Anxious…

Anxious…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your 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

Our Word of the Day conjures up thoughts and feelings that have put us at uneasiness of mind. There is so much going on in our world and in our lives that has us worried … filled with angst, apprehension, dread, and even fear. We feel tense and troubled amid the noise of disagreement, conflict, and violence. Yet, here we are instructed to not be anxious about anything. Easier said than done, right?

But perhaps we have missed the most salient point of this passage: the Peace of God! Have we lost connection with the peace of God? Where is this peace? How can it be found in a world with confusion, disruption, and deception all around us? I think we need to explore this issue further and see what the Scriptures hold for our instruction.

Peace begins with relationship … a personal relationship with God through His Son, Christ Jesus. King David, in his personal time spent with God, prayed: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23) Yes, in every situation we are to pray. We are to petition and present our requests to God. For prayer is how an intimate relationship with God is forged. We go to Him! He is the God who sees and hears! Indeed, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) As King David penned: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)

Peace is conferred with reception … it is a spiritual blessing received from God. Notice the text says “the peace OF God.” It is HIS peace … a peace that transcends all understanding … that is available to us when we pray and seek Him. Peace is what we receive through relationship with our trustworthy, faithful God! Consider what Jesus shared with His disciples in this regard:

John 14:25-27 (NIV)

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Again, we see that the peace of God is a gift. Jesus urges us to not be troubled or afraid about anything. He is with us! His Word is in us! His Holy Spirit indwells us and reminds us of everything He has said. Clearly, the promise of God to never leave us nor forsake us is true. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) But the question becomes, “Have we left Him?” “Do we neglect to spend time in communion with Him? My friend, God will come to guard your heart and mind with His peace, but you have to meet with Him … spend time with Him … submit your life to Him … and then let your heart receive the peace He will give you.

Peace is sustained with repetition. To practice peace, Paul gives us this instruction:

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Well, I hope your thoughts have been inspired … and any anxieties have been subdued. I pray you will have confidence in His love and protection in all circumstances! Yes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) Amen. I will end with this favorite passage:

Psalm 27:1-3

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

Have a Blessed Day!

Pray…

Pray…

Now it came to pass in those days that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)

I find it interesting that of all the people who might have lived without prayer in their life, it would have been Jesus, the Son of God, who was in closest relationship with the Father. (Cf. John 1:18) Yet, we see in the Scriptures, that Jesus spent a tremendous amount of time in prayer. His disciples sometimes accompanied Him during those times of prayer; but often, Jesus spent time secluded and alone in prayer. (Luke 5:16)

A disciple once asked Jesus to teach them to pray like John the Baptist taught his disciples. Jesus responded with a model prayer we now call the “Lord’s Prayer.” (Cf. Luke 11:1-4) He shared a pattern for “what” to pray; but His example showed them “how” to pray. Every Gospel account captures the great prayerfulness of our Lord Jesus; and He has modeled an effectual prayer life for us with great precision.

What motivated Jesus to spend entire nights in prayer? First, I think it was His immeasurable love and adoration of our Heavenly Father! His intense desire for perfect communion with Him could not be satisfied without intimate time in prayer. Second, I believe Jesus loved people so much that His most passionate desire was to be an Advocate and Intercessor for them. Sometimes, I wonder if we have the same convictions for our time in prayer. Do we have the same mindset as Jesus when it comes to spending quiet time with God?

Our verse recounts how Jesus would spend all night in prayer. And following that occasion, Jesus would appoint twelve of His disciples to be apostles. (Luke 6:13-16) It is obvious His decision required careful deliberation before God. Yet, in His time of greatest need, when Jesus was overwhelmed in His soul, those same disciples could not watch for an hour in prayer. (Cf. Matthew 26:36-46) And shall we, the remnant Church in these latter days, also be unwilling to spend even an hour in intercession for this generation before God?

