Inspired by the LGG study, “The Importance of Prayer”, w2d2
Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:17-23; SOAP Matthew 5:23-24
23 (So then), if you bring your gift to the altar and there (you remember that your brother has something against you,) 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24
“So then” refers to something that came before, which in this case would be the teaching of Jesus that unity between believers was very important, vs.17-22. Verses 21 and 22 specifically referred to anger, murder, insults, and even careless words and the judgement these things would bring. Bringing your gift to the altar [worshipping] was important business between man and God – but the teaching here indicates, even more, the value God places on a pure heart, which includes right relationships with others*. So great was the priority of your relationship with others that Jesus said it would be better to delay the act of worshipping God to settle the issue. Make note here that the teaching isn’t to forego worship because of anger but to lay ‘it’ aside until there has been reconciliation and then return to worship. Also note that this verse isn’t talking about you being wronged but about someone who believes you have wronged them in some way. Jesus’ teaching is vital to the unity of the body. The bottom line is. We must care so much about others that we seek to not offend them and to quickly make things right if we do.
Jesus replied, the most important commandment is this: Listen O Israel, the Lord our God is the one and only Lord and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and with all your mind. The second is equally important, love your neighbor as your self. No other commandment is greater than these.
35 (Then Jesus) got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, (and) went out (to a deserted place), and there he spent time in prayer.
Mark 1:35 (NET)
Where did you learn to pray? Perhaps it was at the dinner table or by your bed, maybe it was in church, or in a small group meeting. Wherever it was, whenever it was, and whoever it was that taught you – there is no better place to learn about prayer than in God’s Word from Jesus Himself. Most of us are familiar with the “Lord’s Prayer”, where Jesus taught His disciples how to pray – with examples of what to say. However, throughout His ministry Jesus showed us, by example, so much more about prayer. And as Paul wrote to Timothy, what is written in the Scriptures is meant to train us in righteousness – to equip us for every good work.
All Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. [So that] the servant of God may be throughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
One such occasion is found in Mark 1:35. On this particular occasion Jesus did four specific things. He 1got up, 2departed, 3went out and 4spent time in prayer. While I love spending time in prayer the first thing of the morning and believe it is important, I do not believe that this is the main point here; but rather – that He intentionally got up from what He was doing. A couple of translations combine the next two actions (went out and departed) found in this translation and at least four others that I use in my studies, but I love the separation of them. While I agree that they sound or seem similar in nature – “departed” and “went out” – I also believe when separated they tell the more accurate picture of what Jesus was doing. Indulge me for minute. It wasn’t enough for Jesus to just leave the room or the house where He was. After He left He then went out – or went further away from the place where He had been, specifically, to a deserted place. It’s really a beautiful picture and a great illustration for us. In this situation it wasn’t enough for Jesus to be in the next room with the door shut or outside on a ‘porch’. He wanted to make sure He was alone. Why? Because He wanted, and needed, to spend time with His Father in prayer. Knowing His need, He was determined and strategically took precautions against interruptions. He didn’t just need time away from people but time alone with God.
This leads me back to the start of the verse, Mark 1:35, where we read, “THEN Jesus got up …” The word ‘then‘ caused me to look back to see what came before and what I found was that He had been healing the sick (29-34). A similar situation to Mark’s rendering here is found in Matthew 14:13-23, where Jesus had fed thousands and then sent His disciples on ahead of Him and after sending the crowds away He went up the mountain “by Himself” to pray. We would be remiss not to notice that the context of both passages has Jesus needing, not just wanting, to be alone with the Father following the pouring out of Himself to others.
And after he sent the crowds away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
Jesus didn’t always go away alone to pray. Luke 11:1 tells us that after He had finished praying one of the disciples asked Him – “teach us to pray”. He prays a blessing over the food in Matthew 14:19. He also prays in the presence of His disciples in John 17:1-26, as well as in the presence of many witnesses as He hung on the cross Luke 23:33-34, and in one final cry to the father in Matthew 27:46 . However, He certainly did make a habit of getting alone with the Father as seen in our passages today, as well as Luke 5:16 and others. We would do well to follow His examples regularly. Separating ourselves not only from people but distractions of all kinds, including phones and other media devices. The noise and clamor of home or work, the needs and cries of the people, the activities, delights, and pleasures of the world all demand that we separate ourselves, not just to rest but more importantly, to spend time with the Father.
Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.
Luke 5:16
For more from The Importance of Prayer, by Love God Greatly, read today’s blog at LoveGodGreatly.com
The Importance of Prayer, Love God Greatly 2023, w1d5
Read: Romans 15:30 and Colossians 1:9-12; SOAP: Colossians 1:9
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.11 We also pray that youwill be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
Colossians 1:9-12
He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.
