Tag: prayer

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10.3.24. God is our helper

God is awake 24/7

Psalm 108-109 God is our Helper

We live in a world where the spiritual forces against us are strong and powerful. Paul noted it well. “ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. [Eph 6:12] It was the same when the OT was written. King David, recognized the enemies around him,some were physical and tangible, but others were spiritual, just as we face. David’s prayer is one we can incorporate. Wisely David says and we can say, without God’s help, they cannot be conquered. Notice his understanding and prayer: “Give us help against the enemy, for any help men might offer is futile, By God’s power we will conquer; he will trample down our enemies.’ [PS 108:12,13] 

What enemies are around you today that are physical but others unseen yet real. Who will you depend on, God or man? David recognized that truth, how about you? 

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Dressed for war

be strong and courageous


Eph 6 Paul lived in a time when the threats against Christians was widespread and very real. It was not just threats but actual physical altercations. Today, we have moved from the physical to the war of words. We no longer put on a sword to defend ourselves but now our enemy puts on the garment of hypocrisy and eloquent words. Satan is clever and he has shown us how he fights and it isn’t with a true soldier’s garment, but his soldiers come dressed in actual finery.  We must be discerning lest we too fall victim to his schemes for the result is the same,  defeat the believer through innuendos, threats, lies, deceit masked as what is acceptable and the phony “I believe in Jesus too,” sayings but the truth of the matter is this: he has blinded the minds so that they who do not believe the true Christ but believe in a false manifestation of Him which leads men to believe they must work their way to heaven.  [2 Cor 4:4] 

Today, believer, you must be dressed for war by putting on the armor of the scripture and strap your sword, which is the Word of God, upon your thigh. You must hide yourself in your prayer closet and pour out your groaning to He who will intercede for you. And when you emerge, you will have the promised Spirit with His wisdom and power for without prayer, you are only engaging the enemy with false ideas and ways.

War is real and we must prepare for it because our life depends on it. 

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Reconciliation or Steadfast unforgiveness?

Obadiah 1, Ps 82-83 “An Unforgiving Heart” Edom is the land of Esau, the twin of Jacob. Jacob stole Esau’s birthright as well as his father’s blessing. Esau fostered this hatred throughout his nation, and they carried a bitter grudge for centuries. Outwardly, Esau acted like he forgave Jacob when he returned home, but years later assisted the Babylonians as Judah was fleeing. They were traitors to the core, all because of an unforgiving spirit.  So Obadiah writes that they will be made small, be slaughtered, face shame, be swallowed up, and be extinguished from the earth. What strong words!  

Obadiah reminds Edom that they “should not” have done what they chose to do and provides a lesson for us about cultural and racial hatred. Instead, we are to pray for those who curse and mistreat us, hoping they will turn and be saved. [Luke 6:28]  The reason is to hope “that they may seek you, O Lord…and know that you alone are the Lord, the Most High over all the earth.” [Psalm 83:16-18]

Where are we praying for cultural and racial reconciliation? Are we a part of it or a hindrance?  

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Parenting 101

Prov 4-7 Parenting needs wisdom from God. Even King Solomon began his teaching by reminding his children to listen and pay attention so that they would gain discernment. He had learned from his father, David, and now injects knowledge, reasons, and consequences. They say more is caught than taught, yet Scripture teaches that both are vital to a child’s upbringing.

Dear parent, pray for wisdom to know how your child learns so that they will progress through the stages of growth to maturity by discerning both good and evil. [Heb 5:14] Pray for a hedge of protection around yourself and your child remembering greater is He within you than he that is in the world. [1Jn 4:4] Parents, remember children, listen, observe, and will follow in your footsteps.

Be wise, dear parent, today. Follow the example of Deut chapter 6 about disseminating biblical truth. Add this verse to your prayer arsenal: Num. 6:24-26 “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace” Change that to reflect your own voice: Lord bless me and protect me and my child. Lord smile on me and be gracious to me and give me your peace as I parent.

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God and Jabez

1 Chronicles 4 “God Knows Us…”             

The Chronicler noted the lineages of many people without descriptions until we get to chapter 4, verses 9 and 10. What was so important that the Chronicler mentioned Jabez out of the entire lineage he had been recording?

Jabez’s life seems like a mystery to us, but God has the answers. He poured out his heart to Him, who knows all things in eternity past, today, and tomorrow. Jabez was more honorable than all of his brothers, yet, in humility, he earnestly desired God’s best for himself. While others may have been busy with many things, Jabez was worshiping God.

Jabez began his prayer humbly, “if  you…” Jabez wanted the full scope of the blessing! He even noted what that blessing would entail and included protecting me. He wanted or sensed he needed a hedge of protection. And God answered his prayer; all. four. parts.

So why did the Chronicler insert this man out of all the many? Could we be busy “working”  rather than just seeking God’s best? Take a lesson from Jabez. Be bold and ask God to bless you.

