Have you heard the story about the history of Levis? David Jeremiah in his book Signs of Life tells it (edited for space):
Levi opened a textile mill in SanFran. One day a gold miner walked into the shop and started in on him: ‘Look at these. I bought these 6 months ago, and they’re full of holes.’ When asked why the miner told him they worked on their knees most of the time. Levi knew they needed stronger fabric for the knees, so he suggested canvas. The rest is history, as they say. Soon miners across the West were wearing Levi Strauss’ jeans. (p.83)
It is said that James, Jesus’ brother, had the nickname “Camel Knees” because he spent so much time on his knees praying. William Cowper, a poet and hymn writer , once said, “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.” All month long I have been focusing on “Transformed by Prayer.” My sermon this week is on “Worn-out Knees.” I am not saying this to garner any sighs or pities, but I truly don’t feel adequate in preaching on this subject. I am very, no make that VERY aware, of my lack in the praying department. Basketball and age have caught up with me so kneeling long-term is an almost physical impossibility. But that is not what I am speaking about. A person doesn’t have to physically kneel to pray; not if he has his heart kneeling. A person doesn’t have to physically bow his head; not if he has his heart bowed in submission. What does bother me is not the kneeling part, but the submission part. And the practicing part…the doing part.
My Scripture for Sunday is Jeremiah 33:1-3. There are some amazing truths in those 3 short verses. We would do well to see and apply them. Hudson Taylor once told a missionary couple who was getting ready to move to China: “You must move forward on your knees.” That is my prayer for you…for me…for all Christ-followers. I like the way the Christian rock group, Petra, once put it: “Get on your knees and fight like a man.”
I am showing this lyric video Sunday. To see the original video that will stir your soul, check it out here. I pray for a revolution to happen in my life, in the church I pastor, and in your life. Are you praying that God will move in your heart? Are you praying that God will do a revolution in your church? Join me won’t you?
Thanks to Dan for an awesome banner this month.
Humbling post, man… and awesome Petra reference! 🙂 They were some Christian rock trailblazers for sure.
Thanks Stephen. Humbling for me as well. Yeah, they were trailblazers. 🙂 I loved arena rock.
Hi Bill,
The Word has to go forth before a revolution has any possibility of happening. This is the job of you preachers. Straightforward, to the point, word of truth, for the ears of hearers. There has been error in preaching and teaching and it has to be corrected. And yes, there may be consequences for preachers who do this. But what is the option? Carry on in the same old, same old, avoidance and minimizing technics of the past decade or two? What about the consequences for eternity if truth is continually avoided because it sounds too harsh?
The Bible says the opposite. ‘the truth will set you free’,’the truth will keep you alive’, ‘the truth will keep you in faith’,’the truth will give you the wisdom and fear that you need to stay with God and to hold fast to him’.
God has been preached as a cute, cuddily Spirit that is so gentle and loving we have nothing to fear from him. He wants to do for us. God is about about me, myself and I. This kind of preaching has to change.
Without submission to God we will die. How can we be saved by God if we are sitting on a throne of ego where God is not present? Where God is opposed to us and against us?
We are afraid. The Bible says ‘do not be afraid’ in dozens of times and places in scripture. We have to believe God. Barnabas sold his land and gave the money he got to the apostles. I think that is called cutting your security and your ties. He was going forward in faith, and not looking back.
It’s not going to be the same as it was years ago. We’re not going back. We’re pressing forward toward eternity, toward change, and perhaps toward some trials but God will be with us. If God is for us, who can be against us?
I would agree with most of what you say Linda except the responsibility of spreading the message is not just the preachers’. Every person is a minister so it is the whole church’s responsibility to get the message out.
I pray for God to move everywhere, man. 🙂
So do I Jason, so do I.
Joining in with you. Sunday we start The Circle Maker small group teachings and on Wednesday I did a Jericho Walk around our property. Praying for revival.
Let me know how that book is Michael. Praying for you and your fellowship this weekend.
Loved the book. Probably, my second favorite of his.
Loved the song by Petra and the Newboys video and song is great. Praying for a move of God there where you are and here where I am!
Thanks Jim. Praying for you as well.
I’m praying for others…
there is one person in particular that I need to Love in Christ…and I can’t …honesty..
this is someone that causes harm to my sister-in-law…(not in a physical way) but in a moral and spritual way.
I can’t stand the guy! I don’t even say hi…or make eye contact…
last sunday night preaching…i realized…he was an enemy…one that, i had to love. and let go of…
harsh…
That is hard Arny when the Spirit hits us between the eyes. Brutal actually. I will pray along with you. Thanks for your honesty.
I have never heard of anyone saying that they spent too much time on their knees. We ought to try, though.
