PRAYING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT - By Dr. Joseph Winger
It was one long flight I'll never forget. I had been looking forward to a restful in-flight nap. But instead of snoozing, I was captivated by conversation with the man sitting next to me. He relayed one tragic story after another about growing up as a Christian in atheistic Albania.
Our hearts were immediately connected. Because one of this mans languages was modern Greek, I asked him if he had ever used one of my favorite Greek words sunantilambanomai.
Now, let me explain the reason for that odd request. Earlier that week, I had been thinking about the Holy Spirit and prayer. That long Greek word is the word the apostle Paul chose to explaine that the Holy Spirit helps us in our prayers. "In the same way the Spirit also helps [sunantilambanomai] our weakness; for we do not know how to pray" (Romans 8:26).
"Yes," he said. "We use that word for helping someone." I asked him to give me an example. He quickly replied, "If a person were carrying a heavy box, I would go over and help them. We would carry it together." He further explained that the emphasis was on an action where two people were doing something together. With that revelation, I could barely contain my joy. I remember struggling to restrain myself from shouting. I sure did not want to cause a scene and attract an air marshal!
I then asked him if he thought the apostle Paul meant that when we pray the Holy Spirit does it with us. He nodded and confidently said, "Yes."
At that moment, I saw for the first time that prayer was never intended to be an activity that I do all alone--the Holy Spirit wants to help me pray more effectively. Too often we work hard to figure out the "right formula"to make our intercession successful. A better approach would be to begin our prayers with a humble admission of our inability to pray on target and then ask for the Holy Spirit's help. That would require us to listen more and give God fewer directions.
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
We see the Holy Spirit's activity with prayer even in the Old Testament. The foundation for all of our spiritual undertakings is, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6).
This is certainly true of prayer. Our praying requires the Holy Spirit and not purely human might, power and effort.
Zechariah further links the Holy Spirit with prayer: "And I will pour out.the Spirit of grace and of supplication" (Zechariah 12:10).
Jack Hayford explains how the Holy Spirit helps our praying in terms of one of the Old Testament definitions of the word "intercession."
"Lexicons show the root idea of this word to be, 'to light upon by chance, to meet accidentally.' So it expresses a fortuitous and unplanned encounter of parties. That definition seems pointless unless we take into consideration Gods strategy for prayer. The [Holy Spirit] is active in bringing to mind people or circumstances we ought to pray for, and giving rise to prayer that exactly hits the mark. That is, God Himself knows where hearts cry for His intervention, and theHoly Spirit prompts prayer to release the working of His hand for them."(Jack Hayford, Prayer is Invading the Impossible [New York: BallentineBooks, 1983], 123-124.)
We can all testify of how God brought someone to mind at the precise moment they needed intercession. The person was either experiencing a victorious breakthrough or an urgent need. The Holy Spirit brought them to mind and helped our prayers to "hit the mark!"
How the Holy Spirit Helps Us to Pray
The New Testament portrays each person of the Trinity as deeply involved in the experience of prayer: we approach the Father through the Son, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul exhorts us to "pray in the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:18).
Jude speaks of"building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit"(Jude 20). "Praying in the Spirit" has been interpreted differently depending on a persons background and theology. Charismatic and Pentecostal churches believe these verses refer to praying in tongues (I Corinthians 14:14-15). A widely accepted interpretation explained here by Frank Gaebeleinis to pray while guided by the Spirit of God: "Because all believers have the Spirit, they are to pray according to the Spirit's will (set forth in the written Word of God, and made known by inner promptings) to accomplishGod's work by God's power." (The Expositor's Bible Commentary, p. 395).
Just how does the Holy Spirit help us to pray?
Here are six ways :He helps our praying to be more powerful and effective:When I am weak, the Spirit supplies my inner man with spiritual vitality:"strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians3:16).
When I am struggling with my identity, the Holy Spirit confirms to me the reality of my adoption by the Father: "The Spirit Himself bears witness withour spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16).
When I feel far from God, the Holy Spirit ushers me into the Fathers presence: "we have access to the Father by one Spirit" (Ephesians 2:18).''
When I am confused about how best to pray, the Holy Spirit gives insight:"For to us God revealed them through the Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God" (I Corinthians 2:10).
When I am battling unbelief and negativity, the Holy Spirit fills my life with praise: "filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns" (Ephesians 5:18-19).
The apostle Paul wrote that we are to keep alert in our praying with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).
When I become sluggish in prayer, praising and thanking God actually wakes me up and keeps me focused. When I am tempted to disobey and thus hinder my prayer life, the Holy Spirit helps me to walk in Gods ways (Ezekiel 36:27) and manifest--the fruit of the Spirit-- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness(Galatians 5:22). It is by the Spirit that we put to death the deeds of our flesh (Romans 8:13).
An obedient life lays a firm foundation for confident, productive intercession (I John 3: 21-22). I am forever grateful for the Holy Spirits invaluable help with prayer. In fact, my life is a testimony to being pulled out of numerous critical situations because someone prayed by the Holy Spirits insights.
The most memorable time was when my daughter forcefully announced to my family that I needed prayer right then. She went into intercession asking God to protect me. At that precise moment I was two time zones away in a situation where a man was trying to rob me and possibly hurt me seriously. The amazing thing is that my daughter was only four years old. Holy Spirit helped a child to"hit the mark" with her intercession, and I am here today to proclaim that our God is faithful!'
Richard Foster eloquently summarizes the Holy Spirits help in prayer as:"When we stumble over our words, the Spirit straightens out the syntax. Whenwe pray with muddy motives, the Spirit purifies the stream.The point is that we do not have to have everything perfect when we pray. The Spirit reshapes, refines, and reinterprets our feeble, ego-driven prayers.
"WOW! With that kind of help, who would ever want to pray alone?
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Sunday, September 17, 2006
A Model Prayer From Abba
"And now about prayer. When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I assure you, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you. 7 "When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don't be like them, because your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honoured. 10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. 11 Give us our food for today, 12 and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. 13 And don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 14 "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Mth 5: 1-15)
MODEL PRAYER:
Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honoured. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Give us our food for today, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Math 6: NLT)
KEY THOUGHT: Much has been written about Jesus' model prayer. Rather than something to be blindly recited, this is a short guide for disciples on how to pray.
The prayer easily divides into two parts: first, we recognize the estimable greatness of God, and then we recognize our dependency upon him. As the previous verses indicate, God is our Father whom we can approach freely as Father, while at the same time revering his holiness.
The first three petitions ask God to accomplish his ultimate will in our world and reveal his holy purposes to all people.
The second three acknowledge our need for sustenance, forgiveness, and strength to face the rigors of daily spiritual and physical life.
Bottom line, prayer doesn't need to be eloquent, but reverent of God, penitent before God, and dependent upon God while approaching him with confidence as children of God.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Holy and tender Father, I pray that you exert your power in our world and work your will in irrefutable and glorious ways. I trust you to fill my daily needs as I depend upon your mercy and grace to forgive me and empower me to forgive. May my life be used in your service to accomplish your will. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
What Jesus Did! is a 365-day devotional through the book of Mathew. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web http://www.heartlight.org/
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A VISION FOR THE KINGDOM
Matthew 6:5-15 - When asked by his disciples how they should pray? Jesus gave us these words.
I used to think this was just a small prayer, a sample of what kind of stuff we could bring to God. Surely there must be bigger - better prayers. But after studying this for a while - I realized - no, this is THE PRAYER!
It encompasses all of life. You and I need to pray better - not just more - but better. I have been asking myself - why I do not pray like I play. If I were not an ordained minister would I pray at all?
Maybe you are asking those same questions too. As an introduction we are going to notice three aspects about this prayer: it is short, it is simple, and it is guaranteed.
It is short.
The Lords prayer is exactly 57 Greek words (just 52 English words). Men have written huge volumes on prayer; lectured for hours. Jesus took about 40 seconds. Some have tried to say that Jesus point is do not pray long. But it would be curious if he taught it, because he sure did not live it. We know that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and praying and that He spent all night in prayer in Gethsemane.
So how much should we pray? Some of us have this knee-jerk reaction to spiritual disciplines, do not get too deep on me, just tell me what I need to do; give me the standard and I will do it.
In verses 7-8 here, Jesus warns us against praying many words thinking you will impress God by your many words as the pagans do. There is something more important than words, and that is your heart. Do not pray to impress God or others (v.5-6), real prayer can be simple and straightforward.
Ok you say - so my prayer should be short and I should do it in my closet, right?
Well not necessarily. The Biblical example is to labor in prayer and Paul instructs us, pray continually.
Some of Jesus most fascinating parables are about working hard in prayer: the widow who wears out the unjust judge with her requests for mercy - the man who knocks on his friends door at midnight. There is also a great saying of Jesus that men of violence take the kingdom by force. I don't think He is referring to some religious jihad, rather to strong men who labor in faith, work and prayer.
The key is motivation not length. There is no quota for length of prayer! Pray as much as you need - it is for your benefit and about your relationship. Asking how much you should pray is like asking how much should I talk to my wife?
There is no extra righteousness to be won by long prayers - and no righteousness to lose by short prayers. This is what I do not like about some programs for spiritual disciplines - they can reduce a prayer life to a 30 -minute quiet time. I have heard stories of people who come to faith and start praying all the time until they get discipled by some well-meaning person who tells them they need to have a structured 30 - minute quiet time in the morning. So the active imagination of faith gets whittled down to a timeclock duty and they end up hardly praying at all!
There is a freedom in prayer that is dictated by love - not by length.
It is simple.
The beauty of the Lords Prayer is that in its simplicity is its majesty.
It mentions only a few things, but it pertains to everything. It is like the old saying, It is shallow enough for a child to wade in - and deep enough to drown an elephant in.
The Christian faith is both the easiest thing in the world to grasp - but also the most difficult. It is all about putting your trust in someone else!
Prayer is the same, both the easiest and hardest, because it involves us putting our trust in someone else. In one sense prayer is talking to God without having to look in His face, but when you realize that all of your life is lived coram deo before the face of God - you realize you are before His face!
Experiencing the Lords Prayer is a little bit like an experience I recently had with maps. Last year I went to British Columbia. Now I thought it was just a small place north of Washington. My map has the United States in the center of it and then just a small bit of Canada at the top of the map and little of Mexico at the bottom. But I saw a Canadian map while I was in BC. On that map Canada is huge and the US is just a sliver of land at the bottom. I also realize that from the US/ Canada border up to the Yukon is as long as the US/Canada border all the way down to Mexico. And the diversity of scenery and the people I met in Canada!
The kingdom of God is a greater concept that we ever imagined. Our maps tend to have the kingdom of man in the center with Gods kingdom on the periphery. The Lords Prayer helps reorient our spiritual geography.
Now, the vision for the kingdom of God has to be huge to sustain 2,000 years (actually all of human history). One of the insights of the book Good to Great is that an effective company has an easy mission statement but is committed to it. That is the vision we get here, simple but powerful and transformative.
It is guaranteed.
Here is something to chew on: Everything in this prayer is going to happen, whether you pray it or not. God is going to be praised- by His children or by the rocks. His kingdom is going to come. His will is going to be done - He is the unstoppable force. He is going to provide for His children. He is going to forgive all those for whom Christ died. He is going to keep His people from [ultimate] harm. It is going to happen.
The most popular view of Christianity is that we are losing. Can you not see? The culture war is being lost. Look at television - look at the teen pregnancy rate - we are fighting a losing battle. But lets be good sports about it.
NO- Jesus says in Revelation, To him who overcomes I'll give the manna - the right to the tree of life…
As my old seminary professor once said, You do not get the good sportsmanship award if you are a follower of Jesus. You get the trophy of victory. You get the right to rule on the throne of Jesus like He rules on His Fathers throne today.
Do you know what the meaning of the Ascension is? It is not that Jesus is reigning for the first time as the 2nd person of the Trinity He has always reigned with the Father and the Spirit. The significance is that at the ascension He began to reign as a man on the throne. He has fulfilled the original command to Adam to rule the earth.
This goal of Gods kingdom is the highest goal you can have. It puts all your other goals in perspective, it gives all of your pursuits and struggles meaning. The Lords Prayer orients us to the kingdom of God , which is coming and is here. Too often, we forget and only focus on the kingdom of man.
But the kingdom of God will endure forever, eventually on earth as it does in heaven. Isaiah 9:6-7 is a familiar passage which talks about the 1st & 2nd Comings of Christ.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; And the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end. On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.
Friends do you want to see Jesus reign? Then pray His prayer.
It is a prayer He loves to answer. These are the areas He cares deeply about. These are not the only words you can pray. But, they are the focal point for how we think about Gods kingdom and priorities.
Author: Ronald Morrow (c) 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
God Has A Plan For You!
Luke 18:7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
Reflective Thought: "Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado
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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
God has a plan for your life. He brought you into this world to fulfil that plan. It is the best plan that anyone could ever make for you. It is a plan that will bring Him the greatest glory and you the greatest good. From the beginning of this calendar year until its end, God is working out His plan.
As you follow God's plan for your life, you do so by faith. It is important to remember that He is the Guide and you are the follower. He does not need to bring you into His planning room as a consultant to help Him decide what is best for your life. God has called you to trust Him and to take the next step of obedience according to His will.
God has said, "I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16 NKJV
Here are some ways that God is working out His plan:
He is your Shepherd - He is leading you
He is your Provider - He is taking care of you
He is your Strength - He is enabling you
He is your Counsellor - He is speaking to you
He is your Shield - He is protecting you.
He is your Comfort - He is encouraging you.
He is your Father - He is blessing you.
Author: Roy Lessin, Co-Founder, DaySpring Cards
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Reflective Prayer: In both good times and bad, Lord, be close by me to help me keep my head about me. Do not let me be swept up in temporary situations, losing sight of Your hand on my life, but let me always feel Your guiding presence. Amen.
Reflective Thought: "Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado
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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
God has a plan for your life. He brought you into this world to fulfil that plan. It is the best plan that anyone could ever make for you. It is a plan that will bring Him the greatest glory and you the greatest good. From the beginning of this calendar year until its end, God is working out His plan.
