Tag: prayer

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, She, Volume 1

The Syrophenician Woman

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Adapted from She, Volume 1, p 57-58

Read: Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:25-26

This passage can often be misunderstood or taken out of context, so to help us not fall into this trap, I am starting off with some helpful commentary from bibleref.com:

In a further effort to withdraw from crowds, Jesus has withdrawn from Israel entirely. He has travelled into pagan Gentile territory east of Galilee. Even here, though, it seems He is known at least by some. This is somewhat ironic, as Jesus had earlier referred to this region of “Tyre and Sidon” in His criticism of Israel’s stubbornness (Matthew 11:20–24).

Here, a non-Israelite Canaanite woman comes to Him. She is crying, and she asks Jesus for mercy, addressing Him as Lord and Son of David. This woman’s reference indicates she knows something about Israel and Judaism. She tells Christ that her daughter is severely oppressed by a demon. His response seems confusing, at first, but proves to have an important lesson attached (Matthew 15:23, 28).

Demon oppression and possession were common around the known world of this era. The existence of demons was not debated. Too many people had seen a person oppressed by a demon to doubt it. Various symptoms of demon oppression witnessed in the New Testament include drastic personality change, refusal to wear clothes, supernatural strength, violent actions, illness, being mute or deaf, and intentional self-harm.

Bibleref.com/Matthew 15:22

I love the way the study guide outlines the woman’s actions:

  • She cried unto the Lord…
    • She was a mother and desperate for someone to help her daughter.
  • She fell at His feet in humble desperation…
    • She was a Canaanite, a gentile, yet she addresses Jesus as the “Son of David,” indicating that she knew He was the Messiah of Israel.
  • She did not receive an answer immediately…
    • Jesus seemingly pays no attention to her.
  • She kept praying…
    • His silence doesn’t deter her; if anything, it only makes her cry out all the more, so much so that Scripture says the disciples were bothered by her cries for help.
      • It’s unclear if the disciples wanted Jesus to send her away without helping her. More likely, they wanted the Master to heal the woman’s child, so she’d go away and leave them alone (Luke 18:1–8).1
  • She persistently prayed for her need…
    • Whether it was desperation for her daughter or a deep faith in Jesus, or both ~ the waiting did not shake her faith!
      • Perhaps it was because of the disciples concern over her annoyance, or maybe it was the persistence of the woman, whatever the reason – Jesus answers her, explaining: “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep ~ the people of Israel.” – When the woman persisted by worshiping Him and pleading again for His help, Jesus responds with words that would have, at the very least, been hurtful for the woman to hear, and often a portion of the passage that is “taken out of context, making it seem derogatory, or even hateful. It’s neither: Jesus has a purpose for this dialogue (Matthew 15:28).2”
        • The suggested purpose by the commentator is that “Christ’s intent, apparently, was to test the woman’s commitment to her request, and her faith in Him.” Which, by their continued dialogue, we see is exactly what happened.

26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” 28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

Matthew 16:26-28

The final observation, and what I believe is one of the best takeaways of the study, cannot be said any better than this: “The Syrophenician Woman serves as an example of how we should be persistent in our faith.”

The Syrophenician Woman serves as an example of how we should be persistent in our faith.

She, volume 1/p58
Reflection/Application
  • What are you persistently praying about? What could you or should you be persistently praying about?
    • Consider this encouragement from Matthew 7:7
      • Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
        • “Some commentators suggest these words imply a progression. It’s possible that ‘asking’ means making a request, ‘seeking’ implies persistence or fervor, and ‘knocking’ represents continued and ongoing persistence.” bibleref.com

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Secure In Christ

Unlimited Access

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based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w3d3

Read: Ephesians 3:10-13 and Hebrews 4:14-16

The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access to God by way of Christ’s faithfulness. 13 For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:10-13

Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.

Hebrews 4:14-16

For me, the highlight of today’s readings was the portions on the bold and confident access we have to the throne of God, through Christ Jesus. I love that we do not have to worry about coming into His presence. We do not have to wonder if He will hear us or not. The throne room does not close; we have 24/7 access. As today’s journal entry points out, “We enter into His presence through prayer. Prayer is speaking and listening to God. The writer of Hebrews tells us to confidently approach the throne of grace because it is where we will be met with mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).”

