Tag: prayer

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

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based on the LGG Study, The Arrmor of God / w6d1

Scripture: Ephesians 6;10-18 / SOAP verses 17-18

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:17-18

Hopefully, after six weeks of starting Mondays with this passage, we have all become more familiar with the wisdom, truth, and help it offers us – so that we will not let down our guard. May we keep the armor of God on 24/7, 365 days of the year – ready to help us stand firm and resist the devil’s schemes.

Let’s not forget the necessity of suiting up daily with the whole armor of God. Let’s make it a daily practice to put on…

  • the Belt of Truth
  • the Breast Plate of Righteousness – and
  • the Shoes of Peace

May we faithfully…

  • Take up the Shield of Faith – and
  • Put on the Helmet of Salvation and
  • take the Sword of the of the Spirit

And don’t forget to …

  • pray at all times… for all believers everywhere

We will study the final piece of our armor this week, which is the sword of the Spirit – defined by Paul as the Word of God. Then, we will, at Paul’s suggestion, cover it all with prayer and an alertness. Remember this armor belongs to God and we will not be successful using any of it without first seeking His strength and power as Paul instructed us in the beginning of our study.

“Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

Colossians 4:2
Did You Know?

I found a fascinating note about the Sword of the Spirit that helped me understand just how powerful this offensive weapon really is. When I picture a “sword” I pictured a long sheath like sword, however, according to BIbileref.com the sword Paul describes is a short-bladed sword, easy to carry and draw quickly in combat. It is meant to kill and defeat the enemy during attack.

God’s Word is able and meant to be used like this in our spiritual battles. Christ Himself sets the example for us as we read in Matthew 4:1-11, where we find three examples of Jesus using the Word of God to defeat the enemy. I encourage you to read how He did it and not to miss the ending when the devil left him alone. May we be quick to follow His lead by being prepared with the Word whenever the enemy strikes.

Our Secret Weapon

When Jesus told His disciples He would be leaving them He also told them about another that would come and be with them so that they could carry on the work of the Father. Here in our passage today, Paul tells them to “pray in the Spirit,” the One that Christ said would be their helper.

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and will remind us of everything [Christ] has told us.
John 14:26

Reflecting on the Journey

What is the importance of praying at all times?

Response to God’s Word

Father, hide Your Word in our hearts that we might stand firm in the battles with temptation and all of the devil’s schemes. May we be sensitive to Your Spirit and powerful in Your might. Help us to remember that the battle belongs to You and You have empowered us with all that we need to stand firm. Remind us to stay devoted to prayer not only for ourselves but for the body of Christ and as the enemy wages war against Your people. May we not be detoured by his tactics and lose sight of the call to spread the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name – Amen!

Going Further on the Journey

Don’t forget to check out today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Set Apart In the Truth

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based on the LGG Study, The Armor of God, w1d4

Scripture: John 17;14-19 / SOAP: verse 17

Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth. 

John 17:17

I had the best time studying today’s passage but the day got in the way and then the evening responsibilities and here I am with so much to say but falling asleep trying to say it. My guess is I will eventually get it shared but for now I’m going to share a portion of today’s LGG Devotional and prayer with the hope that you will find encouragement and see the correlation between Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and Paul’s instructions about putting on the “belt of truth”. –

The Foundational Piece of Armor

The belt of truth is the foundational piece of the armor of God. It is designed to keep all the other pieces of armor in their place. This verse reminds us of the power of God’s Word and the importance of knowing it in our lives. When we make a habit of reading and studying the BIble, we are intentionally saturating our mind and heart with the truth. This truth serves as our spiritual armor, equipping us to stand firm in our faith and resist the attacks of the enemy.

God’s Word is the Truth

Because God’s Word is truth, it not only sets us apart from the world but sets us free, too. We acknowledge our emotions and the value they play in our lives, but we also know their place. Our emotions do not dictate what is true in our lives. Only God’s Word has that honor.