As you follow God's plan for your life, you do so by faith. It is important to remember that He is the Guide and you are the follower. He does not need to bring you into His planning room as a consultant to help Him decide what is best for your life. God has called you to trust Him and to take the next step of obedience according to His will.
God has said, "I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16 NKJV
Here are some ways that God is working out His plan:
He is your Shepherd - He is leading you
He is your Provider - He is taking care of you
He is your Strength - He is enabling you
He is your Counsellor - He is speaking to you
He is your Shield - He is protecting you.
He is your Comfort - He is encouraging you.
He is your Father - He is blessing you.
Author: Roy Lessin, Co-Founder, DaySpring Cards
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Reflective Prayer: In both good times and bad, Lord, be close by me to help me keep my head about me. Do not let me be swept up in temporary situations, losing sight of Your hand on my life, but let me always feel Your guiding presence. Amen.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Are You Discouraged?
We need to remember that the Lord Jesus Christ has given His assurance that the new life to come will overshadow any trial or hardship that is thrown our way and the Joy from this will last for eternity. The trials in our life are only temporary and will one day be gone never to return again. Read: (Rev 21:3-4)
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Reflective Prayer: This message was being prepared for next weeks sermon, but as I began reading the replies from the last sermon I mailed out and receiving the prayer requests from people who are under satanic or spiritual attacks this moment I knew that something needed to be done this week. Please remember to intercede for those you know who are intercessors, or simply ask the Father who you should pray for?
Those on the front lines of this Spiritual War The Warriors, The Watchmen and the intercessors are increasingly being singled out and attacked by the enemy. Once again if you know any of these people please remember to pray for them.
When You Come to The End of Yourself!
As we read the words of David in Psalm 38, we find this godly, righteous man at the end of himself. He was downcast and discouraged, and his struggle had drained him of all strength. Listen to his distraught cry:
"I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me, I as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs (Psalm 38:6, 8, 10, 13-14).
As I read this psalm, I imagine David slumped in despair. Perhaps what troubled him most was that he could not understand why he was suddenly cast down so low. This man hungered for the Lord, pouring out his heart daily in prayer. He revered Gods word, writing psalms that extolled his glory. But now, in his depressed state, all he could do was cry, Lord, I am at the end of my rope. And I have no idea why it is happening!
Like many discouraged Christians today, David tried to figure out why he felt so empty and broken in spirit. He probably relived every failure, sin and foolish deed in his life. At some point he must have thought, Oh, Lord, have all my reckless acts left me so wounded that I am beyond hope?
Finally, David reasoned that God must have been chastening him.
He cried, O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over my head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me (verses 1-4).
Let me point out here that David is not just writing about his own condition in this psalm. He is describing something that all devoted lovers of Jesus face at some point in their lifetime. He is talking about being under a demonic attack from a plaguing spirit of discouragement!
This kind of discouraging spirit comes straight from the bowels of hell. And the time comes when every dedicated believer is overwhelmed by this sudden and unexpected experience. No Christian brings it on himself, nor does the Lord send it. Such an attack usually has nothing to do with any specific sin or failing by the believer.
Very simply, the spirit of discouragement is Satans most potent weapon against Gods elect. Most often, he uses it to try to convince us we have brought Gods wrath upon ourselves by not measuring up to his holy standards. But the apostle Paul urges us not fall prey to the devils snare: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Paul is saying, You have to see your discouragement for what it really is!
Its a demonic weapon an arrow that Satan shoots at you from his quiver to get you to doubt yourself. He knows he cant tempt you to turn away from Jesus. So he swamps you with vicious lies to make you think you will never be good enough to serve Christ. He wants to get you so downcast that you’ll want to throw in the towel!
Ask Yourself If Davids Heart-Cry Is Your Own Cry whenever you are overwhelmed by the Spirit of Discouragement.
Feebleness, soreness, brokenness, troubles, disquietness, mourning all of these things bowed Davids spirit low. He felt dry and empty, without direction, as if he had learned nothing over the years.
As for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me (Psalm 38:10).
David is saying I have lost my spiritual understanding. My vision and revelation of the Lord have left me. I can not reach God as I used to!
I know just how David felt. I have led evangelistic crusades in which thousands at a time have come to Christ. And I have helped lead multitudes of drug addicts and alcoholics to deliverance in Jesus. My life has been full of such rich blessings. But often, within days of these events, I became overwhelmed with discouragement. I ended up thinking, Lord; my life has been a complete waste. I have not accomplished anything for you!
That is the work of Satans spirit of discouragement. It makes us a target for the powers of hell within moments of our greatest spiritual victory!
This heavy, demonic spirit laid David so low; he was dumbfounded in Gods presence. He said, but I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs (verses 13-14).
The Hebrew meaning of this last phrase is a man who has no more answers or arguments left. David was saying, Lord, I am too down and discouraged to even lift my hand up to you. I can not pray, because I am too confused to speak. I am drained and empty. I have nothing to say.
Davids trial was not at all unique. I have read many biographies of devout men and women whom the Lord used mightily, and every one of these people struggled through the same kind of crippling discouragement.
The great British preacher C.H. Spurgeon led multitudes to Christ through his powerful sermons. But he suffered awful bouts with melancholy. He often felt as if he had accomplished nothing in his life. He once lamented, I have got the blackest heart in Britain. Frequently he would go into his garden, raise his hands to God and cry, Lord, I have never desired you more, yet my spirit has never been so low. Why is this happening?
David voiced the universal cry of the righteous soul that endures an attack of discouragement: I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me (verse 17). The word halt here in Hebrew means fall. David was telling God, I am not going to make it, Lord. I am at my absolute end and I am about to fall!
God Will Always Be Tender With Us in Our Helpless Condition But We Are Never to Allow Unbelief to Settle in Our Hearts!
We can talk to God all we want about our feelings of failure. We can tell him about our despair over our sins and foolish mistakes. But we are never to entertain the thought that he has abandoned us. This is a serious accusation, and our Lord does not take it lightly.
We see his immediate response to this kind of accusation in Numbers: (Israel) journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread; and the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died (Numbers 21:4-6).
When the Bible tells me my loving heavenly father sent fiery serpents upon his own people, and that they died from the snake bites, I can not ignore the very clear message: God will not allow such unbelief among his elect! After all that our precious Lord has done for us, the most hurtful accusation we can make against him is that he has neglected us. We are to beware of such unbelief, especially in our difficult times.
David is our example of someone who kept his faith. Even at his lowest point, David would not allow himself to wallow in unbelief. He cried, for in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God (Psalm 38:15).
If you are enduring an attack from a demonic spirit of discouragement, I suggest you do these three things:
1. Do Not Try to Maneuver Your Way Out of It.
Do not try to escape the attack through your own wits. You are no match for the demonic spirit you are up against. The battle is far beyond your human skill or physical power to wage. Nor can you merely talk it out with friends, or try to overcome it through books, seminars or counselors. The conflict is in the spiritual realm, and it has to be fought in the spirit.
In his time of discouragement, David could not figure out why he was so cast down. He asked, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? (Psalm 42:5).
Yet his questions were not doubts about God. David actually begins the psalm by expressing his deep thirst for the Lord:
As the hart [deer] panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (verses 1-2).
In the midst of his discouragement, David cried out for a revelation of the Lord. He was saying, God, there has never been a time when I have loved you more. I thirst for you like the running deer who pants for water. So why am I so cast down? Why am I suffering such overwhelming discouragement?
Of course, at times David experienced despair and depression because of his sin. He endured the Lords chastening for his pride when he numbered his fighting men, which was against Gods law. And he felt the pain of Gods rod when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged to have her husband murdered. His heart broke with dejection over the judgment he brought on his family because of these sins.
So, too, many believers today are discouraged because of their sins. Some are depressed because the Holy Spirit has wanted to bring them into victory, but they resist. They have chosen the way of the flesh, and that always leads to pain and discouragement.
However, I am addressing repentant believers here those who seek God with all their hearts. These faithful servants are gripped by a different kind of discouragement. This kind comes upon them suddenly, out of nowhere, for no apparent reason. And it totally dumbfounds them. If this is true of you, you can be absolutely sure you are under attack. Satan has sent a cloud of discouragement to overwhelm you. And he has his reasons for doing so!
You see, discouragement is the devils most devastating tool in his attacks on Spirit-hungry saints.
It has been the enemyies weapon of choice for centuries against Gods elect. And from the day you became serious about the things of God determining in your heart to know Christ in his fullness Satan has sought to discourage you. He has watched you dig deeper into Gods word every day. He has seen you changing, growing, and overcoming all worldliness. So he has made you a target for heavy attack.
And you had better believe that attack will come! Right now you may be able to praise God loudly in church, saying, This is the greatest day of joy I have ever had! But watch out for what comes tomorrow. Satan will use his most powerful weapon discouragement to try to bring you down.
However, when the attack comes, do not think it is unusual. God allows this kind of fiery testing with all his saints.
Peter writes, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you (1 Peter 4:12). Discouragement is a trial Gods people have endured for centuries!
2. Go to Prayer, Giving the Holy Spirit Time to Do His Work!
When you are under attack from the enemies spirit of discouragement, you will not feel like praying. But you must still go to the secret place and be in Jesus presence. You do not need to worry about trying to pray your way out of despair. This is the time for Gods Spirit to go to work in you.
It is his job to lift you out of the pit.
When you go to the Lord, be honest with him. Tell him how weak and helpless you feel. Let him know, Jesus, I am dry. I have no strength left. If I am ever going to get out of this depression, you are going to have to make it happen. In such low times, the Lord is very patient with us. He does not expect us to exert some intense, fervent effort in prayer. He knows our condition, and he sympathizes with us.
So, just sit in his presence and trust his Spirit to do in you what he has been sent to do. It does not matter how cast down you are he will never forsake you! We have the notion that every time we fail the Lord, the Holy Ghost flits away like a bird.
Some Puritan divines taught this. They believed that Gods Spirit leaves Christians for a season whenever has grieved with them. I could never understand or accept this doctrine. How could Gods Spirit abandon me when I need him most? If he leaves me whenever I fail and fall deep into discouragement, how could he be my comforter? That would not provide any comfort at all. In fact, it would leave me in Satans power!
Likewise, if the Holy Ghost is my souls sanctifier, how could he do this work if he flies in and out of my life every time I fail? How could I ever see my sin without the Spirits presence there to convict me of it? How could I know how to change if he was not there to guide and direct me?
Jesus promised us, I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you (John 14:16, 18).
When the devils heavy spirit of discouragement settles over your life, you may be so distraught you can not even whisper a prayer. But even if you can not utter a word, you can talk to Jesus in your spirit. Just tell him softly, Lord, help me. This attack is too much for me. I can not do anything but sit here in faith. I trust your Spirit to drive it out of me.
The First Thing the Spirit Will Do When He Comes Is Expose All of Satans Lies!
The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).
I remember experiencing a particularly heavy attack of discouragement at a certain point in my life. It happened when I was as close to Jesus as at any other time. I was diligent about my prayer life, pouring my heart out daily to the Lord. And I spent hours searching his word, devouring both Testaments. I enjoyed sweet communion with the Lord and saw many of my prayers answered. As far as I knew, I was in Gods perfect will, doing everything he told me.
But one morning, as I was preparing a message for the following weeks sermon, something hit me. I was overcome by an intense despair. It came out of nowhere, weighing me down heavily. And it happened for no apparent reason. No matter how hard I tried, I could not shake it. As I sat at my desk with my Bible open, I tried to continue working on the sermon. But I could not get anywhere. Suddenly I was bombarded with doubts about my ability to put together a true message from the Lord. My mind was flooded with horrible thoughts that told me, You do not understand Pauls writings. You have not grasped the old man and new man concepts. You do not comprehend dying to sin when sin still exists. How dare you presume to preach Gods holy word? I sat there for three hours, determined to dig out a message. But nothing ever came.
By mid-morning, all the words on the pages of my Bible seemed to run together. My mind was confused, and my spirit was dull, unable to hear anything from the Lord. I sank deeper into despair, thinking, I am totally ignorant of Gods word. Yet I keep churning out sermon after sermon, week after week. I’m not really serving anybody. After all these years, I still do not understand the Bible. My light has gone out! I was convinced I had nothing to give the people in our church. So I closed the Bible and left my study.
As I walked around the house, my discouragement only grew. I tried to figure out why it had come upon me in the first place, but I did not have a clue. I did not have any financial troubles. I had no family crisis. I felt great physically. And I had no known sin. I did not have a single reason to feel the way I did.
Finally, I went into my prayer room and sat on the floor. I could not even muster up a word to say to the Lord. Instead, I cried out to him from my spirit: Lord, I do not know what to do. I feel so down I can not even reach out to you. Yet I know I have never loved you more than right now. Why is this happening? Please, God help me.
When the devil comes with his spirit of discouragement, he bombards you with one lie after another. He lies to you about your marriage, your family, your friendships, your calling, and your walk with the Lord. Then he begins to replay in your mind every sin, failure and foolish thing you have ever done. By the time he has finished, you are crying, Oh, God I will never make it!
This is just what the devil did to me. While in prayer, I endured his bombardment of hellish lies for about half an hour. That is when Gods still, small voice broke through to my spirit. He spoke to me words full of love and compassion: David, you are greatly loved. Do not worry my hand is upon you. You are under severe attack, but you do not have to fear. You do not need any strength of your own for this battle. I have everything you need.
The first thing the Holy Spirit does in such times is to bring to your remembrance all the precious promises of Jesus. And so he did with me. He flooded my soul with dozens of promises I knew from Gods word. And he assured me, Your life is not over. You do not know it, but you have not even started yet. The best is still ahead of you. My spirit soared within me. As I stood to my feet I thought, Why did I ever put up with any of this discouragement? It is not from my Lord!
That is the work of the Holy Spirit. He undoes the lies of the enemy and brings encouragement from on high!
3. Dare to Believe the Incredibly Good Things the Holy Spirit Is Going to Tell You!
Multitudes of Christians enter Gods presence every day expecting to be reproved by him. How that must grieve our Lord. When we go to prayer, we ought to be prepared to hear a good word from our loving father. But many believers rarely are. I lived that way for years. Every time I entered my prayer closet, I expected to hear a rebuke from the Lord. Thank God, he has taught me a better way.
On the other hand, there are entire denominations that avoid any mention of holy reproof. They say very little about sin because they want to preach only positive, upbeat messages. In the process, they ignore all the convicting, life-giving reproofs spoken by Christ and the New Testament writers. Such churches claim to preach a gospel of love, mercy and grace. But, sadly, they misuse Gods grace, turning it into a license to sin.
I realize I am not writing this message to that kind of people. Rather, I am speaking to overcoming Christians who avoid sin as one way of loving the Lord. I am speaking to those who enjoy intimacy with Christ because they hunger and thirst for him constantly. If this describes you, and you are downcast and depressed, please know its happening not because you have gotten easy on sin. It is happening because you are under attack for loving Jesus!
Be assured all who wait on the Lord will receive his glorious promises: Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him (Isaiah 64:4).
As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
Let us take a closer look at two phrases from the passage in Corinthians:
1. the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (verse 9). Satan can attack you, flooding you with lies and discouraging words. But if you will simply wait on the Lord, his Spirit will come to you in the midst of the attack and drive out all the devils lies.
How? He will give you a revelation of all the good things God has prepared for you because you love him! Our Lord has a wonderful plan for every single child who loves him. And no satanic attack against his children can ever alter those plans.
God knows the sorrows, struggles and pain we may be facing today. But he also knows the glorious things he has laid out ahead of us. He knows the revelation we will receive, the usefulness we will enjoy, the fruit we will see, the joy and peace we will possess. He has a good word for all who love him!
2. God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit (verse 10). The Lord desires to show us his good word about what he has prepared for us. And his Spirit is the messenger who bears that good word. The Holy Ghost will give wings to our drooping spirits with Gods revelation to us and well fly like eagles out of Satans snare!
Listen to these wonderful words from Isaiah: Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).
That is the work of the Holy Spirit to encourage us. Our work is simply to trust him to fulfill what the father has sent him to do.
Go to your secret closet right now, even in your discouraged state, and quiet yourself before the Lord. Even if you do not have strength enough to speak, you can reach out to him in spirit.
Speak to him this prayer: Lord, I know your Spirit abides in me. And I know you have sent him to comfort me, strengthen me and reveal the mind of Christ to me. So, Holy Ghost, I turn to you right now in simple, childlike faith. Speak to my heart your words of comfort. I do not have any strength left. You’re going to have to lift me up and lead me.
The Spirit of Christ will not let you be deceived. He will show you the good things God has ahead for you. But you must dare to believe he will speak to you! You are not going to faint. You are going to come out of your trial more victorious, because your faith will have been tested and tried as gold. And you’ll see the Lord fulfill every promise he has made to you!
God Bless you all, Rev Ron Morrow - http://ronmorrowministries.
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Reflective Prayer: This message was being prepared for next weeks sermon, but as I began reading the replies from the last sermon I mailed out and receiving the prayer requests from people who are under satanic or spiritual attacks this moment I knew that something needed to be done this week. Please remember to intercede for those you know who are intercessors, or simply ask the Father who you should pray for?
Those on the front lines of this Spiritual War The Warriors, The Watchmen and the intercessors are increasingly being singled out and attacked by the enemy. Once again if you know any of these people please remember to pray for them.
When You Come to The End of Yourself!
As we read the words of David in Psalm 38, we find this godly, righteous man at the end of himself. He was downcast and discouraged, and his struggle had drained him of all strength. Listen to his distraught cry:
"I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me, I as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs (Psalm 38:6, 8, 10, 13-14).
As I read this psalm, I imagine David slumped in despair. Perhaps what troubled him most was that he could not understand why he was suddenly cast down so low. This man hungered for the Lord, pouring out his heart daily in prayer. He revered Gods word, writing psalms that extolled his glory. But now, in his depressed state, all he could do was cry, Lord, I am at the end of my rope. And I have no idea why it is happening!
Like many discouraged Christians today, David tried to figure out why he felt so empty and broken in spirit. He probably relived every failure, sin and foolish deed in his life. At some point he must have thought, Oh, Lord, have all my reckless acts left me so wounded that I am beyond hope?
Finally, David reasoned that God must have been chastening him.
He cried, O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over my head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me (verses 1-4).
Let me point out here that David is not just writing about his own condition in this psalm. He is describing something that all devoted lovers of Jesus face at some point in their lifetime. He is talking about being under a demonic attack from a plaguing spirit of discouragement!
This kind of discouraging spirit comes straight from the bowels of hell. And the time comes when every dedicated believer is overwhelmed by this sudden and unexpected experience. No Christian brings it on himself, nor does the Lord send it. Such an attack usually has nothing to do with any specific sin or failing by the believer.
Very simply, the spirit of discouragement is Satans most potent weapon against Gods elect. Most often, he uses it to try to convince us we have brought Gods wrath upon ourselves by not measuring up to his holy standards. But the apostle Paul urges us not fall prey to the devils snare: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Paul is saying, You have to see your discouragement for what it really is!
Its a demonic weapon an arrow that Satan shoots at you from his quiver to get you to doubt yourself. He knows he cant tempt you to turn away from Jesus. So he swamps you with vicious lies to make you think you will never be good enough to serve Christ. He wants to get you so downcast that you’ll want to throw in the towel!
Ask Yourself If Davids Heart-Cry Is Your Own Cry whenever you are overwhelmed by the Spirit of Discouragement.
Feebleness, soreness, brokenness, troubles, disquietness, mourning all of these things bowed Davids spirit low. He felt dry and empty, without direction, as if he had learned nothing over the years.
As for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me (Psalm 38:10).
David is saying I have lost my spiritual understanding. My vision and revelation of the Lord have left me. I can not reach God as I used to!
I know just how David felt. I have led evangelistic crusades in which thousands at a time have come to Christ. And I have helped lead multitudes of drug addicts and alcoholics to deliverance in Jesus. My life has been full of such rich blessings. But often, within days of these events, I became overwhelmed with discouragement. I ended up thinking, Lord; my life has been a complete waste. I have not accomplished anything for you!
That is the work of Satans spirit of discouragement. It makes us a target for the powers of hell within moments of our greatest spiritual victory!
This heavy, demonic spirit laid David so low; he was dumbfounded in Gods presence. He said, but I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs (verses 13-14).
The Hebrew meaning of this last phrase is a man who has no more answers or arguments left. David was saying, Lord, I am too down and discouraged to even lift my hand up to you. I can not pray, because I am too confused to speak. I am drained and empty. I have nothing to say.
Davids trial was not at all unique. I have read many biographies of devout men and women whom the Lord used mightily, and every one of these people struggled through the same kind of crippling discouragement.
The great British preacher C.H. Spurgeon led multitudes to Christ through his powerful sermons. But he suffered awful bouts with melancholy. He often felt as if he had accomplished nothing in his life. He once lamented, I have got the blackest heart in Britain. Frequently he would go into his garden, raise his hands to God and cry, Lord, I have never desired you more, yet my spirit has never been so low. Why is this happening?
David voiced the universal cry of the righteous soul that endures an attack of discouragement: I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me (verse 17). The word halt here in Hebrew means fall. David was telling God, I am not going to make it, Lord. I am at my absolute end and I am about to fall!
God Will Always Be Tender With Us in Our Helpless Condition But We Are Never to Allow Unbelief to Settle in Our Hearts!
We can talk to God all we want about our feelings of failure. We can tell him about our despair over our sins and foolish mistakes. But we are never to entertain the thought that he has abandoned us. This is a serious accusation, and our Lord does not take it lightly.
We see his immediate response to this kind of accusation in Numbers: (Israel) journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread; and the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died (Numbers 21:4-6).
When the Bible tells me my loving heavenly father sent fiery serpents upon his own people, and that they died from the snake bites, I can not ignore the very clear message: God will not allow such unbelief among his elect! After all that our precious Lord has done for us, the most hurtful accusation we can make against him is that he has neglected us. We are to beware of such unbelief, especially in our difficult times.
David is our example of someone who kept his faith. Even at his lowest point, David would not allow himself to wallow in unbelief. He cried, for in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God (Psalm 38:15).
If you are enduring an attack from a demonic spirit of discouragement, I suggest you do these three things:
1. Do Not Try to Maneuver Your Way Out of It.
Do not try to escape the attack through your own wits. You are no match for the demonic spirit you are up against. The battle is far beyond your human skill or physical power to wage. Nor can you merely talk it out with friends, or try to overcome it through books, seminars or counselors. The conflict is in the spiritual realm, and it has to be fought in the spirit.
In his time of discouragement, David could not figure out why he was so cast down. He asked, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? (Psalm 42:5).
Yet his questions were not doubts about God. David actually begins the psalm by expressing his deep thirst for the Lord:
As the hart [deer] panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (verses 1-2).
In the midst of his discouragement, David cried out for a revelation of the Lord. He was saying, God, there has never been a time when I have loved you more. I thirst for you like the running deer who pants for water. So why am I so cast down? Why am I suffering such overwhelming discouragement?
Of course, at times David experienced despair and depression because of his sin. He endured the Lords chastening for his pride when he numbered his fighting men, which was against Gods law. And he felt the pain of Gods rod when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged to have her husband murdered. His heart broke with dejection over the judgment he brought on his family because of these sins.
So, too, many believers today are discouraged because of their sins. Some are depressed because the Holy Spirit has wanted to bring them into victory, but they resist. They have chosen the way of the flesh, and that always leads to pain and discouragement.
However, I am addressing repentant believers here those who seek God with all their hearts. These faithful servants are gripped by a different kind of discouragement. This kind comes upon them suddenly, out of nowhere, for no apparent reason. And it totally dumbfounds them. If this is true of you, you can be absolutely sure you are under attack. Satan has sent a cloud of discouragement to overwhelm you. And he has his reasons for doing so!
You see, discouragement is the devils most devastating tool in his attacks on Spirit-hungry saints.
It has been the enemyies weapon of choice for centuries against Gods elect. And from the day you became serious about the things of God determining in your heart to know Christ in his fullness Satan has sought to discourage you. He has watched you dig deeper into Gods word every day. He has seen you changing, growing, and overcoming all worldliness. So he has made you a target for heavy attack.
And you had better believe that attack will come! Right now you may be able to praise God loudly in church, saying, This is the greatest day of joy I have ever had! But watch out for what comes tomorrow. Satan will use his most powerful weapon discouragement to try to bring you down.
However, when the attack comes, do not think it is unusual. God allows this kind of fiery testing with all his saints.
Peter writes, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you (1 Peter 4:12). Discouragement is a trial Gods people have endured for centuries!
2. Go to Prayer, Giving the Holy Spirit Time to Do His Work!
When you are under attack from the enemies spirit of discouragement, you will not feel like praying. But you must still go to the secret place and be in Jesus presence. You do not need to worry about trying to pray your way out of despair. This is the time for Gods Spirit to go to work in you.
It is his job to lift you out of the pit.
When you go to the Lord, be honest with him. Tell him how weak and helpless you feel. Let him know, Jesus, I am dry. I have no strength left. If I am ever going to get out of this depression, you are going to have to make it happen. In such low times, the Lord is very patient with us. He does not expect us to exert some intense, fervent effort in prayer. He knows our condition, and he sympathizes with us.
So, just sit in his presence and trust his Spirit to do in you what he has been sent to do. It does not matter how cast down you are he will never forsake you! We have the notion that every time we fail the Lord, the Holy Ghost flits away like a bird.
Some Puritan divines taught this. They believed that Gods Spirit leaves Christians for a season whenever has grieved with them. I could never understand or accept this doctrine. How could Gods Spirit abandon me when I need him most? If he leaves me whenever I fail and fall deep into discouragement, how could he be my comforter? That would not provide any comfort at all. In fact, it would leave me in Satans power!
Likewise, if the Holy Ghost is my souls sanctifier, how could he do this work if he flies in and out of my life every time I fail? How could I ever see my sin without the Spirits presence there to convict me of it? How could I know how to change if he was not there to guide and direct me?
Jesus promised us, I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you (John 14:16, 18).
When the devils heavy spirit of discouragement settles over your life, you may be so distraught you can not even whisper a prayer. But even if you can not utter a word, you can talk to Jesus in your spirit. Just tell him softly, Lord, help me. This attack is too much for me. I can not do anything but sit here in faith. I trust your Spirit to drive it out of me.
The First Thing the Spirit Will Do When He Comes Is Expose All of Satans Lies!
The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).
I remember experiencing a particularly heavy attack of discouragement at a certain point in my life. It happened when I was as close to Jesus as at any other time. I was diligent about my prayer life, pouring my heart out daily to the Lord. And I spent hours searching his word, devouring both Testaments. I enjoyed sweet communion with the Lord and saw many of my prayers answered. As far as I knew, I was in Gods perfect will, doing everything he told me.
But one morning, as I was preparing a message for the following weeks sermon, something hit me. I was overcome by an intense despair. It came out of nowhere, weighing me down heavily. And it happened for no apparent reason. No matter how hard I tried, I could not shake it. As I sat at my desk with my Bible open, I tried to continue working on the sermon. But I could not get anywhere. Suddenly I was bombarded with doubts about my ability to put together a true message from the Lord. My mind was flooded with horrible thoughts that told me, You do not understand Pauls writings. You have not grasped the old man and new man concepts. You do not comprehend dying to sin when sin still exists. How dare you presume to preach Gods holy word? I sat there for three hours, determined to dig out a message. But nothing ever came.
By mid-morning, all the words on the pages of my Bible seemed to run together. My mind was confused, and my spirit was dull, unable to hear anything from the Lord. I sank deeper into despair, thinking, I am totally ignorant of Gods word. Yet I keep churning out sermon after sermon, week after week. I’m not really serving anybody. After all these years, I still do not understand the Bible. My light has gone out! I was convinced I had nothing to give the people in our church. So I closed the Bible and left my study.
As I walked around the house, my discouragement only grew. I tried to figure out why it had come upon me in the first place, but I did not have a clue. I did not have any financial troubles. I had no family crisis. I felt great physically. And I had no known sin. I did not have a single reason to feel the way I did.
Finally, I went into my prayer room and sat on the floor. I could not even muster up a word to say to the Lord. Instead, I cried out to him from my spirit: Lord, I do not know what to do. I feel so down I can not even reach out to you. Yet I know I have never loved you more than right now. Why is this happening? Please, God help me.
When the devil comes with his spirit of discouragement, he bombards you with one lie after another. He lies to you about your marriage, your family, your friendships, your calling, and your walk with the Lord. Then he begins to replay in your mind every sin, failure and foolish thing you have ever done. By the time he has finished, you are crying, Oh, God I will never make it!
This is just what the devil did to me. While in prayer, I endured his bombardment of hellish lies for about half an hour. That is when Gods still, small voice broke through to my spirit. He spoke to me words full of love and compassion: David, you are greatly loved. Do not worry my hand is upon you. You are under severe attack, but you do not have to fear. You do not need any strength of your own for this battle. I have everything you need.
The first thing the Holy Spirit does in such times is to bring to your remembrance all the precious promises of Jesus. And so he did with me. He flooded my soul with dozens of promises I knew from Gods word. And he assured me, Your life is not over. You do not know it, but you have not even started yet. The best is still ahead of you. My spirit soared within me. As I stood to my feet I thought, Why did I ever put up with any of this discouragement? It is not from my Lord!
That is the work of the Holy Spirit. He undoes the lies of the enemy and brings encouragement from on high!
3. Dare to Believe the Incredibly Good Things the Holy Spirit Is Going to Tell You!
Multitudes of Christians enter Gods presence every day expecting to be reproved by him. How that must grieve our Lord. When we go to prayer, we ought to be prepared to hear a good word from our loving father. But many believers rarely are. I lived that way for years. Every time I entered my prayer closet, I expected to hear a rebuke from the Lord. Thank God, he has taught me a better way.
On the other hand, there are entire denominations that avoid any mention of holy reproof. They say very little about sin because they want to preach only positive, upbeat messages. In the process, they ignore all the convicting, life-giving reproofs spoken by Christ and the New Testament writers. Such churches claim to preach a gospel of love, mercy and grace. But, sadly, they misuse Gods grace, turning it into a license to sin.
I realize I am not writing this message to that kind of people. Rather, I am speaking to overcoming Christians who avoid sin as one way of loving the Lord. I am speaking to those who enjoy intimacy with Christ because they hunger and thirst for him constantly. If this describes you, and you are downcast and depressed, please know its happening not because you have gotten easy on sin. It is happening because you are under attack for loving Jesus!
Be assured all who wait on the Lord will receive his glorious promises: Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him (Isaiah 64:4).
As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
Let us take a closer look at two phrases from the passage in Corinthians:
1. the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (verse 9). Satan can attack you, flooding you with lies and discouraging words. But if you will simply wait on the Lord, his Spirit will come to you in the midst of the attack and drive out all the devils lies.
How? He will give you a revelation of all the good things God has prepared for you because you love him! Our Lord has a wonderful plan for every single child who loves him. And no satanic attack against his children can ever alter those plans.
God knows the sorrows, struggles and pain we may be facing today. But he also knows the glorious things he has laid out ahead of us. He knows the revelation we will receive, the usefulness we will enjoy, the fruit we will see, the joy and peace we will possess. He has a good word for all who love him!
2. God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit (verse 10). The Lord desires to show us his good word about what he has prepared for us. And his Spirit is the messenger who bears that good word. The Holy Ghost will give wings to our drooping spirits with Gods revelation to us and well fly like eagles out of Satans snare!
Listen to these wonderful words from Isaiah: Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).
That is the work of the Holy Spirit to encourage us. Our work is simply to trust him to fulfill what the father has sent him to do.
Go to your secret closet right now, even in your discouraged state, and quiet yourself before the Lord. Even if you do not have strength enough to speak, you can reach out to him in spirit.
Speak to him this prayer: Lord, I know your Spirit abides in me. And I know you have sent him to comfort me, strengthen me and reveal the mind of Christ to me. So, Holy Ghost, I turn to you right now in simple, childlike faith. Speak to my heart your words of comfort. I do not have any strength left. You’re going to have to lift me up and lead me.
The Spirit of Christ will not let you be deceived. He will show you the good things God has ahead for you. But you must dare to believe he will speak to you! You are not going to faint. You are going to come out of your trial more victorious, because your faith will have been tested and tried as gold. And you’ll see the Lord fulfill every promise he has made to you!
God Bless you all, Rev Ron Morrow - http://ronmorrowministries.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Why Does God Allow suffering?
So many people write to me & ask, "why does God allow suffering?" I cannot claim to be an expert on the subject and truthfully sometimes there are no answers to some of the awful things that happen daily in the World. Its also a fact of life people become sick and die - some sooner than others and we go through times of trials and grief! In these times all we can do is pray, "Lord I don't understand this - I give this to you and choose your ways".
Sometimes suffering is simply because of mans choices and sin and God has provided the remedy for this through His son Jesus (John 14:6).
In the scriptures it also shows sometimes as a Christian God allows suffering to produce fruit, to teach dependence, to rebuke sin, to refine our lives, to enlarge our ministry, or like Job to silence the devil, to make us more like Jesus so we can Glorify God.
I pray the articles below will answer some of these questions and enable you to find Joy in the midst of your situation.
Please know if you are going through trials, challenges or testing you are not alone, God loves you and cares & I am here to pray with you.
"Behold we count them happy which endured. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy." (James 5:11) "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh 8:10)
-----------------------------------------
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.Job 2:3 (KJV)
There's an awful lot of suffering and pain going on in this world around us. Even Americans are not immune, although we cannot even begin to conceive of the kind of affliction people in some parts of the world are experiencing. Furthermore, suffering of some kind hits every kind and class: rich and poor, educated and uneducated, and--yes--righteous as well as unrighteous. In fact, I'm sometimes tempted to believe that the righteous suffer more than the unrighteous, despite a prevalent teaching today that Christians needn't suffer at all.
The Bible is filled with pain and suffering. Wars, persecutions, famines, and sickness are found from Genesis through Revelation, with both saint and sinner at the receiving end. In our opening text, God testifies that Job is a perfect and upright man; nevertheless, he bears the brunt of a satanic attack throughout the next forty chapters. The Word of God finds no fault with Job's faith (as some might today), but for some reason God has actually allowed the devil to move Him against His servant!
Now God doesn't enjoy human suffering, but He does allow it, and sometimes even instigates it (see Micah 4:6, Nahum 1:12). So let's not be afraid to face the issue, but rather, let's deal with it head-on. Let's not redefine suffering, as some have done; we all know what suffering is. Let's not try to read into the Scripture a bunch of our own little ideas, but let's believe what it clearly says Suffering is a fact of life, and God allows it, so let's examine some of the "whys and wherefores," and see if we can't learn something. We needn't blame the Lord for human suffering, but neither should we attribute a sort of humanistic sentimentality to Him, while denying that the Bible means what it clearly says. We do need a clearer understanding of His perspective on this important subject, so let's approach it with an open mind. Who knows, we may even come to understand what the psalmist meant when he said, "I know O Lord that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me," (Psalm 119:75).
Why does God allow suffering?
...1. God Allows Some People To Suffer In Order To Bring Them To The Brokenness And Humility Necessary To Their Salvation. This is one of the most common reasons for suffering and affliction in the biblical record. God often used calamities to get peoples' attention and bring them to repentance. Earthquakes, famines, and droughts were all brought on at times by the Lord in order to bring people to salvation, and save them from something much worse than physical suffering -- an eternity in Hell.
Psalm 119:67 says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word."Similar to this, only directed more toward the believer, is the "chastening of the Lord." Hebrews 12:6 says, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Like any caring Father our God disciplines us when we get out of line -- not just to vent His wrath, but to redirect us to righteousness. Some people insist that the chastening of the Lord doesn't include physical discipline, but the use of the word "scourge" (to severely whip) seems conclusive to me. Verse eleven says, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
2. Affliction Makes Us Aware Of How Carnal We Really Are. It serves as a kind of shaking process that allows us to identify and eliminate some undesirable things in our character that might otherwise have remained hidden (Heb. 12:27). Suffering is a refining process that puts enough heat on us to bring the impurities to the surface. Anyone can act righteous under ideal circumstances, but a little pain or testing may bring out the very opposite. A nagging headache can make a real "bear" out of a person by the end of the day; smashing your thumb with a hammer can evoke a flow of words that seems very uncharacteristic, but is an accurate representation of what still lies undealt with in the heart. This deep down carnality must be uprooted and dealt with, and suffering is an effective way to do it.
3. God Allows Us To Suffer So That We May Learn Obedience. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Heb. 5:8). In this case we're not talking about a lack of obedience being dealt with--the subject is Jesus Himself--but rather a proof of obedience. Submission to suffering, and even death, for the Lord's sake, is the very epitome of obedience and commitment to God (see also Phil. 2:8).
Suffering is a test and trial of our faith which Peter says is "more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire," (I Pet. 1:7). Whether we fail or pass the test, it is valuable: either to expose our carnality, or declare our faithfulness.
4. Suffering Brings Us Into Closer Fellowship With Jesus. This no doubt sounds like out-and-out heresy to some people, but look at what the Bible says... "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings. . ." (Phil. 3:10), and in I Peter 4:13, "rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." Someone said Christ suffered so that we don't have to, but the Bible seems to encourage us to join Him in suffering, and rejoice in it as well.You see, the things that bring people into closer and more meaningful relationships are shared experiences and things held in common. You and I may have fellowship with one another because we have our Christian faith in common, but when we spend much time doing the same things, and perhaps go through some hard times together, suddenly our friendship becomes much deeper. So it is with Christ. His was a life of sorrow, acquainted with grief; and when we experience the same things our relationship with Him becomes deeper. I'm not advocating that we walk around being morose and negative all the time, but I am saying that we should appreciate some of the benefits of suffering. "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (I Pet. 2:21)
5. Suffering Is A Token And Confirmation Of Our Covenant Relationship With God. This is what the Apostle Paul is talking about in Galatians 6:17 when he says, "From henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." In ancient times, when you entered into a covenant--or sacred agreement--with someone, you would seal it in blood, leaving a scar for all to see. People would then think twice before troubling you; for they'd have to deal with your covenant-partner, too.Salvation is a covenant between man and God. Jesus sealed it in His own blood (and even His resurrection body bears the scars). There is also a sense in which we, too, must confirm the covenant by taking up our cross, living a life of personal sacrifice, and sometimes suffering in a very literal sense for the sake of our agreement with the Lord. It is a little like the Old Testament practice of circumcision, or like a wedding band, if you will. Suffering doesn't make you any more saved, but it can be symbol or token of your new covenant relationship with God.
6. If We Suffer With Christ, We Will Also Be Glorified Together With Him. This is the message of Romans 8:17-18, where Paul says, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." II Timothy 2:12 says, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." Apparently suffering in this life is a way of securing greater eternal glory in the life to come, of laying up treasure in heaven. One respected minister suggested that perhaps scars would be beauty marks in the next world, that we would retain ours in our resurrection bodies, even as Christ does His. In any case, there will be recognition and glory for those who have suffered with Christ. Some, recognizing this principle, have even been "tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection." (Heb. 11:35)
7. Suffering Allows The Strength Of Christ To Flow Through Us More Freely. Look at what II Corinthians 12:9-l0 says about Paul's thorn in the flesh... "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."You can only be a fit vessel of Christ's strength and glory to the degree that your own human strength and confidence is broken. Earlier in II Corinthians Paul said, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels." The vessel is our humanity, and the treasure is the Holy Spirit within us. God desires to flow freely through us without being contaminated and diluted by the earthen vessel, without our pride and natural resources getting in the way. Physical infirmity and suffering is sometimes necessary to humble us enough for Christ's strength to come through. Our bodies, like Mary's alabaster box, must sometimes be broken before the ointment can be released as a blessing to others (Mark 14:3). This brings us right up to our next point...
8. Our Suffering Can Be Redemptive To Others. Colossians 1:24... "[I, Paul] now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church."Some suffering is actually the vehicle that imparts the redeeming grace of God to others. Paul's shipwreck and snake-bite in Acts 27 and 28 would qualify as an illustration of this. If he hadn't been cast upon that island and bitten by the viper, the revival that followed would never have occurred. If he hadn't been stoned in Lystra (Acts 14) perhaps the saints of that area wouldn't have been as strong.
As Christ suffered to procure salvation for us, we must sometimes suffer to propagate it. Any missionary can testify to the truth of this. Let's not flinch from it but gladly endure such suffering if called upon to do so.
9. God Allows Us To Suffer So That We May Comfort Others. "Blessed be God... Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Cor. 1:3,4)
This is pretty self-explanatory, but let's take a quick look at it. If I suffer the loss of a close family member, I am naturally more able to comfort and strengthen someone else in the same situation. It may be one of the most heart-rending things I ever go through, but afterwards I have a wealth of wisdom and experience which will aid me in ministering to others. I can say with authority that God didn't let me down and He won't forsake you, either. I can comfort others because I've been there, and been the recipient of His comfort.
10. Sometimes It's Just Too Deep For Us To Understand. This sounds like a pretty lame excuse for an argument, but it's probably the best reason we've given yet for our question, "why does God allow suffering?" Have you ever noticed the answer the Lord gave to Job? You can read about it in chapters 38-41 of that book. God's answer, in essence, is this: "What do you know about the stars, the clouds, the wild goats, the behemoth and leviathan? If you can't understand simple physical things like that, Job, how do you ever expect to understand an issue as complex as the suffering of the righteous?
"Look at the Job's answer and be content, "I uttered that which I understood not: things too wonderful for me which I knew not... wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:3,6)
And so we come to the conclusion of our little article. We've seen quite a few things about the subject of suffering, but there are many things that we didn't even touch upon, and many others that we cannot, in this life, begin to comprehend. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known" (I Cor. 13:12).
Until that day, it's a good idea to practice being heavenly-minded, and to remember above all--no matter what kind of affliction and contradiction you may face--that our God still loves you, that He's faithful, and that He'll never forsake you.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34: 19
Copyright (c) 1998 Kim Harrington, Masterbuilder Ministries.
-------------------------------------
Sometimes suffering is simply because of mans choices and sin and God has provided the remedy for this through His son Jesus (John 14:6).
In the scriptures it also shows sometimes as a Christian God allows suffering to produce fruit, to teach dependence, to rebuke sin, to refine our lives, to enlarge our ministry, or like Job to silence the devil, to make us more like Jesus so we can Glorify God.
I pray the articles below will answer some of these questions and enable you to find Joy in the midst of your situation.
Please know if you are going through trials, challenges or testing you are not alone, God loves you and cares & I am here to pray with you.
"Behold we count them happy which endured. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy." (James 5:11) "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh 8:10)
-----------------------------------------
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.Job 2:3 (KJV)
There's an awful lot of suffering and pain going on in this world around us. Even Americans are not immune, although we cannot even begin to conceive of the kind of affliction people in some parts of the world are experiencing. Furthermore, suffering of some kind hits every kind and class: rich and poor, educated and uneducated, and--yes--righteous as well as unrighteous. In fact, I'm sometimes tempted to believe that the righteous suffer more than the unrighteous, despite a prevalent teaching today that Christians needn't suffer at all.
The Bible is filled with pain and suffering. Wars, persecutions, famines, and sickness are found from Genesis through Revelation, with both saint and sinner at the receiving end. In our opening text, God testifies that Job is a perfect and upright man; nevertheless, he bears the brunt of a satanic attack throughout the next forty chapters. The Word of God finds no fault with Job's faith (as some might today), but for some reason God has actually allowed the devil to move Him against His servant!
Now God doesn't enjoy human suffering, but He does allow it, and sometimes even instigates it (see Micah 4:6, Nahum 1:12). So let's not be afraid to face the issue, but rather, let's deal with it head-on. Let's not redefine suffering, as some have done; we all know what suffering is. Let's not try to read into the Scripture a bunch of our own little ideas, but let's believe what it clearly says Suffering is a fact of life, and God allows it, so let's examine some of the "whys and wherefores," and see if we can't learn something. We needn't blame the Lord for human suffering, but neither should we attribute a sort of humanistic sentimentality to Him, while denying that the Bible means what it clearly says. We do need a clearer understanding of His perspective on this important subject, so let's approach it with an open mind. Who knows, we may even come to understand what the psalmist meant when he said, "I know O Lord that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me," (Psalm 119:75).
Why does God allow suffering?
...1. God Allows Some People To Suffer In Order To Bring Them To The Brokenness And Humility Necessary To Their Salvation. This is one of the most common reasons for suffering and affliction in the biblical record. God often used calamities to get peoples' attention and bring them to repentance. Earthquakes, famines, and droughts were all brought on at times by the Lord in order to bring people to salvation, and save them from something much worse than physical suffering -- an eternity in Hell.
Psalm 119:67 says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word."Similar to this, only directed more toward the believer, is the "chastening of the Lord." Hebrews 12:6 says, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Like any caring Father our God disciplines us when we get out of line -- not just to vent His wrath, but to redirect us to righteousness. Some people insist that the chastening of the Lord doesn't include physical discipline, but the use of the word "scourge" (to severely whip) seems conclusive to me. Verse eleven says, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
2. Affliction Makes Us Aware Of How Carnal We Really Are. It serves as a kind of shaking process that allows us to identify and eliminate some undesirable things in our character that might otherwise have remained hidden (Heb. 12:27). Suffering is a refining process that puts enough heat on us to bring the impurities to the surface. Anyone can act righteous under ideal circumstances, but a little pain or testing may bring out the very opposite. A nagging headache can make a real "bear" out of a person by the end of the day; smashing your thumb with a hammer can evoke a flow of words that seems very uncharacteristic, but is an accurate representation of what still lies undealt with in the heart. This deep down carnality must be uprooted and dealt with, and suffering is an effective way to do it.
3. God Allows Us To Suffer So That We May Learn Obedience. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Heb. 5:8). In this case we're not talking about a lack of obedience being dealt with--the subject is Jesus Himself--but rather a proof of obedience. Submission to suffering, and even death, for the Lord's sake, is the very epitome of obedience and commitment to God (see also Phil. 2:8).
Suffering is a test and trial of our faith which Peter says is "more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire," (I Pet. 1:7). Whether we fail or pass the test, it is valuable: either to expose our carnality, or declare our faithfulness.
4. Suffering Brings Us Into Closer Fellowship With Jesus. This no doubt sounds like out-and-out heresy to some people, but look at what the Bible says... "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings. . ." (Phil. 3:10), and in I Peter 4:13, "rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." Someone said Christ suffered so that we don't have to, but the Bible seems to encourage us to join Him in suffering, and rejoice in it as well.You see, the things that bring people into closer and more meaningful relationships are shared experiences and things held in common. You and I may have fellowship with one another because we have our Christian faith in common, but when we spend much time doing the same things, and perhaps go through some hard times together, suddenly our friendship becomes much deeper. So it is with Christ. His was a life of sorrow, acquainted with grief; and when we experience the same things our relationship with Him becomes deeper. I'm not advocating that we walk around being morose and negative all the time, but I am saying that we should appreciate some of the benefits of suffering. "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (I Pet. 2:21)
5. Suffering Is A Token And Confirmation Of Our Covenant Relationship With God. This is what the Apostle Paul is talking about in Galatians 6:17 when he says, "From henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." In ancient times, when you entered into a covenant--or sacred agreement--with someone, you would seal it in blood, leaving a scar for all to see. People would then think twice before troubling you; for they'd have to deal with your covenant-partner, too.Salvation is a covenant between man and God. Jesus sealed it in His own blood (and even His resurrection body bears the scars). There is also a sense in which we, too, must confirm the covenant by taking up our cross, living a life of personal sacrifice, and sometimes suffering in a very literal sense for the sake of our agreement with the Lord. It is a little like the Old Testament practice of circumcision, or like a wedding band, if you will. Suffering doesn't make you any more saved, but it can be symbol or token of your new covenant relationship with God.
6. If We Suffer With Christ, We Will Also Be Glorified Together With Him. This is the message of Romans 8:17-18, where Paul says, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." II Timothy 2:12 says, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." Apparently suffering in this life is a way of securing greater eternal glory in the life to come, of laying up treasure in heaven. One respected minister suggested that perhaps scars would be beauty marks in the next world, that we would retain ours in our resurrection bodies, even as Christ does His. In any case, there will be recognition and glory for those who have suffered with Christ. Some, recognizing this principle, have even been "tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection." (Heb. 11:35)
7. Suffering Allows The Strength Of Christ To Flow Through Us More Freely. Look at what II Corinthians 12:9-l0 says about Paul's thorn in the flesh... "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."You can only be a fit vessel of Christ's strength and glory to the degree that your own human strength and confidence is broken. Earlier in II Corinthians Paul said, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels." The vessel is our humanity, and the treasure is the Holy Spirit within us. God desires to flow freely through us without being contaminated and diluted by the earthen vessel, without our pride and natural resources getting in the way. Physical infirmity and suffering is sometimes necessary to humble us enough for Christ's strength to come through. Our bodies, like Mary's alabaster box, must sometimes be broken before the ointment can be released as a blessing to others (Mark 14:3). This brings us right up to our next point...
8. Our Suffering Can Be Redemptive To Others. Colossians 1:24... "[I, Paul] now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church."Some suffering is actually the vehicle that imparts the redeeming grace of God to others. Paul's shipwreck and snake-bite in Acts 27 and 28 would qualify as an illustration of this. If he hadn't been cast upon that island and bitten by the viper, the revival that followed would never have occurred. If he hadn't been stoned in Lystra (Acts 14) perhaps the saints of that area wouldn't have been as strong.
As Christ suffered to procure salvation for us, we must sometimes suffer to propagate it. Any missionary can testify to the truth of this. Let's not flinch from it but gladly endure such suffering if called upon to do so.
9. God Allows Us To Suffer So That We May Comfort Others. "Blessed be God... Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Cor. 1:3,4)
This is pretty self-explanatory, but let's take a quick look at it. If I suffer the loss of a close family member, I am naturally more able to comfort and strengthen someone else in the same situation. It may be one of the most heart-rending things I ever go through, but afterwards I have a wealth of wisdom and experience which will aid me in ministering to others. I can say with authority that God didn't let me down and He won't forsake you, either. I can comfort others because I've been there, and been the recipient of His comfort.
10. Sometimes It's Just Too Deep For Us To Understand. This sounds like a pretty lame excuse for an argument, but it's probably the best reason we've given yet for our question, "why does God allow suffering?" Have you ever noticed the answer the Lord gave to Job? You can read about it in chapters 38-41 of that book. God's answer, in essence, is this: "What do you know about the stars, the clouds, the wild goats, the behemoth and leviathan? If you can't understand simple physical things like that, Job, how do you ever expect to understand an issue as complex as the suffering of the righteous?
"Look at the Job's answer and be content, "I uttered that which I understood not: things too wonderful for me which I knew not... wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:3,6)
And so we come to the conclusion of our little article. We've seen quite a few things about the subject of suffering, but there are many things that we didn't even touch upon, and many others that we cannot, in this life, begin to comprehend. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known" (I Cor. 13:12).
Until that day, it's a good idea to practice being heavenly-minded, and to remember above all--no matter what kind of affliction and contradiction you may face--that our God still loves you, that He's faithful, and that He'll never forsake you.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34: 19
Copyright (c) 1998 Kim Harrington, Masterbuilder Ministries.
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Saturday, April 29, 2006
We Need To Listen!
Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The city was roaring with noise. Car horns blasted, construction noise filled the air, radios blared, people shouted. As the day wore on, the noise steadily increased. After a while, you adjusted.
It wasn't until you were able to move into a quiet place that you realized how loud the noise had been. In the silence, everything seemed to change. Waves of calm and quiet rolled in. The silence was a little alarming and unsettling. In the silence, thoughts could creep out and be heard.
God comes to us in silence. We have lost the art of being still. Everything is rush, rush, rush, and few people take time to be still.
Noise provides us with a place to hide, where we don't have to face ourselves. Heavy schedules block honest reflection and renewal. Only through the still times in our lives can we hope for God to break through to help us make sense of our lives. Be still, and know that God is there.
Prayer: The day closes in on me, Lord, and I feel myself buried beneath a heavy layer of noise and activity. Break me free of the bondage of commotion. Bless me with quiet and peace. Amen.
'Wisdom from the Psalms' http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/wisdom/
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Reflective Thoughts:
* "True silence is rest for the mind. It is to the spirit what sleep is to the body - nourishment and refreshment." (William Penn)
* "If you want to live life free, Take your time, go slowly, do few things, but do them well, Heart-felt joys are Holy. (Francis of Assisi)
* "The word is the instrument of the present world, and silence is the mystery of the future world." (Henri Nouwen) 'From The Way of the Heart'
* The first sign of intimacy with the Lord - is silence - There is a saying that goes: "You don't have to love in words, because even through the silences, love is always heard." (Author Unknown)
A Reason To Pray For Others: To Hear His Voice!
"SILENCE is BANISHED - We No Longer Listen" - 'The Watchman
'Sitting in traffic at a red light one day I was struck with the surreal image of almost every driver around my vehicle having a cell phone attached to the side of their head. The sight of these people reminded me of an Andy Warhol art display in which the miniscule parts of life are exaggerated to become the unavoidable focus of our attention. Each of the phone users was unaware of their surroundings, least of all the people and automobiles next to them.
Their thoughts were projected to distant places at the other end of the phone conversation. As I watched this almost comic scene in amusement, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the thought that even God could not get their attention. Along with this thought came a lesson in life from the throne of God. In Genesis 3:8 we are introduced to another scene which reveals the human reaction to sin. Adam had sinned against God and when he heard God's voice, he hid himself among the trees of the garden. He was ashamed of his sin and guilt drove him to attempt to block out that voice. This verse should cause us to ask questions about what was taking place. Jeremiah 23:24 opens a window that tells us much about ourselves today; "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord."
There is no place God cannot see us and yet in Genesis 3 we read that God asked Adam where he was. Did God not know? Or could we ask, "Was God only trying to get Adam's attention?" God has not changed since the fall of man. According to Malachi He changes not. God knew exactly where Adam was but it was Adam who had attempted to lose himself. We can see this today if we will but slow down our lives and watch through the eyes of our Lord. I believe Adam did exactly what we do today when we experience guilt or shame. We hide among the trees; only those trees are radios, TV sets, parties, shopping and phone calls.
I once worked with a young lady who was, as it can only be described, addicted to the phone. She spent all her time with a telephone attached to her ear. She was late to work because she sat in the parking lot until she finished her phone call. As soon as she came through the door she made a phone call. She walked around trying to wait on customers with a phone against her head. When she took her lunch break she was constantly on the phone. One day I asked if she had a telephone problem and her reply was, "No."
I told her she was afraid of the quiet and challenged her to go home and spend 2 hours with no noise; no phone, no TV, no radio, no people. The next day she returned and said she only lasted 15 minutes.
Adam did what we do today and hid among the trees to avoid hearing God's voice because he knew he had sinned. Today our trees are cell phones and any other "tree" that will shelter our hearts from hearing God's voice. Sin is running loose in the Body of Christ and we don't want to hear God nag us because it harms our self esteem. That still small voice in the heart of man can be silenced by hiding among the trees. We race home from work with cell phones at our ears and turn on Dr. Phil to assuage our troubled spirit. We fill our hearts and minds with the voice of the world to block out the voice of God. The heart of Christians has been so corrupted by the voices of the world we no longer know sin when it stands at our door and knocks. We hear the whispering voice that Eve heeded and open the door to an enemy who only brings death and pain. Jesus warned us that the only purpose Satan has is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10) but we find new and convenient reasonings to avoid conflicts between right and wrong. Abraham had sin in his house that was destroying the child of promise and God said to drive Ishmael out. Abraham had resisted the voice of his wife because it made him feel bad. The Church has waxed its ears and turned away from the voice of God. We have hidden among the trees but God sees us and knows the 'thoughts and intents of the heart." The Church listens to the voice of the serpent but celebrates the cell phones as we block out that still small voice vying for our attention.
