The Virtual Pew Daily: prayer

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Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Daily Devotional Genesis 41, 42, Matthew 6, Letting Go, Letting God and Reaping the Benefits

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 41, 42, Matthew 6

Letting Go, Letting God, and Reaping The Benefits

In Genesis 41, we see the continuation of Joseph's story. He is in prison, has been for several years, and he seems to have been forgotten. There was the man who served the king whose dream he interpreted that forgot to tell the king about Joseph as he promised he would do. Then the king one night has two troubling dreams. He calls his prophets, magicians and others, none of whom can interpret the dreams. It was then that the man who had been in prison with Joseph tells the king about Joseph and his abilities.

That’s how it seems to be with me sometimes, people I have done things for, helped and been there for seems to forget about it as they move on in life. I am sure many of us have experienced this. I have found out though, even as a one who believes in free-will, that there are times people will remember or do something that reminds them and they contact me back with a thank you, a recommendation or something of the sort. Of course there are times that helping others seems to get lost and we get nothing in return. But many times, just like in the case of Joseph here, we find there is a right time and place that things do come back to us. So it was with this situation, a perfect time where Joseph experiences a blessing beyond his dreams. He interprets the kings dreams and goes from a place of imprisonment to a place where only the king has a higher place in all of Egypt.

In Chapter 42 we see Joseph's brothers going back to their father Jacob. Joseph has an elaborate scheme to get all of the family there, while at the same time the reminder for his brothers of the dream he had had in his youth of his brothers bowing down to him. Joseph is planning retribution to get even. We see his sadness when he hears the brothers telling their story and he has to turn his head away as he weeps.

Joseph knows the plans God has before him and for his family. On the surface upon returning to Jacob by his brothers this adds to the pain and suffering of losing one son and a brother for the family for Jacob. Joseph has plans though, he has intent. While we don't see it yet, Joseph desires to see his family together again and taken care of. He is patient in obtaining the results of the story.

Are we patient in waiting on God or working through the difficulties and waiting for the ultimate prize or rewards God has for us? I'll admit, often times I'm not. We want instant gratification and reward but we have to remember, God's timing is better than ours and just like Joseph and his family are about to experience, if we are patient, we may see the ultimate blessings and rewards God has for us, despite the difficulties and pains we have gone through.

Matthew 6

In Chapter 6 we have the continuation of The Sermon on the Mount by Jesus. As a reminder it is the longest continual teaching of Jesus in the Bible. We see Jesus continue to not only address aspects of the Law but of behavior and then taking it deeper to the intent or the law.

One of the things we see Jesus begin to address is that the things we do, be it for others, ourselves, the poor etc., should be done with the intent of being done in such a way as it is between us and God, not with the intent to bring attention to ourselves, whether it be the time we spend in prayer or the things we do for others. The concept of doing things in secret is strongly emphasized by Jesus. It should address the heart and actions of many who in reality do these things to bring attention to themselves. I will admit, it is a hard concept, we want credit, we want recognition but Jesus is having us do things out of love, and concerns where those things and people are the focus in our relationship with God.

Jesus follows through with this concept as He teaches what many call, The Lord's Prayer where He is instructing us how to pray.

As Jesus continues He goes over ways we can grow closer to God, via prayer, fasting, actions and so forth. Many worry and have concerns, yet Jesus reminds us that we need to remember our reliance is on God not ourselves. God will do far more for us than we can do for ourselves. God gives a peace that if we understand the abilities and love He has for us, we will know that we in reality have nothing to worry about. Once we get to the place where worry is not an issue, our ability to do more for the Kingdom and feel at peace with ourselves is enhanced because we recognize the love and appreciation we have from God is greater than the fear we place on ourselves.

As I have stated in earlier devotions, the ways of God is not always the easy way, but, they are the best ways and provide the greatest results if we apply them. While many won't spend time studying and trying to apply aspects of The Sermon on the Mount because they are hard, the results obtained from that effort are far greater than the results of ignoring this aspect of Jesus' teachings. As has been stated before, the best things in life, come with effort. The effort in applying Jesus teachings from these chapters will have far more benefits than consequences.