Colossians 1:8
Devoted to Prayer
Paul’s devotion to prayer teaches us much about praying for others in this one little passage, even in just this one focus/soap verse. Starting with the very first word we learn that we are to pray with a purpose. “So”, or “For this reason”, as found in the NET is a word or phrase that indicates the need to look back in order to truly understand why Paul and Timothy haven’t stopped praying for the believers at Colossae. When we look back to verse 8, we find the answer is because they heard how the Colossian believer’s love for others, a love given to them by the Holy Spirit. When we share the common bond of love – in the Spirit, whom we have received through faith in Christ, we will be or should be drawn to pray for one another. If we look carefully at verse 9 we will see at least three other lessons worth noting and I believe implementing in our own prayer lives.
Pray with a purpose: “because of your love in the Spirit.” (8)
Pray with others: “we have not stopped praying for you” (9)
Pray faithfully: “We have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you“. (9)
Pray specifically and in accordance with God’s will:“We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His willand to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.“(9)
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1:9
“I’ll pray for you” can easily become a trite statement, something we say as a Christian nicety but with very little or consistent follow through. However, I believe this passage, specifically verse 9, gives us cause to guard ourselves against the nicety of prayers and implement this example in our everyday prayer life. When we invest in the lives of other believers, like Paul teaches, we will make an impact not only in each other’s lives but in the way we live for God. We will be known to bear fruit and honor God, and we will develop and deepen a relationship with Him. We will find ourselves strengthened with His power, not lacking in endurance or patience, and filled with joy. Oh the blessing and privilege of praying for each other. May He find us faithful and may we find ourselves different because of it.
10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.11 We also pray that youwill be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
Colossians 1:10-12
Reflection Questions:
Who are you praying for?
Do you pray with purpose and faithfulness?
Do you pray specifically and in accordance with God’s will?
2I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
Psalm 145:2-3
For me, soaping this passage might look like the following –
Scripture:2I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Psalm 145:2-3
Observation:1. David makes it personal. He isn’t simply leading others to praise God – He is declaring his personal heart felt adoration for His God. 2. David is committed, pledging to praise God every day – forever. 3. David declares the Lord to be great and worthy of praise. 4. David is certain that no one can measure God’s greatness.
Application: If I am to emulate David, who was a ‘man after God’s own heart, I should seek to praise God forever and ever. I will declare His greatness, remember that He is “most” worthy of praise, and not allow anyone a greater place or tribute in my life – not because I’ve been told that He is great or because other people are praising Him but because I personally know that so great is He, His greatness cannot be measured.
Prayer: Father, thank you for David’s reminder that you are great and most worthy of praise. Help me to praise you throughout every day of my life, forever and forever. – Amen!
My SOAP
SOAPing Scripture is a beautiful and helpful technique of studying and understanding God’s Word. However, it is important, when doing so, to allow yourself the time and the joy of mining for other treasure. Or, as I like to say, to chase some ‘scripture squirrels’. So, naturally when my study for today – The Importance of Prayer by Love God Greatly – called for me to read Psalm 145 and SOAP only verses 2-3 – I ended up chasing down some squirrels.
As we discovered yesterday, praising God makes for a great time of worshipful prayer. This Psalm of David is an excellent example. He begins by lifting up, or exalting, the Lord in verse 1 and is still praising Him in verse 21. David declares in his own singular praise – I will exalt you, my God and King, and I will praise your name. Keep reading though and you will see that his praise leads to more praise, followed by an invitation or the expressed hope (4) for others to continue the praise – “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” Watch, then, as he purposes to meditate on some of the most beautiful characteristics and works of our God. According to David, when we think of God’s majestic, glorious splendor and His wonderful miracles we will proclaim His greatness. And because praise is contagious God’s awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue not just his own; David will proclaim God’s greatness, yet not just His greatness toward David, but an extensive resume’ of God’s character and previous works.
He keeps His promises;
He is gracious in all He does.
The Lord helps the fallen
He lifts those bent beneath their loads.
He gives them their food as they need it.
He satisfies the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
He is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him,
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
He hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him
He destroys the wicked.
