Tag: prayer

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, The God Who Restores

The Coming King

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Advent Day 3: The God Who Restores – An LGG Study

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 11-12; SOAP: Isaiah 11:10

At that time a root from Jesse will stand like a signal flag for the nations. Nations will look to him for guidance, and his residence will be majestic.

Isaiah 11:10 NET
Observations: The Root of Jesse and a signal flag
  • The root from Jesse represents the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the shoot, the bud, the root out of the stump of Jesse. (See verse 1 and Acts 13:22-23).
  • The Root, our Messiah, would be a banner or a “signal flag for the nations”.
  • He will be one who stands out and is sought after. (see: Luke 2:32; John 3:14-15, 12:32: Romans 15:12; and Revelation 5:5)
Application: How then should we live?

There are probably many more, but the applications that came to mind were –

  • Celebrate the birth, the life, and the death of Jesus, who came from the stump of Jesse.
  • Wait with confident expectation knowing that He will one day come again. In this we can trust and rejoice.
  • Keep the celebration for His first coming flowing and the anticipation growing for His second coming by staying grounded, rooted, and fixed on Him. This means faithfully dwelling in and living out His Word. Remember, it is living and active, a light to our feet, a weapon against sin and discouragement as we wait, and it is the power of God that leads to the salvation of all who believe!
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, how great You are! Jesus what a beautiful gift You are, a signal flag of HOPE, assurance, and guidance as we wait for Your return. Holy Spirit, who rested upon Jesus and now lives in us, You fill us with POWER and HOPE as we wait for what is to come; and You stir us to celebrate and rejoice as we remember Bethlehem and the gift, Your gift, of the baby in the manger. Strengthen us as we wait, keep us faithfully living and loving like Jesus, and use us as salt and light in this dark world. Blessed be the name of the Lord, the God who restores! Thank You in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior – Amen!

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Being Intentional

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Day 1, Week 6 of Come, Lord Jesus Come (A Love God Greatly Study) Encourage as the Day Draws Near!

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25 (SOAP – Hebrews 10:24-25)

24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works 25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NET

Observations:

With the exception of one trusted translation, which says “and so”, in all of the translations I study from, this passage (19-25) opens with the word “[having] therefore“. When we are studying the Scriptures this is one of many key words that should cause us to look back to see what came before. In this case, the author has been writing an explanation concerning the Covenant God had made with His people that ensured them that, by faith in the work of Jesus on the cross, they had been given the promise of entering into God’s presence with confidence. (You’ll find it below and it’s worth the read)

For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” 8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” 17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Hebrews 10:1-18

Our confidence, mentioned throughout the chapter, is explained best in verse 19, as coming from the blood of Jesus; and in verse 22, it is defined as belonging to those who by faith have assurance of salvation through the forgiveness of sins, once and for all, (11-18).

We can “hold unwaveringly to [this] hope” because God is trustworthy, (23).

It is important to understand these verses because they are the essence of why we can and should “spur one another on to love and good works”, which God created us in Christ1 Jesus to do2.

1So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NET

2For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them. Ephesians 2:10 NET

Our focus/SOAP passage (24-25) follows this promise of good news with instructions to think about, in other words be intentional in looking for ways to encourage “one another”, those belonging to the body of Christ, on to live out the love3 and good works God created us for. For this reason it is wise to not give up meeting together, especially as the day of Christ’s return draws closer. One side note on this observation is since we don’t know the day or hour we should make it a habit to encourage “one another” often, in a formal meeting or outside of a formal meeting, so that we will not stop living and loving3 as He created us to.

 3“I [Jesus] give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34  

3Jesus answered, “The most important is: ‘Listen, [people of God], the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 13:29-31 NET

Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?

While this is a very familiar passage to me, as I’m sure it is to many who are reading this, I am convicted that this should be a passage we read often so that we don’t lose sight of why believers can and should have confidence in the work of Christ and the promised gift of salvation through our faith.

It is also a great reminder that we should be sharing the hope of our faith with others, but especially that we should encourage other believers often with this hope that is ours in Christ. Our salvation does not rest on our shoulders or our work but on the work of Jesus Christ4 and the grace of God5.

