Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings. His faithful love endures forever.
He killed powerful kings. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:17-18
Though there are many gods in our culture, the God of creation is the one who deserves our praise and thanks. He is capable of building up and destroying. Is there any other god who can claim the same power? Often in our lives, we give a created idol the adoration that belongs to God alone. Money, power, relationships, and celebrities are a few of the created idols we might be giving an inappropriate place in our lives.
Father God, thank you for your power and your faithful love. Please forgive me for worshiping anything besides you and help me turn my entire heart to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What idols exist in your life?
Showing posts with label Power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Power. Show all posts
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Give thanks to the Lord of lords
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to Him alone who does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:3, 4
Psalm 136 lists many reasons to give thanks, many characteristics of God. His goodness, His sovereignty, His power, and His miracles are just the beginning. Having an attitude of thankfulness allows us to see Him more clearly - and when we see Him, we can introduce others to Him.
Dear Lord, thank you for your power and your love. Thank you for performing miracles that we see and that we don't see. Please help us reflect your love today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What are you thankful for today?
Psalm 136 lists many reasons to give thanks, many characteristics of God. His goodness, His sovereignty, His power, and His miracles are just the beginning. Having an attitude of thankfulness allows us to see Him more clearly - and when we see Him, we can introduce others to Him.
Dear Lord, thank you for your power and your love. Thank you for performing miracles that we see and that we don't see. Please help us reflect your love today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What are you thankful for today?
Friday, January 28, 2011
A Hannah story
Happy Friday, dear readers! And Happy January 28th. How are your New Year's changes coming along? If you feel discouraged or off track, don't fret. We have eleven months and three days to work the kinks out.
I'd like to give you a morsel of prayer thought to consider this weekend. Call it encouragement to keep reaching out to God and believing in His goodness. And something to record in your prayer journal. <chuckling> I just won't give this month's challenge a rest...
1 Samuel 1 records the story of Hannah, a woman brokenhearted by the lack of provision in her life. Hannah deeply desired children, yet "the Lord had closed her womb" (verse 5). In spite of the abundance her husband tried to bestow on her, Hannah felt the emptiness of a mother without children, and she mourned.
But she didn't stop there.
Hannah prayed. This is interesting to me because God closed her womb, but she didn't get angry at Him and stop talking because of the unfairness of her life, the way I sometimes threaten to do. Hannah cried out to God, "weeping bitterly" (verse 10). And she kept praying until she got an answer (1:12, 15-17). The answer didn't seem to come directly from God, but from His prophet, Eli. What did she do next?
Hannah rejoiced.
She didn't see the answer to her prayer, yet she took it on faith that God heard her cries and she rejoiced (1:18, 19). No longer did she wander around, downcast, taking the pain of loneliness into her heart. She believed, and what happened?
God blessed Hannah with a child.
You might know this story, but it highlights a very important aspect to prayer, one we've mentioned already. To pray, believing in the goodness of the Lord, is a very powerful thing, dear readers. To talk to Him and recognize that He loves you with the desperation of a father changes the entire landscape of our lives. This story also highlights the way God might choose to answer your prayers. Hannah didn't hear a voice from Heaven and she didn't feel His still, small voice in her heart. She heard the words of God's servant, the prophet Eli. God used another person to speak His truth and His love to her.
Is God using someone in your life to answer a prayer, to speak words of truth and love? Listen up! What a miraculous event, that He would not only speak to someone on your behalf, but that the person in your life would choose to listen and obey and send His message on to you.
That's the power of prayer.
Here's your assignment: Record in your prayer journal your own Hannah story, and keep your eyes and ears open for the one He might send with His answer. Don't give up on this thing you desperately desire, but take it to God and trust that He hears you and He loves you. You might be surprised at the change in the landscape of your life.
Leave a comment about your own Hannah story. We'd love to join you in prayer! And keep working on those New Year's changes. The year is young.
Shelley
I'd like to give you a morsel of prayer thought to consider this weekend. Call it encouragement to keep reaching out to God and believing in His goodness. And something to record in your prayer journal. <chuckling> I just won't give this month's challenge a rest...
1 Samuel 1 records the story of Hannah, a woman brokenhearted by the lack of provision in her life. Hannah deeply desired children, yet "the Lord had closed her womb" (verse 5). In spite of the abundance her husband tried to bestow on her, Hannah felt the emptiness of a mother without children, and she mourned.
But she didn't stop there.
Hannah prayed. This is interesting to me because God closed her womb, but she didn't get angry at Him and stop talking because of the unfairness of her life, the way I sometimes threaten to do. Hannah cried out to God, "weeping bitterly" (verse 10). And she kept praying until she got an answer (1:12, 15-17). The answer didn't seem to come directly from God, but from His prophet, Eli. What did she do next?
Hannah rejoiced.
She didn't see the answer to her prayer, yet she took it on faith that God heard her cries and she rejoiced (1:18, 19). No longer did she wander around, downcast, taking the pain of loneliness into her heart. She believed, and what happened?
God blessed Hannah with a child.
You might know this story, but it highlights a very important aspect to prayer, one we've mentioned already. To pray, believing in the goodness of the Lord, is a very powerful thing, dear readers. To talk to Him and recognize that He loves you with the desperation of a father changes the entire landscape of our lives. This story also highlights the way God might choose to answer your prayers. Hannah didn't hear a voice from Heaven and she didn't feel His still, small voice in her heart. She heard the words of God's servant, the prophet Eli. God used another person to speak His truth and His love to her.
Is God using someone in your life to answer a prayer, to speak words of truth and love? Listen up! What a miraculous event, that He would not only speak to someone on your behalf, but that the person in your life would choose to listen and obey and send His message on to you.
That's the power of prayer.
Here's your assignment: Record in your prayer journal your own Hannah story, and keep your eyes and ears open for the one He might send with His answer. Don't give up on this thing you desperately desire, but take it to God and trust that He hears you and He loves you. You might be surprised at the change in the landscape of your life.
Leave a comment about your own Hannah story. We'd love to join you in prayer! And keep working on those New Year's changes. The year is young.
Shelley
Monday, January 24, 2011
Prayer Journal Challenge - Shelley's Results
At the beginning of the month, Carol and I put out a challenge. We encouraged you to begin a prayer journal to record your prayers and the ways you see God answering them. What a challenge it was!
Even though it feels like I fill God's ears with a constant flow, I've never kept a prayer journal. In junior high school, I began writing down thoughts and feelings in a notebook because my teacher made me and the practice mostly stuck. I've continued journaling off and on since, and even when I don't have an actual book to write my thoughts, feelings, and wishes in, I'll use any scrap of paper I can find. A napkin, the back of a deposit slip, receipts. A lot of words, and none of them meant in focused prayer to the Almighty God who could change my situation if only I showed enough faith to ask.
This month's challenge gave me the direction and incentive I needed. There are four major ways keeping a prayer journal has enriched my prayer life:
1. It forces me to get specific with my prayers. As early as Genesis 24 (and probably before), we see the benefit of being specific in our prayers. When Abraham's servant prayed for a wife for Isaac, he asked God to show him the woman in a very clear manner. He knew when God answered him.
2. It makes me stop asking for the same thing over and over again, and instead turn my worries into prayers. Matthew 6:7 says not to use vain repetitions in our prayers. God knows our needs, so to continue asking after we've communicated with Him shows a lack of faith. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious, but instead to pray.
3. It builds my faith by showing me what God is doing. I didn't realize just how many of my prayers God is kind and generous enough to answer with a resounding 'yes!' until I began writing down my prayers and recording the answers I saw. Maybe I took it as coincidence or I overlooked it completely, but I didn't recognize the faithfulness of God. Keeping a prayer journal proves His word is true (2 Timothy 2:13).
4.It makes me consider my prayers carefully, knowing the power they have. The Bible says whatever we ask the Father in Jesus' name He will give to us. "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23, 24) I also know that if I ask, I'd be wise to keep myself available to His granting. How many times have I asked for a specific blessing, but not allowed or trusted Him to grant it? I don't follow through with the expectation that what I ask will be given, so the blessing is left by the wayside. "Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)
This year will be a challenging one for us at Elohim Prayer Beads. It is our intention to live our faith boldly and to help you grow in your prayer life. I've grown this month, and I hope you have too. Leave a comment and let us know how the challenge of keeping a prayer journal changed your faith and your life.
Praying many blessings on you (and believing He will bestow them!),
Shelley
Even though it feels like I fill God's ears with a constant flow, I've never kept a prayer journal. In junior high school, I began writing down thoughts and feelings in a notebook because my teacher made me and the practice mostly stuck. I've continued journaling off and on since, and even when I don't have an actual book to write my thoughts, feelings, and wishes in, I'll use any scrap of paper I can find. A napkin, the back of a deposit slip, receipts. A lot of words, and none of them meant in focused prayer to the Almighty God who could change my situation if only I showed enough faith to ask.
This month's challenge gave me the direction and incentive I needed. There are four major ways keeping a prayer journal has enriched my prayer life:
1. It forces me to get specific with my prayers. As early as Genesis 24 (and probably before), we see the benefit of being specific in our prayers. When Abraham's servant prayed for a wife for Isaac, he asked God to show him the woman in a very clear manner. He knew when God answered him.
2. It makes me stop asking for the same thing over and over again, and instead turn my worries into prayers. Matthew 6:7 says not to use vain repetitions in our prayers. God knows our needs, so to continue asking after we've communicated with Him shows a lack of faith. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious, but instead to pray.
3. It builds my faith by showing me what God is doing. I didn't realize just how many of my prayers God is kind and generous enough to answer with a resounding 'yes!' until I began writing down my prayers and recording the answers I saw. Maybe I took it as coincidence or I overlooked it completely, but I didn't recognize the faithfulness of God. Keeping a prayer journal proves His word is true (2 Timothy 2:13).
4.It makes me consider my prayers carefully, knowing the power they have. The Bible says whatever we ask the Father in Jesus' name He will give to us. "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23, 24) I also know that if I ask, I'd be wise to keep myself available to His granting. How many times have I asked for a specific blessing, but not allowed or trusted Him to grant it? I don't follow through with the expectation that what I ask will be given, so the blessing is left by the wayside. "Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)
This year will be a challenging one for us at Elohim Prayer Beads. It is our intention to live our faith boldly and to help you grow in your prayer life. I've grown this month, and I hope you have too. Leave a comment and let us know how the challenge of keeping a prayer journal changed your faith and your life.
Praying many blessings on you (and believing He will bestow them!),
Shelley
Friday, January 21, 2011
Overhaul of the Mind
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
An amazing transformation of our hearts and minds takes place when we draw close to God in prayer. Setting our minds on things above refers to heavenly priorities rather than earthly priorities. Really a huge change in our thinking and daily practices but the promise of God is that those who choose to set their minds on His priorities will be changed. By spiritual design the old nature begins to fall away and the new God-focused nature is put on. We have a choice in this transformation. The choice we face is whether to believe and live by the promises of God or not.
Ephesians chapter 1 says we are blessed in Christ “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm” and that the eyes of our heart can be “flooded with light” so that we KNOW and UNDERSTAND the “immeasurable power of God” in and for those who believe. It is this power which raised Christ from the dead that works in us!! We are made alive and given a new nature by the power of God; we can hope and rely on God completing this work when we focus our minds on His priorities and ways.
The Bible is an amazing book and by reading it doorways to the mind and heart are opened. A new way of seeing, believing and living is presented to us that can increase our hope in God and his plan. Scripture points out human behavior before and after meeting Christ. It helps us understand the difference between the old way of life and the new. In Philippians 4 of the New Testament, there is a section that addresses how to engage in the “battle” of the old nature through our thoughts. It says, "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence or worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
Changing the focus of our minds hinges on where we allow our minds to dwell and what thoughts we allow to take root in the mind. Philippians chapter 4 stresses to us that the most beneficial resting place for the mind is in faith and prayer. "Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to God." Let's look for any piece of thanks we can give to God and add that to our prayers. Developing a thankful attitude can really change the way we see the everyday circumstances that we face.
One of the most exciting versions of the Bible is the Amplified version. If you have the opportunity this weekend, go to the link below and read Ephesians 1 and Philippians 4 in the Amplified Bible version. It will knock your socks off!!
Father, we thank you for the spiritual blessings of knowing you and being in Christ. There is no other who can save and redeem us so we rely on you and your promises to us. Transform us as we draw closer to you. Put in us a desire to be the spiritual-minded people you want us to be. We love you.
Blessings,
Carol
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Shaping your prayers
Worry has a powerful impact on our lives, doesn't it? It invades our thoughts. It tends to shape our actions and interactions with others. Sometimes the shaping is beneficial, but worry often causes increased - and unnecessary - stress.
I'll admit it: I'm a worrier. From something as trivial as what I'm wearing to more weighty issues as how my Christian testimony affects others, I spend time and energy fretting. Is this shirt appropriate and does it look okay? Did I upset my friend with that comment I meant to be funny? Are my kids healthy and getting enough sunshine, exercise, variety of foods? Am I being a faithful witness, turning others to Christ or turning them away? On and on it goes.
Yes, I'm a worrier. But I'm not supposed to be. Worry takes the focus off God, and His power in my life is diminished when I worry. It says I don't trust God to be Himself - good, loving, kind, generous, to name only a few of His attributes.
I love how The Message translates Philippians 4: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Wonderful indeed. Praying in faith takes the worry from my life and shapes it into a petition, a praise of God's goodness. Praying in faith takes the power out of my hands, out of everyone's control, and puts it back on God where it belongs. It allows God to reveal Himself and His nature to me, which allows me to reveal it to others.
What are your worries, dear readers? How can you shape them into a petition or a praise? Spend time today simply asking God to fix that situation burdening your heart, then thank Him for doing it. Thank Him for His faithfulness. He loves you!
Praying many blessings on you today,
Shelley
Heavenly Father, please take these burdens from us. Help us to give them to you. Help us live according to your word, which says to praise you instead of worry. We thank you for your faithfulness to us, for your love and your power and your personal touch in our lives. As we pray, may we focus on you and on the sacrifice made for us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
I'll admit it: I'm a worrier. From something as trivial as what I'm wearing to more weighty issues as how my Christian testimony affects others, I spend time and energy fretting. Is this shirt appropriate and does it look okay? Did I upset my friend with that comment I meant to be funny? Are my kids healthy and getting enough sunshine, exercise, variety of foods? Am I being a faithful witness, turning others to Christ or turning them away? On and on it goes.
Yes, I'm a worrier. But I'm not supposed to be. Worry takes the focus off God, and His power in my life is diminished when I worry. It says I don't trust God to be Himself - good, loving, kind, generous, to name only a few of His attributes.
I love how The Message translates Philippians 4: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Wonderful indeed. Praying in faith takes the worry from my life and shapes it into a petition, a praise of God's goodness. Praying in faith takes the power out of my hands, out of everyone's control, and puts it back on God where it belongs. It allows God to reveal Himself and His nature to me, which allows me to reveal it to others.
What are your worries, dear readers? How can you shape them into a petition or a praise? Spend time today simply asking God to fix that situation burdening your heart, then thank Him for doing it. Thank Him for His faithfulness. He loves you!
Praying many blessings on you today,
Shelley
Heavenly Father, please take these burdens from us. Help us to give them to you. Help us live according to your word, which says to praise you instead of worry. We thank you for your faithfulness to us, for your love and your power and your personal touch in our lives. As we pray, may we focus on you and on the sacrifice made for us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Obstacles and Creative Solutions
"Your pipes are full of tree roots. It will cost $5,000 to repair them and see what other problems we're facing."
The nice man from our local plumbing company stands in my front yard on this gray afternoon and speaks as if money grows from those very trees invading my pipes. He doesn't even blink as the words fly past his lips.
But I blink. A lot. And I stare. Did he just say five thousand dollars?
My jaw drops and air rushes from my lungs. "It might as well be $500,000. We don't have that kind of money." And in the quiet of my stunned heart, I whisper. Please Jesus. Help us.
This world is full of obstacles. Just as we scale one hurdle, another looms in front of us. If it's not a financial hurdle, it's an emotional mountain to climb. Or walls of relational or physical or mental or spiritual barriers.
Here's my point, dear readers: There will always be something to upset our balance if we allow it. If we insist on seeing the world around us, we will be brought to the world's level. But if we choose instead to see the God who created this world, if we choose to see His power and love and creative solutions, we can leap over those hurdles and walls with room to spare.
Consider the power at work within you. Rise above your circumstances. Allow God to show you His power and love. Be open to His creative solution.
Blessings to you today,
Shelley
"For by You I can run against a troop. By my God I can leap over a wall." Psalm 18:29
Father God, thank you for your faithfulness and love. Thank you for your promises of deliverance. Show us the solutions to our difficulties and give us the courage to act. By your power, may we run against troops and leap over walls. In Jesus' mighty name we ask these things. Amen.
The nice man from our local plumbing company stands in my front yard on this gray afternoon and speaks as if money grows from those very trees invading my pipes. He doesn't even blink as the words fly past his lips.
But I blink. A lot. And I stare. Did he just say five thousand dollars?
My jaw drops and air rushes from my lungs. "It might as well be $500,000. We don't have that kind of money." And in the quiet of my stunned heart, I whisper. Please Jesus. Help us.
This world is full of obstacles. Just as we scale one hurdle, another looms in front of us. If it's not a financial hurdle, it's an emotional mountain to climb. Or walls of relational or physical or mental or spiritual barriers.
Here's my point, dear readers: There will always be something to upset our balance if we allow it. If we insist on seeing the world around us, we will be brought to the world's level. But if we choose instead to see the God who created this world, if we choose to see His power and love and creative solutions, we can leap over those hurdles and walls with room to spare.
Consider the power at work within you. Rise above your circumstances. Allow God to show you His power and love. Be open to His creative solution.
Blessings to you today,
Shelley
"For by You I can run against a troop. By my God I can leap over a wall." Psalm 18:29
Father God, thank you for your faithfulness and love. Thank you for your promises of deliverance. Show us the solutions to our difficulties and give us the courage to act. By your power, may we run against troops and leap over walls. In Jesus' mighty name we ask these things. Amen.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Be Still and Know
Good morning prayers. So sorry for the lack of activity on the blog, this is an exciting week for us. We are attending our first event with the prayer beads and of course have lots of last minute details to firm up.
This morning I was prompted to blog on the phrase Be still and know that I am God. What exactly does it mean to know that He is God? Maybe it is that the character of God does not change in times of great challenge and great joy. There are many characteristics of God that we are familiar with but God is revealed in all of scripture in many ways that don't readily come to mind. Scripture teaches that God is All-Powerful, All Knowing, All Caring, Exalted in the Heavens but it also teaches He is our shepherd, our nurturer, our justice, our hope, our provider, creator, gate to eternal life, light in the darkness......shall I go on?? There are references to God that are high and lofty and remind us of his kingly status, then there are references that make Him personal and present, and available to our everyday lives. Psalm 46 starts out with the exclamation God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble; therefore we will not fear. Let's call on the God who wants to personally touch us with compassion for our daily lives and ask him to open our hearts and minds to accept His nature of love toward us.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Father,
Draw us to a time of being still with you. Bring peace to our hearts and open our minds to contemplate and rely on a characteristic of your nature that is new to our experience with you. Thank you that we can know you more fully through scripture. I pray that as we meditate on these thoughts today that you would reveal yourself to us in very specific ways to strengthen our hearts and our faith.
