Tag: prayer

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, In His Image, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

To The Only Wise God

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Scripture Reading: Job 12:13-17 and 36:5; Psalm 147:5; Proverbs 2:6; Isaiah 55:8-9; Daniel 2:20; Romans 11:33 and 16:25-27

According to the last chapter of “In His Image”, the last of the 10 attributes of God that we are to imitate is wisdom. As the author points out “wisdom is closely related to knowledge, but distinct from it.” They are so closely related that you may be wondering exactly what the difference is, my short take on it is this – Wisdom, is the application of knowledge, which is to “possess the facts”. Mrs. Wilkin goes on to point out the difference between human wisdom and God’s wisdom, saying – “The wisest human you know is capable of choosing wrongly, simply because he does not possess all the facts.” However, she explains, “Because God holds all knowledge, He is able to choose [the] perfect [outcome].” This means there is a difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom, which James, the brother of Jesus, explains in James 3:13-18. Wilkin states that “worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom are antithetical and adversarial” and summarizes the differences as such:

  • Worldly wisdom self-promotes. Godly wisdom elevates others.
  • Worldly wisdom seeks the highest place. Godly wisdom seeks the lowest place.
  • Worldly wisdom avoids the mirror of the Word. Godly wisdom submits to the mirror of the Word
  • Worldly wisdom trusts in earthly possessions. Godly wisdom trusts in treasures in heaven.
  • Worldly wisdom boasts. Godly wisdom is slow to speak.
  • Worldly wisdom says trials will crush you. Godly wisdom says trials will mature you.
  • Worldly wisdom says temptation is no big deal. Godly wisdom says temptation indulged leads to death.
  • Worldly wisdom says, “seeing is believing.” Godly wisdom says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”(John 20:29).
  • Worldly wisdom wields might. Godly wisdom works in meekness.

The bottom-line is this, “The worldly-wise place themselves in opposition to God, operating from their own perspective of what is best, a perspective that seeks only the best for them.”

If you find yourself wondering how to possess “Godly wisdom”, you’ll find the answer in James 1:5, where we are instructed to simply ask God, who will give it generously.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5

You see, God is the source of all wisdom. Job said, “With God are wisdom and might … [God] has counsel and understanding … With him are strength and sound wisdom.” (Job 12:13-17) This statement from Job introduces a third word into the mix of wisdom and knowledge, that being ‘understanding’, which has been defined by many to be the “comprehension of the facts”. I believe understanding is crucial to the mix – as it will, or should, help us better apply the facts in a more godly way – especially if we add prayer to the mix as well – which is a must for any reading of God’s Word. For how can we read and hope to comprehend the words of one whose thoughts and ways are so far above our own if we do not pray for understanding?

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26

God has actually placed the source of understanding within every believer, through His gift of the Holy Spirit. Scripture says that the Spirit was given to teach us all things and remind us of everything that Christ said.  Being finite creatures who do not hold all knowledge nor retain everything we hear, see, or even understand, we will find ourselves constantly in need of a “sustaining supply of godly wisdom”, and we must not be afraid to ask, or slack in asking for it. In other words, don’t just read to be reading and checking off a list – read for knowledge, to know the facts, about Your Creator God and to become like Him (Colossians 3:10) … pray and read to understand …. and then ask Him for the wisdom to appropriately apply it to your life. He will hear and He will answer and we will be forever changed

Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions based on the knowledge available.

Jen Wilkin, In His Image -p 136

So, let’s ask the question that we started with two weeks ago, “Who should [we] be?” God’s Word instructs us in the way of wisdom so it is safe – and wise – to say that He wants us to be wise, not as the world is wise but as He is. So how can we be wise like God? – We open His Word – where pictures of His wisdom are sprinkled throughout the pages. Or as Wilkin writes, “We do so by declaring, as Solomon did, “Bring me a sword”. For, as the author of Hebrews wrote, “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Wilkin goes on to write: “The Word of God gives us discernment into what is arguably the area we need it most: the thoughts and intentions of our own hearts. In seeing our own depravity, we develop a right reverence (fear) of the Lord. And wisdom begins to be formed in us. When God points out your sin, you are wise to turn from it. The most basic act of wisdom is repentance. Turning from sin trains us in how to hate it, in how to anticipate the temptation points, and in how to seek the Holy Spirit’s aid in finding the way of escape.”