So, stand firm in the confidence that God has given us in Christ Jesus so that you do not stop showing love and doing good

(4) See Hebrews 10:1-18 above

(5) 8For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 it is not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NET

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You so much for the confidence You have given us through Your grace and Your promises to those who have believed in Christ Jesus, Your Son! You are indeed a trustworthy God and we have the full assurance of Your forgiveness through our faith in Him. For You have said whoever believes is forgiven once and for all, and no longer being condemned we are saved through His blood and have both the confidence to draw near to You now and the guarantee of a place in Your presence – in Your kingdom yet to come. Help us to faithfully stand firm in this hope and encourage one another often with these truths that are ours through Christ. And may we not fail to share these truths with those who still have no hope until He comes again. – In Jesus’ powerful name – amen and amen!!

 For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NET

Reflections: Your turn

What are some ways you can encourage others in your life today?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Live As Though It Could Be Today

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Day 3, Week 5 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study) – STAY ALERT

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24 (SOAP – Matthew 24:42-44)

 “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been alert and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Matthew 24:42-44

Observation

I realize that our observations are all beginning to sound alike, “Stay alert”, “Be ready”, “He’s coming soon”, “He will come when we least expect it”, … which may make it tempting to skip over the repetitious passages or perhaps even look to see if I accidentally repeated a lesson (trust me, I looked this morning, just to make sure I wasn’t repeating one – lol). The fact of the matter is that Scripture repeats itself, in part because the Gospel writers tended to share similar events but in large part because God is making a point that is vitally important for us to hear and not forget. So as tempting as it is to skip over this long passage from Matthew, I encourage you to read it through from beginning to end. Soak in the details and take note of the warning to be found living in a way that the Master finds pleasing.

Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?

My take away observations from today are also my application or what this passage means for us …

  • The repeated phrase to – “Stay Alert”
  • Jesus will come when we DO NOT EXPECT HIM!
  • So – We must live as though He could return today!
  • And, just like Jesus and His disciples did, share the message with others so that they will also be prepared.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, the end times can seem both exciting and daunting. They can leave us wondering and wishing we knew when. Help us simply to keep our eyes on You and to carry out the mission that You gave to all of Your disciples – to take the Gospel, the story about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and impending return to all the world. May we be the faithful and wise slave described in the passage today so that we do not have to shrink back in fear – but rejoice in Your good pleasure when You see that the thief did not break in and steal.

Reflection: Your Turn

What are some ways you are currently living on mission for our Lord while you wait for His return?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Faithful Followers

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Week 5, Day 2 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study)When He Appears We May Have Confidence

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:28-3:3 (SOAP – 1 John 2:28)

 And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back.

1 John 2:28 NET

Observations

As believers, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, we are to be faithfully living as His followers. For John explains when our faith is proven genuine we will be able to stand before Jesus in confidence and not shame when He returns. For as Paul told the believers in Rome, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are ‘in‘ Christ Jesus.” And, as John goes on to say, in today’s passage, we have been clothed in His righteousness and are being purified (sanctified) to be like Him.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1 NET

Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?

If we have placed our faith in Jesus, we must not treat it as simply a “stay out of hell” card, but we are to “abide in” Him, meaning we are to faithfully follow in or imitate His ways. We are to live and love like Jesus. Jesus set these parameters when He told the believers that they were to love others just has He had loved them, John 13:34. This standard of living is also set by Paul in both deed and word throughout the New Testament – Col 3:1-17; Gal 2:20; Phil 2:1-11; 1 Cor 11:1; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph. 4:22-24 and 5:1-2 to name a few. However, John says it the clearest of all in 1 John 2:6, when he said, “Whoever claims to live in [Jesus] must live as Jesus did.”

If we read through the rest of today’s passage we see this explained a little more when John mentions practicing righteousness (2:29), which is to say – practice the ways of Jesus, for apart from Him no one is righteous – not even one of us.

“There is no one righteous, not even one,
11 there is no one who understands,
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
together they have become worthless;
there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.”