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The Power of Persistent Prayer!

there is power in prayer

Amos 7-9 Amos was just a sheepherder by trade as he shared with Amaziah, the false priest of Israel, but he also had a powerful ministry of prayer. God called him, and he left Judah and his work to follow God. God revealed horrible visions to him about the future of Israel, and with a broken heart, Amos pleaded for God to relent, which He did—not once but twice.

Amos’ persistence with God reminds us of the NT story of the persistence of the man who needed provisions for a visiting friend. He went to his neighbor, who was already in bed, but persisted until the neighbor got up and provided help. Jesus told that story by saying, “because of the first man’s sheer persistence, he will get up and give him whatever he needs.” [Luke 11:8]

What might happen if we pray, not just once but persistently, for our loved ones who are lost and dying or our nation floundering in sin like Israel was?

The power of intercessory prayer is a model for us to follow. Where am I being persistent in prayer?

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Pride’s Downfall and the Believer’s Power in Prayer

Prayer and Power

Psalm 81 and Romans 1 What a mixed-up world we live in. Our nation has lost its compass. They glorify sin and want us to join them. The psalmist and the Apostle Paul hit the nail on the head: it boils down to this: stubbornness of heart. So God gave them over to their stubborn desires; they did what seemed right to them. [Ps 81:12, Rom 1:24-32] God is pleading; listen to my voice and I will subdue your enemies. But, they refused to listen then and they refuse to listen now. My heart is saddened by how what was once beautiful is now tarnished with two glaring sins: homosexuality and abortion.

What should be my prayer today and every day? It is this: that all men repent and follow Him so that they would know this truth: [Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm in Christ.]

Today pray for families, national leaders, churches, missionaries, and more. There is power in prayer!

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How do you handle rejection?

How do you handle rejection?

2Samuel 10: Have you ever done something nice only not to receive a thank you but a rebuff? With a pure heart, David sent emissaries with a sympathy message at hearing the king of the Ammonites died. God sent His Son, but men have rebuffed his message of the gospel. Instead of receiving David’s message with a pure heart, the king’s son saw this as a challenge to war, whereas David had only meant peace and friendship.

There is a story in the NT about a vineyard that belonged to a king, a.k.a. God. God sent emissaries, but none were accepted. Instead, they sought to murder each representative He sent. Lastly, He sent his Son, and they killed him. These two stories are similar in many ways. God sent His Son to the vineyard, but his Son was humiliated. David sent sympathy gifts but the Ammonites rejected his overture. God sent His Son but He was rejected and ultimately crucified.

David had been more than patient with the Ammonites for what they had done earlier at Jabesh Gilead. He chose to retaliate then. God has been more than patient with his children, but there will come a time when He will act like David and retaliate.

What would we choose to do; be as David or patient as God?

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Do you have a Christmas Heart?

1Peter heart of Christmas2

Advent Series: 1Peter 3 to 5 Do you have a Christmas Heart?

Are you busy untangling Christmas lights, shopping and wrapping gifts for others? There are only a few days left to prepare! Beyond that busyness are you taking time to read and meditate on the words of scripture that your heart might be prepared to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child?

We all get busy at this time of year and find that often our hearts are more “Grinch-like” than “Christ-like.” We find ourselves busy with lights, decorations, Christmas programs at church and more.

Take time each day to read selected portions of scripture that your hearts might be aligned with the Lord’s. Peter reminds us that it is our inner person of the heart that is precious in God’s sight.  Practically speaking we are to be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble and that comes with sitting with Jesus some time each day. Our hearts and prayers then are prepared. Remind yourself that the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer.  Prepare to use this time of advent to set Christ apart as Lord in your heart so you are ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess and prepare to spend your time on earth concerned about the will of God and not human desires.

If God could look at your heart what would He see?

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To Yahweh, I pray…

daniel 9 prayer2q

Daniel 9 The bronze man in Ezekiel 40 told him to “see with your eyes, hear with your ears and pay attention to all I am going to everything I show you…” Now place yourself with Daniel in the mode of prayer and your heart is heavy for the sins of your people and in a flash the man Gabriel approaches you in your state of weariness to say “I have come now to impart understanding to you.” Could it be that Daniel had prayed: help me, Father, to see with your eyes, hear with my ears and give me a heart to understand? Is this how we pray? And just like that, Gabriel says you are of great value in God’s sight.

Does God so treasure us that he says we are highly esteemed? Jesus told a parable about a nobleman who trusted three of his servants with his wealth while he was away on a journey. Upon his return he had each come to him and give an account. To two of them he said “well done, thou good servant but to the third, he said: you are wicked.

When we stand before God will we hear those same words: you are highly esteemed, you have been faithful or will we hear depart from me, I never knew you? Dare to be a Daniel today!  Pray for eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to understand so you may be found faithful.

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