Look back with me to verses 5-13, and note that by proclaiming some simple yet profound truths of God, like His greatness and the fact that He is worthy of praise, David’s Psalm turns from the singular ‘I will’ statements to declaring that ‘everyone will’ and ‘they will’.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
Psalm 145:7
David knows what it is to benefit from or to see the Lord’s mercy and compassion or to experience His goodness. He knows how his own heart responds in praise to these things and surmises, based on his own experience, that because the Lord is merciful and compassionate and because the Lord is good to everyone, that His faithful followers will also cry out in praise. He says, they will speak of the Glory of God’s kingdom, they will tell about His mighty deeds and give examples of His power and talk about the majesty and glory of His reign.
… your faithful followers will praise you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. 12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
Psalm 145:10b-12
David ends the Psalm with the same declaration that he opened with, the pledge that “I will praise the Lord.” He then entreats everyone on earth to do the same. May we follow David in this most worthy quest. May our eyes and hearts and minds be opened to see, to hear, and to experience God – and then may we respond with praise – not just silent or whispered praises to Him but bold and confident praise that will testify to His goodness, His mercies, His grace, love, and magnificent works. May our praise ignite more praise both in us and in all those who hear or see what He is doing.
I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:21
Me, from the inside out
Reflection: What is something you can praise the Lord for today? I invite you to be the spark and leave a comment below.
6Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power. 7 Who would not fear you, O King of nations? That title belongs to you alone! Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like you.
Jeremiah 10:6-7
To ‘revere’ is to feel deep respect or admiration for (something or someone). Our prayers are often the way we express our deep respect and admiration for God, which is what Jeremiah was doing here. Read it again, listen as He declares, “There is no one like You … You are great … Your name is full of power.” He questions, “Who would not fear You? He then addresses Him as the “King of the nations” and declares He alone is worthy of the title! Then Jeremiah’s praise crescendos with His final declaration, “Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like You.” What a beautiful prayer for us to borrow from the Scriptures, a wonderful example of ‘revering’ God and attributing the highest of wisdom to Him. – Me from the Insideout 💗
“Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like You.”
Jeremiah 10:7
I believe to fully comprehend and appreciate these two verse, we first need to read the words of God to Israel in verses 1-5, where Israel is warned that idolatry brings destruction:
Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O Israel! 2 This is what the Lord says: “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them. 3 Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol. 4 They decorate it with gold and silver and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails so it won’t fall over. 5 Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good.”
Jeremiah 10:1-5 NLT
In these five verses you find that the people of the other nations make their own gods, they dress them and prop them up so they will not fall over. Our God, however, not only talked to His people, we’ve also read how He was heard by Adam and Eve walking in the garden in the cool of the evening. — But the gods of the other nations cannot speak and have to be carried because they cannot walk. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “they can neither harm you nor do you any good.” It’s quite easy to boast of our God’s power, might, goodness, love and all the other namable qualities – but our “boasting” means nothing unless we truly understand the truth that there is NO ONE like Him.
Making it personal
We must get to know God for who He is in order to worship Him as He deserves. Likewise we must be aware that all other gods pale in comparison to Him. I believe when we do this our prayers will flow with worship-filled praises like we read here by Jeremiah.
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, there is no god like You. There is no one like you in heaven or on earth. For, as the prophet wrote, You are great, and Your name is full of power. Who is there that would not fear You, O King of nations? That title belongs only to You! Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, we can not say it enough – there is no on like You! Help us to spend so much time with You that we realize, like Jeremiah, that all else pales in comparison to You – and may our lips flow with the praise that You alone are due. – In the powerful name of Jesus! – Amen –
The Importance of Prayer, A love God Greatly study – w1d1
Today’s Reading: Acts 2:42-47; SOAP: Acts 2:42
Welcome to Week 1, Day 1 of The newest study by Love God Greatly – “The Importance of Prayer”. Join me here M-F for commentary, links, and a place to grow in your faith and understanding of the importance of prayer in the life of a believer.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
According to one of the definitions I found for the word ‘devoted’, verse 42 could read – “the believers were given over to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” However, there was another definition for the word devoted that I truly love in regard to prayer. The definition is ‘very loving or loyal’, and when used in verse 42 would enhance the previous reading something like this – “The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
What a beautiful picture and basis for prayer – that we, as the followers of Christ, would be moved to pray, not only when we are in need, but out of loyalty to and love for Christ. We only have to read the rest of the passage to see the benefit of their devotion. As they gave themselves over to the teaching and the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and the prayers, Luke writes that “awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” They were dwelling in harmony with one another and caring for the needs of others, meeting together in the temple, “praising God and having favor with all the people.” And here’s perhaps the richest of the benefits – “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Certainly this is great reason to consider prayer and fellowship with believers vital to the work of God through us.
“The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Acts 2:42 my paraphrase
Reflections: Making it Personal
The early Christians devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
How do you think these four actions influenced their daily lives?