Jesus foretold the circumstances and events of the end times. And He advised us to be ready. “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

My friends, devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)

Have a Blessed Day!

When I Called … You Answered

Psalm 138:2-3 (NIV)

I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.

Our Verse of the Day is a timely affirmation of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness to those who love Him. As I think about our time of corporate intercessory prayer on Wednesday nights, we strive to be focused on being bold in our petitions and requests; to believe we receive what we ask; and to praise God in advance for the answers He ordains … the outcomes according to His will. I think this Psalm captures what our hearts can experience when we take time to enter the presence of the Lord as the local body. I will reprint Psalm and its reflective words for our reference:

Psalm 138 (NIV)

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord, when they hear what you have decreed. May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

More than ever, it is important for God’s people to “pray without ceasing” and to seek greater intimacy with the Lord. Though we have always been admonished to pray continually (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), there seems to be a heightened sense of urgency in these last days. It has been revealed to His Church for us to emphasize the power of intercessory prayer. As we contemplate the times in which we live, we need to embrace that prayer changes things … mostly because it inwardly changes our hearts to align with the heart of the Father. It softens and molds our hearts to see the brokenness, oppression, injustice, and darkness that has over taken the lives of so many people around us. It instills a greater awareness of sickness and disease people are enduring. God deeply wants to bring healing and hope; forgiveness and salvation; liberty and life to the world … and most often His work is done through people. This simply means the people God uses to address the evils in our world must have willing hearts to do the work needed. And a great deal of that work begins with prayer. Believers need to press into the presence of God until we, like David, can proclaim: “When I cried out, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul!” (NKJV) Indeed, it is prayer that prepares us to be bold; to be courageous; to be servants to those God is calling to Himself! I recall the words of Jesus who shared this perspective with us:

Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV)

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”

Luke 10:1-3 (NIV)

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

When we pray, we are “asking” the Lord. And here Jesus tells us to “ask” the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field. Why? There is a vast multitude of people to be brought into the Kingdom of God, but there are few who are willing to do the work to make it happen. When Jesus said ask, it was not about asking the Lord to send someone else; rather, it was about asking Him to become one of His workers. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Cf. Isaiah 6:8) Indeed, that is my personal prayer … to be bold and courageous and to say: “Here I am, Lord. Send me!”

What is your prayer? When we pray and ask the Lord Jesus to change hearts, to change lives, and to change the world, just what are we expecting Him to do? Exert His divine, supernatural authority and power? Indeed, He will! But I believe He will do so through His people … through His Church. Are we not His Body in the world? Are we not the ones supposed to do the work in His harvest field? Are we not the ones to whom He has given His authority and power?

James 2:14-17 (NIV)

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

1 John 3:16-18 (NIV)

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

My friends, I encourage and challenge us to think more deeply about the role of prayer in our lives and in our walk of faith. It is one thing to ask God to do something about the suffering in this world; it is quite another to ask Him for boldness and courage to be a worker in His harvest field. Indeed, as His Body, we have been appointed to go into the harvest field. As Paul admonished, we have been asked to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – as this is our true and proper (spiritual) worship. (Cf. Romans 12:1) We have been anointed with spiritual gifts to serve. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11) We have been empowered with boldness! “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:7) Yes, it is prayer that will get each of us to that place of alignment with the heart of God in order to accomplish His work….

A Final Thought:

How often have we heard people ask, “Why does God allow suffering in this world?” Perhaps, you have asked this or a similar question. I know that I have. But the answer I have received was quite unsettling. God asked me, “Why do you allow suffering?” I had to pause and deeply consider the question. Do I allow suffering? How have I done so? Well, in a word: “Inaction!” Yes, inaction is the opposite of what James and John admonished us to do. Indeed, there are many actions we can take to address the problems of this world … if we will but take time and look for the opportunities. So, let’s get bold and busy! There is a great harvest for us to gather in these last days….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. ~ Galatians 6:7-10

The Joy of Fatherhood…

Proverbs 23:24 (NIV)

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.