Romans 3:10-12 NET

Prayer: Response To God’s Word

Father, help us to faithfully abide in Christ so that when He returns we will not shrink away in shame but stand in the confidence of His work on the cross for us. For You have promised that there is now no condemnation for those who have placed their faith in Him. Help us to imitate Him more and more so that others will see Him in us and You will be glorified. In His Name I pray – and trust – amen and amen!

Reflection: Your Turn

How are you choosing to abide in Christ today?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

A Message For Everyone

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Week 5, Day 1 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A study by Love God Greatly)
Today’s Reading: Mark 13:32-37 (SOAP – Mark 13:37)

What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!”

Mark 13:37

Observations

vs. 32 [But as for that day]: The time of Jesus’ return is going to come but only the Father knows when.

vs. 33 [Watch out! Stay alert!] Jesus is warning that there is not time for a leisurely faith. Paul says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). Like the faithful servants (Mark 13:34–36) or the bridal party waiting for the groom (Matthew 25:1–13), we can’t treat Jesus’ delay as permission to act ungodly (Matthew 24:48–51). (Bibleref.com on Mark 13:33)

vs. 35-36 [Stay alert … or else he might find you asleep when he returns]

“Jesus doesn’t just want His followers in the tribulation to be aware, He wants them to use that awareness to stay alive. During the tribulation, many, many Christ-followers will be hunted and killed by the Antichrist (Revelation 13:7; 17:6). But Jesus explains that they should still try to survive. In fact, they should pray for favorable conditions (Mark 13:18). He tells them to be aware of false teachers (Mark 13:5), run from impending violence (Mark 13:14), and keep a clear head (Mark 13:35). He also promises that the tribulation will not last long. If the tribulation saints can remember Jesus’ words, they will have a better chance of being “awake” when He returns.”

Bibleref.com on Mark 13:35-36

vs. 37 [to everyone] This conversation started with Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately asking Jesus a question on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple. They said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Mark 13:3-5). Now, here in verse 37 Jesus is clarifying that His message to the four disciples, particularly about staying alert, was meant for everyone.

Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?

We are to be alert – awake to what is being said and what (prophecy) has been given – so that we don’t fall prey to false prophets of our day. This is not to say that we should be obsessed with the “end times” but simply alert to the messages and the events we here and see. Our efforts must not be in figuring out the day or hour but with sharing the message of the cross and the promise of eternity.

Prayer: Our Response to The Word

Father – the end times are a mystery. Clearly we are not meant to know the day or the hour of “that day” – but, we wait believing that it will come. Help us to be ready and to help others be ready by being alert to those around us who need the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus. I pray all of this in Jesus’ name and power and for Your glory! – Amen!

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Prayer for the Lost Sheep –

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Father, You are good. You are Holy, righteous, and true – and You are my God! Your WORD is eternal, bringing life and health and peace to all who hear and believe. For those who have never heard, I pray they will hear and believe even today! For those who have heard BUT NEVER BELIEVED, I pray You will melt their hearts of stone – that they might believe and be saved. For those without a messenger will You open their eyes to Your creation – for Your Word makes clear that everything You’ve made displays Your invisible qualities – Your eternal power and divine nature – so that NO ONE has an excuse for not knowing You. Raise up messengers to go in Jesus’ Name and translators to translate in Word or print and supporters who will send and pray. All of this to Your eternal glory and the salvation of the lost. – … Father, for those who have both heard and believed but have turned away to the right or to the left and find themselves wandering in a wilderness, stuck in a pit, swallowed up by the world’s ways, or bound again by a yoke of slavery – will you please open the eyes and ears of their hearts Lord – to hear You, the One who is their faithful Shepherd, who has left the 99 to find them. Help them to reach out for Your rod and staff and to walk free of their chains and all that binds them and keeps them from You. – Again, all of this for Your eternal glory and the redemption of Your people. Amen in Jesus’ Name and Power!

