Effective prayer is prayer that… has and effect. Sometimes we find ourselves saying something like: “Well, I guess there is nothing to do now but pray!”  If we are sincere when we say that, the Lord whispers back: “It is about time you arrived at that place of surrender! Now I will listen.”  The Lord calls us to pray daily, earnestly, persistently.  He calls us to first recognize Him as creator and Heavenly Father, to surrender to His Will and then ask for our daily needs, forgiveness and protection.  He calls us to pray for our families, our leaders, our city.  Are you praying?  Am I?  Are we praying effectively for our city and the multitude of needs? Are we praying for revival and unity?   Are we praying for the upcoming mayoral election? Our new school year?  Are we surrendering?  Are we obedient to his will? Please join us on September 11 at 10:30 for a time of prayer for our dear city and all of Northeast Ohio.  You can register on-line by clicking on the link at the side.

You are likely familiar with the story of Martha and Mary at the end of the gospel of Luke, chapter 10.  Martha is busy.  Very busy. She has and agenda and it is not a bad one – serving others at her house.  She is annoyed, though, that her sister is sitting, not serving.  Listening, not speaking. Waiting, not doing.  Mary goes to Jesus first, to sit at his feet and hear from her Lord. Martha moves with her own agenda first then has the boldness to tell Jesus what to do! How often, in our busy office or home or church, we move ahead and tell Jesus about our agenda.  He says that Mary’s way is better. Mary has the boldness to listen. Read the end of Luke, chapter 10.  Then read Luke 11.  Jesus teaches us how to pray effectively and it begins by sitting at His feet.

Earlier this week in a staff meeting a coworker shared briefly from Luke chapter 1. As he shared I was taken by the response of both Zechariah and Mary to Gabriel’s announcement. Luke records: “Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this?” and “I am the Lord’s servant, Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said.”  Zechariah, a priest of the Lord, well along in years said – “how can I be sure of this”! Come on! He is talking to Gabriel. What more did he need. But in his defense with age comes experience, maturity, and caution. Mary on the other hand, a young, inexperienced, teen aged girl responded – perhaps impulsively “May it be to me as you have said”! No second thoughts, no concerns, just whole hearted commitment.

We are serious about engaging young people at The City Mission. We love the passion, commitment and enthusiasm they bring. If you’re a college student in need of an internship or a high school student looking for a place to serve – talk to us. Who knows how God may use you to bring help and hope to someone who might otherwise never hear of Christ’s love for them.

Originally posted by Rev. Rich Trickel on August 14, 2009

Yesterday was my chapel day at Laura’s Home – The City Mission’s facility for women and children. I’m there every Thursday morning leading the women in a weekly bible study. 

Presently, we’re in the book of James, which I love because of its practical, down to earth message – you claim to know Christ, great – then your life should reflect it! This week we talked about wisdom and James asks the question – “Who is wise and understanding among you”? And then he answers – “Let him show it by his good life”.

According to James, godly wisdom and godly behavior go together. In fact, if you believe what James is saying, you can’t separate them. He goes on to say that bitter envy, selfish ambition, disorder and evil practice is earthly, unspiritual and of the devil. The issue is clear, spiritual growth is demonstrated by a transformed life and a transformed life is a product of God’s unchanging grace. 

Originally posted by Rev. Richard Trickel on August 12, 2009

I just finished reading the book of Exodus – again. This time through I was struck by several things. First, I couldn’t help but relate to the life changing circumstances Israel went through. One day everything was relatively normal and then out of nowhere Moses shows up and life is turned upside down. Plagues, miracles, deliverance, Mount Sinai, wow! Talk about radical change. I also noticed that as Israel journeyed through their new reality that they became a bit testy. They complained about water, food, more water, wishing they could return to life in Egypt all the while discounting the evident grace of God in providing and caring for them. Through all the complaining, even though Moses lost his patience, God never did. He never rebuked Israel for complaining. I think he understood. Change is hard, upsetting, and can put us all on edge. He did though, demand obedience. The assurance given 4 times to Moses in Exodus that God would send his Angel before him must have been a great comfort. And God’s instruction to pay attention, listen and obey him must have provided a sense of security and stability for Moses. I was greatly encouraged by my journey through Exodus. Knowing that God is the same yesterday, today and forever helps me. Even though this period of change for The City Mission isn’t as traumatic and radical as Israel’s experience, it’s still unsettling. However, as we journey through new territory, I’m keeping my eye on the Angel that I know God has sent before us.

Originally posted by Rev. Rich Trickel on July 31, 2009

The Encarta Dictionary defines realign like this: straighten something, change something to fit situation, make new alliances. For many of us change isn’t easy, it’s often painful and as a result we tend to put it off as long as we can – even when we feel a change is ultimately in our best interest.

For the last 6 months change has been the topic at The City Mission. We’ve been forced, because of the economic pressures of today’s environment, to evaluate what we’re doing and adjust. We are focusing on efficiencies, strategic partnerships, and strengthening core ministry components. The occasion for faith based agencies to collaborate together is much more than just a good idea. It’s rapidly becoming an economic necessity and personally I thank God for it. In the end, we’re better together than any one of us is by ourselves. This is an exciting time – I can’t wait to see how this all plays out!