Our Verse of the Day presents a thought that resonates so deeply with me. Indeed, the father of a righteous child has great joy! Indeed, a man who fathers a wise son (or daughter) rejoices in him (or her)! Righteous. Wise. Faithful. These are the qualities I believe every father desires to instill in his children. What could possibly matter more to a man than to see his children living in the light of the Truth? As the Apostle John exclaimed: “It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling me how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (Cf. 3 John 3-4)

When I contemplate my own life, and the legacy I hope to leave my children, I pray the most important “take away” they will receive from me will be a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ. I have found that nothing else truly matters in this life except our fellowship with God and our love for Him … and accordingly, our sincere love for one another. Leading our children to faith in Jesus Christ and discipling them in the faith is the greatest demonstration of real love that I could ever imagine to impart. Why? Because I know they will not have or experience abundant life or fulfilling love apart from Him. If we love and cherish children as God ordained for men to do, then it follows that we must bestow upon them the best gift possible … the love of God through His Son … the only hope of eternal life!

I am sure that most of us have sometimes failed to be consistent in our own journeys of faith over the years … and our examples have not always been the best in difficult situations or personal challenges. But in whatever way we have fallen short of being God’s best for the building of our children’s faith, know it is never too late to redeem the time or to express a sincere desire to continue the walk together going forward. And so, do not hesitate to humble yourself and ask your children to look beyond the sins … the missteps and mistakes made along the way … and assure them that you have endeavored and will always strive to love each of them as you have been loved by God through His Son. Yes, remind them that God is their true Father … and that His love is perfect, full of grace, and abides forever.

As we approach the celebration of Father’s Day this upcoming Sunday, I think it is wonderful that we will receive some verses that focus on the roles of fathers and the experience of fatherhood. Though we who have become human fathers are quite imperfect, the purpose for which God created us is to reflect His unique and holy relationship with His children. He is our Provider, our Protector, and our Priest! And these are the roles that God ordained for men since He formed Adam.

My friends, if we look at the disorder and evil within the world today, so much of it can be traced to the lack of fathers in the home … the lack of fathers not fulfilling their God ordained roles in their homes. Not only does this rebellion against God affect the lives of their children, it impacts the wellbeing of our communities and our nation. So, I want to encourage every father (and mother, too) who is praying for their children who have wandered from the faith. I pray you will persevere in prayer before our Heavenly Father. For though the spiritual battle is intense, the battle belongs to Lord! It is His victory! Indeed, God expects us to fulfill our roles as we are led by His Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to ask for the “veil” to be removed from your child’s eyes … that they too might see the light of God in Christ Jesus. (Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4) Yes, continue to watch and pray without ceasing! And I pray that I will be celebrating your victories with you soon as well…. Amen!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. ~ Psalm 103:13-14

God’s Will For You…

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Our Verse of the Day is passionate; and it gives us a very focused look at the will of God. Any of us can struggle from time to time with ascertaining the will of God in a particular situation or circumstance. All the more reason for us to spend time in prayer to discover His work in us to develop and grow our faith. Likewise, we need to spend time reading the Word of God to discover the specific information it provides to KNOW the will of God for our lives. This passage is one of them:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ New King James Version

Always be joyful.Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. ~ New Living Translation

Be full of joy all the time. Never stop praying. In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus. ~ New Life Version

Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. ~ Good News Translation

Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice, you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ. ~ Phillips New Testament

Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) ~ The Voice

I thought it would be interesting, perhaps even helpful, to see additional translations of this verse. I like the nuances found in each one. And although there are variances in phrasing of the thoughts Paul expressed, I believe the meaning and its impact is unchanged. His three points are unmistakable:

1. Rejoice. Celebrate. Be full of joy at all times. Sing praise.

2. Never stop praying. Be in constant prayer. Do not cease to pray.

3. Be thankful regardless of the life circumstances in which you might find yourself.

Paul indicates that our situations or circumstances do not matter. It is the will of God that we take these three actions in all circumstances. And I believe if we would commit to these practices, our faith would grow by leaps and bounds! So, regardless of those things that trouble us … or challenge us … or give rise to anxiety or fear, we know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is greater than our circumstances. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Cf. Romans 8:28)

My friends, the Father invites us to take refuge in Jesus; to rejoice in Jesus; to abide in Jesus; and to have grateful hearts. Indeed, these are the spiritual disciplines of those who seek the will of God for their lives in Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that we always endeavor to fulfill His will in us.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:8-11

The Power of Prayer…

James 5:16 (NIV)

Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Our Verse of the Day offers an interesting perspective on prayer. Let’s read the surrounding context:

James 5:13-20 – Prayer Offered In Faith

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again, he prayed, and the heavens gave rain and the earth produced its crops. (Cf. 1 Kings 17; 18) My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

With the broader context in view, I think we can see the great potential of prayer to impact the circumstances we experience in our lives. We live in a fallen world of sin in all of its myriad manifestations. We will experience trouble and tribulation. (Cf. John 16:33) We will experience sickness and illness in our bodies. We will be tempted with sin and challenged with the decision to flee its allure. And in these latter days there will be great tribulation ahead; “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Cf. Matthew 24:21) Indeed, spiritual forces of darkness and evil envelop the earth (Cf. Ephesians 6:12); and the only light available to prevail against the darkness is the light of Christ Jesus our Lord….

John 1:1-5 (NIV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:19-20 (NIV)

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

John 8:12 (NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 12:44-46 (NIV)

Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

If you think about the light of the sun, it is produced by an internal source of power. If you think about a light bulb, it can only emanate light when electric power is supplied to it. Even a simple candle must have a source of fuel and a flame to ignite it in order to provide continual light. And so, I want to focus our attention on the power of prayer to awaken our faith. We are urged … even commanded … to pray in order to navigate our human existence within the framework of faith. Why? Because our faith expresses genuine belief in the Lord Jesus; and it follows that our faith embraces the light He has brought into the world.

My friends, I submit that prayer is the source of energy to power that light! It is His light within us that overcomes the darkness, but it must shine in order to accomplish its work. Prayer is the power that activates faith and prompts us to engage the culture (world) around us. As Jesus taught: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Cf. Matthew 5:14-16)

So, I want to encourage us to let the Light of Life ignite our faith. Let it penetrate the present darkness of our world. If we want to address the difficulties in the lives of people … if we want to see illnesses healed … if we want to see deliverance from bondage to sin … if we want to help prodigals and unbelievers be reconciled with God … if we want to engage in spiritual warfare and cast down demonic influences; then our faith to move these mountains must be spiritually empowered to accomplish it. And that power is prayer! Yes, it is my conviction that we will not be productive or effective without abiding in Christ … living in an intimate relationship with Him that can only be established and nurtured through prayer. Indeed, prayer is essential for the supernatural ministries of the Church to bring forth light in the midst of darkness. Prayer is imperative for believers to function as the Body of Christ in this world. So let us be people of prayer! Let us pray without ceasing! For the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. ~ Acts 28:7-9

Do Not Be Anxious…

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Our Verse of the Day is a timely refresher as we focus on a life of prayer. This is especially important as we experience higher levels of uncertainty and anxiety in the world at the moment. God calls us to trust Him! He comforts us saying, “Do not be anxious about what is happening; rather, pray to Him and seek Him for the peace of mind that we need.” Indeed, I think about what Jesus shared with His disciples … encouraging them to watch and pray when the tribulations of life on earth accelerate:

Luke 21:25-36 (NIV)

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near. “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Yes, Jesus told us to ALWAYS be on the watch … and to pray with a focus on two petitions:

1. That we may be able to escape all that is about to happen

2. That we may be able to stand before the Son of Man

Likewise, Jesus taught us: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Cf. Matthew 26:41) Yes, we need to be on watch and to guard our hearts in preparation for His coming. Through prayer, we are equipped t walk in confidence as we trust Christ Jesus. As Paul admonished, let us all to continue in prayer and let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Prayer is vital! Prayer is commanded! Indeed, we need to be people of prayer because it will keep us grounded in the truth … protected from deception … and active participants in the spiritual battle between light and darkness that is engulfing our nation and the world.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~ Cf. Colossians 4:2-6

He Hears Us…

1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.

Our Verse of the Day has always intrigued me. It is thought provoking when we consider the question of our prayers being answered by God. Here, John seems to indicate that we can have “whatever we ask” of God in prayer. But if you are like me, it seems that is not always the case in our personal experiences with prayer. God does not always give us exactly what we have asked of Him or answered our prayers in the way we believe He should. There are people that have lost battles with physical illness; people who have experienced separations and broken relationships; people who have suffered devastation or deprivation due to forces of nature; and people who have found themselves in financial distress through the loss of employment. The scenarios of human suffering and experience that we pray for God to spare us or our loved ones is quite diverse; yet, we see them occur even though we have diligently prayed for different outcomes. So, is John being dishonest? Is his assertion contradictory? Does God really hear our prayers? These are understandable questions in light of what we see happening in our human experience in this world.

There is a similar passage recorded in the Gospel of John that can be equally difficult to interpret. Here, Jesus seems to indicate that we can “ask for anything in His name, and He will do it.” I have reprinted the passage here for our reference and further discussion:

John 14:11-14 (NIV)

¹¹Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. ¹²Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Closer examination of the passage from 1 John 5:14-15 might help us better discern what John is affirming about our time in prayer before God. Verse 14 is the key: “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Yes, therein lies the conundrum of our prayers. Sometimes the answers are simply not what we want them to be. Yet, I assure you the outcomes will be what God in His omniscience and sovereignty … in His compassion and love … knows are the best, ultimate outcomes. We are simply not able to see or understand what God already knows and purposes when we pray or intercede for others and their situations.

Likewise, with the statements Jesus made as recorded in John 14, I believe Verse 12 sheds some insight on Verses 13 and 14. The context is focused on “works” … the works which lead people to believe in Jesus and afford creditability to His messianic claims. I think the point of His teaching is to ask Him to empower us to do the works He has been doing. Such works serve to confirm the Word of God; to confirm that Jesus is Lord and Savior; to assure that the Father may be glorified in the Son. I sense that this is the context of His statement in these verses.

Jesus made an astonishing declaration right before He raised Lazarus from the dead:

John 11:40-42 (NIV)

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So, they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

Jesus knew that God heard Him … and knew that He would receive what He had asked in prayer. What a confirmation to us that God hears prayer. Yet, the reality we often experience is that we do not receive what we asked of God. What is the difference? Does God have selective hearing? Why is John so confident that God hears our prayers and that we can know that we have what we asked of Him? We pray, and yet, loved ones die of cancer; couples remain childless; children leave the faith; chronic illness continues unabated…. Why does God not answer our prayers the way we want Him to … the way we think He should?

John said God hears us when we ask anything according to His will … not our will. And therein is the challenge for us! How do we ever truly know the will of God in a specific circumstance or situation? In Isaiah 55:8-10 we read, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” So, we have to understand that issue and seek the mind of God. And Paul affirms that we can utilize the intercessory power of the Holy Spirit in this regard:

Romans 8:26-29 (NIV)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

So maybe we should consider that in order to pray and ask according to the will of God the Father, we need to grow in the knowledge of His “revealed” will. We can do so through the study of His Word and the life of Jesus. And we have to consider that we may not always see how God works and orchestrates in another person’s life to “work” His will for their good when answering our prayers. In other words, God IS answering the prayers offered up in faith; but He is doing so in His way and on His timetable according to His own purpose and grace. (Cf. Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9-10) I just think we have to realize, and ultimately trust, that God does hear us and does answer us according to His will.

