Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

In 1857, four young Irishmen began a weekly prayer meeting. The next year, more prayer meetings started and “Revival” was the common theme of preachers. The next year, 100,000 people converted into the churches of Ireland. This was the beginning of the “Ulster Revival of 1859.”

As a result of the Revival, some significant things occurred. By 1860, crime was reduced and judges often had no cases to try. One county in Ireland reported no crime and the no prisoners were held in the jail. In addition, church services were packed with people, there was an abundance of prayer meetings, family prayers increased, Scripture reading was unmatched, Sunday Schools grew, people stood firm for God, giving increased, vice abated, and crime was reduced significantly.

It seems that there are periods of vibrancy in our churches and then periods of decline. This is an oft repeated cycle among God’s people. Where would you say we are today?

I want to challenge us to a more intentional walk with God. Let us bathe our lives in prayer, asking for God to breathe life into our land. Remember the famous passage:

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7.14)

Keep the Light Burning!

Perry Greene

During the sailing competition in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, the winds were so strong that the sailing crews had difficulty handling their boats. Two sailors of the Singapore team were thrown overboard when their boat capsized.

Canadian, Lawrence Lemieux, was sailing alone nearby in a separate competition. Seeing the two men in distress, he left his race to give aid. He rescued the first sailor, then the second. By the time he had completed the rescue, he was hopelessly behind in his competition.

The Olympic judges awarded Lemieux second place, the position he held when he left the race to help the Singapore crew. In addition, the International Olympic Committee gave him a special award for his heroism.

“It’s the first rule of sailing to help people in distress,” said Lemieux, downplaying the incident.

When we think about God’s actions in the cross, we see his concern for us. The cross was a horrific event for Jesus. Yet, helping distressed people proved to be his motivation.

In his suffering, Jesus he likely quoted Psalm 22. There he offered prayers of loneliness and forgiveness. He presented words of praise as well.

God ALWAYS deserves our praise regardless of our circumstances. He is at the center of all things. May our prayers always praise!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I heard about some residents in a Nursing Home talking about their ailments. One lady was so weak she could hardly lift her cup of coffee. A man had cataracts so bad that he could not see his coffee. One had arthritis so bad that she could not turn her head. The blood pressure medications made another resident dizzy.

One of the group said, “I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old. It sure beats the alternative.” “Thank goodness we can all still drive!” quipped a woman.

That sounds like someone has their priorities a little out of line. Is that not often true of most of us? The Bible reminds us of the priority of practical prayer. In 1 Timothy 2:1, the Apostle instructs, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” A high priority for Paul was prayer – first of all, and especially for others. This is true on an individual basis and in the public setting of worship.

How are your priorities today? Is prayer a priority? Is it on your list? Who have you prayed for?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

P.S. Feel free to include me in your prayers!

Recently I read that the hit movie “Rocky” was based on a real life boxer named Chuck Werner, otherwise known as the Bayonne Bleeder (because he bled so easily and freely throughout his fights). Werner was a good fighter, but not a “great fighter,” and so when he was scheduled to fight Mohammed Ali almost everyone figured he wouldn’t last through the first few rounds. Even Ali predicted an early knock out – no later than the third round.

Werner prepared for the fight as for no other. When he faced the champion, he surprised everyone and lasted the full fifteen rounds! He took a beating in the process, but he stood his ground. Ali was so impressed that he said, “There’s not another human being in the world that can go fifteen rounds like that.” Werner should not have been able to do what he did.

Have you been there? Have you felt like the pressures you are facing are going to pummel you? Do you feel like there is a great Adversary opposing your every move? The truth is, there is.

You can stand, however. “Pressure Praying” is key to preparing and winning the conflicts we face. The early disciples of Jesus were able to do things that they normally would not have been able to do but for their prayers (See Acts 4:23-31; 12:1-17; 16:25-26, etc.). They accomplished amazing things through their prayers. The good news is, we can too! Keep praying!

Keep The Light Burning!

Dr. Perry Greene

  I found this story at Sermoncentral.com. I could not pass up sharing it with you — especially in light of what may be coming.

How much power can people in agreement have? The answer: the power of life and death. During the brutal reign of Joseph Stalin, who murdered thirty million Russians and bought godless communism to Russia, Stalin, let it be known that he planned to murder the Jews of Russia.

When the believers in England heard this report, they committed themselves to fasting and prayer for the Jews of Russia. Praying in the spirit, they found the Demonic forces that drove Joseph Stalin. Three weeks later, Joseph Stalin had a brain hemorrhage. Sixteen gifted brain surgeons worked on him for eight hours, and still Joseph Stalin stepped into eternity, on March 5, 1953, to meet the son of God, a Jewish rabbi from Bethlehem.

Pray! You can help change the world!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene