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.
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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.
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Saturday, April 29, 2006
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.
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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
Fight against the Kingdom of Darkness effectively
Fight against the Kingdom of Darkness effectively
We need to know what the weapons of our warfare are in order to be able to fight against the Kingdom of Darkness effectively.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ". (2 Corinthians 10:3,4)
The apostle Paul here states that we are engaged in a warfare, and that we have weapons with which we must fight. As Paul states in Ephesians 6:12, our fight is not with flesh and blood, with people, but with the host of demons that work to defile, destroy, harrass, tempt and enslave mankind. Part of the good news in Christ is that now, not only can we resist the devil's influence in our own lives, but we can destroy his influence in the lives of others. God has given us mighty weapons to counter satanic influence and activity. But in order to be effective in our warfare, we must know what these weapons are, and how to use them effectively.
Paul in this passage doesn't state what the weapons of our warfare are, but he does state what they do. They pull down strongholds. They cast down arguments (also translated imaginations) which come from Satan. They cast down every proud and high thing that seeks to stop us and others from knowing God. They bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. They also give us power to punish disobedience when we are obeying God (vs 6). Each of these results in worth considering in detail.
What are the Weapons of Our Warfare?
To discover the answer to this question, we need to search through the Bible and see how it is that God's men and women of faith overcame the enemy. There is no one word that gives the answer to this question, but if there was it would be "obedience" - obedience to God. It is not a mindless, heartless obedience that gains thevictory however. God does not want us to be ignorant.
We need to have a growing understanding of the nature of the conflict we are in. Otherwise we will not be able to determine the source of the suggestions within us. In warfare, soldiers must learn to obey the orders of their commanding officers. A major part of our challenge is firstly to know who is talking, which spirit is motivating us to behave or act in a certain way, and torespond intelligently in the light of what God reveals. We must develop spiritual discernment.
One of Satan's major strategies is to keep us from really perceiving with our hearts who God truly is. That is why Paul said our weapons cast down every high thing which exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
First Weapon - PRAISE
So what are the weapons of our warfare? Well, without a doubt, PRAISE is a major weapon against Satan. Satan and demons just HATE hearing people praise God, especially when they do so from a pure heart.
Praise releases the presence of God in a way that Satan cannot resist. If we would praise God more, we would have far less interference from demonic powers in our lives.
Praise Silences the Enemy"Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of your enemies, that you may silence the enemy and the avenger."
(Psalm 8:2).And Jesus said to them, "Yes, have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise.'"
(Matthew 21:16)The strength which God has ordained for us is perfect praise. Perfect praise SILENCES the enemy and the avenger.
Many of our problems would be solved if we could only get Satan and his demons to SHUT UP. They operate by injecting suggestions into our minds which seem plausible, but are rooted in unbelief and rebellion towards God. The suggestions come as if they were our own thoughts, when they are not at all! We lose battles when we believe andtrust these demonic suggestions. These suggestions, thoughts and imaginations work to sow discouragement, confusion, fear, doubt and unbelief in our minds.
PRAISE - be it spoken or sung to music, however, works to SILENCE the enemy. Perfect praise led by God's Holy Spirit will completely silence the enemy.
Here is one reason why we should consider how we might praise God better. There are many biblical ways whereby the people of God are exhorted to praise God. We can find these in the psalms. Shouting, dancing, singing, rejoicing, making music are all valid biblical ways to express praise to God.God dwells manifestly by His Spirit in the PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE.
"But You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel". (Psalm 22:3). The Kingdom of God will manifest through the presence of the King, which comes when we praise Him. The manifest presence of God drives demons OUT of the places near us where they can seek to gain influence over us. Let us therefore praise the Lord more than ever before!
On one occasion, Jehoshophat, the King of Israel, came against a vast opposing army of many nations bent on Israel's destruction (2 Chronicles 20). The King put at the front lines of the army people who PRAISED the LORD with singing saying, "Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever".It is no accident that David, perhaps the mightiest warrior for God in Old Testament times, was a man of praise. His strength was rooted in the joy he gave God through praising and worshiping God. How much more in these New Testament times, we, who are commanded to "continually offer up to God the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips which confess His Name" (Hebrews 13:15), are called to overcome the devil and his demons, and all theirworks, using PRAISE as a mighty God ordained weapon for the destruction of their plans and works.
Second Weapon - the Word of God
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan (see Luke 4:1-13), He overcame the devil using the one weapon of THE WORD OF GOD. Rather than arguing directly with Satan's suggestions, as many Christians try to do, Jesus simply quoted the Word of God as it applied to the suggestion. When Satan tried to suggest a course of action for Jesus to prove his divinity and simultaneously satisfy his hunger, Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'" (Luke 4:4). This silenced the enemy and ended the discussion on that point.
Jesus used the Word of God once for each of the three main temptations which every son of man must face. These are: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Once we have overcomethese fully, we have overcome Satan.
The apostle John wrote, "I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." (1 John 2:14).We see then that we are called to grow up to the stage of being "young men", in whom the Word of God abides, and "no longer children, tossed about by every wind and wave of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).
It is when, through much study and meditation on the Word of God, that word comes to live in us, and consume our thoughts, that we will be strong in the Lord. Jesus promised that if we abide in Him, and His Word abides in us, we will ask what we desire, and it will be done for us (John 15:7). This will include victory over Satan.Much more can be written on the power of the Word of God to overcome the devil.
Make sure you get into the Word of God for yourself.
Third Weapon - the Blood of Jesus
One of Satan's chief tactics is accusation. He is called "the Accuser of the brethren". When we sin we give Satan opportunity to accuse us, both directly and through others.The reality is, we have all sinned. I'm still looking for a Christian on the earth who never sins. I'd love to learn from someone who no longer falls short of the glory of God. Sin is costing us too much. When to our sin, Satan adds his accusations, we can become condemned and discouraged if we are ignorant of the power of the blood of Jesus as it may be applied to this issue.
Praise God, the blood of Jesus Christ, God's son, cleanses us from all sin. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).We must believe that no matter what sin we may commit, the blood of Jesus is there to cleanse us. We can be restored by this blood to a place of acceptance with God and peace with ourselves. It is because Jesus paid the price for our sins, and took the punishment we deserve, that we can be forgiven and go on after temporary defeats. Praise God for the blood!
Much can be written on this subject. Remember to confess what the blood of Jesus does for you. "They overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the lamb, by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their own lives unto death" (Revelation 12:13).
Fourth Weapon - Prayer
Prayer is not preparation for the battle. Prayer is the battle. We are commanded to pray without ceasing, so we should at least aim for it. God has made so many promises regarding prayer and we need to fill our hearts and minds with these promises. Of course, volumes could be written on prayer and have been in various places. Learn to pray with power. When we prevail in prayer, Satan is defeated, miracles happen and people turn from the power of Satan to the power of God, their eyes having been opened.
Prayer is quite simply the key to revival. YOU MUST PRAY. To not pray is to surrender to Satan.
Fifth Weapon - the Power of Your Testimony
Tell other people what Christ has done for you. This will promote faith. Tell yourself - you need to encourage yourself in the Lord - "forget not all His benefits". Tell God - praise and thank Him for it. Paul used his testimony in confronting King Agrippa and the Roman Governor Festus when called to account for his activities and the reasons for which he was accused by the Jews (see Acts 26 - also Acts 22).They overcame came him [the devil] ... by the word of their testimony.
Sixth Weapon - the Power of the Holy Spirit expressed through the Gifts of the Spirit
We are commanded to "be continually filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). Just keeping this one command of the Lord is a major part of our spiritual warfare, and we will need all the other weapons in order to stay in this place.
A person who is "filled with the Spirit" and has learned to be "led by the Spirit" can also receive and use the "gifts of the Holy Spirit". These are outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. Most of them are expressed through our mouths. They all operate through divine initiative.
These specialised weapons of the gifts of the Holy Spirit all work along with the other weapons of God to build up God's people, win people for Christ and to destroy the works of the devil. They all operate through faith. God does not want us to be ignorant of the mighty gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Source: Weapons Of Warfare (Part Message - 2004) - spiritual-warfare.net
We need to know what the weapons of our warfare are in order to be able to fight against the Kingdom of Darkness effectively.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ". (2 Corinthians 10:3,4)
The apostle Paul here states that we are engaged in a warfare, and that we have weapons with which we must fight. As Paul states in Ephesians 6:12, our fight is not with flesh and blood, with people, but with the host of demons that work to defile, destroy, harrass, tempt and enslave mankind. Part of the good news in Christ is that now, not only can we resist the devil's influence in our own lives, but we can destroy his influence in the lives of others. God has given us mighty weapons to counter satanic influence and activity. But in order to be effective in our warfare, we must know what these weapons are, and how to use them effectively.
Paul in this passage doesn't state what the weapons of our warfare are, but he does state what they do. They pull down strongholds. They cast down arguments (also translated imaginations) which come from Satan. They cast down every proud and high thing that seeks to stop us and others from knowing God. They bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. They also give us power to punish disobedience when we are obeying God (vs 6). Each of these results in worth considering in detail.
What are the Weapons of Our Warfare?
To discover the answer to this question, we need to search through the Bible and see how it is that God's men and women of faith overcame the enemy. There is no one word that gives the answer to this question, but if there was it would be "obedience" - obedience to God. It is not a mindless, heartless obedience that gains thevictory however. God does not want us to be ignorant.
We need to have a growing understanding of the nature of the conflict we are in. Otherwise we will not be able to determine the source of the suggestions within us. In warfare, soldiers must learn to obey the orders of their commanding officers. A major part of our challenge is firstly to know who is talking, which spirit is motivating us to behave or act in a certain way, and torespond intelligently in the light of what God reveals. We must develop spiritual discernment.