Through the blood of Jesus, we have unlimited access to God, the God who created the world and all that is on it, and the seas and all that is in them. We are not limited to morning prayers or evening prayers. We can come before Him 24/7, 365 days a year! To be clear, unlimited access doesn’t mean we will always get what we ask for. I have learned, perhaps I should say – I am constantly learning or being reminded – that we aren’t told to have bold confidence in the answer we seek, but in the true and living God, to whom we pray. This means we must trust He knows best and answers according to His perfect plan and purpose for our lives.

Friends, we are most blessed. Prayer like this is not just a gift; it is an immeasurable privilege and an opportunity for a close and intimate relationship with God. If you want to strengthen your faith and your relationship with God, start making prayer – not just part of your day but a way of life.

The More We Know

The revelation of God’s multifaceted wisdom wasn’t displayed to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms on a whim. It was not a secondary plan but was set in place from the beginning of time. The phrase “multifaceted wisdom” caught my attention and sent me chasing Scripture squirrels to understand what it really means. I hope you’ll take a minute to follow the link to Gotquestions.org for some wonderful insight and encouragement.

https://www.gotquestions.org/manifold-wisdom-of-God.html

For even more insight read today’s LGG BLOG

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Secure In Christ

More…

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based on the LGG Study, Secure In Christ, w1d5

Read: Ephesians 1:15-23; SOAP: verses 16-17

I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 

Ephesians 1:16-17

After nearly three years of living with the believers at Ephesus, Paul had come to know them well. He was impressed, not only by their faith but by their love for one another. It was clear to him that they knew the facts and blessings of salvation as well as the future hope believers have with God. Clearly, this knowledge and his relationship with them fostered the beautiful and heartfelt prayer for them to more fully understand the importance of their salvation and eternal hope, and grow in their knowledge of God. Oh, that we might pray for and encourage each other like this.

Today’s journal entry by the Love God Greatly team is too beautiful and encouraging not to share. I pray it blesses you as it has me. I pray for each of you, truly from the heart, that together we might understand the blessing of our salvation and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. I pray that He might give us spiritual wisdom and insight so that, together, we might grow in our knowledge of God. You are dearly loved and such a blessing to me. 💕🦋

Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

“I Chose You”

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based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus, w6d2

Read and SOAP: John 15:16

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.

John 15:16

Early on in this journey, we learned or were reminded that we are filled with God’s Spirit and called to bear His fruit. Today’s Scripture adds to this knowledge that not only are we commissioned to bear fruit, but we are also chosen by Christ.

Friends, I believe this is a crucial part of our faith. It is a truth that we must grasp to truly understand and appreciate the relationship we have been given with God – the Father, Son, and Spirit.

We were not only chosen, but we were given purpose and the responsibility to go and produce lasting fruit. Or, as today’s journal entry explains: “We didn’t just stumble into a relationship with Jesus by chance. He saw us, loved us, and appointed us for an incredible purpose. And make no mistake, this is not a random selection but a deliberate choice made by the Creator of the universe. He hasn’t just chosen us to become His own but to have a fruitful life, a life with the lasting legacy of love and service that reaches through eternity.”

Because of this relationship with Christ, who abides in us and has invited us to abide in Him, we have the privilege of asking anything, according to God’s will. We have also been told to expect to receive what we ask for. While this is a wonderful promise, we must be careful to understand what it is to pray according to God’s will. Borrowing again from today’s journal entry, I’m sharing what I believe is a helpful explanation/example of praying according to God’s will.

What are some of the things we can ask for in the name of Jesus? A godly character and lasting fruit! To be a fruitful Christian, it is absolutely essential that we come to God in faith through prayer, expecting Him to work in us the things we ask for. We abide in Jesus by depending on Him for fruit, and the way we show our dependence is through prayer – through asking Him and trusting Him to answer.

Abiding in Jesus, p175

Surely we are thankful to belong to and be loved by God. Yet, it can be daunting to realize the responsibility to bear fruit that lasts. May God help us to abide in Jesus every day that He gives, and may He help us make a lasting impact for His Kingdom. – Amen

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control …

Galatians 5:22-23

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Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Building on the Rock

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based on Abiding in Jesus, w4d4

Read and SOAP: Matthew 7:24-25

Building on The Rock

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.

Matthew 7:24-25

How firm a foundation are you standing on? Will you be able to stand strong when the rain falls and the waters rise? When the winds of life blow hard, will you be able to stand firm?

Friends, we must commit to building a firm foundation on the rock of ages, the rock of our salvation – Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. When you need refuge, make it your habit to flee to Jesus. Trust that God will strengthen you, help you, and hold you up with His victorious right hand. You can depend on Him, even in your deepest distress, your fiery trials, or river of sorrows. For this I know to be true – He will pour out, in bountiful supply, His all-sufficient grace ~ and prove His sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love. Find rest in him my friend, for He has promised to never forsake those who abide and find their rest in Him. Though the worst of evils attempt to shake us – He stands with us and for us and will never leave us as prey to our foes1

The More We Know

Key Scriptural Connections

  • Isaiah 41:10:This verse, which speaks of God’s presence and strength, is echoed in the hymn’s second verse, which assures believers of God’s aid and support. 
  • Isaiah 43:2:The hymn’s third verse about facing deep waters and fiery trials is reminiscent of Isaiah 43:2, where God promises to be with those who go through trials. 
  • Hebrews 13:5:The hymn’s promise of never being forsaken is a direct reference to Hebrews 13:5, which states that God will never leave or forsake His people. 
  • Matthew 7:24-27: The hymn’s overall theme of building a life on a solid foundation is inspired by this parable, which emphasizes the importance of building on the rock of Jesus’s teachings. 
  • 1 Corinthians 3:11: This verse highlights Jesus Christ as the only foundation for believers, which aligns with the hymn’s message of faith in God’s word. 

Into the Text, by LGG, offers more beautiful insight in today’s post. Read it, soak it in and look for ways to build upon the Rock – the firm foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 10:4; Psalm 62:6 and 18:2)

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

God’s Indisputable Presence

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From the journal of the LGG Study, For Such A Time As This, p157

Read: Esther 7:5-6 and SOAP: Psalm 37:28

For the Lord promotes justice,
and never abandons his faithful followers.
They are permanently secure,
but the children of the wicked are wiped out.

Psalm 37:28

If we were to backtrack on our journey through Esther’s story, we would see that there was a time when telling the king about her heritage was not on Esther’s agenda. However, when Mordecai pushed her on the issue with his “for such a time as this” speech, she acquiesced with the condition that the people would pray and fast for a period of three days, and she would do the same.1 As we have seen. While God’s name has not been mentioned, the evidence that He not only heard the prayers but answered them is indisputable.

 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Esther 4:13-17

Today’s journal entry says it best …

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Prayer > Anxiety

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From the journal of the LGG Study, For Such A Time As This, p153

Read: Esther 7:1-4 and SOAP: Philippians 4:6

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Philippians 4:6

Sisters 💕 Philippians 4:6 is one of my life verses. It is a verse that has changed my life in many ways. It has not only rescued me from pits of anxiety and fear, but it has also taught me to pray and shown me that I can trust God with my life. This was a truth that Esther knew as well, which is why, from the time Mordecai called on her to make the plot to destroy the Jews known to the king, she insisted that she would only go before the king after a time of fasting and praying. Friends, may we always be so faithful to keep prayer at the forefront of the battles that we face.

Believing that God was with her, Esther does as Mordecai had instructed her. With courage and boldness, she reveals not only the slaughter planned for the Jews but the truth of who she is.

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Moving Forward with Confidence

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Borrowed from the Journal of For Such A Time As This / w4d1

Read: Esther: 5:1-5 and SOAP: Psalm 34:7

The More We Know:

from the study, For Such A Time As This / w4d1

by Love God Greatly | May 4, 2025 | 0 comments

I wonder what Esther was feeling as she watched the sunrise on that third day.

“It so happened that on the third day Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace…”
– Esther 5:1

This was the day that Esther would either end up a hero or end up dead. If I were in Esther’s place, I’m pretty sure I would have been tempted to crawl back into bed, pull the covers over my head, and desperately pray that God would find some other woman and some other way to save His people. I would ask: 

Why me?

Why here?

Why now?

These are questions we often ask God when He calls us to be brave in less-than-ideal situations. Oh, we’re bold in the preparation, but when is it time to take that next step we can easily slink back in fear. We think, “Isn’t there an easier way, Father? Surely there’s someone else who’s more qualified… more available… more – I don’t know – “built” to handle these kinds of things?”

But Esther saved the doubt and the drama and instead responded with: …

click here for thE rest of this Wonderful Post

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Pushing Pause

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Based on w3d5 of For Such a Time As This, by Love God Greatly, p109

Read: Esther 4:15-17 and SOAP: Psalm 32:8

I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye.