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Brothers Go Down to Egypt

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WEEK 5, DAY 1 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 42 (SOAP – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.  2 Corinthians 7:9-10NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA: The Brothers Bow Down

The famine was severe in the land of Canaan but Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt so he sent his sons, except for Benjamin, down to buy grain. Because Joseph was the ruler of the country, the one who sold grain to all the people, it was him that they appeared before with their request and him they bowed down to. Years had past but Joseph still recognized his brothers, however they did not recognize him, most likely because he would have been dressed like an Egyptian and addressed by his Egyptian name. Scripture says, he did not disclose his identity but acted like a stranger and treated them harshly. I imagine that the harshness was most likely in some ways his true emotions spilling out toward those who had betrayed him but perhaps also an attempt to keep his identity a secret not know knowing what they would do if they found out he was alive and well. He was undoubtedly curious too as to the condition of his father and other brother so he asked questions prompting the information. Unsatisfied with, or untrusting of, their answers – he sends all but one of them back to Canaan, keeping Simeon as a prisoner to be released upon their return with his brother Benjamin.

Back in Canaan they explained the events to their father but after much conversation and promises to protect him he refused to let Benjamin go.

Other Notable Observations:

  • Joseph originally had all of the brothers imprisoned for three days while he considered what to do.
  • Joseph had cried out to his brothers for mercy before they sold him into slavery.
  • At one point he turned away from them and wept because he had understood their language and their conversation about what they had done to Joseph. (They did not know Joseph had understood them because they were using an interpreter.)
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

In a previous letter Paul had rebuked the Corinthians for a particular sin. He had been concerned that his rebuke would have angered them but instead learned that they had repented – which is the best outcome to any rebuke. God intends for knowledge of our sins to make us sorrowful and lead us to repentance, which is to stop whatever worldly behavior we’re doing and choose instead to follow Him. Whether it is a repentance of the lost that leads to salvation or a repentance of the believer that leads to a right relationship with God – repentance is always best. This is what we saw with the brothers after their trip to Egypt – even before they knew that they had bowed before Joseph, they, specifically Reuben, realized the wrongness of their actions and the debt they owed.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, help us to live with yielded and repentant hearts – In Jesus’ name, amen.

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • How does sadness lead to repentance and salvation ?
  • Have you experienced the sadness of God?
  • Did it lead you to repentance?
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Reflections of Week 3, Beautifully Surrendered

Beautifully Surrendered, God’s Heart for His Daughters is a Love God Greatly Study

As we read about Hannah, Anna, Rachel, Hagar, and The Woman at the Well this week we learned the need to stay surrendered to God in prayer. Prayer is the act of seeking God, and as Hanna learned, it requires that we keep our eyes on Him and not the people or situations of our lives. Continual prayer, as we saw in Anna, keeps our cares in God’s hands and not our own. Because Anna lived this way and wasn’t caught up with the cares of the world she was acutely aware when she was in the presence of the Long awaited Messiah and she was free to make Him known to others. While we heard Rachel call out to her husband for a child rather than God, we see that God still took notice of her and became the “hero of the story” for Rachel – who acknowledged with “Joseph”, the name of her firstborn, that she knew exactly who was responsible for making her a mother. When we see God work on our behalf it strengthens or perhaps awakens our belief in Him. Through Hagar we witnessed the beauty of knowing God sees us and how it plays such a vital part in our prayer life with Him as it gives us hope and strength and peace in our journey. Finally, it was was the woman at the well that reminded us to keep our eyes, not on our past(regrets or shame) but on what Jesus can do, has done, and will do for us who believe.

Living like this doesn’t mean we will not face struggles in our lives but rather that when we do we will pour out our souls to Him rather than live in anger, resentment, doubt, fear, shame, self-centeredness, or disbelief. Making our lives a lifestyle of prayer will lead us to the perfect peace as both Isaiah and Paul talked about in their writings when they said:

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.

Isaiah 26:3

Don’t be worried about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He’s already done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

If you missed any of this week’s devotions from me you’ll find them at this link

If you missed any of the Love God Greatly Blogs for week 3 you’ll find them at these links:

https://lovegodgreatly.com/asking-for-the-impossible/

https://lovegodgreatly.com/the-dream-of-your-heart/

https://lovegodgreatly.com/believing-at-the-well/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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The Samaritan Woman: Believing at the Well

Day 5, Week 3 of Beautifully Surrendered, a Love God Greatly Study

Today’s Reading: John 4:1-30 (14-15)
4 But whoever drinks some of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”   John 4:14-15
My Observations:

Crucial to this encounter with the Samaritan woman is the word “whoever”. It is equally important to understand the importance of who Jesus was speaking to –

She was a woman and a Samaritan. He had five husbands and was living with one who was not her husband; because of her lifestyle she was a known outcast and considered ‘unclean’. Jesus’ ongoing answers and conversation seem to soften her attitude and many others are brought to meet Him.

your turn:

What’s your take away from the story of the Samaritan woman?