One of Satan's major strategies is to keep us from really perceiving with our hearts who God truly is. That is why Paul said our weapons cast down every high thing which exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
First Weapon - PRAISE
So what are the weapons of our warfare? Well, without a doubt, PRAISE is a major weapon against Satan. Satan and demons just HATE hearing people praise God, especially when they do so from a pure heart.
Praise releases the presence of God in a way that Satan cannot resist. If we would praise God more, we would have far less interference from demonic powers in our lives.
Praise Silences the Enemy"Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of your enemies, that you may silence the enemy and the avenger."
(Psalm 8:2).And Jesus said to them, "Yes, have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise.'"
(Matthew 21:16)The strength which God has ordained for us is perfect praise. Perfect praise SILENCES the enemy and the avenger.
Many of our problems would be solved if we could only get Satan and his demons to SHUT UP. They operate by injecting suggestions into our minds which seem plausible, but are rooted in unbelief and rebellion towards God. The suggestions come as if they were our own thoughts, when they are not at all! We lose battles when we believe andtrust these demonic suggestions. These suggestions, thoughts and imaginations work to sow discouragement, confusion, fear, doubt and unbelief in our minds.
PRAISE - be it spoken or sung to music, however, works to SILENCE the enemy. Perfect praise led by God's Holy Spirit will completely silence the enemy.
Here is one reason why we should consider how we might praise God better. There are many biblical ways whereby the people of God are exhorted to praise God. We can find these in the psalms. Shouting, dancing, singing, rejoicing, making music are all valid biblical ways to express praise to God.God dwells manifestly by His Spirit in the PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE.
"But You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel". (Psalm 22:3). The Kingdom of God will manifest through the presence of the King, which comes when we praise Him. The manifest presence of God drives demons OUT of the places near us where they can seek to gain influence over us. Let us therefore praise the Lord more than ever before!
On one occasion, Jehoshophat, the King of Israel, came against a vast opposing army of many nations bent on Israel's destruction (2 Chronicles 20). The King put at the front lines of the army people who PRAISED the LORD with singing saying, "Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever".It is no accident that David, perhaps the mightiest warrior for God in Old Testament times, was a man of praise. His strength was rooted in the joy he gave God through praising and worshiping God. How much more in these New Testament times, we, who are commanded to "continually offer up to God the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips which confess His Name" (Hebrews 13:15), are called to overcome the devil and his demons, and all theirworks, using PRAISE as a mighty God ordained weapon for the destruction of their plans and works.
Second Weapon - the Word of God
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan (see Luke 4:1-13), He overcame the devil using the one weapon of THE WORD OF GOD. Rather than arguing directly with Satan's suggestions, as many Christians try to do, Jesus simply quoted the Word of God as it applied to the suggestion. When Satan tried to suggest a course of action for Jesus to prove his divinity and simultaneously satisfy his hunger, Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'" (Luke 4:4). This silenced the enemy and ended the discussion on that point.
Jesus used the Word of God once for each of the three main temptations which every son of man must face. These are: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Once we have overcomethese fully, we have overcome Satan.
The apostle John wrote, "I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." (1 John 2:14).We see then that we are called to grow up to the stage of being "young men", in whom the Word of God abides, and "no longer children, tossed about by every wind and wave of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).
It is when, through much study and meditation on the Word of God, that word comes to live in us, and consume our thoughts, that we will be strong in the Lord. Jesus promised that if we abide in Him, and His Word abides in us, we will ask what we desire, and it will be done for us (John 15:7). This will include victory over Satan.Much more can be written on the power of the Word of God to overcome the devil.
Make sure you get into the Word of God for yourself.
Third Weapon - the Blood of Jesus
One of Satan's chief tactics is accusation. He is called "the Accuser of the brethren". When we sin we give Satan opportunity to accuse us, both directly and through others.The reality is, we have all sinned. I'm still looking for a Christian on the earth who never sins. I'd love to learn from someone who no longer falls short of the glory of God. Sin is costing us too much. When to our sin, Satan adds his accusations, we can become condemned and discouraged if we are ignorant of the power of the blood of Jesus as it may be applied to this issue.
Praise God, the blood of Jesus Christ, God's son, cleanses us from all sin. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).We must believe that no matter what sin we may commit, the blood of Jesus is there to cleanse us. We can be restored by this blood to a place of acceptance with God and peace with ourselves. It is because Jesus paid the price for our sins, and took the punishment we deserve, that we can be forgiven and go on after temporary defeats. Praise God for the blood!
Much can be written on this subject. Remember to confess what the blood of Jesus does for you. "They overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the lamb, by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their own lives unto death" (Revelation 12:13).
Fourth Weapon - Prayer
Prayer is not preparation for the battle. Prayer is the battle. We are commanded to pray without ceasing, so we should at least aim for it. God has made so many promises regarding prayer and we need to fill our hearts and minds with these promises. Of course, volumes could be written on prayer and have been in various places. Learn to pray with power. When we prevail in prayer, Satan is defeated, miracles happen and people turn from the power of Satan to the power of God, their eyes having been opened.
Prayer is quite simply the key to revival. YOU MUST PRAY. To not pray is to surrender to Satan.
Fifth Weapon - the Power of Your Testimony
Tell other people what Christ has done for you. This will promote faith. Tell yourself - you need to encourage yourself in the Lord - "forget not all His benefits". Tell God - praise and thank Him for it. Paul used his testimony in confronting King Agrippa and the Roman Governor Festus when called to account for his activities and the reasons for which he was accused by the Jews (see Acts 26 - also Acts 22).They overcame came him [the devil] ... by the word of their testimony.
Sixth Weapon - the Power of the Holy Spirit expressed through the Gifts of the Spirit
We are commanded to "be continually filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). Just keeping this one command of the Lord is a major part of our spiritual warfare, and we will need all the other weapons in order to stay in this place.
A person who is "filled with the Spirit" and has learned to be "led by the Spirit" can also receive and use the "gifts of the Holy Spirit". These are outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. Most of them are expressed through our mouths. They all operate through divine initiative.
These specialised weapons of the gifts of the Holy Spirit all work along with the other weapons of God to build up God's people, win people for Christ and to destroy the works of the devil. They all operate through faith. God does not want us to be ignorant of the mighty gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Source: Weapons Of Warfare (Part Message - 2004) - spiritual-warfare.net
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Prayer Barriers
December 05, 2004: Prayer Barriers
"You do not have because you do not ask." (James 4:2 NIV)
When our prayers are not answered, we want to know what's wrong with God. It's easier to blame Him than look in the mirror and say, "maybe I'm the problem". For the next few days let's look at some common prayer barriers.
Barrier #1 - prayerlessness. Be honest; how often do you decide to pray about something, add it to your prayer list, say you'll pray about it, and almost do? You think about it from time to time, but you hardly pray about it at all. Why isn't God answering? Because you haven't prayed yet!
Some of us live by the motto: "Why pray when you can worry? Why pray when you can work yourself to death trying to get it? Why pray when you can go without?" Get this: when we work, we work; when we pray, God works!
Barrier #2 - unconfessed sin. Listen: "Your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear" (Is 59:2 NIV). God expects you to maintain your personal integrity, to show thoughtfulness and love toward others, and to put Him first in your life. Listen: "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Mic 6:8 NIV). Those aren't suggestions - they're requirements! If you don't meet them, don't expect God to answer your prayers; you're wasting your breath unless it's a prayer of confession.
First seek His forgiveness, then He'll listen when you pour out your heart to Him."First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come." (Mth 5:24 NIV )
Barrier #3 - unresolved conflict. Listen to these Scriptures: "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift... go and be reconciled... then come and offer your gift" (Mt 5:23-24 NIV). Listen again: "Husbands... be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect... so that nothing will hinder your prayers" (1Pe 3:7 NIV).
Most of us underestimate how committed God is to building and maintaining loving relationships. There's no point praying if you're engaged in constant conflict. John writes: "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness" (1Jn 2:9 NIV). God will only listen when you come out into the light, deal with the thing that drove you and the other person apart, and attempt to mend the relationship.Of course it isn't always possible to make amends. Paul writes: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Ro 12:18 NIV). But sometimes the other person would rather keep the issue alive than accept your apology. If this happens, look deep into your heart. Have you sincerely tried to mend fences, or are you still holding something back? Do you really want restoration, or would you rather "blame place" and let things fester? If your attempts have been wholehearted and honest, God won't let a broken relationship stand in the way of your prayers. But if your attempts have been half-hearted and self-serving, try again - this time for real. "When you ask you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives" (James 4:3 NIV)
Barrier #4 - selfishness. To take a closer look at our praying, is to come face to face with selfishness. There's such confusion over wants and needs, rights and favours, justice and grace, creature comforts and conformity to Christ. It's impossible to grow spiritually without trials. To pray: "Give me an easy, happy, problem-free life," is a prayer God cannot answer because if He did, you'd be destroyed.
Barrier #5 - uncaring attitudes. The Israelites wondered why God was not answering their prayers. Here's what He told them: "Stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly... share your food with the hungry... Clothe those who are cold and don't hide from relatives who need your help. If you do these things... the Lord will answer" (Is 58:6-9 TLB).
God's committed to developing a people who will reflect His character - and His character always expresses compassion for others. Have you seen the cartoon picturing hundreds of people lined up as far back as the eye can see? Each is thinking the same thing: What can I do, I'm just one person? As just one person you may not be able to change the world. You can, however, look for small ways to show you care. Perhaps your church works with a food pantry or prison ministry. Maybe your skills could make a small difference in the evils of unemployment, illiteracy, child abuse, alcoholism or suicide. As long as your ear is open to the hurting, God will keep His ear open to you.