To see Genesis Chapter 41 and 42 and Matthew 6 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+41%2C+42%2C+Matthew+6&version=CEV

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Thursday, October 15, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 37, 38 and Mathe 4. When the Story Begs for More and Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 37, 38, Matthew 4

When a Story Begs for More and Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

In Genesis Chapters 37 and 38 we have two stories that beg for more. I love stories, I love writing because I can create the narrative. If I want to know more, I can write more I an answer my questions. Sometimes in the Bible we have stories that beg for more. The story of Joseph and his amazing Dream Coat and the story of Judah and Tamar are two such stories.

In the story of Joseph, his brothers get upset at him because of his pride him being declared his fathers favorite. Then there are his dreams of ruling over his older brothers. It is a fascinating story where much is left out. Of course many will know the ending of the story but can you imagine him being taken by his brothers, whom some were wanting to kill him out of jealousy and then ultimately being sold into slavery by those brothers? What was Joseph's response to all of this? What was he thinking? What did he tell those he was being sold into slavery to? All questions that scripture doesn't answer but one can imagine. If anyone ever had a right to complain or question God about their Joseph would be in the top 5. Did he complain? We don't know. What we do know is more of the story is to come. Stay tuned in or go ahead and read ahead because there are some incredible aspects of love and forgiveness about to come forth.

There is also the story of Judah and Tamar, lost love, sex with "prostitutes," abandonment, hypocrisy and so much more. When I read this story I think of things like Ying and Yang or Karma. While they are concepts I don't accept they certainly are concepts that at times, seems to be real. Such is this story and again, a story that leaves much to the imagination.

There are also aspects here about life in the womb, when does it occur and what constitutes birth. Interesting points of discussion as we live in a world and time when abortion is available in late stages and even in the place where some support what is called partial birth abortion. Yet, we see the value God and the people of the Bible placed on the life of a child, even with tying a red string around the wrist of a child who was sort of born but not out of the womb yet.

Today, the concept that the Bible can be an interesting book that leaves much to the imagination is an encouragement to read the Bible. All have a purpose and while we may not see the immediate benefits, ultimately we will.

Matthew 4

If there was ever a passage for today, Matthew 4 is it. There are so many lessons and teachings getting ready to take place and we see the start of them here. It is so easy for people to want to do things their way, taking shortcuts and not thinking things through.

We know that Jesus is the Son of God but how quickly we forget that while He was fully God, He was also fully human. In this story, taking place shortly after being baptized by John the Baptist, He goes into the wilderness to prepare for ministry by spending 40 days fasting and spending time with the Father. I believe He is also contemplating His ministry. During this time of getting ready, we see Satan doing all he can, to tempt in the most serious of ways, Jesus to essentially, abandon His calling. Jesus recognizes those temptations, even in a time of weakness. His getting ready is one of the things that gives Him strength to overcome. In today's world we experience those same pains and difficulties. Have we prepared to overcome those things? Do we spend time in prayer and fasting? Do we study the Bible? Or, do we just give in and only do those things when we "have to." Realize, it is the doing these things first that we have the power to overcome now, otherwise, we may fail and it will make life more difficult.

We see another part of the story, Jesus getting ready for ministry. He knows what the next 3 years has for Him. He gets ready and surrounds Himself with people to help along that journey but to also train to train others once He is gone. Do we, do I, surround ourselves with people to assist through the journey. Sure they may, as we all do have weaknesses, but are we surrounding ourselves with people to do the work effectively, to the purpose of why we do what we are called to do?

There are lessons here, even massive lessons for me. If I want to be effective, have an effective ministry, I have to prepare and surround myself with people who will help me on my journey, so should you.

To see Genesis Chapter 37 and 38 and Matthew 4 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+37%2C+38%2C+Matthew+4&version=CEV

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

It Isn't Always About Winning

Johnson shoots a twenty footer at the buzzer against the defender Perez, NET, NOTHING BUT NET, Ravens win by one at the buzzer the crowd goes wild. Johnson’s teammates swarm to him and pile on in joyous victory.