  • Prayer: May we never forget the power of Your Word. May Your truth be the foundation of my life. Set us apart for Your glory. Help us to remember to clothe ourselves with the belt of truth each morning as we strive to clothe our minds and hearts with your Words and Your truth – Amen!

Reflecting on the Journey

What does John 17:17 teach us about the sanctification process and the relationship between God’s Word and truth?

Going Further

For more on God’s Word is Truth visit https://www.gotquestions.org/your-word-is-truth.html

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Restorative Character of God

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w6d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:5-11 / SOAP: verse 11

Please, Lord, listen attentively to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion to me in the presence of this man.”

Nehemiah 1:11

Six weeks ago, we opened the book of Nehemiah and have traveled through its pages that unfold the story of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, also known as The city of our God. Sadly, it was a city that had seen great destruction and, as was reported to Nehemiah, a city whose “walls had been breached, and its gates burned down.” It was a city and a people, the people of God – that were now seen as defeated (Neh 2:17). They were known to be defenseless and were in great need of not only the physical walls to protect them but for God to restore them so that their enemies would know that God was with His people and they were under His protective care. Hearing this, broke Nehemiah’s heart. Scripture says he immediately sat down and cried and mourned for several days, and even then continued fasting and praying, day and night, for God’s servants, the Israelites. Verse 11, our focus verse today, reveals the words Nehemiah prayed before asking the King permission to rebuild the walls. Chapter two and the subsequent chapters of our journey have revealed God’s answer to Nehemiah’s prayer found in 1:11. It is a great example to us not only to ask God to break our heart for what breaks His – but also to seek the Lord in prayer before we act on our brokenness.

“The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned down!

Nehemiah 1:3

The following quote is from the LGG devotional, week 1/day 1. It was the opening statement of where our journey would take us and what we would learn about God and His people. However, in looking back to the passage from that day, Nehemiah 1:5-11, which is also today’s passage – I found it to be a fitting closing statement for the study.

Encouragement to Press On

If we are honest with ourselves, we will acknowledge that we sometimes feel as though our life has seen destruction and that we are defenseless and in need of God’s protection but cannot see it. I’m sure you’ve heard it said, but it bears repeating – “when you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart.” We must train ourselves to remember that God always acts on behalf of His children. He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.1 He loves us, and He cares both for and about us.2 May we remember these truths – even now that our journey through Nehemiah has come to an end. May we be determined and faithful to press on in our pursuit of living for God,3 even in the face of challenges and struggles. As Peter warns us, 4 May we stay alert,5 “to the enemy” – but also to what God is doing in and around us. Trusting God is to expect Him, anticipate His power and goodness, and trust Him to work on our behalf, even when that isn’t evident. When we live like this, we will find ourselves broken and poured out, like Nehemiah, for the things of God, and we will work – not only to rebuild the “walls” but also to build up and encourage God’s people.

Make it Personal – Reflection
  • Who or what are you broken for?
  • How are you acting on your brokenness?
    • Prayer?
    • Encouragement?
    • ???
More to See and Know

Don’t miss Friday’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

1Romans 8:28-29

21 Peter 5:7

3Ephesians 5:8–11; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Peter 2:9–10; Romans 6:1–2; Romans 6:12–13

4James 1:2-4

51 Peter 5:8

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

Purpose Matters

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w6d1

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:1-14; Matthew 21:12-16 / SOAP: Matthew 21:13

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Matthew 21:12 and 13
A Look at Nehemiah

Our ongoing journey through Nehemiah is winding down this week and bears some close observation as we near the end. Today’s 14 verses deal with a time when one of the priest had repurposed a room that God had purposed for the the grain offering, the incense, and the vessels, along with the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil. The priest didn’t just repurpose the room but made it a large storeroom for a relative to use. Nehemiah makes it clear that during this time he had gone back to serving the King and had not been in Jerusalem when the priest had taken over the storeroom. When Nehemiah found out what “evil” the priest had done he became very upset and threw everything out and gave instructions for the room to be purified. Once it was purified he restored it to its original purpose – including the “grain offering and the incense; he also made sure it would no longer be neglected. Because he did these things all of Judah once again brought the “tithe of the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil to the storerooms.”