The discipline of stillness:
"Very early in the morning, Jesus... went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." (Mark 1:35 NIV)
One well-known Christian leader writes: "I used to try to pray on the run, till it became obvious that the pace of my life outstripped my capacity to analyse it. It exhausted me to be constantly doing, rarely reflecting on what I did. At the end of the day I'd wonder if my work had any meaning at all. So I developed my own approach to stillness before God. It's called "journaling". It's one of the spiritual disciplines that's really worked for me, and I'm not tempted to abandon it because it's made my life so much richer. After I open my journal, reflect on the previous day, and write out my thoughts and prayers, my spirit is receptive. Then I sit quietly and simply say: 'Lord, I invite You to speak to me.' The moments that follow are the ones that really matter. I like my way of quieting my mind and preparing myself to hear God speak: it works well for me. But I know it won't work for everyone. Some people can't stand writing anything, let alone journals and prayers; they prefer to talk quietly to God. Some are good at meditating without writing or saying a word. Some 'Come before Him with joyful songs' (Ps 100:2 NIV).
The important thing is not to follow a particular method, but to find a way that works for you. Custom design an approach that will still your racing mind, soften your heart, and enable you to hear God speaking to you!"
"David went in and sat before the Lord." (2 Samuel 7:18 NKJV )Here are three reasons we don't hear God speaking to us more often:
(1) We don't know how to handle His silence. When God seems to be silent we think: "Did I ask the wrong question? Was I foolish to expect an answer?" Don't be upset. God's a living being, not an answering machine; He speaks when He has something to say to you.
(2) We don't listen for God's voice. In addition to carving out blocks of quiet time to listen to God, you must learn to keep your ears tuned to Him each day.
One Christian author writes: "A friend of mine has a company car equipped with AM/FM radio, a CD player, a phone and mobile communication unit which he consistently monitors at a low decibel level. Often we've been riding together, talking and listening to music, when all of a sudden he'll reach down, pick up the microphone and say: 'I'm here, what's up?' With all the other noise in the car I never hear the signal, but he has tuned his ear to it. He's able to carry on a conversation and listen to music without ever missing an incoming call." And it's possible for you to develop that same sensitivity to God's voice.
(3) We don't plan to do anything about it. When God speaks we listen, nod and say: "How interesting!" If we don't follow up on His leadings, God may see no reason to continue speaking. When He speaks to us it's usually toward one end - obedience!
Written Bob Gass Ministries Used with Permission from "The Word For Today": http://www.thewordfortoday.com.au/ to those in Australia the devotional is available free from UCB Australia by phoning 1800 068 204.
"You do not have because you do not ask." (James 4:2 NIV)
When our prayers are not answered, we want to know what's wrong with God. It's easier to blame Him than look in the mirror and say, "maybe I'm the problem". For the next few days let's look at some common prayer barriers.
Barrier #1 - prayerlessness. Be honest; how often do you decide to pray about something, add it to your prayer list, say you'll pray about it, and almost do? You think about it from time to time, but you hardly pray about it at all. Why isn't God answering? Because you haven't prayed yet!
Some of us live by the motto: "Why pray when you can worry? Why pray when you can work yourself to death trying to get it? Why pray when you can go without?" Get this: when we work, we work; when we pray, God works!
Barrier #2 - unconfessed sin. Listen: "Your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear" (Is 59:2 NIV). God expects you to maintain your personal integrity, to show thoughtfulness and love toward others, and to put Him first in your life. Listen: "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Mic 6:8 NIV). Those aren't suggestions - they're requirements! If you don't meet them, don't expect God to answer your prayers; you're wasting your breath unless it's a prayer of confession.
First seek His forgiveness, then He'll listen when you pour out your heart to Him."First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come." (Mth 5:24 NIV )
Barrier #3 - unresolved conflict. Listen to these Scriptures: "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift... go and be reconciled... then come and offer your gift" (Mt 5:23-24 NIV). Listen again: "Husbands... be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect... so that nothing will hinder your prayers" (1Pe 3:7 NIV).
Most of us underestimate how committed God is to building and maintaining loving relationships. There's no point praying if you're engaged in constant conflict. John writes: "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness" (1Jn 2:9 NIV). God will only listen when you come out into the light, deal with the thing that drove you and the other person apart, and attempt to mend the relationship.Of course it isn't always possible to make amends. Paul writes: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Ro 12:18 NIV). But sometimes the other person would rather keep the issue alive than accept your apology. If this happens, look deep into your heart. Have you sincerely tried to mend fences, or are you still holding something back? Do you really want restoration, or would you rather "blame place" and let things fester? If your attempts have been wholehearted and honest, God won't let a broken relationship stand in the way of your prayers. But if your attempts have been half-hearted and self-serving, try again - this time for real. "When you ask you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives" (James 4:3 NIV)
Barrier #4 - selfishness. To take a closer look at our praying, is to come face to face with selfishness. There's such confusion over wants and needs, rights and favours, justice and grace, creature comforts and conformity to Christ. It's impossible to grow spiritually without trials. To pray: "Give me an easy, happy, problem-free life," is a prayer God cannot answer because if He did, you'd be destroyed.
Barrier #5 - uncaring attitudes. The Israelites wondered why God was not answering their prayers. Here's what He told them: "Stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly... share your food with the hungry... Clothe those who are cold and don't hide from relatives who need your help. If you do these things... the Lord will answer" (Is 58:6-9 TLB).
God's committed to developing a people who will reflect His character - and His character always expresses compassion for others. Have you seen the cartoon picturing hundreds of people lined up as far back as the eye can see? Each is thinking the same thing: What can I do, I'm just one person? As just one person you may not be able to change the world. You can, however, look for small ways to show you care. Perhaps your church works with a food pantry or prison ministry. Maybe your skills could make a small difference in the evils of unemployment, illiteracy, child abuse, alcoholism or suicide. As long as your ear is open to the hurting, God will keep His ear open to you.
The discipline of stillness:
"Very early in the morning, Jesus... went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." (Mark 1:35 NIV)
One well-known Christian leader writes: "I used to try to pray on the run, till it became obvious that the pace of my life outstripped my capacity to analyse it. It exhausted me to be constantly doing, rarely reflecting on what I did. At the end of the day I'd wonder if my work had any meaning at all. So I developed my own approach to stillness before God. It's called "journaling". It's one of the spiritual disciplines that's really worked for me, and I'm not tempted to abandon it because it's made my life so much richer. After I open my journal, reflect on the previous day, and write out my thoughts and prayers, my spirit is receptive. Then I sit quietly and simply say: 'Lord, I invite You to speak to me.' The moments that follow are the ones that really matter. I like my way of quieting my mind and preparing myself to hear God speak: it works well for me. But I know it won't work for everyone. Some people can't stand writing anything, let alone journals and prayers; they prefer to talk quietly to God. Some are good at meditating without writing or saying a word. Some 'Come before Him with joyful songs' (Ps 100:2 NIV).
The important thing is not to follow a particular method, but to find a way that works for you. Custom design an approach that will still your racing mind, soften your heart, and enable you to hear God speaking to you!"
"David went in and sat before the Lord." (2 Samuel 7:18 NKJV )Here are three reasons we don't hear God speaking to us more often:
(1) We don't know how to handle His silence. When God seems to be silent we think: "Did I ask the wrong question? Was I foolish to expect an answer?" Don't be upset. God's a living being, not an answering machine; He speaks when He has something to say to you.
(2) We don't listen for God's voice. In addition to carving out blocks of quiet time to listen to God, you must learn to keep your ears tuned to Him each day.
One Christian author writes: "A friend of mine has a company car equipped with AM/FM radio, a CD player, a phone and mobile communication unit which he consistently monitors at a low decibel level. Often we've been riding together, talking and listening to music, when all of a sudden he'll reach down, pick up the microphone and say: 'I'm here, what's up?' With all the other noise in the car I never hear the signal, but he has tuned his ear to it. He's able to carry on a conversation and listen to music without ever missing an incoming call." And it's possible for you to develop that same sensitivity to God's voice.
(3) We don't plan to do anything about it. When God speaks we listen, nod and say: "How interesting!" If we don't follow up on His leadings, God may see no reason to continue speaking. When He speaks to us it's usually toward one end - obedience!
Written Bob Gass Ministries Used with Permission from "The Word For Today": http://www.thewordfortoday.com.au/ to those in Australia the devotional is available free from UCB Australia by phoning 1800 068 204.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Warriors Need Refreshing
May 18, 2005: "Oh magnify the Lord with me and exalt His name forever." (Psalm 34:3)
Prayer Warriors
The alert is sounded, Loud and clear, Somewhere a soul is crying, Torn by forces Satan lead: They feel their heart is dying. There is nowhere else they can go,
No mortal man can answer The problems tearing at their hearts; The disease that means disaster. They cannot even pray themselves, For Pain is all they feel. They need someone to step into The breech with enthusiasm and zeal. Prayer Warriors are called upon To step into the fray!
Some approach on bended knee; some in their wheelchairs stay. Some raise words of eloquence, Some, much more plainly speak, All with scripture knowledge bold Lay their requests at Jesus' feet. One commandment, Jesus gave To Love, as we are Loved. Prayer Warriors, in any shape or size, With just one thing to prove.Where two or more are gathered, With them He shall Abide,
Our Awesome Saviour joins our Prayer His Arms are Open Wide. Praise God for His Prayer Warriors!Unceasingly.........They pray!Their crowns will carry many gems When Jesus calls them Home to stay.