Psalm 32:8

Esther’s story is full of drama, and for those unfamiliar with the story, there is undoubtedly intrigue. The Jews are facing annihilation by edict of the king. Mordecai has sent word for Esther to talk to the king about what is about to happen and why. Esther has responded with the reminder that she cannot do that because entering the king’s presence without invitation can end in death, and most recently, Mordecai has lovingly and necessarily admonished Esther with the reminder that “she may very well have achieved royal status for such a time as this.” Today, we read Esther’s reply, a beautiful and bold statement of her faith. May we be so bold with our faith.

 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast on my behalf. Don’t eat and don’t drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:15-16
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

“I Need Your Help.”

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Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer ~ answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
    You are my God. 3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. 4 Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. 5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. 6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. 7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.

Psalm 86:1-7

Hey Sisters 💕 No blog today – just this passage from Psalm 86:1-7 that struck me earlier this week. I felt God leading me to use it as a post this week but never could quite figure out how or why – so I laid it aside. Today, He made it clear to my heart and mind what He meant for me to do with it. I’m not sure the picture does it justice, but if you look closely, you will see a tear on the cheek of the woman – which is exactly how I pictured my youngest daughter (she will be 30 on April 4th) when she called in tears today. They aren’t the first of the tears of this storm, and I feel certain -they will not be the last.

Those who follow this page might remember that a few weeks ago, she was notified that her job would be ending at the end of the school year, as they were making significant cuts in the budget and staffing. As she says, this is her dream job, and her heart is breaking a little more each day as the end of the school year approaches. Tears have flowed, anger at a broken system, hurt beyond words, fears of the future, hopelessness of the present, and heart felt sorrows and brokenness have been among the myriad of emotions. Yet, our faithful God, by her own admission, has given peace in great measure – and faithfully reminds her to trust in Him… to remember that He has a plan… to know that He will provide. Yet, as we all know, walking by faith rather than sight is a difficult thing … and waiting for other jobs to open and spending money she doesn’t have – to qualify for other subjects and add to her resume – only adds to the frustration and concerns.

We do not doubt that God will provide. I am confident that He has a plan and that He is walking with her and holding her up with His victorious right hand … However, I am equally confident in the power of prayer and am using today’s post to ask you to pray boldly and fervently for Abi. She is a sister in Christ who is weak and weary and in desperate need of sisters (and brothers) standing in the gap, holding her up to the One who holds her in His hand. Please pray as God leads you. We love to pray specifically; if you do as well, we are praying that God would let this cup pass from her – that positions would miraculously open up so she would be able to teach in the coming school year, preferably in this school that she dearly loves, but ultimately in the place God wants her. While she would love to continue teaching English, we also pray that she passes her qualification tests for social studies and other subjects that would keep her employed. We are praying for God to send hope and encouragement daily and to protect her from the enemy’s tactics of wearing her down and feeding negativity. Mostly, we pray for God’s will to be done (we believe He is a miracle-working God – completely and perfectly in control of all things). We are also praying for strength to trust His heart when we cannot see His hand.

Friends, I would be remiss to make this prayer of David only about Abi and our family. There are many who need prayers – perhaps even you. I encourage you to ask God to help you know who to pray for and to use David’s prayer as a springboard to pray God’s Word back to Him. I also encourage you to share your requests with someone in your concentric circle or perhaps in the comments bar of this post, or feel free to drop me an email – I would be honored to pray for you.

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer ~ answer Abi who needs Your help. Father, You know she needs a job, and You know the love that she has for this school and position. She is devoted to You, O Lord – please protect her. Save her job with the county, which we believe You led her to and provided according to Your will, come to her rescue and provide for this daughter who serves and trusts You. You are her God ~ be merciful to her, as she calls on You constantly. As David prayed for happiness, I pray the same for my child – as she gives herself, her cares and fears and needs to You. You are so good, and we have tasted the fullness of Your unfailing love for all who ask for Your help – as we do now. Listen closely, O Lord; hear my urgent cry – I call out to You on behalf of my child, Your daughter who is in misery and trouble -and I trust You will answer me – according to Your perfect will. Please, send encouragement even today – and thank You for those who are praying with me for Abi – hear our prayers according to Your loving kindness. – In the name of the One who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or even imagine – to Him be all the glory now and forever more – Amen!