Nehemiah’s Prayer Request

Following Nehemiah’s return and restoration project he makes a humble request of God to remember him for what he had done. At first glance this prayer may seem less than humble but he clarifies the intent of his heart’s purpose by specifically asking God to “not wipe out the kindness [Nehemiah had] done for the temple of [his] God and for its services!”

It wasn’t about what Nehemiah had done but why he had done it.

A New Testament Example

Today’s SOAP passage, Matthew 21:13, shows Jesus’ reaction to a similar situation as that of Nehemiah’s. We see Jesus, the one typically so full of love and compassion, “[driving] out all those who were selling and buying in the temple courts, and [turning] over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.” However, as with Nehemiah, Jesus’ words that followed his actions clarified His intent and heart’s purpose. Quoting from the Old Testament, He said to those involved, “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are turning it into a den of robbers!”

Jesus’ anger was clearly ‘righteous anger’ aroused because the people were misusing the House of God, His Father. Not only were they cheating the people who had come to the temple for righteous purposes they were robbing God of the joy and glory and honor He received when the people sought Him in prayer and sacrifice. This explains the statement Jesus made when He boldly identified the guilty parties as “robbers!”

Jesus’ anger wasn’t just about Him not liking what they were doing. It was about His jealousy for God and what they were taking away from Him.

Make it Personal: Reflection

Today, God’s presence indwells our hearts through His Holy Spirit. As we look at the way the temple of God was supposed to be treated, what does that mean for our hearts?

Going Further

Today’s LGG Blog Post offers more insight

Read about the House of Prayer and Den of Robbers

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Your Victorious Right Hand

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Today’s Verse: Isaiah 41:10

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Have you ever wondered just how personally God is involved in your life? I have. However, not often – because there are mornings, or times, like this morning more often than not when He reveals that He is more involved than I can even imagine. – Allow me to paint the picture …

I woke one morning last week to find this verse in my inbox from ‘ourdailyverse.com’ in my inbox. I subscribed to these verses a while back as a means of having a prayer starter for my mornings, but more times than I can count they have been exactly what I have needed for that moment of the morning or at sometime throughout the day.

This particular morning happened to follow a night of struggling greatly with fear – after waking from a dream. The fear pinned me to the ‘ground’ and truly shook me! I called on God, I whispered His name and the name of Jesus – over and over. Peace and sleep eventually came and the voice of the enemy ceased – but when I woke he sought to shake me again with the reminder of the dream – but God met me with this verse – these beautiful words that reminded me that not only is God with me, and will strengthen me throughout any given day, and hold me up with His victorious right hand – but that He always knows just what i need and when! This was more than a reminder that He cares and goes before me through life’s battles. It was a vivid reminder that God is greater than anything that makes me anxious!

Worship and Prayer

*As I was panting this picture for today’s post – this song of worship came to mind and turned into my morning prayer – May it be a blessing💜

Check out today's inspiration @ 'our daily verse'
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Through Him…I Can

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About a month ago I subscribed to “Our Daily Verse” – which is simply that, a daily verse I receive in my inbox every morning around 6:30. Each verse comes with a short comment from the host as well as a quote, song, and picture of the day. I use the verse as a morning prayer prompter, and then I watch for ways that God chooses to use it in or through me during the day. In full disclosure, depending on the busyness of the day, I sometimes forget the verse by mid-morning or afternoon, but at the close of the day I try to circle back to it and reflect on how it may have applied to my day or been used to encourage someone else.

– To bridge the gap between studies and keep us journeying through the Word – I will be sharing one of these daily verses and a link to their content, past or present, for the next two weeks. I believe you will find them a blessing and look forward – with hope – to hearing your comments, thoughts, or questions.