Karen Payne (C) 2004-
----
Reflective Thought: Today's message is for all those who have found their prayer life has become dry & need refreshing. Many prayer warriors spend hours praying for others & for this we say thank you it is a blessing to so many. However standing in the gap often means one comes under much attack & many become weary. May today's message encourage & inspire you to make personal time reading, reflecting & praying the Psalms. May you become refreshed & be freshly inspired. Be blessed today & enjoy!
--------------------------------
Keeping Prayer Fresh and Alive,
For the past few weeks we have been walking the path toward learning to pray using the Psalms. Let's, stop, turn and look back down the trail at some milestones we have passed. We acknowledged that a healthy, disciplined prayer life is very difficult for most of us to sustain long term. And a good deal of the advice we get does not work for the long haul. Then we boldly suggested a secret to the life of prayer: the Psalms can teach us to pray. In fact the best time-tested prayer "technique" among great faith-warriors for 3000 years is to pray the Psalms.
And we began exploring the benefits of praying the Psalms:First we noted that praying the Psalms helps us to Speak the "Unspeakable."Second, praying the Psalms helps us Explore the "Uncomfortable." Now, lets move on.
Let's look at a couple more blessings of praying the Psalms this week. The Psalms not only enrich our prayer life, but they broaden our scope of prayer...I have discovered that praying the Psalms keeps our prayer list fresh. As we move through the Psalter, the focus keeps changing from Psalm to Psalm, raising fresh prayer topics with each new Psalm we pray. The Psalms lead us into a wide range of 'prayer subjects' and emotions, rescuing us from repetitiveness and bouncing us out of our narrow and self-centred prayer ruts. What is more, a prayer that begins with a Psalm usually moves us beyond the ancient content of the Psalm itself into contemporary issues, many of which we may not have prayed over in months some maybe never before.
So the Psalm we are praying becomes a launching pad for fresh and varied topics of prayer. The Psalms not only enrich our prayer life, but they broaden our scope of prayer and lead us on a journey of prayer topics that bless our lives like they have blessed other believers for thousands of years. In addition, praying the Psalms takes prayer beyond mere begging. Prayer gatherings often go something like this, "Any prayer requests?" Then we raise our hands and tell the group what we want God to give us or to do for us: "Heal Aunt Sally!" "Get me a raise!" "Give me a safe trip!" "Fix my marriage!" Etc. etc. Of course God is interested in Aunt Sally's health and my safety. And it is great that we ask God for things that trouble our heart. Jesus himself tells us to "seek, knock and ask."
However, for the Psalms, personal petition is just one small piece of potent prayer. Sure the Psalms have as making requests, but they take us far beyond begging. When we keep praying the Psalms, the Spirit opens up new vistas of prayer and before long they have us... * Listening to God * Praising God * Thanking God * Exploring our own souls * Blessing other people * Empathizing with the pain of others * Recalling God's goodness * Asking God questions * Seeking God's face * Awestruck at His majesty * Trembling before His holiness * Basking in His love
Oh yes, praying the Psalms vastly broadens and deeply enriches our understanding of the purposes and powers of prayer. Our prayers grow fresher, broader, deeper, and higher as the Psalms teach us to pray.
Used by permission. http://www.heartlight.org/ (C) 2001, Lynn Anderson hopenet@ont.com,
-------------------------
Prayer Warriors
The alert is sounded, Loud and clear, Somewhere a soul is crying, Torn by forces Satan lead: They feel their heart is dying. There is nowhere else they can go,
No mortal man can answer The problems tearing at their hearts; The disease that means disaster. They cannot even pray themselves, For Pain is all they feel. They need someone to step into The breech with enthusiasm and zeal. Prayer Warriors are called upon To step into the fray!
Some approach on bended knee; some in their wheelchairs stay. Some raise words of eloquence, Some, much more plainly speak, All with scripture knowledge bold Lay their requests at Jesus' feet. One commandment, Jesus gave To Love, as we are Loved. Prayer Warriors, in any shape or size, With just one thing to prove.Where two or more are gathered, With them He shall Abide,
Our Awesome Saviour joins our Prayer His Arms are Open Wide. Praise God for His Prayer Warriors!Unceasingly.........They pray!Their crowns will carry many gems When Jesus calls them Home to stay.
Karen Payne (C) 2004-
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Reflective Thought: Today's message is for all those who have found their prayer life has become dry & need refreshing. Many prayer warriors spend hours praying for others & for this we say thank you it is a blessing to so many. However standing in the gap often means one comes under much attack & many become weary. May today's message encourage & inspire you to make personal time reading, reflecting & praying the Psalms. May you become refreshed & be freshly inspired. Be blessed today & enjoy!
--------------------------------
Keeping Prayer Fresh and Alive,
For the past few weeks we have been walking the path toward learning to pray using the Psalms. Let's, stop, turn and look back down the trail at some milestones we have passed. We acknowledged that a healthy, disciplined prayer life is very difficult for most of us to sustain long term. And a good deal of the advice we get does not work for the long haul. Then we boldly suggested a secret to the life of prayer: the Psalms can teach us to pray. In fact the best time-tested prayer "technique" among great faith-warriors for 3000 years is to pray the Psalms.
And we began exploring the benefits of praying the Psalms:First we noted that praying the Psalms helps us to Speak the "Unspeakable."Second, praying the Psalms helps us Explore the "Uncomfortable." Now, lets move on.
Let's look at a couple more blessings of praying the Psalms this week. The Psalms not only enrich our prayer life, but they broaden our scope of prayer...I have discovered that praying the Psalms keeps our prayer list fresh. As we move through the Psalter, the focus keeps changing from Psalm to Psalm, raising fresh prayer topics with each new Psalm we pray. The Psalms lead us into a wide range of 'prayer subjects' and emotions, rescuing us from repetitiveness and bouncing us out of our narrow and self-centred prayer ruts. What is more, a prayer that begins with a Psalm usually moves us beyond the ancient content of the Psalm itself into contemporary issues, many of which we may not have prayed over in months some maybe never before.
So the Psalm we are praying becomes a launching pad for fresh and varied topics of prayer. The Psalms not only enrich our prayer life, but they broaden our scope of prayer and lead us on a journey of prayer topics that bless our lives like they have blessed other believers for thousands of years. In addition, praying the Psalms takes prayer beyond mere begging. Prayer gatherings often go something like this, "Any prayer requests?" Then we raise our hands and tell the group what we want God to give us or to do for us: "Heal Aunt Sally!" "Get me a raise!" "Give me a safe trip!" "Fix my marriage!" Etc. etc. Of course God is interested in Aunt Sally's health and my safety. And it is great that we ask God for things that trouble our heart. Jesus himself tells us to "seek, knock and ask."
However, for the Psalms, personal petition is just one small piece of potent prayer. Sure the Psalms have as making requests, but they take us far beyond begging. When we keep praying the Psalms, the Spirit opens up new vistas of prayer and before long they have us... * Listening to God * Praising God * Thanking God * Exploring our own souls * Blessing other people * Empathizing with the pain of others * Recalling God's goodness * Asking God questions * Seeking God's face * Awestruck at His majesty * Trembling before His holiness * Basking in His love
Oh yes, praying the Psalms vastly broadens and deeply enriches our understanding of the purposes and powers of prayer. Our prayers grow fresher, broader, deeper, and higher as the Psalms teach us to pray.
Used by permission. http://www.heartlight.org/ (C) 2001, Lynn Anderson hopenet@ont.com,
-------------------------
Have Troubles - Learn to Lament
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? & why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God (Psalm 43: 5 & 42: 11)
Exploring the Uncomfortable Darkness
The Psalms help us explore the uncomfortable. God provides therapy through the Psalms. As we pray all of the Psalms -- laments as well as praises -- they will take us into emotional geography that we might otherwise avoid. They lead us to process painful feelings we might otherwise just stuff down inside.
Our "happy happy" culture programs us to avoid painful or negative feelings. But serious downsides come with this kind of avoidance. Mental health professionals have long since discovered that swallowed painful feelings, like anger, fear and shame usually produce negative consequences. These feelings frequently come out in some destructive form, such as clinical depression or substance abuse or sexual acting out. God knew this. And I believe one reason he gave us the Psalms is to help us unearth these kinds of feelings and deal with them.
By praying the Psalms we vent and lay our stuff honestly at His feet. God is big enough to let us beat on his chest. We can spill out our hearts to Him, even rage out our disappointments in Him and our angers at Him. In fact, many of the Psalms do just that!
Not long ago a Christian woman, struggling with doubts and darkness confided, "I can hardly stand to go to church. Not that I don't want to worship God, or be around His people. It's just that everything sounds so positive. They sing bright songs, preach upbeat messages, and smile so much -- and seem to ignore the pain that must be sitting in those pews. It makes me feel so outside of everything there, so disconnected."This lady eloquently raised a red flag over the marketing mind-set invading some contemporary churches. Sometimes the mood seems be, "Don't talk about negative stuff at church. That won't attract folks. Let's bring 'em in. Pump 'em up. And send 'em out grinning."
"Let's bring 'em in. Pump 'em up. And send 'em out grinning."For years I have advocated "praise teams" to help lead us in worship. Still do, of course. But lately I have been wondering if we don't also need some "lament teams" at times. Sunday after Sunday, people show up on our pews in some state of real lament. The Psalms know this. About 60% of them are "psalms of lament." But these are often ignored.We want the mood in our assemblies "up beat." To do so we sometimes even pillage bright phrases from Psalms of lament, and turn them into up-beat praise choruses. For example, the words "as a deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you" are lifted from the anguish of Psalm 42: and spliced into a warm and adoring popular praise song.
