please see Russell Rohleder if you would like to sign-up and take part in this pro-life community outreach.

Actor Chuck Neighbors

Performs His One-Man Show
“IN HIS STEPS”

Sunday, October 18
10:30 AM
Grace Baptist Church
No PM Service

Missionary News

Please continue to pray and show your support to our new missionaries, Steve and Darlene Evers, at In Touch Missions International. This organization seeks to partner with and enhance the ministries of national Christians who are reaching their communities with the Gospel of Christ.

Africa is overwhelmed with orphans and refugees. Poland is overrun by people disillusioned with "organized religion" and Romania widows can barely afford to live on their tiny pensions. The number of non-Christians in our world today is 4.4 billion - and 1.8 billion of them have never heard the Gospel of Jesus! This is just the tip of the iceberg. Our Lord Jesus commanded us to share the Gospel with as well as to meet the needs of the widowed, the orphaned, and the helpless. Know there was a reason He asked us to do this: He knows the needs of each precious soul He created.

For more information visit www.intouchmissions.org.

Kids B.L.A.S.T. October Activity

Kids B.L.A.S.T. will be taking a trip to Bishop's Farm on Saturday, October 10.

Plan to meet in the church parking lot by 9 AM.

Bring at least $10 for your corn maze fee and to purchase a pumpkin. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, please call Abby or Trish in the church office.