In Jesus' name.
Blessings,
Carol
This morning I was prompted to blog on the phrase Be still and know that I am God. What exactly does it mean to know that He is God? Maybe it is that the character of God does not change in times of great challenge and great joy. There are many characteristics of God that we are familiar with but God is revealed in all of scripture in many ways that don't readily come to mind. Scripture teaches that God is All-Powerful, All Knowing, All Caring, Exalted in the Heavens but it also teaches He is our shepherd, our nurturer, our justice, our hope, our provider, creator, gate to eternal life, light in the darkness......shall I go on?? There are references to God that are high and lofty and remind us of his kingly status, then there are references that make Him personal and present, and available to our everyday lives. Psalm 46 starts out with the exclamation God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble; therefore we will not fear. Let's call on the God who wants to personally touch us with compassion for our daily lives and ask him to open our hearts and minds to accept His nature of love toward us.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Father,
Draw us to a time of being still with you. Bring peace to our hearts and open our minds to contemplate and rely on a characteristic of your nature that is new to our experience with you. Thank you that we can know you more fully through scripture. I pray that as we meditate on these thoughts today that you would reveal yourself to us in very specific ways to strengthen our hearts and our faith.
In Jesus' name.
Blessings,
Carol
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Praying according to the Scriptures
"Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Luke 11:1-2
And my prayer is pure. Job 16:17
One thing we want to do here is teach you how to pray according to the Scriptures. There are so many aspects to think about when we begin praying this way, but one of the most important is praying in Jesus' name. What does that mean?
Think about the things you know about Jesus. Even the unbeliever knows His name, knows His nature. Jesus is love, peace, and POWER. It is undeniable the things He did while walking the earth - the people He touched, healed, blessed. And though Jesus was kind about most things, He was firm about everything. He prayed expecting to see results. He knew the power at work in Him - because it came from the Father and was His own - and He instructed His followers to recognize that power also.
"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him" (John 14:7).
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him for He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17).
So, praying in Jesus' name is to pray with purity, love, and power. It is to talk to God and expect to see a change. If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have the Spirit of truth dwelling with us and in us. The most powerful force in the universe. The Spirit of the One who indeed created the universe. Shouldn't our prayers reflect that power and love and grace?
Think about that as you go into prayer. If you are asking inherently selfish or harmful things, or things otherwise against God's will, be prepared to wait for God to answer it. Be prepared for Him to work a change in your heart.
If you want nothing to do with prayer, think about it anyway. Consider your reasons for avoiding that Power or for misusing Him.
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites... Pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 5:5, 6
And my prayer is pure. Job 16:17
One thing we want to do here is teach you how to pray according to the Scriptures. There are so many aspects to think about when we begin praying this way, but one of the most important is praying in Jesus' name. What does that mean?
Think about the things you know about Jesus. Even the unbeliever knows His name, knows His nature. Jesus is love, peace, and POWER. It is undeniable the things He did while walking the earth - the people He touched, healed, blessed. And though Jesus was kind about most things, He was firm about everything. He prayed expecting to see results. He knew the power at work in Him - because it came from the Father and was His own - and He instructed His followers to recognize that power also.
"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him" (John 14:7).
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him for He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17).
So, praying in Jesus' name is to pray with purity, love, and power. It is to talk to God and expect to see a change. If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have the Spirit of truth dwelling with us and in us. The most powerful force in the universe. The Spirit of the One who indeed created the universe. Shouldn't our prayers reflect that power and love and grace?