The real point of Psalm 42 doesn't sing well in a praise chorus, so it is left behind. Listen to some of it: "My tears have been my food day and night" "why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?" "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning?" This is merely one example of bright phrases stripped from the heart of a Psalm of lament.Of course, all the Psalms of lament speak their triumphal note of hope, with one exception: the 88th Psalm.
This dark Psalm contains no hope, and ends with the dismal words, "the darkness is my closest friend." To get the feel of what I am talking about, slowly read aloud Psalm 88, reflectively. "O LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves. Selah You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you. Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do those who are dead rise up and praise you? Selah Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction? Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me? From my youth I have been afflicted and close to death; I have suffered your terrors and am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend."
Now read it again in another translation: "You keep me safe, LORD God. So when I pray at night, please listen carefully to each of my concerns. I am deeply troubled and close to death; I am as good as dead and completely helpless. I am no better off than those in the grave, those you have forgotten and no longer help. You have put me in the deepest and darkest grave; your anger rolls over me like ocean waves. You have made my friends turn in horror from me. I am a prisoner who cannot escape, and I am almost blind because of my sorrow. Each day I lift my hands in prayer to you, LORD. Do you work miracles for the dead? Do they stand up and praise you? Are your love and loyalty announced in the world of the dead? Do they know of your miracles or your saving power in the dark world below where all is forgotten? Each morning I pray to you, LORD. Why do you reject me? Why do you turn from me? Ever since I was a child, I have been sick and close to death. You have terrified me and made me helpless. Your anger is like a flood! And I am shattered by your furious attacks that strike each day and from every side. My friends and neighbours have turned against me because of you, and now darkness is my only companion.
"See what I mean? A surprising number of people in your church might be helped enormously if some Sunday soon, your worship leader planned an entire worship assembly around Psalm 88! And how it might please God as well. God knows our needs and our long periods of darkness. That is why he left those dark Psalms in the Bible. We need them.Your church needs them too. The Psalms teach us to pray openly and honestly to God, especially out of the darkest nights of our soul.
Used by permission. http://www.heartlight.org/ (C) 2001, Lynn Anderson hopenet@ont.com,
-------------------------
Exploring the Uncomfortable Darkness
The Psalms help us explore the uncomfortable. God provides therapy through the Psalms. As we pray all of the Psalms -- laments as well as praises -- they will take us into emotional geography that we might otherwise avoid. They lead us to process painful feelings we might otherwise just stuff down inside.
Our "happy happy" culture programs us to avoid painful or negative feelings. But serious downsides come with this kind of avoidance. Mental health professionals have long since discovered that swallowed painful feelings, like anger, fear and shame usually produce negative consequences. These feelings frequently come out in some destructive form, such as clinical depression or substance abuse or sexual acting out. God knew this. And I believe one reason he gave us the Psalms is to help us unearth these kinds of feelings and deal with them.
By praying the Psalms we vent and lay our stuff honestly at His feet. God is big enough to let us beat on his chest. We can spill out our hearts to Him, even rage out our disappointments in Him and our angers at Him. In fact, many of the Psalms do just that!
Not long ago a Christian woman, struggling with doubts and darkness confided, "I can hardly stand to go to church. Not that I don't want to worship God, or be around His people. It's just that everything sounds so positive. They sing bright songs, preach upbeat messages, and smile so much -- and seem to ignore the pain that must be sitting in those pews. It makes me feel so outside of everything there, so disconnected."This lady eloquently raised a red flag over the marketing mind-set invading some contemporary churches. Sometimes the mood seems be, "Don't talk about negative stuff at church. That won't attract folks. Let's bring 'em in. Pump 'em up. And send 'em out grinning."
"Let's bring 'em in. Pump 'em up. And send 'em out grinning."For years I have advocated "praise teams" to help lead us in worship. Still do, of course. But lately I have been wondering if we don't also need some "lament teams" at times. Sunday after Sunday, people show up on our pews in some state of real lament. The Psalms know this. About 60% of them are "psalms of lament." But these are often ignored.We want the mood in our assemblies "up beat." To do so we sometimes even pillage bright phrases from Psalms of lament, and turn them into up-beat praise choruses. For example, the words "as a deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you" are lifted from the anguish of Psalm 42: and spliced into a warm and adoring popular praise song.
The real point of Psalm 42 doesn't sing well in a praise chorus, so it is left behind. Listen to some of it: "My tears have been my food day and night" "why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?" "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning?" This is merely one example of bright phrases stripped from the heart of a Psalm of lament.Of course, all the Psalms of lament speak their triumphal note of hope, with one exception: the 88th Psalm.
This dark Psalm contains no hope, and ends with the dismal words, "the darkness is my closest friend." To get the feel of what I am talking about, slowly read aloud Psalm 88, reflectively. "O LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves. Selah You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you. Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do those who are dead rise up and praise you? Selah Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction? Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me? From my youth I have been afflicted and close to death; I have suffered your terrors and am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend."
Now read it again in another translation: "You keep me safe, LORD God. So when I pray at night, please listen carefully to each of my concerns. I am deeply troubled and close to death; I am as good as dead and completely helpless. I am no better off than those in the grave, those you have forgotten and no longer help. You have put me in the deepest and darkest grave; your anger rolls over me like ocean waves. You have made my friends turn in horror from me. I am a prisoner who cannot escape, and I am almost blind because of my sorrow. Each day I lift my hands in prayer to you, LORD. Do you work miracles for the dead? Do they stand up and praise you? Are your love and loyalty announced in the world of the dead? Do they know of your miracles or your saving power in the dark world below where all is forgotten? Each morning I pray to you, LORD. Why do you reject me? Why do you turn from me? Ever since I was a child, I have been sick and close to death. You have terrified me and made me helpless. Your anger is like a flood! And I am shattered by your furious attacks that strike each day and from every side. My friends and neighbours have turned against me because of you, and now darkness is my only companion.
"See what I mean? A surprising number of people in your church might be helped enormously if some Sunday soon, your worship leader planned an entire worship assembly around Psalm 88! And how it might please God as well. God knows our needs and our long periods of darkness. That is why he left those dark Psalms in the Bible. We need them.Your church needs them too. The Psalms teach us to pray openly and honestly to God, especially out of the darkest nights of our soul.
Used by permission. http://www.heartlight.org/ (C) 2001, Lynn Anderson hopenet@ont.com,
-------------------------
Keeping Prayer Alive
April 22, 2005 - Don't Give Up on Prayer, by Lynn Anderson
A dozen Christian men leaned in around a table discussing something big -- the "P-word," Prayer! "I hate to admit it" James confessed, "but sometimes my schedule gets so hectic I don't really pray much for days." "My problem is a bit different," Brad joined in, " I usually pray fairly regularly. But, my prayers often feel stale and I get into this rut praying the same old things every day." Clarke agreed, "I hear that. Rote, stale, and repetitive. Plus my prayers become narrower and narrower. Here lately I pray mostly about me: my needs, my family, and my ministry. Me!" James, Brad and Clarke (not their real names) were not mere novices in the faith. They were widely respected church leaders! And, of course their struggles are not unique.
Across the country lots of sincere Christians find themselves stuck in similar ruts:* Stale and shallow prayers. * Numbing repetition.* Praying mostly about surface issues.* Narrowing scope of prayer topics.* Praying laundry lists of self-centred wants.* Prayer focused on us rather than on relationship with God.*
Prayer becoming intermittent even badly neglected.Are these dismal swamps inevitable? Maybe not. Part of the problem could be flawed approaches to prayer. We may be attempting quick fixes that cannot pull us permanently out of the prayer doldrums. For example, New year's resolutions don't help. We rarely keep them. Even if we stick with them, prayer often goes numb by April. Or maybe you have set your watch to beep you when it is 'prayer time.' Our you have tried to stand, jog or peddle an exercise bike to stay alert during prayer. Or to pray during drive time, so that red traffic light, is not an annoyance, but a call to prayer. Or to fill each calendar square with a person to pray for that day. Or -- well you make your list. But you have likely discovered that what seemed a helpful crutch in the short run, did not sustain a lasting, vibrant prayer life. Gimmicks won't get it. Believe me. I know. Been there. Done that.
So what is to be done? - Daunting question. But we're going to work on an answer. Let's go deeper! Let's not stop till we find genuine prayer that leads us into the presence of the Father and allows us to "stand on the rim of mystery!" Back at our discussion table, Clarke piped up again, "Yeah. I've been fooled by a bunch of those gimmicks too. But some techniques have really helped. For example, my small accountability group helps me keep my prayer life on track." The circle agreed that they found it nearly impossible even to stay alive spiritually without their small group -- much less flourish. Clarke cautioned, "But, while my group does keep me consistent, it doesn't keep my prayers fresh.""Every time I walk into a Christian book store, " Jim added, "I see a new batch of stuff on prayer. Some I've found somewhat helpful.For example, you've likely used the A.C.T.S. formula. (Begin with adoration. Then confession. Then thanksgiving. Then supplication.) This plan helped me a bunch, but even it doesn't keep my prayers from becoming repetitious and self-consumed."
The group kicked around several helpful prayer methods that day, agreeing that most might be useful to a point. But they also agreed that, "At best humanly generated 'prayer formulae' are always limited. Eventually they all grow stale."Actually, most of the published 'prayer formulae' are simply devotional techniques found useful by their authors. But, since we are not all wired up alike, copycatting another person's devotional disciplines is risky. A prayer formula that helped me may not help you at all. Besides, sometimes after a 'sure fire prayer technique' gets published, even its author finds it has become rote and stale. Prayer 'techniques' which at first look like 'the highway to Holiness', often turn out to be merely blind alleys."So, is it hopeless then?" queried Joe, one of the quieter persons leaning in around our table. "What can be done to keep our prayer lives fresh and vibrant?"
