I haven’t posted weekend reflections for a while now but decided I would this weekend. As I was typing them out, this passage from James came to mind – may it be a help and encouragement to you as we continue on this Journey through God’s Word –
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:22-25 NLT
REFLECTIONS FROM WEEK 2 OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER –
What do we learn when we see how Jesus took time out of His day to get away and pray?
How to anger and unforgiveness hinder your prayers?
How was the power of prayer exhibited in Acts 9:40? What does this teach us about the power of prayer?
When we pray for ourselves and others, what is one thing we should pray for based on Ephesians 3:16?
Why is it important to abide in Christ? How can we do this when we pray?
If you missed any of the posts for week 2 you can find them at the following links –
Inspired by a LGG Bible Study, “The Importance of Prayer”, w2d5
Scripture Reading: John 15:1-8; SOAP (5)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me – and I in him – bears much fruit because apart from me you can accomplish nothing”
John 15:5 NET
Jesus is teaching His disciples that He is their source of life ; and He goes on to say that they [the disciples] are the branches. He doesn’t stop with that analogy though, but continues the lesson that gives them the key to being a healthy – thriving “branch”, which is to abide, or remain in Him. In the context of the analogy it might sound like this – ‘the one who remains attached to Me – and I remain in him – bears much fruit …” or the evidence of Christ in us – Galatians 5:22-25)
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. \
Galatians 5:22-25
As for the little clause, “and I in him“, is a given fact, for Christ said – “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20. And, of course, in John 14:18 He told them that He would send the Holy Spirit so that they would not be orphans, in other words He wouldn’t leave them alone. Jesus made it clear that He will always be with us – the choice is ours – to stay the course of a true disciple, remaining attached to Jesus, the “True Vine” – or not. Note the passage from Galatians defines those who“belong to Christ” [a true disciple] as having “nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there.” He then identifies the disciples who belong to Him as ones who live by the Spirit, and encourages them to follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of their lives.
Oh Father, may we choose well in our walk of faith, holding fast to the eternal life to which you have called us and about which we have declared before many witnesses in our churches and neighborhoods, at our jobs and to our families. Lord let us not falter but help us to faithfully keep in step with the Spirit – so that in all things we do and say – fruit will abound – disciples will multiply and You will be glorified! In the mighty name of Jesus – Amen!
Inspired by the LGG study, “The Importance of Prayer”, w2d2
Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:17-23; SOAP Matthew 5:23-24
23 (So then), if you bring your gift to the altar and there (you remember that your brother has something against you,) 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24
“So then” refers to something that came before, which in this case would be the teaching of Jesus that unity between believers was very important, vs.17-22. Verses 21 and 22 specifically referred to anger, murder, insults, and even careless words and the judgement these things would bring. Bringing your gift to the altar [worshipping] was important business between man and God – but the teaching here indicates, even more, the value God places on a pure heart, which includes right relationships with others*. So great was the priority of your relationship with others that Jesus said it would be better to delay the act of worshipping God to settle the issue. Make note here that the teaching isn’t to forego worship because of anger but to lay ‘it’ aside until there has been reconciliation and then return to worship. Also note that this verse isn’t talking about you being wronged but about someone who believes you have wronged them in some way. Jesus’ teaching is vital to the unity of the body. The bottom line is. We must care so much about others that we seek to not offend them and to quickly make things right if we do.
Jesus replied, the most important commandment is this: Listen O Israel, the Lord our God is the one and only Lord and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and with all your mind. The second is equally important, love your neighbor as your self. No other commandment is greater than these.
35 (Then Jesus) got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, (and) went out (to a deserted place), and there he spent time in prayer.
Mark 1:35 (NET)
Where did you learn to pray? Perhaps it was at the dinner table or by your bed, maybe it was in church, or in a small group meeting. Wherever it was, whenever it was, and whoever it was that taught you – there is no better place to learn about prayer than in God’s Word from Jesus Himself. Most of us are familiar with the “Lord’s Prayer”, where Jesus taught His disciples how to pray – with examples of what to say. However, throughout His ministry Jesus showed us, by example, so much more about prayer. And as Paul wrote to Timothy, what is written in the Scriptures is meant to train us in righteousness – to equip us for every good work.
All Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. [So that] the servant of God may be throughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
One such occasion is found in Mark 1:35. On this particular occasion Jesus did four specific things. He 1got up, 2departed, 3went out and 4spent time in prayer. While I love spending time in prayer the first thing of the morning and believe it is important, I do not believe that this is the main point here; but rather – that He intentionally got up from what He was doing. A couple of translations combine the next two actions (went out and departed) found in this translation and at least four others that I use in my studies, but I love the separation of them. While I agree that they sound or seem similar in nature – “departed” and “went out” – I also believe when separated they tell the more accurate picture of what Jesus was doing. Indulge me for minute. It wasn’t enough for Jesus to just leave the room or the house where He was. After He left He then went out – or went further away from the place where He had been, specifically, to a deserted place. It’s really a beautiful picture and a great illustration for us. In this situation it wasn’t enough for Jesus to be in the next room with the door shut or outside on a ‘porch’. He wanted to make sure He was alone. Why? Because He wanted, and needed, to spend time with His Father in prayer. Knowing His need, He was determined and strategically took precautions against interruptions. He didn’t just need time away from people but time alone with God.
This leads me back to the start of the verse, Mark 1:35, where we read, “THEN Jesus got up …” The word ‘then‘ caused me to look back to see what came before and what I found was that He had been healing the sick (29-34). A similar situation to Mark’s rendering here is found in Matthew 14:13-23, where Jesus had fed thousands and then sent His disciples on ahead of Him and after sending the crowds away He went up the mountain “by Himself” to pray. We would be remiss not to notice that the context of both passages has Jesus needing, not just wanting, to be alone with the Father following the pouring out of Himself to others.
And after he sent the crowds away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
Jesus didn’t always go away alone to pray. Luke 11:1 tells us that after He had finished praying one of the disciples asked Him – “teach us to pray”. He prays a blessing over the food in Matthew 14:19. He also prays in the presence of His disciples in John 17:1-26, as well as in the presence of many witnesses as He hung on the cross Luke 23:33-34, and in one final cry to the father in Matthew 27:46 . However, He certainly did make a habit of getting alone with the Father as seen in our passages today, as well as Luke 5:16 and others. We would do well to follow His examples regularly. Separating ourselves not only from people but distractions of all kinds, including phones and other media devices. The noise and clamor of home or work, the needs and cries of the people, the activities, delights, and pleasures of the world all demand that we separate ourselves, not just to rest but more importantly, to spend time with the Father.
Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.
Luke 5:16
For more from The Importance of Prayer, by Love God Greatly, read today’s blog at LoveGodGreatly.com
The Importance of Prayer, Love God Greatly 2023, w1d5
Read: Romans 15:30 and Colossians 1:9-12; SOAP: Colossians 1:9
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.11 We also pray that youwill be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
Colossians 1:9-12
He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.
Colossians 1:8
Devoted to Prayer
Paul’s devotion to prayer teaches us much about praying for others in this one little passage, even in just this one focus/soap verse. Starting with the very first word we learn that we are to pray with a purpose. “So”, or “For this reason”, as found in the NET is a word or phrase that indicates the need to look back in order to truly understand why Paul and Timothy haven’t stopped praying for the believers at Colossae. When we look back to verse 8, we find the answer is because they heard how the Colossian believer’s love for others, a love given to them by the Holy Spirit. When we share the common bond of love – in the Spirit, whom we have received through faith in Christ, we will be or should be drawn to pray for one another. If we look carefully at verse 9 we will see at least three other lessons worth noting and I believe implementing in our own prayer lives.