How can we live like this today?
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, help me to faithfully live devoted to Jesus – to His teachings, doing life with other believers, and to prayer. In this You will be glorified.
Don’t forget to check out today’s blog from the Love God Greatly Team
The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NET
Observations: The Day of Hope
Are these the things you believe about your God?
Do you know that He is in your midst, that He is with you?
Do you see Him as a mighty warrior who not only can but has delivered you from the power of sin and death?
Do you believe, despite what you know about yourself (and despite what He knows), that your God takes great delights in you?
Have you experienced the calming, renewing effect of His love in your life?
Can you hear Him rejoicing over you with singing?
Application: It’s all in the attitude
I’ve said it before but it bears repeating … What we believe will steer our attitude. We will either be shouting for joy at what God has promised that is yet to come and rejoicing over what He has already done – or, we will doubt who He is and miss all that He has for us while we wait here on earth – and possibly what He has promised those who belong to Him in the future. We must be intentional, write it down on paper or better yet, put it in the notes section of your phone. When doubt or fears arise and hope dwindles pull it out and read it as a mantra- Perhaps something like this …
God is my God and He is with me, my mighty Savior who takes delight in me, with gladness! I will remind myself often that it is in Him and because of His love that I find a calming peace and a renewal my spirit.
Me, from the inside-out
Prayer:
Father – how great is Your love! You dwell with me – my warrior who has saved me. I am Your daughter and You take great delight in me – even shouting for joy over me with song! I am forever grateful for your word and for Your messages and promises of hoped contained within it! –
Reflections:
What does Zephaniah 3:17 show us about God’s coming restoration? How can you find joy and proclaim His goodness today?
9bSay to the towns of Judah, “[Behold] your God!” 10 Look, the Sovereign Lord comes as a victorious warrior; his military power establishes his rule. Look, his reward is with him; his prize goes before him. 11 Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along.
Isaiah 40:9b-11
Observations: Behold Your God!
From the first words of this chapter, Isaiah’s message changed from one of coming doom to one of comfort and peace and the coming of the LORD, the God of Israel. The message becomes one of hope and preparation for His return – a message of making a way, removing obstacles, and getting ready to see God’s work. Israel had known hills and valleys and mountain top experiences in their life time – but they were not to let them stand in the way of seeing God and what He would do. -They were to make a way for “all people to see” when His splendor that would one day be revealed (5)
The people of Judah are called to“behold [their] God”. Behold has such a different connotation than glancing or noticing, it is more like gazing or fixing your eyes on something. It was an invitation to take a lingering look, to look intently – as if to study God for who He is and how He is. For instance, as Isaiah points out- God and His Word are eternal and unfailing! He can forever be trusted!
Isaiah doesn’t just present the message/invitation for the people to Behold their God, but he gets specific, pointing out the mightiness and yet the tenderness of God:
The LORD our God will come
He will come as a victorious warrior
He is strong and mighty
He comes prepared to reward His people
He is like a shepherd
He cares for His flock
He is tender and protective with the lambs
He keeps them close and carefully, knowingly, tenderly leads the vulnerable
Application: So what does this mean for God’s people today?
Of course, this message was first given to the people of “Israel”, – but in light of the fact that we have been adopted into God’s family, as sons and daughters – we too are called to “Behold our God”. To look at Him, gaze upon Him, study His life, know His love, and pour it back out on others. In this there is both comfort and peace. I believe for the full scope and application of this passage we must not miss or hesitate to look at the full message of Isaiah in these eleven verses, namely verses three and four, where we read:
Clear a way for the LORD – (in other words, remove the obstacles)
level the road
elevate the valleys
level the mountains and hills
where there is rough terrain needs to be a level plain
the rugged landscape a wide valley
Why? Because if they don’t, if we don’t, we will miss what God is doing and is going to do.
Finally, we must not be afraid to present our God to others – boldly drawing their attention to who He is – “the Sovereign LORD, coming as a victorious warrior, a powerful ruler, who will reward those who belong to Him”; and also how He is – “A [tender] shepherd, who tends his flock, gathering up the lambs with his arm, carrying them close to his heart, leading the ewes along.”
Is there anything better to occupy a believer’s mind than to focus on God and then pour Him out to others?
Mefromtheinsideout –
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, today’s passage calls us to look to come and behold You – to gaze upon You and see You not only in power and might like a warrior but as a shepherd who tenderly and lovingly leads Your sheep — keeping them close to Your heart and protectively leading those who are vulnerable. I’m so thankful to know You as a God of comfort and peace who will come in power and might! Admittedly, I rely on both.