- Daunting question. But, there actually may be an answer! - They all prayed and sang the Psalms!The most tried and true approach to personal prayer renewal is no mere fad or quick fix. And it is often overlooked in our haste to find short cuts. But it is huge. In fact, for three thousand years virtually all the real giants of the faith have one thing in common: They all prayed and sang the Psalms! Scripture underscores this practice. Surely something larger than co-incidence wrote one hundred fifty Psalms into the bosom of our Bibles. And it is not mere coincidence that Psalms flow so freely from the lips of Jesus. And still no coincidence that, even in our day, believers who long for a deeper walk with God will sooner or later turn to the Psalms. Nor that those slimmed down pocket Bibles contain at least the New Testament plus the Psalms.The authors of these timeless poems and songs did not hastily scribble them down on napkins, during some rare moments of religious euphoria. Rather, God-impassioned persons pondered profound 'God-thoughts' over long periods till their 'praisings' and 'beseechings' were eventually distilled into intricately woven Hebrew poetic form. More thoughtful reflections on God cannot be found than in the Psalms. Nor will we find more anguished callings out to Him. The Psalms run deepest, hit truest, last longest, and rise highest as the central column of prayer among the most passionate people of God.
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Speaking the & quot;Unspeakable & quot;
Among the first people to point me toward the prayer power of the Psalms was my friend, shepherd and Old Testament scholar, Dr. John T. Willis. Dr. Tony Ash enriched this understanding. Another friend, Randy Harris, later alerted me to the riches of reading the psalms aloud, and pointed out that by reading five psalms a day, we move though all one hundred fifty in a month. Then, Eugene Petersen in his book Answering God, provided me a sort of map for praying the psalms. For Petersen, most of the Bible is God's word to us, but the Psalms are our divinely given answer back to God. For the guidance of these dear 'Psalm pilgrims,' I shall be forever grateful.For years now, I have intermittently 'prayed the Psalms.' But it was not until 1998 that two major speaking assignments nudged me into a yearlong, life-changing adventure with them. I was assigned four keynote messages on worship for the July 1999 Nashville Jubilee. Jerry Rushford also assigned me Psalm 23, for what he called, "the last Pepperdine lecture of the millennium," April 99.
My preparation took me through numerous volumes on worship. But, far more significantly -- during 1998-99 I lived for a year in the Psalms, praying five psalms every day. I did not just run through them. I wallowed down into them, and most days, stayed there till 'God showed up.' - During that year of red-blooded adventure, I discovered several powerful values and advantages of praying the Psalms.One of the powerful advantages of the Psalms is that they help us speak the unspeakable. I discovered that the Psalms supply words for my tsunami level feelings when my own words fail me. Poetry reaches its inspired best in the Psalms.The Psalms, after all, are poetry. And poetry does not aim to spell things out specifically or in linear sequence, nor in proposition. Rather, poetry gathers up inexpressibly gigantic things into sounds and suggestions and images, and launches them in the general direction of expression. Of course, for believers, poetry reaches its inspired best in the Psalms. Sometimes even the cadence, the sound of the Psalm, like the sound of music, engages soul-deep feelings, which cannot be expressed, in mere words.The famous ballerina, Anna Pavlova was once asked by an adoring fan, "Anna, when you danced, what were you saying." Pavlova replied, "If I could tell you, I wouldn't need to dance."Classic worshippers of the centuries might say, "If I could say all of what I experience, I wouldn't need the imagery, the poetry, and the sound of the Psalms." In the subterranean geography of my world rumble passions which defy my feeble vocabulary and my bland imagery. The poetry of the Psalms often express these gargantuan feelings for me when nothing else can. Besides expressing the inexpressible, the Psalms also often surface enormously significant feelings I did not even know where there. They help put me in touch with buried issues. Of course this kind of help will not come out of a superficial reading of the Psalms -- not even from the first few thoughtful readings. But given time, the Psalms begin to speak the unspeakable for us. Surely this is one huge reason God gave them to us. And one good reason to pray the psalms.
Used by permission. http://www.heartlight.org/ (C) 2001, Lynn Anderson hopenet@ont.com,
---------
Reflective Thought: I found the above message so true & refreshing. We often sing the song "As the deer panteth for the water so my heart panteth after thee." Please know God so desires you to make time with Him. Many will not have time to read five Psalms a day. The very busy person may only be able to read one Psalm some only one verse. One of my friends has young children & leaves a post it note were she reads then picks up from that point next time. One friend can only make it once a week another once a month when she has a babysitter & spends several hours in quiet time. Remember your time with the Lord & reading the word is about 'quality not quantity' try it you will be so blessed.
A dozen Christian men leaned in around a table discussing something big -- the "P-word," Prayer! "I hate to admit it" James confessed, "but sometimes my schedule gets so hectic I don't really pray much for days." "My problem is a bit different," Brad joined in, " I usually pray fairly regularly. But, my prayers often feel stale and I get into this rut praying the same old things every day." Clarke agreed, "I hear that. Rote, stale, and repetitive. Plus my prayers become narrower and narrower. Here lately I pray mostly about me: my needs, my family, and my ministry. Me!" James, Brad and Clarke (not their real names) were not mere novices in the faith. They were widely respected church leaders! And, of course their struggles are not unique.
Across the country lots of sincere Christians find themselves stuck in similar ruts:* Stale and shallow prayers. * Numbing repetition.* Praying mostly about surface issues.* Narrowing scope of prayer topics.* Praying laundry lists of self-centred wants.* Prayer focused on us rather than on relationship with God.*
Prayer becoming intermittent even badly neglected.Are these dismal swamps inevitable? Maybe not. Part of the problem could be flawed approaches to prayer. We may be attempting quick fixes that cannot pull us permanently out of the prayer doldrums. For example, New year's resolutions don't help. We rarely keep them. Even if we stick with them, prayer often goes numb by April. Or maybe you have set your watch to beep you when it is 'prayer time.' Our you have tried to stand, jog or peddle an exercise bike to stay alert during prayer. Or to pray during drive time, so that red traffic light, is not an annoyance, but a call to prayer. Or to fill each calendar square with a person to pray for that day. Or -- well you make your list. But you have likely discovered that what seemed a helpful crutch in the short run, did not sustain a lasting, vibrant prayer life. Gimmicks won't get it. Believe me. I know. Been there. Done that.
So what is to be done? - Daunting question. But we're going to work on an answer. Let's go deeper! Let's not stop till we find genuine prayer that leads us into the presence of the Father and allows us to "stand on the rim of mystery!" Back at our discussion table, Clarke piped up again, "Yeah. I've been fooled by a bunch of those gimmicks too. But some techniques have really helped. For example, my small accountability group helps me keep my prayer life on track." The circle agreed that they found it nearly impossible even to stay alive spiritually without their small group -- much less flourish. Clarke cautioned, "But, while my group does keep me consistent, it doesn't keep my prayers fresh.""Every time I walk into a Christian book store, " Jim added, "I see a new batch of stuff on prayer. Some I've found somewhat helpful.For example, you've likely used the A.C.T.S. formula. (Begin with adoration. Then confession. Then thanksgiving. Then supplication.) This plan helped me a bunch, but even it doesn't keep my prayers from becoming repetitious and self-consumed."
The group kicked around several helpful prayer methods that day, agreeing that most might be useful to a point. But they also agreed that, "At best humanly generated 'prayer formulae' are always limited. Eventually they all grow stale."Actually, most of the published 'prayer formulae' are simply devotional techniques found useful by their authors. But, since we are not all wired up alike, copycatting another person's devotional disciplines is risky. A prayer formula that helped me may not help you at all. Besides, sometimes after a 'sure fire prayer technique' gets published, even its author finds it has become rote and stale. Prayer 'techniques' which at first look like 'the highway to Holiness', often turn out to be merely blind alleys."So, is it hopeless then?" queried Joe, one of the quieter persons leaning in around our table. "What can be done to keep our prayer lives fresh and vibrant?"
- Daunting question. But, there actually may be an answer! - They all prayed and sang the Psalms!The most tried and true approach to personal prayer renewal is no mere fad or quick fix. And it is often overlooked in our haste to find short cuts. But it is huge. In fact, for three thousand years virtually all the real giants of the faith have one thing in common: They all prayed and sang the Psalms! Scripture underscores this practice. Surely something larger than co-incidence wrote one hundred fifty Psalms into the bosom of our Bibles. And it is not mere coincidence that Psalms flow so freely from the lips of Jesus. And still no coincidence that, even in our day, believers who long for a deeper walk with God will sooner or later turn to the Psalms. Nor that those slimmed down pocket Bibles contain at least the New Testament plus the Psalms.The authors of these timeless poems and songs did not hastily scribble them down on napkins, during some rare moments of religious euphoria. Rather, God-impassioned persons pondered profound 'God-thoughts' over long periods till their 'praisings' and 'beseechings' were eventually distilled into intricately woven Hebrew poetic form. More thoughtful reflections on God cannot be found than in the Psalms. Nor will we find more anguished callings out to Him. The Psalms run deepest, hit truest, last longest, and rise highest as the central column of prayer among the most passionate people of God.