Sounds like a good challenge Larry.
The greatest battles have been won on the field, except that war can’t be won on your feet, but on your knees.
I’ll join you.
Welcome Moe. I like having allies like you.
Bill,
I was just reading Phillipians 3:10,11. ‘I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead’.
I think this is where we as Christ followers want to go next in God.
Hebrews 6;1 ‘Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity , not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so’.
‘Repentance from acts that lead to death’. This one could be preached. The need for people to examine their lives and repent of those things that are going to (lead)them to death row. We have to build a wide, built up, smooth highway of righteousness, prepared for God to use at his second coming.
Preachers have a platform that others in Christ don’t have. We don’t possess that kind of authority in the lives of believers. How are we going to preach when our leaders aren’t? We’re going to do what you do and not what you say.
That Scripture in Phil has always been one of my favorites. I understand what you are saying about preachers having a platform that others don’t. Perhaps in a church community. But it is a mistake to think that the influence stops there. I have an influence, but so many of “my” people have an influence where I do not. You do. I think it is wrong to leave it with the pastors. Maybe we are talking about different things?
Hi Bill,
I agree that we all have influence in the lives of others. But preachers are in a different place. They direct, guide, teach, admonish, exhort the believers that come to church. They are expected to lead the way, to know truth, to know how to get to God. People trust them spiritually. They put their lives in the preachers’ hands so to speak. This is not my situation.
I don’t have that kind of place. Correct teaching and preaching has to come from the pulpit. This is the authority in the believers’ lives. That’s why I say it is the job of the preachers.
A person doesn’t have to physically kneel to pray; not if he has his heart kneeling
Wow. Such a powerful statement. Yes, I’m praying for both of those things.
Will be lifting up you and your church this weekend. Loved this series.
Thanks Jon. Glad that statement moved you. Glad you liked this series. Am hoping it made a difference to the folks here.
Yes, as a matter of fact, I feel I am heading into a new chapter in my life recently, and this may be the longest chapter in my life. I am hoping and praying the Lord moves more powerfully in my heart and fills it only with Him.
What a great prayer Ed. Praying for you in that, whatever that new chapter involves.
Petra and Hudson Taylor in one paragraph. Kudos.
I think most people are disappointed with their prayer life. At least I’ve never heard anyone say they were satisfied.
I’m going through a season right now of realizing the importance of prayer, as well. And it’s amazing how Satan fights me when I start to pray. So many distractions enter my mind.
It does not surprise me to hear you say you are going through a season where you realize the importance of prayer but also find the enemy is resisting you. He does not want that! But keep fighting.
Amen brother. The best times of my life have been on my knees. Of course it usually took some ignorance on my part for God to get me there, but He did get me there.
I”m praying for your church and this country as a whole. May you be used mightily by ou Father this weekend…
Thanks for the prayer Floyd. They are greatly appreciated. I am praying God will move in a big way.
I am with you in Prayer Bill. A bowed heart…blessings to you and your church. May transformation take place!
Yes, may transformation take place. Thanks Tom.
This is definitely a challenge for me to be on my knees this year, deep thoughts today. I enjoyed reading about Levi.
Thanks Jaycee. It is always good to hear from you. Glad it was a challenge for you (it is for me).
I don’t think being on your knees is a requirement for praying if you have physical limitations. I would have to think that you pray any way that you can and God would understand. In my case, It seems farther down in these days to get down on my knees. Must be growing taller.
This really doesn’t have any bearing on this subject but I once read that Satan can influence you through suggestions in your heart or mind but he cannot hear your thoughts ( Smith Wiggelsworth quote). One must speak out for Him to hear. On the other hand, God can hear your thoughts before you even say them.
I don’t really need to pray for a revolution. God gives me more than I can handle.
Today my grand daughter’s friend ( teenager) was with her and came over to visit us. The granddaughter’s friend asked us if we knew of a church with in walking distance of her home. She stated that she wanted to start attending church but have no transportation to get to one.
Of course we volunteered to drive her around her neighborhood and check out churhes close by. Naturally we volunteered to pick her up tomorrow to try out a church we know off that she might enjoy.
Prayers are with you for this Sunday’s service.
Being on the knees is a figure of speech meant to evoke a “picture.” Position does not matter when praying. Love that you have taken your granddaughter’s friend under your wing. We pray that she will develop a relationship with Jesus. Thanks Larry.
What a great reminder of the importance of Knee time. This is a practice I have gotten away from lately but need to start spending more time on my knees praying and worshiping. Thank you for the encouragement.
You’re welcome Dan. I would suggest you not beat yourself up though. Sometimes events (like yours) causes us to change our routines some. They get us out of warp and so we have to “redeem the time.” I know you pray when able.