Pray with a purpose: “because of your love in the Spirit.” (8)
Pray with others: “we have not stopped praying for you” (9)
Pray faithfully: “We have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you“. (9)
Pray specifically and in accordance with God’s will:“We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His willand to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.“(9)
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1:9
“I’ll pray for you” can easily become a trite statement, something we say as a Christian nicety but with very little or consistent follow through. However, I believe this passage, specifically verse 9, gives us cause to guard ourselves against the nicety of prayers and implement this example in our everyday prayer life. When we invest in the lives of other believers, like Paul teaches, we will make an impact not only in each other’s lives but in the way we live for God. We will be known to bear fruit and honor God, and we will develop and deepen a relationship with Him. We will find ourselves strengthened with His power, not lacking in endurance or patience, and filled with joy. Oh the blessing and privilege of praying for each other. May He find us faithful and may we find ourselves different because of it.
10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.11 We also pray that youwill be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
Colossians 1:10-12
Reflection Questions:
Who are you praying for?
Do you pray with purpose and faithfulness?
Do you pray specifically and in accordance with God’s will?
2I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
Psalm 145:2-3
For me, soaping this passage might look like the following –
Scripture:2I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Psalm 145:2-3
Observation:1. David makes it personal. He isn’t simply leading others to praise God – He is declaring his personal heart felt adoration for His God. 2. David is committed, pledging to praise God every day – forever. 3. David declares the Lord to be great and worthy of praise. 4. David is certain that no one can measure God’s greatness.
Application: If I am to emulate David, who was a ‘man after God’s own heart, I should seek to praise God forever and ever. I will declare His greatness, remember that He is “most” worthy of praise, and not allow anyone a greater place or tribute in my life – not because I’ve been told that He is great or because other people are praising Him but because I personally know that so great is He, His greatness cannot be measured.
Prayer: Father, thank you for David’s reminder that you are great and most worthy of praise. Help me to praise you throughout every day of my life, forever and forever. – Amen!
My SOAP
SOAPing Scripture is a beautiful and helpful technique of studying and understanding God’s Word. However, it is important, when doing so, to allow yourself the time and the joy of mining for other treasure. Or, as I like to say, to chase some ‘scripture squirrels’. So, naturally when my study for today – The Importance of Prayer by Love God Greatly – called for me to read Psalm 145 and SOAP only verses 2-3 – I ended up chasing down some squirrels.
As we discovered yesterday, praising God makes for a great time of worshipful prayer. This Psalm of David is an excellent example. He begins by lifting up, or exalting, the Lord in verse 1 and is still praising Him in verse 21. David declares in his own singular praise – I will exalt you, my God and King, and I will praise your name. Keep reading though and you will see that his praise leads to more praise, followed by an invitation or the expressed hope (4) for others to continue the praise – “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” Watch, then, as he purposes to meditate on some of the most beautiful characteristics and works of our God. According to David, when we think of God’s majestic, glorious splendor and His wonderful miracles we will proclaim His greatness. And because praise is contagious God’s awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue not just his own; David will proclaim God’s greatness, yet not just His greatness toward David, but an extensive resume’ of God’s character and previous works.
He keeps His promises;
He is gracious in all He does.
The Lord helps the fallen
He lifts those bent beneath their loads.
He gives them their food as they need it.
He satisfies the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
He is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him,
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
He hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him
He destroys the wicked.
Look back with me to verses 5-13, and note that by proclaiming some simple yet profound truths of God, like His greatness and the fact that He is worthy of praise, David’s Psalm turns from the singular ‘I will’ statements to declaring that ‘everyone will’ and ‘they will’.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
Psalm 145:7
David knows what it is to benefit from or to see the Lord’s mercy and compassion or to experience His goodness. He knows how his own heart responds in praise to these things and surmises, based on his own experience, that because the Lord is merciful and compassionate and because the Lord is good to everyone, that His faithful followers will also cry out in praise. He says, they will speak of the Glory of God’s kingdom, they will tell about His mighty deeds and give examples of His power and talk about the majesty and glory of His reign.