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Speaking the & quot;Unspeakable & quot;
Among the first people to point me toward the prayer power of the Psalms was my friend, shepherd and Old Testament scholar, Dr. John T. Willis. Dr. Tony Ash enriched this understanding. Another friend, Randy Harris, later alerted me to the riches of reading the psalms aloud, and pointed out that by reading five psalms a day, we move though all one hundred fifty in a month. Then, Eugene Petersen in his book Answering God, provided me a sort of map for praying the psalms. For Petersen, most of the Bible is God's word to us, but the Psalms are our divinely given answer back to God. For the guidance of these dear 'Psalm pilgrims,' I shall be forever grateful.For years now, I have intermittently 'prayed the Psalms.' But it was not until 1998 that two major speaking assignments nudged me into a yearlong, life-changing adventure with them. I was assigned four keynote messages on worship for the July 1999 Nashville Jubilee. Jerry Rushford also assigned me Psalm 23, for what he called, "the last Pepperdine lecture of the millennium," April 99.
My preparation took me through numerous volumes on worship. But, far more significantly -- during 1998-99 I lived for a year in the Psalms, praying five psalms every day. I did not just run through them. I wallowed down into them, and most days, stayed there till 'God showed up.' - During that year of red-blooded adventure, I discovered several powerful values and advantages of praying the Psalms.One of the powerful advantages of the Psalms is that they help us speak the unspeakable. I discovered that the Psalms supply words for my tsunami level feelings when my own words fail me. Poetry reaches its inspired best in the Psalms.The Psalms, after all, are poetry. And poetry does not aim to spell things out specifically or in linear sequence, nor in proposition. Rather, poetry gathers up inexpressibly gigantic things into sounds and suggestions and images, and launches them in the general direction of expression. Of course, for believers, poetry reaches its inspired best in the Psalms. Sometimes even the cadence, the sound of the Psalm, like the sound of music, engages soul-deep feelings, which cannot be expressed, in mere words.The famous ballerina, Anna Pavlova was once asked by an adoring fan, "Anna, when you danced, what were you saying." Pavlova replied, "If I could tell you, I wouldn't need to dance."Classic worshippers of the centuries might say, "If I could say all of what I experience, I wouldn't need the imagery, the poetry, and the sound of the Psalms." In the subterranean geography of my world rumble passions which defy my feeble vocabulary and my bland imagery. The poetry of the Psalms often express these gargantuan feelings for me when nothing else can. Besides expressing the inexpressible, the Psalms also often surface enormously significant feelings I did not even know where there. They help put me in touch with buried issues. Of course this kind of help will not come out of a superficial reading of the Psalms -- not even from the first few thoughtful readings. But given time, the Psalms begin to speak the unspeakable for us. Surely this is one huge reason God gave them to us. And one good reason to pray the psalms.
Used by permission. http://www.heartlight.org/ (C) 2001, Lynn Anderson hopenet@ont.com,
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Reflective Thought: I found the above message so true & refreshing. We often sing the song "As the deer panteth for the water so my heart panteth after thee." Please know God so desires you to make time with Him. Many will not have time to read five Psalms a day. The very busy person may only be able to read one Psalm some only one verse. One of my friends has young children & leaves a post it note were she reads then picks up from that point next time. One friend can only make it once a week another once a month when she has a babysitter & spends several hours in quiet time. Remember your time with the Lord & reading the word is about 'quality not quantity' try it you will be so blessed.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Teach Me How to Pray
Teach Me How to Pray
Please teach me, Lord...
I want to know Exactly how to pray. I need some words Which ones are right? Please tell me what to say.
I've bowed my head I have knelt down, But ... should I be upright? I've closed my eyes, I've raised my hands, Or ... should I fold them tight?
Do I stand up? Should I sit down? Dear Lord ... what do you like? Are lights turned on Or are they off? Maybe ... candle light?
Wear my glasses? Take them off? Be at my desk or table? Should I whisper? Speak out loud? Do I quote the Bible?
What do you thinkAbout the time? Do You prefer the dawn? Should I pray fast, Or keep it slow? Better short ... or long?
I'm new at thisWhat are the rules? I want to do it right. How do know You'll even hear That I am in Your sight?
And while I sat there quietly, Waiting for some sign,
I heard a gentle voice say:
"Oh, dearest child of mine ...Do you think I really care about the time of day, Or whether you are standing up, Or kneeling when you pray?"
"I don't care about your posture, Or about the place you choose; Just open up your soul to me, I have no other rules. Tell me what is in your heart, And tell me what you seek; Tell me of your sorrows, And of those things that made you weak."
"Speak to me in private About what concerns you most; I know about your good deeds ... You have no need to boast. My child, you don't need lessons, Just talk to me each day. Tell me anything you want, dear child, Anyone can pray." (Author Unknown)
Please teach me, Lord...
I want to know Exactly how to pray. I need some words Which ones are right? Please tell me what to say.
I've bowed my head I have knelt down, But ... should I be upright? I've closed my eyes, I've raised my hands, Or ... should I fold them tight?
Do I stand up? Should I sit down? Dear Lord ... what do you like? Are lights turned on Or are they off? Maybe ... candle light?
Wear my glasses? Take them off? Be at my desk or table? Should I whisper? Speak out loud? Do I quote the Bible?
What do you thinkAbout the time? Do You prefer the dawn? Should I pray fast, Or keep it slow? Better short ... or long?
I'm new at thisWhat are the rules? I want to do it right. How do know You'll even hear That I am in Your sight?
And while I sat there quietly, Waiting for some sign,
I heard a gentle voice say:
"Oh, dearest child of mine ...Do you think I really care about the time of day, Or whether you are standing up, Or kneeling when you pray?"
"I don't care about your posture, Or about the place you choose; Just open up your soul to me, I have no other rules. Tell me what is in your heart, And tell me what you seek; Tell me of your sorrows, And of those things that made you weak."
"Speak to me in private About what concerns you most; I know about your good deeds ... You have no need to boast. My child, you don't need lessons, Just talk to me each day. Tell me anything you want, dear child, Anyone can pray." (Author Unknown)
Cast Your Burdens Upon Him
May 04, 2004: In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 NIV)
Cast Your Burdens Upon Him
Do not worry about food and drink or about the things you'll wear. Is life not more then food and drink see the birds up in the air. They do not plant or harvest, nor store food in the barn. But your heavenly Father feeds them and keeps them safe and warm. Look at the lovely lilies in the meadows where they grow, they do not want for anything, God cares for them I know. He adorns them with such beauty, tis there for all to see. Would He not go the extra mile, when it comes to you and me. Don't worry about tomorrow. The best is yet to be when you invite the heavenly Father to come and dwell with thee. Focus your eyes upon Jesus and your problems will soon grow dim. When you go to the Father in prayer and cast all your burdens on Him.
Marilyn Ferguson ©2001 (Based on Matthew 6:25-33) Used with permission: Echoes of the heart http://www.marilynspoetry.com/
A New Measure Of Faith
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4)
Many of you know that over the years I also have faced many challenges & through out the Lord has been with us and provided our needs in many ways. During this time I learnt much about the importance, value and results of effective praying. Because of this I have been able to encourage and pray with others. Through my journey, my faith and experiences have taught me it is better to trust God than man (Psalm 118) God never fails & nothing is to much or impossible with Him. I pray this recent miracle that happened to me will inspire & encourage you today.
One day my car broke down and a roadside mechanic came to fix it. His diagnosis was the car was in serious trouble needed new engine, gear box & so on. He was able to get the car started & gave a recomendation to replace ASAP. This was impossible so all I could do was pray and trust God.
Last month the car situation became critical. After seeking prayer support I again went back to my prayer closet. This time my cry was more desperate we had tried everything possible in the natural. Plenty had advise, yes we had tried to get a loan, sought other opinions, prayed, tithed, spoken the word, sought prayer support etc. Now I understood how Job felt, 'bad things do happen to good people.' Life is full of challenges & they can be Gods opportunities to turn setbacks into springboards whilst learning patience. Whilst praying I felt an inner peace as the Lord asked me to trust Him.
My trust was rewarded last week when I received an email from my Pastor asking me to ring him as soon as possible. I then learnt a person who wished to remain anonymous had stepped forward & asked if they could purchase me a replacement vehicle. Two days later it was delivered fully licenced, power steering, airconditioning, CD player. All I had to do was sign some forms I had no extra expenses. Who this person was only my Pastor & God know. I thank God not only for the blessing but also thank the person who heard from God & was obedient to Him. Trully a beautiful miracle that has left many speechless.
My prayer today is that if you are reading this & have a need do not think God has forsaken you. Seek prayer support & surround yourself with people of faith who will encourage you. If I can help with prayer please contact me at prayereflections@yahoo.com.au & I will pray for you.
Remember God never fails! sometimes delays mean God has a better result, my prayer was for God to fix the car - Gods solution was to replace with a better model. "God knows are needs better than we do He looks at the bigger picture." Sometimes there are seasons of blessings & I can vouch that the last few weeks I have seen so many small blessings I have been overwhelmed.
This miracle has increased my faith to continue believing for other needs in my life & family. Today I urge you to believe God hears your prayers and will never forsake you. It has also increased my faith to continue praying & believing for others.