He still calls out to His Church, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The light changed at the intersection that day and all those people drove away with cell phones still held against their heads. I was broken in spirit because I knew they could not hear my Savior's voice.
--------------------------------------
What Can We Do?
Exercising the Spirit: Silence by Anthony de Mellow -
When a man whose marriage was in trouble sought his advice, the Master said, "You must learn to listen to your wife."
The man took his advice to heart and returned after a month to say that he had learned to listen to every word his wife was saying.
Said the Master with a smile, "Now go home and listen to every word she isn't saying."
We live in a society that does not value or encourage silence. When is the last time you heard someone say, "Let's share some silence?" This kind of statement is rarely heard today, even in church settings or among the most intimate of friends or family.
There are a host of reasons why most Americans avoid silence at all costs. As the story above by Anthony de Mello indicates, most of us fail to realize how important listening and silence are until conflict or malaise surfaces in a relationship.
If we are attentive, we can sense "things aren't just right" and get back to the important discipline of deep listening -- not only to what others say, but also to the resounding silence that exists between the words. Of course, we can easily "turn up the noise" -- watching more TV, keeping the iPod going while exercising, and staying ever busier at work -- doing anything to avoid being still and silent.
What is true in our relationship with others is even truer in our friendship with God. If we do not make time to respond to God's invitation to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10), then our relationship with him will drift; we'll become like two ships passing in the night.
Being silent is likely one of the most difficult spiritual exercises we can attempt, at least initially. However, those who are trained in the discipline and grace of silence will testify that not only does silence serve as a balm to wounded relationships, the practicing of silence does wonders to prevent spiritual sluggishness or apathy."For God alone my soul waits in silence ...." (Psalm 62:1 & Psalm 62:7)
In Psalm 62, David addresses the how's and why's of this important, but seldom practiced discipline. He actually addresses it twice, first in verse 1 and than again in verse 7. Let's take a look at these passages in reverse order.
"Wait in Silence"
One of the reasons why silence is often avoided is because we do not like to wait for anything! We value instant gratification and do everything we can to avoid or speed up waiting. We consider waiting time to actually be wasted time! How easily we can become frustrated, antsy, or downright angry if we must wait in traffic, in the grocery line, or, heaven forbid, for a church activity to finish! David at prayer, however, paints another picture. During seasons, or even moments, of waiting, we can be drawn to silence; and when drawn to silence, we just may be able hear the "still, small voice of God."
"My Soul"
Most developed cultures of today live increasingly more compartmentalized lives. We have our business life, church life, home life, exercise life, hobby life, and so on. And while each of these dimensions can be good, the norm is to live compartmentally and busily in each of these arenas, often with very little overlap between them.
The result is our soul -- that central core of our being -- gets frazzled, dazed, and torn as we are pulled to the point of weariness in different directions. The Holy Spirit who longs to dwell within us points us through his servant David's words to another, albeitcounter-cultural way of living and integrating our lives. This is the way of silence.
The Spirit calls to our spirit to enter this silence so that we might live holistic, holy, and centred lives. As we practice this important discipline, slowly and gradually, we become increasingly aware of God's presence and grace. This presence and grace then calls us to love others."For God Alone"
Israel's most repeated sin was idolatry. (If I am honest with myself, I recognize this is my most repeated sin as well!) It's not that the people of God, then or now, stopped worshiping Yahweh. Rather, they worshipped him AND the other gods -- just to hedge their bets you might say. Before you discount this as primitive, consider how you may betempted to do the same -- following Christ, no doubt, but also depending on mutual funds, family, and military might to provide peace, security, and happiness.
Again, silence is invaluable in exposing our secret sins and lack of trust. As our soul waits in silence for God alone, many distracting thoughts, images, memories, and secret desires will surface to our conscious mind. However, if we will stay with the silence, allowing the Holy Spirit within us and our own impatient spirit to raise "our stuff" into our consciousness, it will eventually pass on by, like debris flowing down a river. As our soul waits on God alone, he will provide not only peace and joy and rest, but also theever-increasing awareness of his presence.
A few "silent" exercises:
* Five minute "sit" before (and/or after) reading Scripture. In this exercise, we are consciously stilling our soul so that we might hear the Word of God. If the silence is too distracting or "noisy," some have found it helpful to silently repeat one of the many names for God.
* Silent walk. Whether during the day or at night, by oneself or with a friend, a silent walk can be a wonderful time of centring oneself on God an his presence with us. As a suggestion, if you walk with someone else, you could agree to walk for the first 30minutes in complete silence, followed by a time of sharing what each "heard."
* Fasting from noise -- no radio, TV, movie. What would it be like to take one day off from external noise for the sake of listening to God?
* Sharing silence in community. Many have found sharing silence some what easier and enhanced with others. What if worship leaders, preachers, teachers, small group leaders, pray-ers, prefaced or ended their words with the phrase, "Let's share a few minutes of silence together with each other and God"?
* Weekend retreat for those who might want to explore being silent for an extended time for silence, meditation, and prayer.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
Used by permission. http://www.heartlight.org/ (c) 2006 Scott Owings.
------------------------------------------
The city was roaring with noise. Car horns blasted, construction noise filled the air, radios blared, people shouted. As the day wore on, the noise steadily increased. After a while, you adjusted.
It wasn't until you were able to move into a quiet place that you realized how loud the noise had been. In the silence, everything seemed to change. Waves of calm and quiet rolled in. The silence was a little alarming and unsettling. In the silence, thoughts could creep out and be heard.
God comes to us in silence. We have lost the art of being still. Everything is rush, rush, rush, and few people take time to be still.
Noise provides us with a place to hide, where we don't have to face ourselves. Heavy schedules block honest reflection and renewal. Only through the still times in our lives can we hope for God to break through to help us make sense of our lives. Be still, and know that God is there.
Prayer: The day closes in on me, Lord, and I feel myself buried beneath a heavy layer of noise and activity. Break me free of the bondage of commotion. Bless me with quiet and peace. Amen.
'Wisdom from the Psalms' http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/wisdom/
----------------------------------------
Reflective Thoughts:
* "True silence is rest for the mind. It is to the spirit what sleep is to the body - nourishment and refreshment." (William Penn)
* "If you want to live life free, Take your time, go slowly, do few things, but do them well, Heart-felt joys are Holy. (Francis of Assisi)
* "The word is the instrument of the present world, and silence is the mystery of the future world." (Henri Nouwen) 'From The Way of the Heart'
* The first sign of intimacy with the Lord - is silence - There is a saying that goes: "You don't have to love in words, because even through the silences, love is always heard." (Author Unknown)
A Reason To Pray For Others: To Hear His Voice!
"SILENCE is BANISHED - We No Longer Listen" - 'The Watchman
'Sitting in traffic at a red light one day I was struck with the surreal image of almost every driver around my vehicle having a cell phone attached to the side of their head. The sight of these people reminded me of an Andy Warhol art display in which the miniscule parts of life are exaggerated to become the unavoidable focus of our attention. Each of the phone users was unaware of their surroundings, least of all the people and automobiles next to them.
Their thoughts were projected to distant places at the other end of the phone conversation. As I watched this almost comic scene in amusement, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the thought that even God could not get their attention. Along with this thought came a lesson in life from the throne of God. In Genesis 3:8 we are introduced to another scene which reveals the human reaction to sin. Adam had sinned against God and when he heard God's voice, he hid himself among the trees of the garden. He was ashamed of his sin and guilt drove him to attempt to block out that voice. This verse should cause us to ask questions about what was taking place. Jeremiah 23:24 opens a window that tells us much about ourselves today; "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord."
There is no place God cannot see us and yet in Genesis 3 we read that God asked Adam where he was. Did God not know? Or could we ask, "Was God only trying to get Adam's attention?" God has not changed since the fall of man. According to Malachi He changes not. God knew exactly where Adam was but it was Adam who had attempted to lose himself. We can see this today if we will but slow down our lives and watch through the eyes of our Lord. I believe Adam did exactly what we do today when we experience guilt or shame. We hide among the trees; only those trees are radios, TV sets, parties, shopping and phone calls.
I once worked with a young lady who was, as it can only be described, addicted to the phone. She spent all her time with a telephone attached to her ear. She was late to work because she sat in the parking lot until she finished her phone call. As soon as she came through the door she made a phone call. She walked around trying to wait on customers with a phone against her head. When she took her lunch break she was constantly on the phone. One day I asked if she had a telephone problem and her reply was, "No."
I told her she was afraid of the quiet and challenged her to go home and spend 2 hours with no noise; no phone, no TV, no radio, no people. The next day she returned and said she only lasted 15 minutes.
Adam did what we do today and hid among the trees to avoid hearing God's voice because he knew he had sinned. Today our trees are cell phones and any other "tree" that will shelter our hearts from hearing God's voice. Sin is running loose in the Body of Christ and we don't want to hear God nag us because it harms our self esteem. That still small voice in the heart of man can be silenced by hiding among the trees. We race home from work with cell phones at our ears and turn on Dr. Phil to assuage our troubled spirit. We fill our hearts and minds with the voice of the world to block out the voice of God. The heart of Christians has been so corrupted by the voices of the world we no longer know sin when it stands at our door and knocks. We hear the whispering voice that Eve heeded and open the door to an enemy who only brings death and pain. Jesus warned us that the only purpose Satan has is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10) but we find new and convenient reasonings to avoid conflicts between right and wrong. Abraham had sin in his house that was destroying the child of promise and God said to drive Ishmael out. Abraham had resisted the voice of his wife because it made him feel bad. The Church has waxed its ears and turned away from the voice of God. We have hidden among the trees but God sees us and knows the 'thoughts and intents of the heart." The Church listens to the voice of the serpent but celebrates the cell phones as we block out that still small voice vying for our attention.
He still calls out to His Church, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The light changed at the intersection that day and all those people drove away with cell phones still held against their heads. I was broken in spirit because I knew they could not hear my Savior's voice.
--------------------------------------
What Can We Do?
Exercising the Spirit: Silence by Anthony de Mellow -
When a man whose marriage was in trouble sought his advice, the Master said, "You must learn to listen to your wife."
The man took his advice to heart and returned after a month to say that he had learned to listen to every word his wife was saying.
Said the Master with a smile, "Now go home and listen to every word she isn't saying."
We live in a society that does not value or encourage silence. When is the last time you heard someone say, "Let's share some silence?" This kind of statement is rarely heard today, even in church settings or among the most intimate of friends or family.
There are a host of reasons why most Americans avoid silence at all costs. As the story above by Anthony de Mello indicates, most of us fail to realize how important listening and silence are until conflict or malaise surfaces in a relationship.
If we are attentive, we can sense "things aren't just right" and get back to the important discipline of deep listening -- not only to what others say, but also to the resounding silence that exists between the words. Of course, we can easily "turn up the noise" -- watching more TV, keeping the iPod going while exercising, and staying ever busier at work -- doing anything to avoid being still and silent.
What is true in our relationship with others is even truer in our friendship with God. If we do not make time to respond to God's invitation to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10), then our relationship with him will drift; we'll become like two ships passing in the night.
Being silent is likely one of the most difficult spiritual exercises we can attempt, at least initially. However, those who are trained in the discipline and grace of silence will testify that not only does silence serve as a balm to wounded relationships, the practicing of silence does wonders to prevent spiritual sluggishness or apathy."For God alone my soul waits in silence ...." (Psalm 62:1 & Psalm 62:7)
In Psalm 62, David addresses the how's and why's of this important, but seldom practiced discipline. He actually addresses it twice, first in verse 1 and than again in verse 7. Let's take a look at these passages in reverse order.
"Wait in Silence"
One of the reasons why silence is often avoided is because we do not like to wait for anything! We value instant gratification and do everything we can to avoid or speed up waiting. We consider waiting time to actually be wasted time! How easily we can become frustrated, antsy, or downright angry if we must wait in traffic, in the grocery line, or, heaven forbid, for a church activity to finish! David at prayer, however, paints another picture. During seasons, or even moments, of waiting, we can be drawn to silence; and when drawn to silence, we just may be able hear the "still, small voice of God."
"My Soul"
Most developed cultures of today live increasingly more compartmentalized lives. We have our business life, church life, home life, exercise life, hobby life, and so on. And while each of these dimensions can be good, the norm is to live compartmentally and busily in each of these arenas, often with very little overlap between them.
The result is our soul -- that central core of our being -- gets frazzled, dazed, and torn as we are pulled to the point of weariness in different directions. The Holy Spirit who longs to dwell within us points us through his servant David's words to another, albeitcounter-cultural way of living and integrating our lives. This is the way of silence.
The Spirit calls to our spirit to enter this silence so that we might live holistic, holy, and centred lives. As we practice this important discipline, slowly and gradually, we become increasingly aware of God's presence and grace. This presence and grace then calls us to love others."For God Alone"
Israel's most repeated sin was idolatry. (If I am honest with myself, I recognize this is my most repeated sin as well!) It's not that the people of God, then or now, stopped worshiping Yahweh. Rather, they worshipped him AND the other gods -- just to hedge their bets you might say. Before you discount this as primitive, consider how you may betempted to do the same -- following Christ, no doubt, but also depending on mutual funds, family, and military might to provide peace, security, and happiness.
Again, silence is invaluable in exposing our secret sins and lack of trust. As our soul waits in silence for God alone, many distracting thoughts, images, memories, and secret desires will surface to our conscious mind. However, if we will stay with the silence, allowing the Holy Spirit within us and our own impatient spirit to raise "our stuff" into our consciousness, it will eventually pass on by, like debris flowing down a river. As our soul waits on God alone, he will provide not only peace and joy and rest, but also theever-increasing awareness of his presence.