… your faithful followers will praise you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. 12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
Psalm 145:10b-12
David ends the Psalm with the same declaration that he opened with, the pledge that “I will praise the Lord.” He then entreats everyone on earth to do the same. May we follow David in this most worthy quest. May our eyes and hearts and minds be opened to see, to hear, and to experience God – and then may we respond with praise – not just silent or whispered praises to Him but bold and confident praise that will testify to His goodness, His mercies, His grace, love, and magnificent works. May our praise ignite more praise both in us and in all those who hear or see what He is doing.
I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:21
Me, from the inside out
Reflection: What is something you can praise the Lord for today? I invite you to be the spark and leave a comment below.
The Importance of Prayer, A love God Greatly study – w1d1
Today’s Reading: Acts 2:42-47; SOAP: Acts 2:42
Welcome to Week 1, Day 1 of The newest study by Love God Greatly – “The Importance of Prayer”. Join me here M-F for commentary, links, and a place to grow in your faith and understanding of the importance of prayer in the life of a believer.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
According to one of the definitions I found for the word ‘devoted’, verse 42 could read – “the believers were given over to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” However, there was another definition for the word devoted that I truly love in regard to prayer. The definition is ‘very loving or loyal’, and when used in verse 42 would enhance the previous reading something like this – “The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
What a beautiful picture and basis for prayer – that we, as the followers of Christ, would be moved to pray, not only when we are in need, but out of loyalty to and love for Christ. We only have to read the rest of the passage to see the benefit of their devotion. As they gave themselves over to the teaching and the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and the prayers, Luke writes that “awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” They were dwelling in harmony with one another and caring for the needs of others, meeting together in the temple, “praising God and having favor with all the people.” And here’s perhaps the richest of the benefits – “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Certainly this is great reason to consider prayer and fellowship with believers vital to the work of God through us.
“The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Acts 2:42 my paraphrase
Reflections: Making it Personal
The early Christians devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
How do you think these four actions influenced their daily lives?
How can we live like this today?
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, help me to faithfully live devoted to Jesus – to His teachings, doing life with other believers, and to prayer. In this You will be glorified.
Don’t forget to check out today’s blog from the Love God Greatly Team
Praise the Lord! Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever. Psalm 113:1-2
OBSERVATIONS: PRAISE THE LORD!
Praise is the theme
God is the object of the praise
Even His Name is worthy of Praise
Praise Him NOW and FOREVER
APPLICATION:
PRAISE THE LORD was going to be my single response here – but as I began typing my observations it occurred to me that, for me, the application might just need to be a question (and answer) response.
Is praising God the theme of my life? (Not like it should be. I do praise Him and often but I also realize that often when answers I’ve prayed for come – my praise is often a quick word rather than a lavish response of praise
Is God the object of my praise? (Certainly! That should be the answer, right? However, if I’m truly honest in the evaluation of myself – I fear I sometimes get much more caught up in the answer than with the God who heard my petition and answered me.)
What does it mean that “His name is worthy of praise? (God’s acts are definitely worthy of praise. Consider the list the Psalmist gave: “He raises the poor from the dirt, lifts up the needy from the garbage pile and seats him with the prices of his people. He makes the barren woman a happy mother of children.” But even if He did none of those things He is worthy of our praise! – He is Creator God, seated on a ‘high throne’, where He has to look down just to see the sky and earth. His name is above every other name – there is no one like Him in heaven or on earth!
