Tag: prayers

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

The Right Words

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And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Final Greetings

21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. 24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:19-24

Paul, who was currently in chains but still preaching the gospel, followed up the list of instructions for God’s armor with the instruction for prayers and petitions (specific requests). He urged the believers to stay alert so they would know how to pray through the battles. Then, Paul gets personal and shares a prayer request for himself. I am always blessed and inspired when I read his words. This man had been changed from the inside out, transformed from a hater and enemy of Christ followers to a bold and faithful proclaimer of the Gospel. Yet, he understands that he is in the midst of a battle that he cannot fight in his own strength. He understands the need for God’s strength and guidance. He understands the power of prayer and calls on the believers to pray for him, that God would give him the right words so that, even in chains, he could boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. He reminded the believers that he was in chains, but remained God’s ambassador, preaching the gospel message. He asked them to pray that he would keep on speaking boldly for God, as he should.

Gotquestions.org defines Paul before his conversion as “a religious terrorist,” and rightly so, based on Acts 8:3, which states, “Paul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.” However, the narrative of Paul changes in Acts 9:1-22 where we read of Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus. A road he was traveling for the purpose of bringing any known followers of Jesus back to Jerusalem to put them in prison. However, after meeting Jesus along the way, his life was forever changed1 from that of a “religious terrorist” to a missionary taking the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles.

Friends, this verse/passage is a beautiful reminder and vivid example that we are never alone in the battle(s) we face. Not only is God with us, but His people, our brothers and sisters in Christ, are a battalion of soldiers (whether side-by-side with us or in the trenches of prayer)’suited up” and ready to march into battle with us. May we, like Paul, understand the importance/necessity of prayer for every battle and never hesitate to share our needs and situations with one another so that we are covered with the prayers of God’s people.

The More We Know

For more insight on today’s journey, read today’s LGG blog

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

Rest For Your Souls

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Do you ever feel so tired (body, mind, and soul) that you can’t think, pray, or function well? Are you carrying burdens, perhaps not just your own but those of others, that are causing you to miss out on the fullness of life that Jesus came to bring? If so, don’t lose hope! Jesus, the lover of our souls, invites us to come to Him, and He will give us rest. While Jesus is not referring necessarily to physical rest here – the Spiritual rest that He gives brings rest to body, mind, and soul, – as we lean into His teaching and realize just how humble and gentle He is1 To experience the promise of this rest, Jesus lists three actions we need to take:

  • Come … I will give you rest.
  • Take … My yoke upon you.
  • Let Me …Teach you.

-All of which means “giving Jesus control and letting Him direct our efforts.” This may not sound easy or be easy for those of us who like to be in control, but trust me when I say the benefits of “His rest” far outweigh the difficulty of letting go. When we rest in Him, we will know an awareness of His presence, unspeakable joys, freedom from the past, peace, strength, love, hope, gentleness, and so much more.

Praying the Word Back to God

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matt 11:28-30

Jesus, I come to You, out of the heaviness and weariness of life’s burdens, and seek Your promised rest. I am so grateful that You have taken my heavy yoke of sin and shame upon Yourself, and in exchange, I take Your yoke upon me – committing myself to You and Your authority, knowing You are gentle and humble at heart. Help me to yield control daily, letting direct my efforts in all things. Help me to learn from You and to live and love like You in all I do and say. – Amen!

A Song of Response

These words from an old hymn, “Out Of My Bondage, Sorrow, and Night,” came flooding my mind as I was writing my prayer. You may not be familiar with the tune, but I encourage you to read each word. I believe you will find the words paint such a beautiful picture of the rest we receive for our souls when we come to Jesus … when we take His Yoke upon us and learn from Him … when we realize how gentle and humble of heart He is … and we find ourselves delighting in His rest for our souls. I particularly love verse three; what about you?

The More We Know
Verse 1

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
  Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
    Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
    Jesus, I come to Thee!

Verse 3

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
  Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into Thy blessed will to abide,
    Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
    Jesus, I come to Thee!

Verse 2

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
  Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
    Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storm and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
    Jesus, I come to Thee!

Verse 4

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
  Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into the joy and pleasure, Thine own,
    Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the flock Thy love doth enfold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
    Jesus, I come to Thee!

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living Faithful in a Faithless Land, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

From Courageous Faith to Bold Prayers

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based on the LGG Study, Living Faithful in a Faithless Land, w2d2

Scripture: Our Road Map for the Journey / Daniel 2:1-18 / SOAP verse 18

Nebuchadnezzar Has a Disturbing Dream

2 In the second year of his reign Nebuchadnezzar had many dreams. His mind was disturbed and he suffered from insomnia. 2 The king issued an order to summon the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and wise men in order to explain his dreams to him. So they came and awaited the king’s instructions.

3 The king told them, “I have had a dream, and I am anxious to understand the dream.” 4 The wise men replied to the king: [What follows is in Aramaic] “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will disclose its interpretation.” 5 The king replied to the wise men, “My decision is firm.[n] If you do not inform me of both the dream and its interpretation, you will be dismembered[o] and your homes reduced to rubble! 6 But if you can disclose the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts, a reward, and considerable honor. So disclose to me the dream and its interpretation.” 7 They again replied, “Let the king inform us of the dream; then we will disclose its interpretation.” 8 The king replied, “I know for sure that you are attempting to gain time, because you see that my decision is firm. 9 If you don’t inform me of the dream, there is only one thing that is going to happen to you. For you have agreed among yourselves to report to me something false and deceitful until such time as things might change. So tell me the dream, and I will have confidence that you can disclose its interpretation.”

10 The wise men replied to the king, “There is no man on earth who is able to disclose the king’s secret, for no king, regardless of his position and power, has ever requested such a thing from any magician, astrologer, or wise man. 11 What the king is asking is too difficult, and no one exists who can disclose it to the king, except for the gods—but they don’t live among mortals!”

12 Because of this the king got furiously angry and gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So a decree went out, and the wise men were about to be executed. They also sought Daniel and his friends so that they could be executed.

14 Then Daniel spoke with prudent counsel to Arioch, who was in charge of the king’s executioners and who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon. 15 He inquired of Arioch the king’s deputy, “Why is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter. 16 So Daniel went in and requested the king to grant him time, that he might disclose the interpretation to the king. 17 Then Daniel went to his home and informed his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the matter. 18 He asked them to pray for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery so that he and his friends would not be destroyed along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon

Observation and Application of the Journey

Our journey through the first chapter of Daniel bore witness to God’s fingerprints. We saw how God was working behind the scenes on Daniel’s behalf, making the overseer of the court officials sympathetic to Daniel, endowing Daniel and his friends with knowledge and skill in all sorts of literature and wisdom, and giving Daniel insight into all kinds of visions and dreams. On top of this, we hear the King announcing that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are ten times better than any of the magicians and astrologers in his empire.

In today’s journey, King Nebuchadnezzar demands an impossible thing from his magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and wise men. He not only requires them to interpret one of his dreams but to tell him what he had dreamed. When the men are unable to satisfy the King’s request, he becomes furiously angry and gives orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his friends, who had been seen “as ten times better than any of the magicians and astrologers in his empire.”

I love that Daniel didn’t run from the danger; instead, he sought the LORD, his God, and encouraged his friends to pray with him. Daniel’s prayer was for more than mere protection; it was also, and perhaps even more so, for revelation and interpretation of the King’s dream. Once again, Daniel was courageous in his faith and bold in his prayer, both of which set God up to be seen and glorified by the King and all who would witness what God would do.

Daniel’s hope wasn’t in his abilities but in God. He knew that all things were possible with his God. 🦋

Many years ago, I prayed for a specific job for my daughter – not just because she needed a job but because I truly believed, because of things God had already done, that He had positioned her for this job and was opening a door for her to fulfill His call upon her life. To our delight, she was given the job. However, while it was a learning experience, the end result of the job brought much heartache, sorrow, many hurtful losses, and even a certain amount of danger.

There were times when it was hard to see God’s hand, but we trusted His heart and prayed through the losses and, by his mercies, survived the dangers. Our faith was challenged but grew, as did our prayer lives; our hearts were broken and torn apart – even scarred – but those scars are becoming reminders of just how merciful our God is. To God’s glory, much good has come from the devastating ending of what we thought was her dream job – as He has and is showing her/us that while His plan is never to harm us – sometimes the pathway to His will and way can bring hurts and even fearful situations as we see with Daniel.

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart, take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar –

Heal the Wound / Lyrics by Point of Grace
Prayer/Worship Response to the Journey

Father, may we learn from Daniel that we do not need to run in panic but rather trust You and commit our way to You, walking courageously by faith, praying bold prayers – even when the request seems impossible, knowing that with You, nothing is impossible. May others see You, not only in our lives but in the miraculous way You answer us, and may we boldly and quickly give You praise – drawing attention to You, for You are worthy of all blessing, honor, and praise! Give us good and godly friends who we can ask and trust to pray with and for us. And Father, when danger or heartache appears, help us not to grow weary and lose heart, In the name of Jesus -Amen

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

Fiery Darts Nor Thorns & Thistles

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Yesterday, my morning prayer journal entry started like this: “Father, You are Good. Your Word and the timing of the Spirit’s reminder are treasures in the morning and throughout the day. I do not know what lies ahead today, but I do know that it is my greatest strength, pleasure, comfort, and peace to know that You walk with me 💜 And I do not need to fear! – Fiery darts and thorns and thistles that litter the way cannot keep us from Your protective presence💜 When You are near, we have nothing to fear, for You will hold us up with Your victorious right hand.”

The entry was prompted by the “our daily verse ” email devotion that I received. Yesterday’s verse of the day was from Isaiah 41:10, and those of you who have been a part of the group for very long may recognize it as one I often use because it is among my top 10 life verses.

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.

Isaiah 41:10

I am sharing it again with you today, along with the “ourdailyverse.com” devotion from yesterday. I pray it is a blessing of encouragement for your Friday and the weekend ahead. – “Today, let’s rest in the assurance that God walks beside us through every challenge. We’re never alone in our worries. – Have a blessed day.”

“Fear, it’s a familiar adversary, a shadow that threatens to darken even the brightest of days. But in the face of this relentless foe, God speaks a promise that has the power to change everything: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” – read the full devo at https://www.ourdailyverse.com/p/verse-of-the-day-isaiah-41-10

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

Wholehearted Engagement

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w1d1

Today’s Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11 / SOAP: Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the Lord and do what is right.
Settle in the land and maintain your integrity.
4 Then you will take delight in the Lord,
and he will answer your prayers.
5 Commit your future to the Lord.
Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.

Psalm 37:3-5

I love the profound yet simplistic passages like this. David, the Psalmist, uses the if this, then that process, which is very much how my brain works. He gives us four directives:

  1. Trust
  2.  Obey
  3.  Live, or as it means here – Abide ( which is defined by bibleref.com as – more than merely existing or surviving . It is wholehearted engagement! ) This wholehearted engagement most likely looks like what Moses taught in Deuteronomy 6:5 and what Jesus Himself said summed up all of the commandments in Luke 10:27, namely – “You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength.”
  4.  The fourth and final directive is, “Commit your future to the LORD.”

These directives are summed-up in verse 5, repeating where he started in verse 3 – “Trust in the LORD.” It is worth noting that unless you trust the LORD, the second, third, and fourth directives are unlikely to be done. When we trust – all the rest will follow, and we will find ourselves delighting in the LORD and seeing Him working in our lives.

The Psalmist says when we choose to live like this, not only will we take delight in the LORD, but that the LORD will answer our prayers and act on our behalf. What great motivation to trust and obey, to wholeheartedly engage as a faithful follower of Christ, and to commit our future to the LORD.

Prayer / Response to God’s Word

Father, You are worthy of our trust and obedience . We want to more than merely exist or survive – we desire to be wholeheartedly engaged with You and in Your work. Help us to faithfully abide in Your Son and find our delight in You.

Going Further

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

Let’s Worship
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

Our Biblical Community

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Today’s Reading / SOAP: Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:20
The Question and the Answer

Such a little verse with such a big message. You see, it’s not really a stand-alone-verse. Note how the verse starts with “For where …” That little word ‘for’ indicates that what follows goes with what came before …. meaning this little sentence is part of a larger conversation. In this case a conversation between Jesus and the “12”. The conversation started with a question from one of the disciples concerning who would be greatest in the Kingdom Jesus had been telling them about.


Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Matthew 18:1
We Don’t Do It alone

Jesus’ answer covers this but so much more, including a shepherd leaving his flock to find one lost sheep … the severity of being a stumbling blog … and restoring Christian relationships … then he concludes the extended lessons with our little sentence of assurance that where even two or three people are gathered in His name He [Jesus] is there with them. The Love God Greatly team explained it like this, “Our relationship with God is personal, and it is meant to be lived out in community where we can encourage one another, hold one another accountable, and support each other — and we don’t do it alone! Jesus promises that, when even just a few believers are gathered together in His name He is there.”

The Role and Importance of the Local Church

The LGG writer goes on to explain what the local church is. She includes its benefit to us, as well as how we might bless others by being involved in it. I would suggest reading and re-reading this quote, and then writing it down somewhere so when it gets hard to stay committed or be involved with your biblical community (church, small group, and even this online community of faith) you can read it again and remember the vital role it is meant to play in our lives.

When we gather with our biblical community, motivated by a desire to love God greatly and help others do the same. Jesus is there with us. That’s what the local church is: a gathering of likeminded people who love Jesus and have a desire to grow, teach, learn, encourage, and support each other while also providing accountability and connection. you were made for this type of community with the local church! What a blessing!