A God Who Restores, A Love God Greatly Advent Study
Today’s Reading: Psalm 13
Today’s SOAP: Psalm 13:5-6
But I trust in your faithfulness. May I rejoice because of your deliverance. I will sing praises to the Lord when he vindicates me.
Psalm 13:5-6
Observations: More Lamenting
Like Habakkuk’s lament from yesterday’s post – the Psalmist from today’s reading feels ignored or forgotten. Actually, “how long?” is a common phrase of lament, of people crying out honestly to God with their cares and concerns. However, David writes it four times in this one six verse Psalm – perhaps an indication that that his suffering has lasted a long time, explaining why he feels the way he does. David was lamenting not only his physical struggle of waiting on the Lord’s deliverance but the emotional fears and concerns about his enemies seeing him defeated or the thought that they would rejoice because they saw him shaken.
What I love most about this Psalm is that while David makes it clear that he felt defeated he also makes it very clear that he had not lost hope in God’s faithfulness. He placed so much trust in God, that despite how everything ‘seemed’, he was planning to rejoice in God’s deliverance and sing praises to Him – because he believed God would vindicate him.
Application: What can I learn from this?
Despite the circumstances of our lives, we must trust in God, in His faithfulness and power to rescue us and set us free, even when it feels as though we’ve already been defeated and our enemies are gloating over our failure to stand strong. I am also reminded, that we must be careful not to fear or crave the approval of man so much that we take our eyes off of God, which shakes our trust and adds to the worries of our lives.
Because I have set the Lord always before me, because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8 ESV
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, thank you for David’s example – his endurance in suffering, his dependency on You, and his determination to trust You in the midst of life’s difficulties. – May we learn from his example to bring You our honest worries and concerns accompanied with our determination to trust You regardless of how things look or feel. In this You will be glorified and our roots will grow deeper and deeper in You. – To Your glory and honor in the the name of Jesus our Lord – Amen!
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
Philippians 4:4-8
YOUR TURN: REFLECTIONS
What are you facing this season? Do you feel neglected, ignored or passed over by God? Are you in a season of rejoicing and praising God for His faithfulness? Or, perhaps, you’re facing both. You feel loss and pain, but you can also recognize God’s provision, wisdom, protection, and care.
(Borrowed from the LGG Devotion, p68 of A God Who Restores)
More: We Can Trust In Him
Our God is faithful. Nothing is unnoticed by Him. No matter the pain we feel or the praise we proclaim. He is always with us. When God’s people waited for he Messiah, God was silent for four hundred years. The people felt ignored by God, forgotten even. But He was working out His perfect plan in His perfect timing. He is not ignoring you. He is not withholding from you. He is working in ways you cannot see or understand, even now, in your situation. And more than that, He is working in incredible, unseen ways to bring about His purposes for the perfect moment when Jesus Christ will return. We can trust Him!
Borrowed from Love God Greatly, p68 of A God Who Restores
Father, Your Word makes it clear that all have sinned and fall short of Your glory, and having done so our payment should be death; but in this first week of advent You have reminded us that You are a loving, good, and gracious God, who has given all who believe in Your Son – life instead of death! And with that promise comes the hope of eternity with You in Your Kingdom – the New Jerusalem – yet to come! As we wait for our Redeemer’s return, may Your Spirit teach us and keep us faithful to pray for peace, prosperity, and security for Your people, both here and around the world – Thank You for the Love God Greatly ministry that not only enhances our relationship with You, but for the focus they place on reaching and transforming women with Your Word in every nation and tribe! You know me Father, You know my passion for all things Christmas – but the trees and lights and shopping, the hurry and busyness to get things done clamor for our attention daily. Help me/us to make sure to not allow – what can be the joys of the season – to distract me/us from the first advent – the coming of the Christ child – the reason for the season.
Thank You for the encouragement of Advent to focus and refocus our hearts on Your promises God. The promise we read of in week one, of peace and of no more tears or sorrow or pain and suffering, was one we can never hear enough. However, to those who are currently in challenging seasons of their lives, it was a particularly wonderful reminder and source of encouragement.
Jesus, help us to live today and every day, preparing for Your return. Help us to know what boundaries to set in order to be guarded from trading the peace You came to bring for the busyness of the season and the demands of every day life.
Holy Spirit – Prepare our hearts as we begin the second week of Advent. As Jesus did with His disciples, open our minds to understand The Word that we will read, and help us to grow by it, to live it out, and to share it for the glory of Your Holy and powerful Name! – Amen, so let it be!
Me From the Inside Out 