Is my praise contingent on circumstances and time? (Surely I will praise Him when I am forevermore with Him. But what about the now and all the days between now and then? Oh it’s easy to praise Him when things are going well. It’s easy to praise Him when I am focused on the fact that He alone is God – but what about those times in the “here and now and all the unknown ‘more’ days that follow here on earth, with all of their unforeseen storms and struggles of life? When things aren’t so good or my mind spirals to fear or other emotions that hinder praise – will I still praise Him? When the waiting for His return gets harder, will I still praise Him? – In all honesty, I think and pray I will, or at least it is what He has been faithfully teaching me to do for many many years now. May I faithfully do so to His glory
The bottom line is this – If we have chosen to follow-Christ and live as a child of God we should be serving the Lord – denying ourselves daily, taking up our cross and following where He leads us and doing His work while He’s gone. – May the words of this commentary be encouragement and inspiration:“Make your job [ministry] in the church an act of praise, doing it with [joy] and reverence to God Honor Him by the quality of your work and the attitude of service you bring.”(borrowed from the NIV New Life Application Bible)
PRAYER: RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD
Father, You are worthy of praise – Your Name alone deserves and ignites praise! The work of Your hands and the depth of Your love – even more so! As the Psalmist said, “Who can compare to You?”. And of course, the answer is none. Not even one Father! You are sovereign over all! There is nothing You cannot do. Your love and power and goodness are matchless! I praise You oh LORD, my God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Now and forever, Father – may I be quick and faithful to praise You – even as fervently as I pray! And this to Your Glory and honor – Amen!
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
What are you praising God for today?
Me: I’m praising Him for His peace, that passes all understanding, in the midst of the storms and waves of live right now that sometimes cause me to be overwhelmed.
– I’m praising Him for His helping me to get caught up on a few things that were leaving me feeling overwhelmed and trusting Him to continue to help me get completely caught up.
– I’m praising Him for my mother’s birthday, celebrating her 83rd year of life!
And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world.
Micah 2:4 NET
Observations:
Jesus will take His place as the Shepherd of God’s people. (we are the flock the sheep of His pasture – see Psalm 100:3)
Jesus will do His work by God’s strength and authority.
[We], His people, will live securely because He reigns!
Application:
I have a good Shepherd.
His strength and authority belong to God.
Through Him, I can/will live securely – because Christ and His Kingdom will last forever.
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, I don’t always understand Your Word – especially the prophecies – but what I do know and trust is Jesus is the Great Shepherd, my Shepherd – who rules and reigns and has made a way for me to live securely and forever with You! – I praise You for these truths in the name of Jesus – Amen!
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
How is God calling your heart to Him this week? me: In compassion He’s calling me to be still and know/remember that He is God – to keep my eyes on Him and not the circumstances or busyness of life
What is He doing in your life that displays His great mercy and love as well as His holiness? me: He is giving me strength for each new day and the peace that truly passes all understanding. He is graciously showing me mercy through His patience with me when I mess up, and forgiving me when I sin.
Your Turn: I invite you to share your soap and your reflections in the comment section or feel free to email me if you have questions.
The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NET
Observations: The Day of Hope
Are these the things you believe about your God?
Do you know that He is in your midst, that He is with you?
Do you see Him as a mighty warrior who not only can but has delivered you from the power of sin and death?
Do you believe, despite what you know about yourself (and despite what He knows), that your God takes great delights in you?
Have you experienced the calming, renewing effect of His love in your life?
Can you hear Him rejoicing over you with singing?
Application: It’s all in the attitude
I’ve said it before but it bears repeating … What we believe will steer our attitude. We will either be shouting for joy at what God has promised that is yet to come and rejoicing over what He has already done – or, we will doubt who He is and miss all that He has for us while we wait here on earth – and possibly what He has promised those who belong to Him in the future. We must be intentional, write it down on paper or better yet, put it in the notes section of your phone. When doubt or fears arise and hope dwindles pull it out and read it as a mantra- Perhaps something like this …
God is my God and He is with me, my mighty Savior who takes delight in me, with gladness! I will remind myself often that it is in Him and because of His love that I find a calming peace and a renewal my spirit.
Me, from the inside-out
Prayer:
Father – how great is Your love! You dwell with me – my warrior who has saved me. I am Your daughter and You take great delight in me – even shouting for joy over me with song! I am forever grateful for your word and for Your messages and promises of hoped contained within it! –
Reflections:
What does Zephaniah 3:17 show us about God’s coming restoration? How can you find joy and proclaim His goodness today?
Now and forever, Father – may I be quick and faithful to praise You – even as fervently as I pray! And this to Your Glory and honor – Amen!
Me From the Inside Out 