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:13

I started this morning reflecting on this empowering truth from Philippians 4:13 …

The thoughts and prayers it prompted …

Father, you are good! You have given me Jesus and You have given me Your Spirit and through them I can not only draw near to You but I can do all “this” — All that You have called me to and/or allow in my life. You – Father, Spirit, Son – You are my STRENGTH, my SONG, my HOPE and my JOY! Oh, how I worship You.

You make me brave when I am afraid – You whisper peace and You give grace for each moment and fresh mercies every morning! When I am weak You are strong – When I don’t know the way You show me – When I hurt You comfort me – When my body fails I look to You for healing power – When I am tempted You show a way of escape – And when the storms come You walk with me through the waters and hold me up so I that I am not overcome by them!

I rejoice in these words by Oswald Chambers –

“God does not give us overcoming life: He gives us life as we overcome.”

Through Christ You empower me to live – to endure – and to walk in confident HOPE that all of Your promises are “Yes and Amen in Him” who has overcome the grave; and through whom I can do all things!

Check out today's inspiration @ 'our daily verse'
Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Focus of Our Hope

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w6d4

Today’s Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7/ SOAP: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. 19 In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NET (click on the link to find your preferred translation)
Observations

It should be noted that Paul is giving instructions to Timothy about teaching wealthy believers how to live. That being said, the truth behind the teaching is good for all believers, wealthy or not. For every believer should put their hope in God and not worldly riches or possessions. Likewise, every believer is to do good and to share/give as generously as the Lord allows. And, in doing so – every believer is storing up for themselves treasures that truly matter and lead to what is “truly life”.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

The focus of our hope is vital to our endurance. This is made clear by Paul’s words to Timothy. He doesn’t just give instructions about not setting their hope on riches (things, desires, treasures) of this world that are “uncertain” – but he immediately follows up with the good and profitable focus of their hope, which was “on God”. The contrast of the focus is – one is uncertain and the other is not only a sure and trustworthy ‘hope’ but also one who “richly provides”. Paul says that God provides those who hope in Him “with all things – not just for necessity but “for enjoyment”. In-turn, as recipients of His rich provisions we are to imitate Him by “doing good” and not just being good through obedience – but “to be rich in good deeds and generous in giving and sharing with others.” By doing this we are storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven where that which is “truly life” – Jesus, the hope of eternity – awaits us.

Application

I’m a list maker by nature and this is definitely one of those times where a list is beneficial –

  • Do not set your hope on riches that are uncertain.
  • Do not be haughty [arrogantly superior and disdainful].
  • Set your hope on God, who richly provides all things for our enjoyment.
    • Enjoy what He gives.
  • Do good.
  • Do an abundance of good deeds.
  • Give generously.
  • Share with others.
  • Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... as you endure with hope
Prayer, Response to God’s Word

Father, giver of life and light and all that is good I praise You. I hope in You and seek to please You and to what is good and pleasing in Your sight. Help me to not be haughty or to set my hope on riches, which are uncertain, but instead, let them be set on You – who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Help me to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be a generous giver who shares with others. For in this way I will save up a treasure that is a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life – that which is eternal life in Jesus Christ my Lord. – In His name I pray and trust – amen and amen!

More for the Journey

Today’s Scripture included a passage from Genesis chapter three. I have included the notes from my journal page on this passage. It always amazes me when such a familiar passage can seem so new and enlightening – but for me it was captivating. May we always be blessed by the Word of God – careful not to rush through it as though its a boring ‘rerun’. Rather, may we pray over it before reading, asking for fresh insight and understanding … and may we linger there so that we do not lose sight of it when we are finished.

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Privilege of Prayer

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based on the LGG Study / Enduring Hope w5d4

Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; SOAP / 9-11

Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again, 11 as you also join in helping us by prayer, so that many people may give thanks to God on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the help of many.

2 Corinthians 1:9-11
Observations

So often in our suffering we are brought to the end of ourselves so that we remember to not trust in ourselves but rather in God – the One who is able to raise the dead.