Williams is on the bottom, trailing by 1. Wearing the red singlet the 103 pound wrestler is twisting to the left, twisting to the right. He hits a sit out but Smith is controlling the hips with the spiral ride. Williams quickly bases up, constantly moving. Williams hits a switch to his sweet side, 3 seconds left. Williams hits a hip heist on the switch to quickly turning on his shoulder to get behind Smith, the official quickly shows 2 fingers as time expires, WILLIAMS WINS STATE, WILLIAMS WINS STATE!!!

This time of the year has moments like the above occurring all across the country. I have been honored to be in the corners of some of those athletes coaching them. I have also had the honor of being in the center of the wrestling mat for others, working as an official. What an experience, what a moment for any athlete, parent, coach and fan to experience. While many assume that March Madness is all about basketball, it isn’t, wrestling is also a part of March Madness and I have been honored to enjoy both sports during this maddening time of year.

I grew up playing football and basketball, I loved, and in fact still do love both of those sports, but it is a time of year that I have learned to enjoy another sport, wrestling. My son is a decent wrestler in fact he didn’t lose a state championship he wrestled in from the sixth grade through high school. He missed out on two state tournaments in high school but did win two high school state tournaments, and has won state in Freestyle and Greco since a young man. He just won his second high school state championship and will be going for his 20th, and 21st state championship this summer as he enters into the Freestyle Greco season. The number of state championships since 6th grade includes Freestyle, Greco, Kids, and High School State Championships, some in the same year. That is a rather remarkable accomplishment. Some would think those state championships; those moments are the most memorable events for me in sports as a competitor, coach, or dad. I have to admit, they are memorable, this last years state championship was memorable because of what it meant for him coming of the last 2 years, two years ago as a Sophomore he was 27-1 but did not get to wrestle in the Regional or State Tournament. Last year, while he did get to wrestle Freestyle and Greco, he did not get to wrestle high school due to mistakes on his part. But, while all of this is memorable, the most memorable moments do not always come to and or for, the champion.

I don’t recall the year but I was in the corner of Daniel Smith. Daniel was a junior at Derby High School at The Kansas Kids State Tournament in Topeka Kansas. The Kansas Kids Tournament has wrestlers from the ages of 7 up through the age of 17. These wrestlers all fall in the age divisions from 8 and under to 16 and under. Daniel had one year of high school left and had never placed on any level of a state tournament. My son was wrestling on another mat but I had decided that I had an obligation to the team, not just my son. I think it was the quarter finals and the winners of each match were guaranteed of placing at state. They weren’t guaranteed of winning state, just placing. Daniel knew he had an uphill battle. He was facing a tough kid and he pretty much knew he wasn’t going to win state, there was the hope, but he also had the knowledge that to win state, he would need a few breaks, and the better wrestlers in the division would need to falter along the way.

Prior to the start of the quarter final match I was getting Daniel warmed up, helping him focus, helping him get ready for the next, all important, stressful match. Daniel came to me, “Coach Furches,” he said, “would you pray with me before the start of the match.” “Sure Daniel,” I replied with some level of surprise.

To be totally honest, I don’t really recall what we prayed for. I know it wasn’t to win, I don’t pray to win in any situation, although I have prayed that it would be nice to win but I would prefer that God protect and that God enable the best effort, protect the athletes and that in all things, win or lose, God be glorified. I was somewhat pleased in the prayer; I remember that, because Daniel didn’t just ask me to pray, he prayed as well. This is something I have had the honor of experiencing in the past, which is having numerous athletes asking me to pray with them prior to a match. I reminded a friend last week, there is no greater honor than going before the creator of the universe and speaking to him regarding an important moment in the life of a young athlete. Again, never praying to win, that would be foolish and stupid, but praying to give thanks, both in victory and defeat, now that is something to celebrate.
The prayer was over, Daniel was called to the wrestling mat, I still recall the 10 or so mats on the floor. Daniel’s mat was in one of the far corners of the Expo Center. Gary, another coach with Derby and I went to the corner and to be frank, Daniel was likely out classed in that particular match by looking at the records and experience of the wrestlers before stepping on the mat. Daniel had something though, he had something you can’t coach, he had heart, and he had desire. I will, for long as I live, cherish the moment when Daniel ran to the corner after his close victory, jumping into my arms as he told me, with tears in his eyes, “I’m going to place at State! I’m going to place at State!”