Not Made To Be Alone, study journal p117
Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for the local body of Christ, at LMBC and all of the other churches represented within this group. We are blessed to be a part of the body of Christ and to gather freely and with the confidence that Jesus is there with us. I confess, yet again, that it is sometimes easier to be ‘an island’ than to gather with others, easier to hear the sermon through earbuds than in person – but I also understand this is not how you intended it – for we are not made to be alone. We are made for “community” with You with family and friends, and with the church, and I believe that includes small groups like Journey Through the Word. We are meant to gather – to pray, to worship, to serve, and to encourage one another – and this is a blessing. May we faithfully engage with the body of Christ – to Your glory and honor – Amen+

Want More?

Visit LGG for today’s blog post, at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

God Protects His People

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Week 2, Day 3 of The God Who Restores; A Love God Greatly Advents Study
Today’s Reading: Psalm 94
Today’s SOAP: Psalm 94:14-15

Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline
and teach from your law
13 to give him relief from troubled times
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 The Lord will not leave his people
or abandon his heritage,
15 for the administration of justice will again be righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Psalm 94:12-15 CSB
Observations: God’s People

I think most of us, myself included, prefer the loving, kind, long suffering descriptions of God rather than the passages that boast or cry out for the avenging God, the God who pays back the proud. The Psalmist cries out for that in today’s passage and yet he also sings God’s praises, boasting of how blessed we are to be taught of Him, how He instructs in order to protect us from times of trouble until the wicked are destroyed. Clearly, as the Psalmist clarifies, God understands that it is hard to live among the wicked who constantly seem to flourish and even celebrate, while those who follow God struggle through, what seems like, one trouble after another. So it was quite refreshing and encouraging to reach verse 12 and the verses that followed, specifically through verse 15. To read of the one who receives God’s instructions, the one who is taught by God from His law is blessed with His protection from times of trouble, until the wicked are destroyed.

However, I think the most encouraging words in the passage aside from knowing He will protect us come in verses 14 and 15 where the Psalmist insist that God will not forsake us, restating it and clarifying that God will not abandon His people – those who belong to Him. The writer goes on to explain that while it may not look like it now – justice for the righteous will prevail! Our God will clear us of any blame or suspicion, He will make right the wrongs for those who walk in His ways.

Application: What does this mean for me?

While in this world it may seem like the ‘wicked’ – the ‘evil doers’, the ‘morally corrupt prevail in all they do’ but the upright suffer for their righteous living – there will come a day when the tables will turn and the upright, those who walk in the way of the LORD, will be vindicated.

Are you following God but facing one trial after another while others who follow only the desires of their hearts seem to flourish? If so, take heart and rejoice in knowing that our God reigns! He will neither forsake or abandon you and will protect you in your times of trouble and use them for His glory and your good.

Prayer: Our Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You that You have adopted us into Your family – that You have by grace through faith made us – or a way for us – to be Your people. For as surely as this promise was true in the Psalmist day so it is in ours! You will never forsake Your people. You will not abandon us because we belong to You. And though we wait for Jesus in this world full of sin – we continually wait with hope in Your promise to one day vindicate the upright.

Your Turn: Reflections:
  • How do you handle waiting on God?
  • Are you impatient, doing all you can to ‘help’ God out?
  • How does Psalm 94 help you as you wait on Him?
Want More?

Visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Pray Knowing the Spirit Intercedes

 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will. NET

 

 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. NLT

Romans 8:27

This has been one of my favorite and most comforting verses since my early twenties. Somehow knowing that God searches our hearts – not just looking for sin and things that need to be removed, as David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24, but also to help us in our weakness, like when we want to pray but just can’t find the words. The Father, who knows our hearts – the good, and bad, and ugly of our hearts – doesn’t turn away from His children but instead cares so deeply for us and wants us to be able to communicate with Him – that He sent His Spirit to intercede on our behalf. Actually verse 26, in the New Living Translation, says that the Spirit prays for us with groans that cannot be expressed in words.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words

Psalm 139:23-24 and Romans 8:26

Imagine it – the Creator of the universe not only says come … bring me your burdens, your heartaches, and tiredness. Turn to me when you’re tempted or in need, cry out to me in your distress or when you’re afraid. He even invites us to bring Him our sin so that he might forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness … and as if that’s not enough – He says, when You don’t know how to pray about something – don’t worry, I have you covered. Oh the rich rich goodness of our God!

May you find hope and encouragement from these truths today!

Don’t miss today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/