How then Shall We Live?

Jesus clearly asked water from this woman to engage her in conversation and offer her the living water he has to offer. From my understanding He did so at great risk to His reputation – considering, not only that she was a woman but her lifestyle and the fact that she was a Samaritan. In what He did He set the example of how we are to live as His witnesses.

  • Don’t be afraid to reach the “outcast” with the love of Jesus
  • Make “whoever” a part of our conversation with the ‘thirsty’
  • Give the word out like cups of cold water to those who are thirsty (in need of ‘eternal life’)
  • Tell others what we know about Jesus and where they can find Him
My Prayer Response:

Father, thank You for the examples of Jesus. Help us to live and love like Him. When we open our mouths fill us with the words that will help those who are “thirsty” receive the gift of eternal life. Help us to ‘see’ those who are seeking more and to engage with them regardless of how they respond, regardless of their status in life, and regardless of what others think.

Want More insight?

Go deeper with today’s LGG Blog Post

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Hagar: The God Who Sees

Day 4, Week 3, Beautifully Surrendered: A Love God Greatly Study

Today’s Reading: Genesis 16 and 21:1-20 (SOAP – 16:13)
So Hagar named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen one who sees me!”  Genesis 16:13  NET
My Observation:
Who Was Hagar?
  • Hagar was the Egyptian slave girl to Sarah
  • She became the slave wife to Abraham because of Sarah’s impatience for the child God had promised them
  • As a result of Sarah’s impatience Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, Abraham’s son
  • Through her plight she came to see God as El Roi, the God who sees ‘me’.
What We must not miss

It’s easy to read Hagar’s story and get lost in our thoughts or conversations and judgements about Sarah and Abraham actions … how they didn’t trust God … how they acted on their own … how Abraham could have taken a slave wife, and why in the world Sarah would give him another woman (cultural acceptance or not) … how Sarah complained about Hagar … and eventually insisted that Hagar and the child be sent away … and the list goes on – BUT we must not miss how God used it all! He used it not only to fulfill His promise of a child to Abraham and Sarah – BUT God revealed Himself to Hagar as El Roi – He was no longer just the God of her masters but He was the “One”, whom she saw and the “One” who saw her”. On top of that, He not only rescued Hagar and her son but He promised to be with her son as he grew. What a comfort Hagar must have found in this promise in the midst of her aloneness and desperation.

How Then Should We Live?

Sarah and Abraham offer good lessons in “trusting God”, not going ahead of Him, not forsaking His ways for our desires, and not playing God (trying to do or make happen what He promised). BUT GOD, through Hagar, reveals to us the importance of listening for and to Him, of being attentive to what He says, taking comfort in His Words, and seeing Him for who He really is. We must learn to listen for Him and to know Him as the God who sees us. He should not be just another god, like the gods Hagar would have known as an Egyptian. No, He must become personal to us so that, like Hagar, we will be able to say: “You are the God who sees me,”; and if we are wise we will mark the times (places, incidents, and ways we have seen or heard Him) just as she did when she said, “Here I have seen one who sees me!”. These markers or remembrances will become our testimonies of faith. Their memories will strengthen us when life presses in and perhaps be an encouragement to others we know along the way.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 1:4
Your turn

What’s your take-away from Hagar’s story?

Prayer Response:

Blessed be Your Holy Name God! You are the God who sees me! You know my name! You hear me when I call. You see me when I’m hidden away or when I’m hurting or afraid. You hear me wherever I am! You are with me and You are always doing what you said You would do, and You are always working everything together fo the good of those who love You and are called according to your purpose. In this I trust and find my strength!