Daniel wasn’t excited about winning state; in fact, he would go on to get beat later in the semi final round. I don’t even recall what he ended up placing at state that year, just that he did place at state and that for him, a major accomplishment was obtained. I pray that God never lets me forget of the importance of this act in Daniel’s life. To have been there, and experienced it with him was nothing short of a major honor. In fact, that moment was more satisfying for me than my son going on to win state that particular year. Nathan had won state before, but I was reminded about something else.

Over the years now I have spoken to Daniel about this many times. It was while speaking to a friend, Jerry today that I was reminded of this story as he told me about a young man wanting to go to whatever tournament that weekend that Coach Dale was going to. As a coach, as an athlete, you don’t forget those moments, if you do, you likely shouldn’t be competing, you likely shouldn’t be coaching. To be there, and to have an impact on a young athlete is an honor that I hope I never forget about when I am coaching or involving myself in the life of a young athlete.

We shouldn’t forget those who are in our corner, those who have helped us along the way. Just yesterday I requested prayer for my family and my son. A lot has gone on since then, but I have heard from people all over America reminding me of their willingness and their willingness of praying for us. Things aren’t perfect as of today, but they are better, God gives peace, but his intervention is still needed. Today, I am grateful for those who have been in my corner, in the corner of my family. We needed you and you have responded, we still need you and we know that you will continue to respond. I know this ministry sometimes requests money as this is my vocation, but I will reiterate, the friendships, the knowledge of knowing we have helped others, and more importantly the prayers are by far, more important than many will ever realize.

As athletes get ready for their respective events, remember those in the corner to coach and help, your practice partner, teammate who sits the bench never getting game or match time, but is at practice busting their butt to make you better. The wrestlers who have been beaten out of state, or have no chance of winning, but are still in the practice room helping you prepare. Your teammate, your practice partner should joy as much in your accomplishments as you because they helped get you there. We talk about lessons in sport that can be carried on in life, but this is one that is easy to forget, unless you have been there to experience a young man, running with tears in his eyes to jump into your arms overjoyed with the knowledge that he has accomplished something. Remember, the accomplishments we celebrate may be different, for some it involves scoring a point or two, maybe getting a steal, it may be just qualifying for state. I will remind, the victory goes to those who overcome, but in that victory there are many along the way that made it possible, the truth is, the victory is just as much for them as it is the one who gets the medal or trophy in the end of the day, because without those helping out, the likelihood of the award would never occur.

Congrats to those who have competed and given their best. Not all can win, but all can try, and in that we should look for victory, we should look for celebration. In that effort, we insure others continue their involvement, and then, we can rest assured that we have taught life lessons that carry on beyond the field of competition.

Now as a closing note and point of clarification. Neither should we ever take anything away from those who are victorious. They have worked hard to earn what they have earned, but in the end, it isn’t always those moments that we have the best memories of. Sometimes it is the ordinary becoming extraordinary, or the weak finding ways to become strong, and sometimes in the obtaining of a small goal. It is in those moments of helping one accomplish the seemingly difficult and impossible, no matter on what level, that we can also find reason to celebrate. Let us all, Celebrate!

Here is a video that hopefully reminds us all of the sacrifices and the champions that help bring honor to us all. Just double click on the video, if the video don't appear, click on the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEU9yk-73zg

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Please Pray

Where do I go, what do I do, what do I say? I haven’t written anything for awhile for various reasons. I ask today, if you are a follower of Jesus, ask his Spirit to help you read between the lines today as I am being intentionally vague about some things, and brutally honest about others. If you aren’t a follower of Jesus, I just ask you to bear with this and try to understand.