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done..." 1 Chron 16:8-12
Written for SWPW Weekly Prayer Reflection - Jan Lyall © 2004
Reflective Thought: The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) I am your shepherd. You will never have need of anything that I want for you. If you will trust me, and allow me to be the shepherd of your life, I will give to you such great peace of mind that it will be like lying in the cool green grass of a springtime meadow. And as you learn to deepen your love and trust, a quietness will come over your soul, like a serene, calm lake. It will be a time of great refreshment to your inner man, thus preparing you to do whatever tasks I set before you to do; And do not minimize any task that I give you to do, as it is for my honor and glory, not yours. There will be times when, because of my great love for you, it will be necessary for me to lead you into great darkness..... Darkness that will be so great that you will feel as though you are standing at the very edge of life, with death awaiting you below. But always remember, I am still your shepherd. In the darkness you may not be able to see me, but you have my eternal promise that I will never leave you or forsake you. If you will continue to trust me, even after you have been through a time of darkness, I will again flood your heart with such peace that you could even sit down with your enemies. Your joy will be so great that it will spill over into the lives of others. And as your reward I will give to you all the really important things of life. When you have completed all that I have planned for you to do on earth. I want you to come up and live with me forever and ever and ever. (Paraphrased - Author Unknown)
Cast Your Burdens Upon Him
Do not worry about food and drink or about the things you'll wear. Is life not more then food and drink see the birds up in the air. They do not plant or harvest, nor store food in the barn. But your heavenly Father feeds them and keeps them safe and warm. Look at the lovely lilies in the meadows where they grow, they do not want for anything, God cares for them I know. He adorns them with such beauty, tis there for all to see. Would He not go the extra mile, when it comes to you and me. Don't worry about tomorrow. The best is yet to be when you invite the heavenly Father to come and dwell with thee. Focus your eyes upon Jesus and your problems will soon grow dim. When you go to the Father in prayer and cast all your burdens on Him.
Marilyn Ferguson ©2001 (Based on Matthew 6:25-33) Used with permission: Echoes of the heart http://www.marilynspoetry.com/
A New Measure Of Faith
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4)
Many of you know that over the years I also have faced many challenges & through out the Lord has been with us and provided our needs in many ways. During this time I learnt much about the importance, value and results of effective praying. Because of this I have been able to encourage and pray with others. Through my journey, my faith and experiences have taught me it is better to trust God than man (Psalm 118) God never fails & nothing is to much or impossible with Him. I pray this recent miracle that happened to me will inspire & encourage you today.
One day my car broke down and a roadside mechanic came to fix it. His diagnosis was the car was in serious trouble needed new engine, gear box & so on. He was able to get the car started & gave a recomendation to replace ASAP. This was impossible so all I could do was pray and trust God.
Last month the car situation became critical. After seeking prayer support I again went back to my prayer closet. This time my cry was more desperate we had tried everything possible in the natural. Plenty had advise, yes we had tried to get a loan, sought other opinions, prayed, tithed, spoken the word, sought prayer support etc. Now I understood how Job felt, 'bad things do happen to good people.' Life is full of challenges & they can be Gods opportunities to turn setbacks into springboards whilst learning patience. Whilst praying I felt an inner peace as the Lord asked me to trust Him.
My trust was rewarded last week when I received an email from my Pastor asking me to ring him as soon as possible. I then learnt a person who wished to remain anonymous had stepped forward & asked if they could purchase me a replacement vehicle. Two days later it was delivered fully licenced, power steering, airconditioning, CD player. All I had to do was sign some forms I had no extra expenses. Who this person was only my Pastor & God know. I thank God not only for the blessing but also thank the person who heard from God & was obedient to Him. Trully a beautiful miracle that has left many speechless.
My prayer today is that if you are reading this & have a need do not think God has forsaken you. Seek prayer support & surround yourself with people of faith who will encourage you. If I can help with prayer please contact me at prayereflections@yahoo.com.au & I will pray for you.
Remember God never fails! sometimes delays mean God has a better result, my prayer was for God to fix the car - Gods solution was to replace with a better model. "God knows are needs better than we do He looks at the bigger picture." Sometimes there are seasons of blessings & I can vouch that the last few weeks I have seen so many small blessings I have been overwhelmed.
This miracle has increased my faith to continue believing for other needs in my life & family. Today I urge you to believe God hears your prayers and will never forsake you. It has also increased my faith to continue praying & believing for others.
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done..." 1 Chron 16:8-12
Written for SWPW Weekly Prayer Reflection - Jan Lyall © 2004
Reflective Thought: The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) I am your shepherd. You will never have need of anything that I want for you. If you will trust me, and allow me to be the shepherd of your life, I will give to you such great peace of mind that it will be like lying in the cool green grass of a springtime meadow. And as you learn to deepen your love and trust, a quietness will come over your soul, like a serene, calm lake. It will be a time of great refreshment to your inner man, thus preparing you to do whatever tasks I set before you to do; And do not minimize any task that I give you to do, as it is for my honor and glory, not yours. There will be times when, because of my great love for you, it will be necessary for me to lead you into great darkness..... Darkness that will be so great that you will feel as though you are standing at the very edge of life, with death awaiting you below. But always remember, I am still your shepherd. In the darkness you may not be able to see me, but you have my eternal promise that I will never leave you or forsake you. If you will continue to trust me, even after you have been through a time of darkness, I will again flood your heart with such peace that you could even sit down with your enemies. Your joy will be so great that it will spill over into the lives of others. And as your reward I will give to you all the really important things of life. When you have completed all that I have planned for you to do on earth. I want you to come up and live with me forever and ever and ever. (Paraphrased - Author Unknown)
A Love Letter For You
March 03, 2005: "
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jer 33:3 NKJV)
Reflection: Many have written & shared how they find it hard to pray & relate to God because they have been hurt or let down by their father.
Below is a link to a message from 'Father God' to you that reveals the love of our 'Abba' for each of us. My prayer is that it will minister to you today & you will feel & know the love of Abba Father. The link below take you direct to the site were you can view/hear the message in several languages. Please let others know of Gods Love for them. Be blessed today & enjoy!
'Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2006' contact: http://www.fathersloveletter.com/
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jer 33:3 NKJV)
Reflection: Many have written & shared how they find it hard to pray & relate to God because they have been hurt or let down by their father.
Below is a link to a message from 'Father God' to you that reveals the love of our 'Abba' for each of us. My prayer is that it will minister to you today & you will feel & know the love of Abba Father. The link below take you direct to the site were you can view/hear the message in several languages. Please let others know of Gods Love for them. Be blessed today & enjoy!
'Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2006' contact: http://www.fathersloveletter.com/
An Invitation
March 27, 2005:
AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED. (Acts 2:21)
Reflective Thought: "He who has an ear hear what the Spirit is saying ..." (Rev)
An Invitation - Are You Ready?
Here the heart beat of God beating it sounds like a drummer gently drumming, "come, come, come .."
Hear the Spirit gently wooing "come".
As the words of the Carol say " O come let us adore Him ... Christ the Lord"
- Ssh hush! Listen! "Come my child ..."
He is calling today what is he saying to you? - Hear Him calling You! "Come ...."
Do you know him or have you turned away? He is saying, "Come to me ... come back .." It is written: "For the son of man is come to save that which was lost (Mth 18:11)"
"Come now let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red as crimson they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18)
* His Invitation to the world: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, ... incline your ear unto me, & come unto me; hear, & your soul shall live; ... seek the Lord while he may be found ..(Isaiah 55)
Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" (Mark 1:17 NLT)
Are you worn out & weary? " Come unto me all ye that labour & are heavy laden, & I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you & learn of me; for I am meek & lowly in heart: & ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy & my burden is light (Mth 11:28-30
Beware busyness: " ...A certain man made a great supper & invited many. .... Say to them, .."Come for all things are now ready." And they all began to make excuses. (Luke 14: 15-25) Room for all: (Luke 14:23) .... Go into the highways & hedges & compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Invitation to enter His Rest: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy, & find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16) Come deeper into holiness.
A promise: Let not your heart be troubled: .....In my Fathers house are many mansions....... I will come again, ... (John 14: 1-4)
The final call: (Rev 22:17 & 20) And the spirit & the bride say, Come & let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that athirst come, & whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely. ..... Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen.
Source: Intro Jan Lyall & The Bible © 2005 Email:
If you do not know Jesus & would like to know more - please write to me at prayereflections@yahoo.com.au & I will get back to you as soon as possible.
AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED. (Acts 2:21)
Reflective Thought: "He who has an ear hear what the Spirit is saying ..." (Rev)
An Invitation - Are You Ready?
Here the heart beat of God beating it sounds like a drummer gently drumming, "come, come, come .."
Hear the Spirit gently wooing "come".
As the words of the Carol say " O come let us adore Him ... Christ the Lord"
- Ssh hush! Listen! "Come my child ..."
He is calling today what is he saying to you? - Hear Him calling You! "Come ...."
Do you know him or have you turned away? He is saying, "Come to me ... come back .." It is written: "For the son of man is come to save that which was lost (Mth 18:11)"
"Come now let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red as crimson they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18)
* His Invitation to the world: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, ... incline your ear unto me, & come unto me; hear, & your soul shall live; ... seek the Lord while he may be found ..(Isaiah 55)
Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" (Mark 1:17 NLT)
Are you worn out & weary? " Come unto me all ye that labour & are heavy laden, & I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you & learn of me; for I am meek & lowly in heart: & ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy & my burden is light (Mth 11:28-30
Beware busyness: " ...A certain man made a great supper & invited many. .... Say to them, .."Come for all things are now ready." And they all began to make excuses. (Luke 14: 15-25) Room for all: (Luke 14:23) .... Go into the highways & hedges & compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Invitation to enter His Rest: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy, & find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16) Come deeper into holiness.
A promise: Let not your heart be troubled: .....In my Fathers house are many mansions....... I will come again, ... (John 14: 1-4)
The final call: (Rev 22:17 & 20) And the spirit & the bride say, Come & let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that athirst come, & whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely. ..... Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen.
Source: Intro Jan Lyall & The Bible © 2005 Email:
If you do not know Jesus & would like to know more - please write to me at prayereflections@yahoo.com.au & I will get back to you as soon as possible.
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