Author Archives: lrbartel

Oct 06 2017
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Devos

So many Gospel ministries and wonderful servants of the Lord depending on our prayers!

DCIM100GOPROThis morning was in-service at SAGU during Fall break. I was reluctant to go because of Sharon’s recovery needs after our car accident, but she insisted… She said, “You need to go! I’ll be OK!” And I’m really glad I attended! It was uplifting to be with old friends and colleagues!
 
Dr. Paul Brooks, vice president for academics, led a wonderful prayer time and focused on Prayer Station #8 of the Road to Emmaus Prayer Walk at SAGU! This prayer station focuses upon “Open Doors and Effective Ministries.” I commend its prayer focus to you today and urge you to embrace it and make its various aspects your own as you pray today…
 
“Just pray for us” – The cry of Christ’s ministers everywhere! (In this case an apostle requesting the prayer of God’s people). 1 Thessalonians 5:25, Romans 15:30-31
 
“That a door for effective ministry of the Word would open wide!” Colossians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 16:9
 
“That the word of the Lord would spread rapidly and be glorified!” 2 Thessalonians 3:2
 
“That Christ’s ministries would be delivered from people of ill will!!” 2 Thessalonians 3:2
 
“That the faith of God’s leaders would not fail!” Luke 22:32
 
My response? Oh Lord, do it! So many worthy Christ-centered, Gospel focused ministries! So many faithful servants of the Lord seeking to fulfill “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20)! So many wonderful servants of the Lord depending on our prayers! I made these ministries and ministers my prayer focus today and commend it to you for your fervent, faith-filled prayer!
Oct 02 2017
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Devos

Before you “shoot off your mouth” make sure your brain is loaded and your heart is right!

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Anyone else ever, like me, “pop off” with their mouth and then wish you hadn’t? Ever wish you could increase the persuasiveness and influence of your words? I read this wise advice from Proverbs this morning during “coffee with the Lord” … and then I prayed what David prayed…

Here’s what Proverbs advises…

“Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness! … The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (From Proverbs 16:21-24 ESV)

And my prayer?

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!” (Psalm 19:14)

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth! Keep watch over the door of my lips! (Psalm 141:3)

Sep 29 2017
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Devos

Comments on “Coffee with Lord” on International Coffee Day ;-)

Coffee with the LordToday is International Coffee Day… So I guess it’s appropriate for the guy who champion’s “Coffee with the Lord” to say something about it, eh?
I enjoy a good cup of coffee as much as anyone! In enjoy mine Northwest style… Strong, dark, black and mellow! I even have a partnership with Eurasia Coffee and Tea, a faith-based coffee company (http://eurasiacoffeeandtea.com/) to make their Signature Bold coffee under the name “Coffee with the Lord Blend.” Proceeds from the sale of that coffee help fund a ministry training school in Bihar, India. When I’m out in ministry (speaking at seminars, conferences, etc) I also offer “Coffee with the Lord” mugs that also help fund the school in Bihar. Coffee is BIG with me!
But let me be clear… The purpose of “Coffee with the Lord” is not coffee! Morning coffee simply describes a special time – an opportunity, if you please – for me to meet with God around His word, the Bible. Early in my life (actually as a teenager in high school) I began the daily practice of meeting with the Lord early in the day around a good cup of coffee… A time in God’s presence in worship, prayer, Bible reading, reflection and journaling. And He’s never failed to meet with me in those times.
Inevitably someone asks me (with a grin on their face) “What brand of coffee does the Lord like Bartel? How does He like his coffee?” And my answer? “I’ve never actually seen Him drink any… But He always meets with me for ‘coffee with the Lord’ regardless!”
So on this International Coffee Day, 2017 I enjoyed “Coffee with the Lord” one more time! The coffee was great… “Coffee with the Lord Blend!” But the Lord’s presence, I have to tell you, was even better than the coffee (and I like coffee)!
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