One final quote in closing, “It is not coincidental that a lack of discernment and a neglected Bible are so often found in company. The Bible contains for us ancient worlds of wisdom, and it tells us also of the example of Christ, who became for us wisdom from God.” So, if we want to be wise – truly wise – we only have to turn our eyes upon Jesus – who became for us wisdom from God. In Him, what He did and said, are all of the perfect examples of who God wants us to be.

My Prayer Response:

Father, I give You praise for revealing wisdom to us in Your Word and in the example of Christ our Lord. show us if and where worldly wisdom control our thoughts, words, and actions. Show To the only wise God, my Father, be glory and majesty. Show us where we are are requesting knowledge instead of godly wisdom. Grant us wisdom and prod us to keep on asking for it – and help us to trust You to give it generously as You have promised, in Jesus’ name. Now, to the only wise God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

Pray for Yourself

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Today’s Reading: Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 91:1-4; SOAP: Psalm 103:1-5

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
    and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
    My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Psalm 103:1-5

What a beautiful Psalm to remind us that our prayers should be filled with praise, acknowledging the greatness of the One to whom we pray. Read and listen, hear how David names and thanks God for the things He has done personally for him. Praising God like this comes from the heart – from within the very soul of a person – and it flows from a relationship built through time and trials and abiding with one another.

Look at the flow of David’s thoughts poured out into words. He remembers how God has poured Himself out – both to him and for him and through the praises he reaches a testimony of being renewed like an eagle. Notice how this prayer of praise – declares a wholeheartedness and an acknowledgement of God’s holiness. David expresses his own desire to not forget the good things God has done for him and then begins to name them … forgiveness, healing, redemption, love and mercy are the things he names but suddenly, it’s as though you can hear David become overwhelmed at the thought of all God has done for him as he exclaims that his whole life is FILLED with good things – following these words of praise it’s as though he exhales with the realization that because of all of these good things his strength has been renewed and he feels young and strong – like an eagle. One commentary explains that ‘exhale’ like this: “The eagle molts: it casts off its old feathers and grows new ones, thereby gaining a new lease on life. Regardless of the believer’s age, he finds the strength and vitality he needs to do the Lord’s will.”

The eagle molts: it casts off its old feathers and grows new ones, thereby gaining a new lease on life. Regardless of the believer’s age, he finds the strength and vitality he needs to do the Lord’s will.

BibleRef.com – Psalm 103:5

The rest of the Psalm is just as beautiful as he begins again to name and expound on the good acts and character of God. The final passage of the Psalm, verses 20-23, is a call by David to the LORD’s angels, armies, servants, and even his own soul to give praise to Yahweh!

It is clear and evident that praising God leads to more praises. Remembering and naming the things He has done sparks more and more praise to flow until there is an energy and excitement to ignite the fire of praise in everyone – clearly emphasizing the importance of prayer and the beautiful benefit of the outcome.

Be sure and read the final LGG Blog of this study on “The Importance of Prayer”.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

Love Overflowing

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Today’s Reading: Matthew 16:18; Philippians 1:9-11; Revelation 2:4; SOAP: Philippians 1:9-11

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Philippians 1:9-11

Paul’s prayer is for the love of the Philippians to overflow …. and that they will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.

  • Why? Because he wants them to understand what really matters
  • Why? So that they may live pure and blameless lives

He also prays that they may always be filled filled with the fruit of their salvation

  • What is that fruit?
    • Paul explains that it is the righteous character that Jesus produces in them
  • Why does the fruit of righteousness matter?
    • Because it brings praise and glory to God …. and that is what really matters. We know this because we are told in Scripture that we were created by Him and for Him.