A few "silent" exercises:
* Five minute "sit" before (and/or after) reading Scripture. In this exercise, we are consciously stilling our soul so that we might hear the Word of God. If the silence is too distracting or "noisy," some have found it helpful to silently repeat one of the many names for God.
* Silent walk. Whether during the day or at night, by oneself or with a friend, a silent walk can be a wonderful time of centring oneself on God an his presence with us. As a suggestion, if you walk with someone else, you could agree to walk for the first 30minutes in complete silence, followed by a time of sharing what each "heard."
* Fasting from noise -- no radio, TV, movie. What would it be like to take one day off from external noise for the sake of listening to God?
* Sharing silence in community. Many have found sharing silence some what easier and enhanced with others. What if worship leaders, preachers, teachers, small group leaders, pray-ers, prefaced or ended their words with the phrase, "Let's share a few minutes of silence together with each other and God"?
* Weekend retreat for those who might want to explore being silent for an extended time for silence, meditation, and prayer.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
Used by permission. http://www.heartlight.org/ (c) 2006 Scott Owings.
------------------------------------------
Wait On The Lord - Be Still
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:13-15
BE STILL - Hear His Voice Amidst The Rush Hour
Rev 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him and he with me.
After praying I read Psalm 46 before racing to do all I had to do that day. "God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble." So true yet this morning verse 10 caught my attention. "Be still and know that I am God". I recall thinking, "that's fine Lord I have so much that I must do today". So off I rushed to do all that must be done the list was endless no time to stop and be still.
Lunchtime came I just had to go to the bank and pay some bills. I was about to cross the busy road when I saw a friend I hadn't seen in years. I was about to press on when I felt one of those impulses to stop and wait for her. There she was standing in the middle of busy traffic, a mobile phone clutched to her ear. In the other hand she was holding bags of shopping and a half eaten sandwich. We exchanged hellos and joy after so much time. Then she announced she could not stop she was on her lunch break. To busy to stop to eat lunch life was so hectic. She couldn't possibly make time to catch up as she was in the middle of a messy divorce. I gave her my contact details and a promise to pray for her. Then she dashed off.
Suddenly I felt tired and weary. I walked across to the park nearby and sat on a bench. After praying for my friend I reflected how awful it would be not to have the peace of the Lord in my life. As I lifted my gaze I noticed the beautiful blossoms on the cherry tree. A robin chirped at me on the branch nearby. I then noticed next to me was a beautiful well. The story of Jesus and the Woman of Samaria (John 4) came to mind. "Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour."
I reflected how Jesus always made time to be with His Father and when weary he always took time out. Was he being 'still' that day before the Samaritan Woman came? My friend was too busy to stop or make time to catch up. Wasn't this similar to my morning? Yes I needed to make time to listen and hear the Lord not pray and dash off. I needed to prioritise my time.
I sat immersed in the beauty of the flowers and blossoms. Suddenly I no longer needed to be in a rush I was enjoying the moment. Then I recalled the message "Be still …"
Amidst the background of distant traffic, people passing by, birds chirping and the hum of the bees I heard him speaking to me and it was good.
"Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom." Psalm 90:12
Author Jan Lyall (C) 2004 - If you need prayer support please email Jan @ prayereflections@yahoo.com.au & I will pray for you.
-------------------------------------
Reflective Thought: Psalm 46 (NIV):
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress
------------------------------
Reflective Prayer: Lord please slow me down to be still with you. Help me be a wise steward of my time.
Slow Me Down Lord
Slow me down, Lord;
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me amid the confusion of the day the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles
with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations,
of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend,
to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book.
Slow me down, Lord,
And inspire me to send my roots deep
deep into the soil of life's enduring values,
that I may grow toward my greater destiny.
Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift,
that there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward to the towering oak
and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
Author: Owen L.Crain
BE STILL - Hear His Voice Amidst The Rush Hour
Rev 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him and he with me.
After praying I read Psalm 46 before racing to do all I had to do that day. "God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble." So true yet this morning verse 10 caught my attention. "Be still and know that I am God". I recall thinking, "that's fine Lord I have so much that I must do today". So off I rushed to do all that must be done the list was endless no time to stop and be still.
Lunchtime came I just had to go to the bank and pay some bills. I was about to cross the busy road when I saw a friend I hadn't seen in years. I was about to press on when I felt one of those impulses to stop and wait for her. There she was standing in the middle of busy traffic, a mobile phone clutched to her ear. In the other hand she was holding bags of shopping and a half eaten sandwich. We exchanged hellos and joy after so much time. Then she announced she could not stop she was on her lunch break. To busy to stop to eat lunch life was so hectic. She couldn't possibly make time to catch up as she was in the middle of a messy divorce. I gave her my contact details and a promise to pray for her. Then she dashed off.
Suddenly I felt tired and weary. I walked across to the park nearby and sat on a bench. After praying for my friend I reflected how awful it would be not to have the peace of the Lord in my life. As I lifted my gaze I noticed the beautiful blossoms on the cherry tree. A robin chirped at me on the branch nearby. I then noticed next to me was a beautiful well. The story of Jesus and the Woman of Samaria (John 4) came to mind. "Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour."
I reflected how Jesus always made time to be with His Father and when weary he always took time out. Was he being 'still' that day before the Samaritan Woman came? My friend was too busy to stop or make time to catch up. Wasn't this similar to my morning? Yes I needed to make time to listen and hear the Lord not pray and dash off. I needed to prioritise my time.
I sat immersed in the beauty of the flowers and blossoms. Suddenly I no longer needed to be in a rush I was enjoying the moment. Then I recalled the message "Be still …"
Amidst the background of distant traffic, people passing by, birds chirping and the hum of the bees I heard him speaking to me and it was good.
"Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom." Psalm 90:12
Author Jan Lyall (C) 2004 - If you need prayer support please email Jan @ prayereflections@yahoo.com.au & I will pray for you.
-------------------------------------
Reflective Thought: Psalm 46 (NIV):
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress
------------------------------
Reflective Prayer: Lord please slow me down to be still with you. Help me be a wise steward of my time.
Slow Me Down Lord
Slow me down, Lord;
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me amid the confusion of the day the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles
with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations,
of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend,
to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book.
Slow me down, Lord,
And inspire me to send my roots deep
deep into the soil of life's enduring values,
that I may grow toward my greater destiny.
Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift,
that there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward to the towering oak
and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
Author: Owen L.Crain
Saturday, April 22, 2006
SPIRITUAL WARFARE - WE WIN THROUGH PRAYER!
SPIRITUAL WARFARE-PART ONE (Ephesians 6:12)
The enemy is attacking!!!!
So many of the emails I receive every day are from good Christian people who are looking for God to help them through a difficult crisis in their life and wondering why they are going through the difficulties they are. Unfortunately, there is not always an explanation or good reason "why."
One reason I challenge and encourage you to follow the Lord each day is because we cause many of the problems in our lives by not following God's plan and ignoring the warnings that He has clearly laid out in His Word.
However, following Christ each day, living a Godly life does NOT mean you are immune from the trials and tribulations of life. You have to understand that there is a very real enemy named satan, who is actively trying to disrupt the work of God. In addition, Jesus told us what satan's goal is concerning YOU in John 10:10, to KILL STEAL, AND DESTROY.
The Bible clearly tells us that our battle isn't against flesh and blood, but that it is a SPIRITUAL BATTLE!
I am going to try to help you fight these spiritual battles. The most important thing you have to understand, no matter how intense the attacks may be on you right now, is that YOU HAVE ALREADY WON if you know Jesus as your personal Savior!
The most important battle is the one for your soul. Knowing Jesus insures you have won that battle and that knowledge alone should give you the confidence to fight whatever challenges this life may present knowing that in the end, YOU HAVE ALREADY WON!!!!!
*The lesson for today is that if you have put your faith and trust in Christ, no matter what battles you may be fighting today, YOU HAVE ALREADY WON!!!!!
God showed me when He gave me the vision for this Internet ministry that it was going to be a major battle since the Internet had largely been satan's playground and to a large extent still is. For all of the positive content the Internet provides, it is still far outweighed by the ungodly content that is available.
You would be amazed at the numbers of lives destroyed over the last 10 years by the Internet. Men and women in total bondage to Internet porn, addicted to Internet gambling, marriages and families destroyed by online romances that became real, people lured by the greed of online trading and losing everything they had. Every kind of evil and destructive thing in the world has found a place of prominence on the Internet. I had no illusions that this would be easy trying to use the Internet to share the hope and love of Christ with the lost and hurting in this world.
I tell you this to let you know something I learned early on in my ministry and it applies to your life. If you are not doing anything that is a threat to satan, he won't bother you. If you live for a while and aren't being attacked, you probably aren't doing anything that satan sees as a threat. Rejoice in the attacks because it is confirmation you are being effective!!!
I EXPECT THE ATTACKS AND IF YOU ARE SERVING GOD, YOU NEED TO EXPECT THEM TOO!
Never forget that "greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." God is still on the throne, still in control. Nothing is impossible with God! You need to have the same attitude. Don't let anything, especially the attacks of satan stop you from doing what God has called you to do with your life. The only way satan can win is if we let him!
SPIRITUAL WARFARE- PART TWO OF THREE (Ephesians 6:13-17)
God's protection plan. God, in His omniscience, knew that as we lived for Him we would face fierce attacks from satan. Therefore, He did not leave us without protection. Today's passage of scripture tells us about the armor of God, God's protection for His children as we fight the spiritual battles each day that we do. There are many eloquent and anointed teachings about this passage of scripture that will give you a full and concise teaching on God's armor. My purpose here is to encourage you to use the protection God has provided as you battle the enemy each day.
I do want to focus for a second on one aspect though. All of God's protection is defensive and He has only given us one offensive weapon to fight with ... His Word!!!!!
In past devotionals I have talked to you about overcoming sin in your life and having a battle plan. One of the most simple and effective battle plans I have ever found for handling those attacks that come throughout the course of a day is to carry a small New Testament at all times. In those moments of weakness when the attacks come, take it out, open it to any page and start reading. You will be amazed how in mere seconds those impure thoughts, the attacks on your mind, will be gone because they cannot stand up under the power of God's Word.
I have always been a very offensive minded person, not willing to just sit back and wait. While I appreciate the defensive armor God has provided us with, and I use it every day for protection, it is the Word of God I love so much because it is our greatest weapon in fighting the enemy. I can go boldly right into his backyard (the Internet or secular television) with no fear because God's Word tells me I am more than a conqueror. With God with me, who can be against me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen!!!!
God knows the battles we face each day in this evil and sin-filled world that we live in That is why He provided us with the spiritual armor He has. He has given us the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, our feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation.
If you notice, there is nothing to protect your back. That is because God never intended for His children to RUN! You don't need protection for your back when you are moving forward. I want to encourage you today that as you fight those spiritual battles in your life, use those defensive tools God has provided you with, but do not neglect the one offensive weapon He gave you as well... HIS WORD!
It is time for God's people to get serious, to quit being so passive, and press forward in confidence knowing that God has given them all they need to go out and proclaim His Word in this sinful and dark world.
I will be praying for you that no matter what the spiritual battles you are fighting in your life today may be, PRESS FORWARD. Christ has already won the victory on Calvary 2,000 years ago. PRESS FORWARD, YOUR VICTORY IS JUST AHEAD!!!
SPIRITUAL WARFARE- PART THREE: (Ephesians 6:18-20)
Winning!!! In any war the objective is to win. In a spiritual war, the key to winning is prayer. Sound easy? Many of you tell me you have been praying but it doesn't work. Think about this. Maybe God has been answering, but you aren't listening. Let me ask you a question. When you pray, do you want your prayer answered, or do you want your prayer answered YOUR WAY? Big difference.
In the battle for Jericho, how do you think the great military minds felt about the battle plan of walking around the city blowing trumpets? Sounds like great military strategy doesn't it? The fact is, the prayers of the children of Israel were answered, but they were answered God's way!
The point I am making is when you are praying about a situation, you often have figured out how God is supposed to answer that prayer. Maybe God wants to answer your prayer another way, a way that is different than you expected. Do you want His answer, or do you want His answer your way?
When we pray, we are telling God we are dependent on Him. We need to share our needs with Him and trust His answer whether it is yes, no, or wait. Often, when God answers our prayers, it is in a way we never imagined. Why?
So He alone gets the glory!!!!!!
In part one of this series I talked about the attacks of the enemy and that our battle is a spiritual one. Part two dealt with the whole armor of God, both for defensive and offensive purposes. Today is about winning. WE WIN THROUGH PRAYER!
After all, the Bible tells us we are more than conquerors through Christ, we are the children of the King. We have a royal inheritance. If you know Jesus as your Savior you have a mansion waiting for you in Glory when this brief journey is over. You can live this life with full confidence, with no fear because you have already won the most important battle, and that is where you will spend eternity! With that knowledge, fight the battles that you are fighting in your life today knowing you have already won.
God has showed you who the enemy is. He has provided you with everything you need for protection and to fight with. Most important, He has already won the victory so that you can live this life each day victoriously! YOU WIN THE BATTLES OF LIFE THROUGH PRAYER!!!
Part message daily devotional (Mon. 3-22-2004) Liveprayer.com © Copyright 2004, Bill Keller Ministries.
The enemy is attacking!!!!
So many of the emails I receive every day are from good Christian people who are looking for God to help them through a difficult crisis in their life and wondering why they are going through the difficulties they are. Unfortunately, there is not always an explanation or good reason "why."
One reason I challenge and encourage you to follow the Lord each day is because we cause many of the problems in our lives by not following God's plan and ignoring the warnings that He has clearly laid out in His Word.
However, following Christ each day, living a Godly life does NOT mean you are immune from the trials and tribulations of life. You have to understand that there is a very real enemy named satan, who is actively trying to disrupt the work of God. In addition, Jesus told us what satan's goal is concerning YOU in John 10:10, to KILL STEAL, AND DESTROY.