Paul moves from talk of his suffering to a focus on God and how He delivered them from death and the confidence that God would continue to deliver them. –

Paul credits the Corinthians for their gift of prayer and the help it was to him and his team, urging them to give thanks to God on their behalf.

In reference to suffering – No one likes to suffer, but if Paul and his team had not suffered, people would not have prayed and seen or rejoiced in the answer. Sometimes our suffering is about more than us.

Application

Prayer is described in the Bible as seeking God’s favor (Exodus 32:11), pouring out one’s soul to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:15), crying out to heaven (2 Chronicles 32:20), drawing near to God (Psalm 73:28, KJV), and kneeling before the Father (Ephesians 3:14).

gotquestions.org / prayer

As noted by the underlined words in the above definition of prayer, by gotquestions.com, prayer should be an active part of every Christian’s life. It is thoughts and words, spoken or whispered, standing or sitting, or as Paul says – “kneeling”. It is born from a hope set in God and out of a desire to talk to Him, to seek His help or forgiveness in some matter – or to simply adore Him and praise Him for who He is and/or what He has done. It can be as simple as a sentence, a word, or a thought, or it can be detailed and involved and as long as it takes to pour your heart out to Him, as Hannah did (1 Samuel 1:8-15).

Prayer and the deliverance or answers it brings is a gift to both those who are praying and the ones they are praying for.

Praying offers us the opportunity to rejoice in what God does and allows us to be a part of His work. Let’s commit to being people who faithfully seek the Lord in prayer.

Another benefit of suffering is found here. When believers turn to God for help in suffering and see how He provides exactly what is needed, their faith is strengthened. They continue to rely on him and grow confident in God’s willingness and ability to save them.

Bibleref.com / 2 Corinthians 1:10
Prayer – Response to God’s Word

Father, this awesome privilege of prayer can so often be viewed and/or used selfishly to petition You only for our own needs, wants, fears, or complaints – but help us to remember that prayer is so much more than this. It is the privilege to fellowship with You or to give You praise or to pray for others in need, be it spiritual, physical, or material need. It is, above all, the privilege of drawing near to You and the window of opportunity to see You work, be it the sweetest, smallest answer, or the great and miraculous! There is great comfort in prayer, as well as peace, and joy, and rejoicing when we draw near to You and when we sense You drawing near to us, as is Your promise. And Father, as we are seeing in this study, it is through prayer that we find the strength and hope to endure. Help us, as Your children, to be faithful in drawing near to You in prayer – to embrace this opportunity and privilege to walk with You and talk with You through life. Let us live lives of prayer – keeping our eyes and our faith fixed on You – praying continually as Paul wrote – for in this alone will we have an enduring hope and a strengthened faith – Amen, in Jesus’ name!

Going Deeper

What is prayer?

What is the purpose of prayer?

Worship Through Song: The Prayer
Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Contentment in God or …?

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w4d3

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10 / SOAP – 1:15-16

But Hannah replied, “Not so, my lord! I am a woman under a great deal of stress. I haven’t drunk wine or beer. But I have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman. It’s just that, to this point, I have spoken from my deep pain and anguish.”

1 Samuel 1:15-16

If you’ve known me long, heard me teach, or read many of my blogs you have likely heard or read my story of being childless for the first eight years of marriage. It is tempting to apologize for the repetitiveness, but I don’t, for it is the testimony of God’s work in my life. It was a time when He revealed my lack of contentment in Him. My desire for a child had become so much greater than my desire for God that my trust and hope in Him were barely visible at times. I was hurt when I saw or heard about others who were pregnant; and I was disappointed, even angry, with God every month when I realized, yet again, that I wasn’t pregnant.