“You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Revelation 4:11

Paul’s prayer here for the Philippians is probably one of the most important prayers we can pray for each other as well as for ourselves. He’s praying about what really matters – not just that they might grow in love but in the knowledge and understanding of how to live and love like Jesus Christ. Paul knew that the more we understand about how Jesus lived the more like Him we will be. It’s hard to imagine living “pure and blameless lives” but that is the prayer and encouragement of Paul. – Not just because he believed it was possible but because Paul understood what really matters and he wanted the church to understand it as well – because He knows it will bring praise and glory to God. He explains the secret behind it – and that is Jesus Himself living in us – His Spirit doing the work and producing the fruit that bears witness that our faith is real – and that glorifies God.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, Uncategorized

Love One Another

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Today’s Reading: John 15:12-13; 1 Peter 4:8-10; SOAP: John 15:13

 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:12-13

Jesus takes love seriously, to the point that He gave a commandment concerning the issue. He not only tells the believers to love each other but he explains how they are to love each other – namely, the same way He has loved us. Just in case the people had forgotten or were not really alert – He went on to give them an example of the greatest love –> He compared it to laying down your life for your friends. Jesus isn’t telling us we have to literally die for our friends as He did – but rather that we have to give of ourselves – it’s more than saying the words, it’s acts of kindness and of grace … it’s forgiveness and compassion … it’s laying down my agenda for yours – it’s praying and hands-on help … even when these things don’t always come easy or seem desirable.

There’s one thing for sure – we can never outlove Jesus or God! But we can and should seek to love others just as Christ loved the church.

Father – thank You for Jesus. Jesus, thank you for laying down your life for us – Your friends. Thank you for showing us what real love is – the giving of self.

How are you loving others? Share some ideas in the comment bar below.

Don’t forget to read today’s LGG Blog Post – https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

What Are You Wearing?

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Today’s Reading: colossians 3:12-17; SOAP – 3:12-13

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:12-13 NLT

When my daughters were in the first grade their teacher taught them a song that they often sang during their morning routine. If you were anywhere in the vicinity of the classroom when they were singing it you would hear – “what are you wearing, what are you wearing, what are you wearing today – today?” The chorus would be repeated two times – and as I remember, the students – or a student – would answer with words describing what they were wearing. I couldn’t hep but think of this classroom song as I began to contemplate this passage. So my question for you on this first day of our final week discussing “The Importance of Prayer” is this …. What are you wearing today?

Are you bathed in prayer and clothed in kindness, mercy, humility, gentleness, and patience? Or, are you depending on your own way and strength and clothed with the old tattered, unpleasant, raggedy clothes of harshness, haughtiness, impatience, and rudeness? Do you smell like the refuse of the world or the sweet and appealing love of Christ? Paul’s message to the Colossians was similar to the one he wrote to many of the other churches – in which he emphasized what they used to look like or act like compared to what they should look like and act like. His typical phrase was to “put off the old” and “put on the new”. In other words, don’t just say you’ve chosen to follow Jesus – look and live like you are a true follower of Jesus. Change the things you watch and listen to, consider the things your heart longs for, speak with words that encourage and build up rather than ones that tear down or offend. Be compassionate and understanding instead of harsh and demanding or intolerant. You get the picture -our attitude, actions, and words will either repel people or attract them. Jesus taught His followers that they were meant to be “lights on a hill” for the purpose of “attracting” others – with the idea that others would see the follower’s good deeds and give glory to God (Matthew 5:14-16). Paul’s teaching here in Colossians is very similar, live and love in a way that others will see a difference between you and the world and they will desire and seek after what you have. This is how we become a living testimony, a missionary where we live, work, and play.

No need to worry about the cost or the availability of the new and improved you. Through your faith in Jesus Christ the cost has been covered and God has supplied the new wardrobe through the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1 Cor 6:19). This is the same spirit who, according to Paul, produces the righteous fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, (Galatians 5:22-25). The decision is ours, just like we go to our closets choose what we will put on for the day – we must choose if we will live and clothe ourselves by the things of the Spirit or stick with the old nature of the flesh. So – what will you be wearing today?