Additional Scriptures for Consideration:

Isaiah 59:1-2 (NIV)

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

James 4:1-3 (NASB)

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You desire (lust) and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

I will close with some final thoughts from Paul: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Cf. Romans 12:12) Yes, we are to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) My friends, it is clear that our Lord Jesus wants us to spend intimate time with Him through prayer … asking bold things and being conformed to His image. Indeed, if we ask anything according to His Will, He hears us. So, I hope this review has stimulated some thought regarding your views and expectations of prayer. Perhaps it has given you some additional insight and encouragement on how we should view prayer as a spiritual discipline designed to align ourselves with God’s will.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Son though He was, Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. ~ Hebrews 5:7-9

Like A Tree Planted…

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Our Verse of the Day is a timely reminder about trusting the Lord and placing our confidence in Him!

The Lord tells us, through the Prophet Jeremiah, that blessing and cursing are determined by where; or rather, in whom we place our trust. The ones who trust in themselves … in their abilities as humans or the abilities of other people … whose hearts are not turned toward God … will not be blessed but left desolate. But the ones who trust in God … who place their full confidence (faith) in Him … will be blessed. They will be as a tree planted by the water and kept alive and bear fruit! Let’s look at the didactic metaphors used in the larger passage:

Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

In the context of the incessant tribulations sweeping our world, we need to keep historical experience and perspective in mind. World-wide pandemics and pestilences have plagued humans over the millennia of human history. Famines, droughts, swarms of locust, earthquakes, powerful weather systems, etc. have occurred; and it is probable they will continue to do so. History is filled with wars, violence, and other human conflicts ever since Cain and Abel. But God has always taken care of those who trust Him. His care does not mean we will be free of hardship or suffering. But we can be confident that WHEN the heat of trials and difficulties comes, we will be watered. We will be refreshed. He is Jehovah-Jireh … the God who provides!

Further, we need to remember that God will work through every circumstance in our lives to grow our faith in Him … to help us become more rooted in His Word, more transformed in our thinking, and more fruitful in our lives. His desire is to conform us to the image of His Son. Considered what Paul affirmed in this regard:

Romans 8:28-32 (NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

What we can see in this passage is the unfailing love and promises of God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whatever happens in the days ahead, we KNOW that in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him … for the good of those who have been called according to His purpose. We do not have to be afraid; rather we can believe Him at His Word. As with Joshua, I believe we too can hear the voice of God saying: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Cf. Joshua 1:9) As Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And further along, Paul will ask: “What shall separate us from the love of Christ?” And his conclusion? Our conclusion? “No, in ALL these things (everything we WILL endure in life) we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Cf. Romans 8:33-39)

Note that our troubles and trials will not only be the physical realities of hardship and suffering that will test us; there will be spiritual challenges and battles in the midst of this tribulation as well. Satan will use any occasion and attempt to use it to disrupt our faith … plant seeds of doubt … and entice us to question the love of God. But thanks be to God, we have Jesus! Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Cf. John 16:33) “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? ONLY the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Cf. 1 John 5:4-5)

Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Here, Paul emphasizes the power of the Spirit of God to produce perseverance and to expose the real war … the real battle that is going on. I believe what is happening in our natural world is a reflection of what is going on in the heavenly realms … the Kingdom of Light at war with the kingdom of darkness. Yes, in the natural we can see enemies and threats to our physical lives; but I pray that more believers will now begin to see with spiritual eyes that we are fighting another adversary of our minds and hearts … the spiritual forces of evil in this world. And so, we need to be equipped! We need to be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power. All of the spiritual armor serves its purpose to protect us … to defend us from the assault; but do not overlook that we have an OFFENSIVE spiritual weapon. That weapon is the sword of the Spirit … which is the Word of God (Truth). (Cf. Ephesians 6:14-17)

