by Pastor Ray Viola | Jul 22, 2023 | Devotionals, Prayer
After a very busy, draining day of ministry, Jesus rose up very early for a time with the Father in prayer. Jesus sets the example for prayer. We know that He frequently spent time in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Before choosing His first ‘ministry team’ He...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Jun 4, 2023 | Devotionals
This morning we will be looking at the first of two Spirit-filled prayers that Paul prays for the saints at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:15-20). These prayers, like all the prayers in the bible, can be used to help us in our prayer lives. In fact, I would say that one reason...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Feb 28, 2023 | Devotionals
From time to time our church sets aside a week to be devoted to prayer. When Jesus saw the apostles sleeping in the garden, He said unto them, “Watch ye and pray” (Mark 14:38). The word watch here means to give strict attention to, be cautious, active. Thus, prayer...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Jan 16, 2023 | Devotionals
When our children were younger, we would often tell them about the importance of making prayerful, Biblical choices. We took a line from a Christian video, “You win or lose by the way you choose.” The ability to choose is given to every human being. You have chosen to...
by Pastor Ray Viola | Jan 14, 2023 | Contemporary Issues
As we have been studying Jesus’ teaching on signs leading up to His return, I’m sure that we have been challenged to walk closer to Him. A word that is used in Scripture that could label the kind of faith needed for these last days is fervent. Paul tells the church at...