Reflection: How does this fit in with our study, The Importance of Prayer? The answer is this – PRAY. Prayer is the light in your closest and the mirror on your wall – pray. Just like you can’t pick out your clothes in the dark and trust they will look good – without prayer, you can’t begin to trust that you will truly be kind or forgiving, as our verse teaches today. Ask God to help you live by the Spirit, look to Him for strength to be kind or to forgive what seems unforgivable. Ask Him to take control of what you say and to set a guard on your lips so that your words are not appalling or offensive but instead loving and appealing. Make a habit of looking in the mirror of His Word to see if what you’re wearing aligns with His Godly fashion and then wear it confidently – giving Him all the praise and glory.

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

Don't forget to check out today's LGG Blog
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

Committed to Prayer – Heart, Mind, & Soul

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As Inspired by the love god greatly study, The Importance of Prayer-week 5

When we trust in Jesus Christ to be our savior we make a commitment to the Father who sent Him. The commitment involves laying down our own life and desires of the mortal flesh to follow after Christ in the new spiritual nature He has graced us with; or as Paul said, as the “New Person” we have become. Christ’s love now controls us, so we commit to love and obey and to serve Him only.

– Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. … 17This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17

This past week’s focus in our study, “The Importance of Prayer”, has been focused on the various commitments of our prayer life, starting with the commitment to wait expectantly, which means trusting God to hear and to answer according to HIS WILL, (Psalm 5). This first commitment fed into all of the others, which included the commitment to being satisfied in and with God – not just an “ok, that will do” kind of satisfaction – but truly deep-down to the “soul-satisfied,” (Psalm 63). The commitment to trust Him and to be truly satisfied with Him – whose love is better than life – will, or should, naturally lead us to a commitment to praise Him – not just when or because life is ‘good’ – but because God is good (Psalm 100). Because life won’t always be good or easy, when we are committed to trusting God we will also be committed to cry out to Him for help and strength when life is stressful (Psalm 18), and equally committed to repent of our sins with a desire to maintain a pure heart and a right relationship with our God (Psalm 51).

While the word commitment and act of committing have raised fear in me since somewhere in my late 20’s and early 30’s, I am happy to say when it comes to committing to God, my life… my prayers … my trust … my fears … and my struggles … I have little to no issues. Why? Because I have found Him to be trustworthy and true. I have found Him to help me when I am weak, to provide for me in my needs, to direct me in my choices, and to sustain me by His power … and so much more! Our study this past week has been a refreshing reminder of the need and the joy and hope that come from being committed to a life of prayer. May the same be true for you as you make these commitments in your own walk of faith and prayer.

Links for “The Importance of Prayer” -week 5- are below
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/02/06/5678/
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/02/07/5686/
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/02/08/5704/
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/02/09/5722/
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/02/10/5729/
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Commit to a Pure Heart

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Read: Psalm 51; Soap: Psalm 51:10

Create for me a pure heart, O God.
Renew a resolute spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Have mercy … wipe away … wash away … cleanse me … forgive me … cleanse me … grant me forgiveness … hide Your face from my sin … do not reject me … rescue me from the guilt … do not take your holy Spirit away … David, obviously convicted for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, pleads with God throughout this prayer for forgiveness. He is contrite, truly sorry for the sins he has committed, and desperately wants God’s forgiveness. He realizes he doesn’t deserve what he requests but appeals to God’s great compassion.

It is equally important to note that David doesn’t just ask for forgiveness but he pleads for God to cleanse him, to wash him, to rescue him … He knows his heart has been deceptive and that he needs God to renew a right Spirit, one that would stand strong and firm, resolute, against the temptations he might face going forward. This is important to our application of this verse, because unless we realize the treachery of our sin we will continually walk in it, and rather than repentantly coming to God as David does here – we will flippantly utter the words while perhaps still walking in the sin.

Sin is a dangerous enemy for the Christian, so we must have a healthy respect for the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of others. It is important for us to deal with our sin daily so that it does not take hold of us … which I believe is why David prayed for God to give Him a pure – unadulterated-heart.

May we be committed to seek God for a heart that is pure and pleasing to Him – Amen!

Don’t forget to check out today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

Committed to Seek His Strength

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Read: Psalm 18; Soap: Psalm 18:6

In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried out to my God.
From his heavenly temple he heard my voice;
he listened to my cry for help.