The last few weeks have been busy. In fact, they were mostly great as my wife and I had the opportunity to be blessed to attend and see our son wrestle in the regionals and state finals. We didn’t know if we were going to be able to attend, pledges came in, and one small gift and we went on faith. It has been tough though because several of the pledges that came in several weeks ago did not come in and as a result, we have literally experienced some financial difficulties, those things add to the stress of a home.

The bottom line is our son won state and we were so proud of him. Most have no idea of the journey he has been on, on both a life and spiritual level. He is a great kid but has made some bad decisions in his life, of course others have been there to embellish “the rumors” and make life more difficult on both him and his mother and I. In fact, one such individual from the Kansas Wrestling forums decided to make negative comments about our son, as he has both he and I on local and national discussion forums under both his name and an assumed name, while we were away to visit my mother in Tennessee at Christmas. This person was not held accountable by the agency whose board he sits on and he nor the agency seems to care one iota about the damage those comments have done to our son and our family.

Nathan has gone through a lot as a young man, he has numerous scholarship offers on the table but he is facing some really tough times right now. Without going into much detail, Nathan is still responsible for his actions and while 90% of the things said in the past are not true, 10% is, and he should be held accountable for those actions of which he has been, but things have become complicated as of the last few days.

I again, won’t go into detail other than to say, pray for Nathan, that God would give him wisdom, protection, and that the Spirit of God would compel Nathan to do what is right. I also ask that you pray for friends for him. It is sad, I posted some comments at both MySpace and Facebook where many of his supposed friends are on my list and asked for them to contact him, as it was serious, the truth is, not a single one of his friends contacted him. Not a single one. Today’s youth are self absorbed and think little of others. I have seen others use others, and I have seen others take advantage of others in a way as to make themselves look better. Nathan is still in need, as are many of today’s youth of real friends. Not the fake kind, but the kind who goes out of the way to show love, give support, and offer advice, even when that advice may be something that is hard for the receiver to hear. To my knowledge, and I believe him, Nathan has never partaken in illegal drugs or anything like that, yet, I am reminded of the television commercial that says friends don’t let friends drive drunk, and has the one friend taking the keys away from their friend. In Kansas today we are hearing about a 19 year old college student at Kansas University that literally drank himself to death at a fraternity house recently. His father is on television pleading to not send flowers but instead to give up drinking. I am appalled that we live in a system and world that would think if funny to get drunk, and funny to do so with friends. I don’t want those kind of friends for my son.

Mary Jane and I are hurting today, we are grieving. We don’t expect much in our home, just give us respect, and obey the simple rules. Of course sometimes those rules change depending on age but we expect Nathan to finish school, be in class, make up work, and be home at a reasonable hour and to let us know where he is at in case we need to reach him. If not able to follow those rules, out of love, there has to be tough love, including the possibility of living someplace else. Recently those rules haven’t been followed and there are consequences for not following rules. Everything has to be done in grace and in love, but I long for my children to have a lasting and loving relationship with God. I long for them to have more than their mother and I have had unless they decide to make a ministry or vocational choice of service that would mean they have as little as we do financially but just as much in the joy of knowing and serving our God. Nathan has so much potential, he has so much that has been offered him, even from a college perspective, but that is worthless without finishing high school and seeking the things that God has for him.

We covert more than anything prayers right now. I don’t know how things will turn out, I just know that my God gives peace even when it doesn’t seem that peace is possible.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

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You are important and I want you to know that you can feel free to contact me at any time. I always try to respond to comments posted here, when appropriate, and have learned from my work as a counselor and pastor that people need to know that they are important. My contact information is available and I encourage you to contact me when need be. The fact that you are a real person is not lost on me. While you are at it, if needing a place to plug in, you can also join and become a part of The Virtual Pew. Message boards and interaction are available there as well. Thanks for visiting and know that God loves you and so do I.