The Bible clearly tells us that our battle isn't against flesh and blood, but that it is a SPIRITUAL BATTLE!
I am going to try to help you fight these spiritual battles. The most important thing you have to understand, no matter how intense the attacks may be on you right now, is that YOU HAVE ALREADY WON if you know Jesus as your personal Savior!
The most important battle is the one for your soul. Knowing Jesus insures you have won that battle and that knowledge alone should give you the confidence to fight whatever challenges this life may present knowing that in the end, YOU HAVE ALREADY WON!!!!!
*The lesson for today is that if you have put your faith and trust in Christ, no matter what battles you may be fighting today, YOU HAVE ALREADY WON!!!!!
God showed me when He gave me the vision for this Internet ministry that it was going to be a major battle since the Internet had largely been satan's playground and to a large extent still is. For all of the positive content the Internet provides, it is still far outweighed by the ungodly content that is available.
You would be amazed at the numbers of lives destroyed over the last 10 years by the Internet. Men and women in total bondage to Internet porn, addicted to Internet gambling, marriages and families destroyed by online romances that became real, people lured by the greed of online trading and losing everything they had. Every kind of evil and destructive thing in the world has found a place of prominence on the Internet. I had no illusions that this would be easy trying to use the Internet to share the hope and love of Christ with the lost and hurting in this world.
I tell you this to let you know something I learned early on in my ministry and it applies to your life. If you are not doing anything that is a threat to satan, he won't bother you. If you live for a while and aren't being attacked, you probably aren't doing anything that satan sees as a threat. Rejoice in the attacks because it is confirmation you are being effective!!!
I EXPECT THE ATTACKS AND IF YOU ARE SERVING GOD, YOU NEED TO EXPECT THEM TOO!
Never forget that "greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." God is still on the throne, still in control. Nothing is impossible with God! You need to have the same attitude. Don't let anything, especially the attacks of satan stop you from doing what God has called you to do with your life. The only way satan can win is if we let him!
SPIRITUAL WARFARE- PART TWO OF THREE (Ephesians 6:13-17)
God's protection plan. God, in His omniscience, knew that as we lived for Him we would face fierce attacks from satan. Therefore, He did not leave us without protection. Today's passage of scripture tells us about the armor of God, God's protection for His children as we fight the spiritual battles each day that we do. There are many eloquent and anointed teachings about this passage of scripture that will give you a full and concise teaching on God's armor. My purpose here is to encourage you to use the protection God has provided as you battle the enemy each day.
I do want to focus for a second on one aspect though. All of God's protection is defensive and He has only given us one offensive weapon to fight with ... His Word!!!!!
In past devotionals I have talked to you about overcoming sin in your life and having a battle plan. One of the most simple and effective battle plans I have ever found for handling those attacks that come throughout the course of a day is to carry a small New Testament at all times. In those moments of weakness when the attacks come, take it out, open it to any page and start reading. You will be amazed how in mere seconds those impure thoughts, the attacks on your mind, will be gone because they cannot stand up under the power of God's Word.
I have always been a very offensive minded person, not willing to just sit back and wait. While I appreciate the defensive armor God has provided us with, and I use it every day for protection, it is the Word of God I love so much because it is our greatest weapon in fighting the enemy. I can go boldly right into his backyard (the Internet or secular television) with no fear because God's Word tells me I am more than a conqueror. With God with me, who can be against me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen!!!!
God knows the battles we face each day in this evil and sin-filled world that we live in That is why He provided us with the spiritual armor He has. He has given us the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, our feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation.
If you notice, there is nothing to protect your back. That is because God never intended for His children to RUN! You don't need protection for your back when you are moving forward. I want to encourage you today that as you fight those spiritual battles in your life, use those defensive tools God has provided you with, but do not neglect the one offensive weapon He gave you as well... HIS WORD!
It is time for God's people to get serious, to quit being so passive, and press forward in confidence knowing that God has given them all they need to go out and proclaim His Word in this sinful and dark world.
I will be praying for you that no matter what the spiritual battles you are fighting in your life today may be, PRESS FORWARD. Christ has already won the victory on Calvary 2,000 years ago. PRESS FORWARD, YOUR VICTORY IS JUST AHEAD!!!
SPIRITUAL WARFARE- PART THREE: (Ephesians 6:18-20)
Winning!!! In any war the objective is to win. In a spiritual war, the key to winning is prayer. Sound easy? Many of you tell me you have been praying but it doesn't work. Think about this. Maybe God has been answering, but you aren't listening. Let me ask you a question. When you pray, do you want your prayer answered, or do you want your prayer answered YOUR WAY? Big difference.
In the battle for Jericho, how do you think the great military minds felt about the battle plan of walking around the city blowing trumpets? Sounds like great military strategy doesn't it? The fact is, the prayers of the children of Israel were answered, but they were answered God's way!
The point I am making is when you are praying about a situation, you often have figured out how God is supposed to answer that prayer. Maybe God wants to answer your prayer another way, a way that is different than you expected. Do you want His answer, or do you want His answer your way?
When we pray, we are telling God we are dependent on Him. We need to share our needs with Him and trust His answer whether it is yes, no, or wait. Often, when God answers our prayers, it is in a way we never imagined. Why?
So He alone gets the glory!!!!!!
In part one of this series I talked about the attacks of the enemy and that our battle is a spiritual one. Part two dealt with the whole armor of God, both for defensive and offensive purposes. Today is about winning. WE WIN THROUGH PRAYER!
After all, the Bible tells us we are more than conquerors through Christ, we are the children of the King. We have a royal inheritance. If you know Jesus as your Savior you have a mansion waiting for you in Glory when this brief journey is over. You can live this life with full confidence, with no fear because you have already won the most important battle, and that is where you will spend eternity! With that knowledge, fight the battles that you are fighting in your life today knowing you have already won.
God has showed you who the enemy is. He has provided you with everything you need for protection and to fight with. Most important, He has already won the victory so that you can live this life each day victoriously! YOU WIN THE BATTLES OF LIFE THROUGH PRAYER!!!
Part message daily devotional (Mon. 3-22-2004) Liveprayer.com © Copyright 2004, Bill Keller Ministries.
Gods Weapons Of Warfare
Weapons Of Warfare - Spiritual Warfare:
The Bible clearly tells us that our battle isn't against flesh and blood, but that it is a SPIRITUAL BATTLE!
As Christ's followers we are called on to use a very different set of weapons: because we are to be instruments of peace. Paul refers to the shoes of the gospel of peace; the belt of truth; and the sword of the Spirit -- the word of God (Ephesians6:10-18). In ancient Judah, King Jehoshaphat took 'weapons of peace' literally : he sent out praise singers in front of the soldiers, causing such disarray that the enemy started slaughtering each other. Then as now, the lesson is that only God gives the victory over evil. (Bill Keller 2004)
From Davids time in the wilderness we read in the Psalms so many examples two of my favourites are Psalm 91 & 18
"For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength, and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze" (Ps 18:31-34).
Remember: "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight" (Psalm 144:1)
A powerful quote by Robert Longman "The Christ who wins the spiritual battles is the same Christ who won the war." What could be more secure than that? It is God who wins the war, not ourselves. We just do what He gives us to do when we ask, hear & obey. Hear what the Spirit is saying.
Marty Gabler (2005) asks has anyone out there recently felt as though they are under attack? When we accept Jesus, we are inducted into the army of God. He puts a robe of righteousness on us and armor which become a conspicuous uniform identifying which army we belong to. For we battle not with flesh & blood. If we truly believe that we war against rulers and principalities that cannot be seen, then we must realize that their mandate is to hinder any believer who is seeking to walk in the fullness of God. However, "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4:4b KJV). Our focus must remain riveted upon becoming like Christ in all things. The Bible tells us that where sin abounds, the grace of God aboundsmore so (Romans 5:20). We might be overwhelmed by the flood of evil storming against us. Yet, the promise of God is that, when the enemy comes in like a flood, God shall raise a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). Focus always on Jesus the Captain.
2 Cor 10: 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;.. (KJV)
In simpler words - 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (NIV)
God knows the battles we face each day in this evil and sin-filled world that we live in That is why He provided us with the spiritual armor He has. If you notice, there is nothing to protect your back. That is because God never intended for His children to RUN! You don't need protection for your back when you are moving forward focus on Jesus. (Bill Keller 2004)
Eph 6: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (KJV)
In the NLT Eph 6: 10 A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule thisworld, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. 13 Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
The words from 'The Message' simplify yet say it all: Eph 6:10 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. 11 So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. 12 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 13 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, sothat when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. 14 Truth, righteousness, 15 peace, 16 faith, 17 and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. 18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers andsisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. 19 And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, ..... 23 Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God theFather and from the Master, Jesus Christ. 24 Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.
Warfare in the Psalms :For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. Destroy thou them O God; let them fall by their own councils; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. (Psalm 5:9,10).
Upon the wicked shall He rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: This shall be the portion of their cup. (Psalm 11:6).
Yea, He sent out His arrows, and scattered them; and He shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: For they were too strong for me. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. The strangers shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places. (Psalm 18:14,17, 39,45).
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. (Psalm 27:11).
Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: Fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: Let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the Angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: And let the Angel of the Lord persecute them. For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they havedigged for my soul. Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
(Psalm 35:1-8).
Through God we shall do valiantly: For He it is that shall tread down our enemies. (Psalm 60:12).
Say unto God, how terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. (Psalm 66:3).
O God thou art terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. Blessed be God. (Psalm 68:35).
Make haste, O God, to deliver me, make haste to help me, O Lord. (Psalm 70:1).
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt. (Psalm 71:13).
He shall cut off the spirit of princes: He is terrible to the kings of the earth.
(Psalm 76:12).
All nations compassed me about: But in the name of the Lord will I destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. (Psalm 118:10,12).
To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written: This honour have all His saints. Praise Ye the Lord! (Psalm 149:8,9).
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Recomendation: Read & Pray Psalm 18 - Psalm 91
Remember: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Isaiah 54:17.
Jesus says, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:18-20)
Source: Gathered Thoughts Jan Lyall, All Quotes referenced. Other sources: The Bible
The Bible clearly tells us that our battle isn't against flesh and blood, but that it is a SPIRITUAL BATTLE!
As Christ's followers we are called on to use a very different set of weapons: because we are to be instruments of peace. Paul refers to the shoes of the gospel of peace; the belt of truth; and the sword of the Spirit -- the word of God (Ephesians6:10-18). In ancient Judah, King Jehoshaphat took 'weapons of peace' literally : he sent out praise singers in front of the soldiers, causing such disarray that the enemy started slaughtering each other. Then as now, the lesson is that only God gives the victory over evil. (Bill Keller 2004)
From Davids time in the wilderness we read in the Psalms so many examples two of my favourites are Psalm 91 & 18
"For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength, and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze" (Ps 18:31-34).
Remember: "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight" (Psalm 144:1)
A powerful quote by Robert Longman "The Christ who wins the spiritual battles is the same Christ who won the war." What could be more secure than that? It is God who wins the war, not ourselves. We just do what He gives us to do when we ask, hear & obey. Hear what the Spirit is saying.
Marty Gabler (2005) asks has anyone out there recently felt as though they are under attack? When we accept Jesus, we are inducted into the army of God. He puts a robe of righteousness on us and armor which become a conspicuous uniform identifying which army we belong to. For we battle not with flesh & blood. If we truly believe that we war against rulers and principalities that cannot be seen, then we must realize that their mandate is to hinder any believer who is seeking to walk in the fullness of God. However, "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4:4b KJV). Our focus must remain riveted upon becoming like Christ in all things. The Bible tells us that where sin abounds, the grace of God aboundsmore so (Romans 5:20). We might be overwhelmed by the flood of evil storming against us. Yet, the promise of God is that, when the enemy comes in like a flood, God shall raise a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). Focus always on Jesus the Captain.
2 Cor 10: 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;.. (KJV)
In simpler words - 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (NIV)
God knows the battles we face each day in this evil and sin-filled world that we live in That is why He provided us with the spiritual armor He has. If you notice, there is nothing to protect your back. That is because God never intended for His children to RUN! You don't need protection for your back when you are moving forward focus on Jesus. (Bill Keller 2004)
Eph 6: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (KJV)
In the NLT Eph 6: 10 A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule thisworld, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. 13 Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
The words from 'The Message' simplify yet say it all: Eph 6:10 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. 11 So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. 12 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 13 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, sothat when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. 14 Truth, righteousness, 15 peace, 16 faith, 17 and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. 18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers andsisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. 19 And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, ..... 23 Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God theFather and from the Master, Jesus Christ. 24 Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.
Warfare in the Psalms :For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. Destroy thou them O God; let them fall by their own councils; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. (Psalm 5:9,10).
Upon the wicked shall He rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: This shall be the portion of their cup. (Psalm 11:6).
Yea, He sent out His arrows, and scattered them; and He shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: For they were too strong for me. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. The strangers shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places. (Psalm 18:14,17, 39,45).
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. (Psalm 27:11).
Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: Fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: Let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the Angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: And let the Angel of the Lord persecute them. For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they havedigged for my soul. Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
(Psalm 35:1-8).
Through God we shall do valiantly: For He it is that shall tread down our enemies. (Psalm 60:12).
Say unto God, how terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. (Psalm 66:3).
O God thou art terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. Blessed be God. (Psalm 68:35).
Make haste, O God, to deliver me, make haste to help me, O Lord. (Psalm 70:1).
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt. (Psalm 71:13).
He shall cut off the spirit of princes: He is terrible to the kings of the earth.
(Psalm 76:12).
All nations compassed me about: But in the name of the Lord will I destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. (Psalm 118:10,12).
To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written: This honour have all His saints. Praise Ye the Lord! (Psalm 149:8,9).
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Recomendation: Read & Pray Psalm 18 - Psalm 91
Remember: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Isaiah 54:17.
Jesus says, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:18-20)
Source: Gathered Thoughts Jan Lyall, All Quotes referenced. Other sources: The Bible
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