Psalm 18:6

Why does David call out to God in His distress? Because he had a standing relationship with God. He knew that He could trust God. He knew God and had already experienced Him as a stronghold, a deliverer and refuge. David knew God as the one who saves and he trusted Him to be all these things and more. Sure enough, when David cried out – God not only heard him but he listened. The more we know about God and the more we experience with God, the more we will trust Him and seek Him for the strength we need.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Committed to Praise

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Read: Psalm 100; SOAP: Psalm 100:4-5

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give him thanks. Praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good.
His loyal love endures, and he is faithful through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

It’s easy to praise God when everything is going great in our lives or when something good happens … a prayer is answered … someone is healed … someone is saved … you get the job you wanted … a baby is born …. God provides for a need … However, what about the times when everything seems to be going wrong? What about when someone you love is sick … you don’t have enough to pay the bills … the doctor just gave you bad news … your car needs repairs that are expensive … what then? Do you still praise Him or do you get lost in the sorrow, the worry, the concerns, frustrations, fears … ? We all know the right “Sunday School” answer – we praise Him – even in the storms of life – right? But – How? How, when the walls are closing in and everything seems hopeless? This passage is how … or at least a stepping stone of encouragement. We make a habit of shouting out praises to the Lord … We determine to worship Him with joy, to enter His presence with joyful singing. We acknowledge that the Lord is God and pronounce every morning that He is good. We enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. We give Him thanks and praise His name! Why? Certainly not because everything is perfect or because it’s always easy – for life isn’t always easy and neither people nor life’s circumstances are perfect. We commit to praising Him because, as David acknowledges here – “the Lord is good. His loyal love endures, and He is faithful though all generations. So when life has you down – when complaining or whining seem the best or only option left – PRAISE HIM ANYWAY! Recall His past acts of kindness and goodness … remember the way He has helped you or provided in the past … For when your relationship with God is based on these truths and not dependent on your circumstances you will stay yielded to a lifestyle of PRAISE.

Don’t forget today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

Committed to Being Satisfied in God

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Read: Psalm 63; SOAP: Psalm 63:3-4

Because experiencing your loyal love is better than life itself,
my lips will praise you.  For this reason I will praise you while I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

Psalm 63:3-4

Have you ever noticed how sometimes God seems so close that it feels like you could touch Him or hear Him but other times it seems as though He is no where to be found? David’s description is much like that – while at some point he has been able to experience God’s loyal love and see His power and splendor in the sanctuary David’s current situation in the desert seems vastly different. He finds himself longing for God, thirsting for Him as one who has been without water (1-2). Yet he was able to find satisfaction in his previous experiences and knowledge of God and declare the bold statement of verses 3 and 4.

Once we have experienced God’s love, once we have tasted and seen His power and His splendor nothing else satisfies. His LOVE truly is better than life- so much so that even in the midst of drought and storms – we are satisfied by the comfort and hope of recalling His LOVE AND POWER – and we are moved to praise and worship.

I have had these verses committed to memory for several decades now and have drawn peace and comfort from them and used them to turn some of life’s hardest times into a time of praising God but until now I never looked at them as verses that spoke of being satisfied. However, as I was considering the idea I was reminded of a time shortly after the my grandson was born. I was holding him while my daughter took care of some things she needed to do. When he began to fuss I walked with him, that helped for a few minutes but the fussing grew more agitated so I offered him the pacifier, which, like the walking, soothed him for a while but the growing urgency of his fussing made it clear that what he needed was the one who could hold him and had the power to feed him and satisfy his hunger. The pacifier and the walking were simply temporary fixes that did not truly satisfy – the only thing that could do that was the comforting, satisfying supply of his mother’s milk. You would think the analogy stops there, for surely this sweet baby can not simply live on the recollection of his mother’s milk. Yet, his persistent cry, even after offering a different position such as walking or something soothing like a pacifier, are reminders in themselves. A lesson, if you will, for us to not become satisfied with the false securities of life that may be offered to us in the deserts or the storms of life. Instead, may we persistently cry out for and be satisfied only with the life-giving supply of God’s love that truly is better than life.