In the beginning, I would cry out to God in prayer – much like Hannah, but as the years went on I would “act out”, so to speak. I would chase after other things that I believed could satisfy – for somewhere in my mind I had traded hope in God for hope in my circumstances. My hope had been shaken and shaken hard. I was a good “church girl”, so on Sundays and Wednesdays glimpses of faith and hope would shine light into the wilderness I was trapped in. I was miserable, my marriage was on shaky ground, my friends were having babies so my friendships were threatened – some were even ruined, and I found myself just going through the motions of life … until I found myself spilling my anguish out to my mother one afternoon as we sat on the front porch of her home. While we had a good relationship it was not one where we talked about personal issues like this, so trust me when I say it was a God thing, His perfect timing. I whined about not being pregnant and told her how miserable I was in every area of life and she said, something to the effect of – maybe you just need to learn to be content – which was followed up with some Scripture her Pastor had recently shared in a message. Her response perturbed me at first but I listened to her talk, dried my tears and eventually went home – and poured myself out to God like never before. In the days that followed God began working on my heart and mind and changing me from the inside-out. And, much like with Rachel and Leah in our previous post and Hannah from today, God ‘remembered’ me and within a very short time I learned I was pregnant.

… for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

1 Corinthians 4:11-13

In today’s story, Hannah poured herself out before the LORD. She was so caught up in her prayer, she didn’t realize that Eli, the priest, was watching her; nor did Eli realize that Hannah was praying in her mind to God – instead he thought she was drunk and encouraged her to put away her wine. Of course, Hannah replies that she isn’t drunk but rather under a great deal of stress and pouring out her “soul before the LORD.” She doesn’t elaborate on the source of stress but does request that Eli not consider her a wicked woman but rather to understand that she was pouring herself out before the LORD. She wasn’t speaking from drunkenness but rather from deep pain and anguish.

Scripture says that Eli told Hannah to, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request that you have asked of him.” (1 Samuel 1:17) Following her encounter with Eli and his encouraging blessing, Hannah “went her way and got something to eat. Her face no longer looked sad.” She had been refreshed by the prayer of Eli and the next day her mind and heart were occupied with God in worship before returning home. Scripture tells us that soon after this Hannah learned she was pregnant.

The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, 20 and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.”

1 Samuel 1:19b-20

Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for allowing us to pour our “souls” out to You. We are a people who need You and You have made it clear from Old Testament to New that we can bring You our fears, our desires like ‘childlessness”, our finances, our concerns, worries, and needs. Help us to trust in You even when we cannot see Your hand. You are a good and faithful father. – Amen!

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

God’s Way of Listening

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How Can We Model the Love of Christ through Good Listening? [part three]

“God invites us to cast all our cares and anxieties on Him, because He truly cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).” – If you’ve read many of my posts or heard me teach, you know this is one of my favorite go-to-verses. The knowledge that God cares for us and invites us to bring Him “all of our cares and anxieties” truly changed my life in my late teens and again in my early thirties. This is when I learned that God actually, invites us to “cast our cares/anxieties”, [get rid of them] or – to [let Him handle them]. This means trusting Him with it all and leaving it all at His feet – knowing that He is able to do so and believing He cares about us enough to do it. He has set the example of listening. You can read all the ways He does this and the great depths He went to, to make it happen in this third part of our series on listening. Me – from the Inside Out 🦋

As posted on biblestudytools.com

by – Sheila Alewine

We Must Practice God’s Way of Listening

One of the greatest privileges afforded to those who have placed their faith in Jesus is the opportunity to take the concerns of our heart to the Father. God invites us to cast all our cares and anxieties on Him, because He truly cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We are invited to draw near to His throne to find grace and mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). This invitation is extended only on the merits of the finished work of Christ on the cross, who literally opened the way into God’s presence by His sacrifice (Ephesians 2:17-18; 3:11-12).

God loves to hear the prayers of His children. He longs to be gracious to us (Isaiah 30:18). He has made Himself available and accessible to hear our prayers anytime and at any place. When we approach Him to pour out our concerns, we can be assured He hears, He listens, and He has compassion on us.

As our perfect example, we must strive to imitate the patience and compassion of God in our interactions and conversations with others. Just as we desire and long for God’s face to be inclined toward us when we pray, we ought to give others that same attention.

Psalm 40:1 – “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.”

James 1:19-20, 26 – “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. … If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”

Matthew 7:12 – “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”