My friends, as we persevere in faith in these times of uncertainty and upheaval, we need to encourage one another and build one another up … just as you are doing. (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:11) We need to encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of us may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Cf. Hebrews 3:13) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but encouraging each another, and more so as you see the Day approaching. (Cf. Hebrews 10:24-25) Yes, it is vital that we stay connected and continue to care for one another….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 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 5:16-24

Thanking God For You…

2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

Our Verse of the Day encourages us to be thankful for our brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus. Paul indicated to the Thessalonian Church that his offering of gratitude to God for fellow believers was the right thing to do in light of their faith; their perseverance; their ever-increasing growth and maturity; and their abounding love for others. Paul said he boasted to other bodies of believers about their perseverance and faith because of all the persecutions and trials they had endured. What kind of testimony do you think Paul would give to Second Chance Church? Other churches in our community? What kind of prayer would Paul offer for the whole Church today? Well, I’m glad you asked because I think Paul would offer the same prayer for us that he did for the Thessalonians:

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NIV)

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s examine his prayer a little more:

With this in mind ….

What is Paul referring to with this phrase? In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, Paul discusses the challenges and sufferings the Thessalonian church was experiencing from non-believers and the culture around them. Sound familiar? Yet, he offered them hope that justice would be accomplished when Jesus returns, and he explains how that will occur. Perhaps, we should take note….

We constantly pray for you….

What a great comfort to know that another person is praying for you. Even better, like Paul, tell other people you are praying for them … and often. And let them know what you are praying for them … and asking God to do in them and for them….

That our God may make you worthy of His calling….

This is an interesting petition. Notice the implication of what Paul is saying here. You and I do not make ourselves worthy of the call God places upon us; rather HE makes us worthy. The questions here become: “How does God make us worthy of His calling?” and “Why is it important for us to pray for worthiness?” My thoughts are that worthiness is something we cannot accomplish within ourselves; however, we can respond to the call of God upon our lives by living a life worthy of the calling we have received. You see this phrase and similar petitions in other epistles of Paul.

That by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.

Again, note that it is the power of God that brings fruition to our desires for goodness; to our desires for holiness; to our service and ministry for others prompted by our faith. So, this verse corroborates that our salvation is by grace through faith … and not of works. Our desire for goodness and serving others is fulfilled by the power of God working in us. His Spirit will equip us for being effective and productive … living lives worthy of our calling (Cf. 2 Peter 1:5-8)

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice that the purpose of his prayer is for the name of the Lord Jesus to be glorified in His disciples and followers … AND … each of us to be glorified in Him! Yes, and all this is according to the grace of our God.

I thought this opportunity to examine a powerful prayer was too important for us to miss. And I hope that you will consider how your prayers for fellow believers will not only encourage them – but will strengthen your own faith as you petition the Lord and observe His grace and power unfold in the lives of His people according to your prayers. I have provided some links to some additional prayers of Paul for other churches. Note the similarities and content of his prayers. I hope these examples will inspire you and me to pray more intentionally and powerfully.

Ephesians 1:15-19

Colossians 1:3-12

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

1 Thessalonians 2:11-13

Philippians 1:3-11

A Final Thought:

I noticed, in our Verse of the Day, a connection between a faith that is growing with a love that is increasing. As we learn to abound in sincere love for one another, our faith matures along with it. Indeed, I believe that an ever-increasing faith is produced by an ever-increasing love for God and love for people. Jesus taught: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Cf. John 13:34-35) And John affirmed, “He (Jesus) has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”

So, in love, let us prayer for one another. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters according to the patterns that Paul has taught us. We know these prayers will be answered because the Lord Jesus will be glorified through them. This is part of the fruit of righteousness we bear in the Spirit as we live worthy of the callings we have received.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ~ Ephesians 4:1-6