Think about that as you go into prayer. If you are asking inherently selfish or harmful things, or things otherwise against God's will, be prepared to wait for God to answer it. Be prepared for Him to work a change in your heart.
If you want nothing to do with prayer, think about it anyway. Consider your reasons for avoiding that Power or for misusing Him.
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites... Pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 5:5, 6
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Riches of an Inheritance
Ephesians 1:18 - 19
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
I love Shelley’s honesty on the subject of prosperity which is almost a taboo subject in the church. There are some subjects that the church shies away from in an effort not to be misunderstood; prosperity is one of those subject. Why?? I think because prosperity is most often interpreted as asking for dollars and as Shelley has pointed out there are references where that request is biblical.
However, Jesus even mentions that the people he fed with fish and loaves began to seek Him, not because of the signs which pointed to Him as the Messiah but because their bellies were filled and they wanted more (See John 6:25 – 27). He instructed those followers to spend their energy on seeking the spiritual food that endures to eternal life rather on the “food” which perishes after ingested. He knows our need for the daily requirements of life and it is obvious from scripture that he willingly meets those needs. I asked myself after Shelley’s blog if I turn my heart back to the Father with heartfelt thanks when my needs are met or do I ask God to search my heart when they seem to be out of our reach. Questions, questions.
The passage from Ephesians gives us incredible detail regarding what God identifies as riches for his people mainly the riches of the glorious inheritance of eternal life AND the greatness of His power TOWARD us who believe; such power as we have never known and such an inheritance that we cannot begin to grasp it. How are the eyes of our heart enlightened?? Well, you know where I’m going with this – it is through time spent in prayer; seeking God for His direction and guidance in the simple, daily needs of life and for the eternal needs of our souls. Both are equally important to sustain life.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Blessings on your journey,
Carol
Blessings on your journey,
Carol
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday Prayer
Happy Monday morning, Pray-ers! Let's start the week talking to God.
Father God, thank you for another day to praise and worship you. Thank you for the many gifts you give us, and help us to recognize them. Help us to hear Your voice this week, and guide us in the ways You would have us go.
This week, I especially pray for Your children to prosper in Your name, Jesus. Many of us are weak, faltering, and disillusioned. We have asked, we have believed, and we have not received as Your word says we should. We see the wicked prosper while our works and faith seem fruitless. Where the enemy is lurking and stealing from us, I pray that You would bind him in Your power and in Your might. Give us victory and show us how to take it. Give us unending hope that does not disappoint. Give us power to win this fight for Your glory.
You are good and kind and generous, Lord. We praise You for it, and for covering us with love, courage, kindness, and hope. In Your holy Name we pray, Amen.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Companions in Prayer
Many years ago, God called me to a ministry of intercession, which is prayer for others by the leading of the Holy Spirit. God has used my prayer times with Him to let me know how much He desires time alone with all people so they can get to know Him and His desires for living in Him.
It is good to pray for others but the better way is to lead them back to the Father so they can learn dependence on Him for all their human needs.
This blog is a place where we can share together about prayer and be in prayer. God is greater than all our needs and my hope is that as we talk and pray together, we will all grow in faith and knowledge of Him.
Another aspect of this blog that we will delve into is the Bible, the Word of God. Knowing the Bible and praying God’s words back to Him infuses prayer with power. The Bible is filled with divine intent and direction from God, which if used to form prayers will allow your mind and your will to agree with God. This is how change can take place.
Where you are in your life doesn’t matter here. We welcome your input, your prayer needs, your questions, and your friendship. We welcome you here as we investigate God and His ways together. Our focus will be on prayer most of the time, but our topics will cover life. My desire is to testify to the faithfulness of God even when we don’t see the immediate evidence of life being easy.
We will investigate questions such as:
I think you have a good perspective on our goal for this blog.
I hope you will join us often and that you will weigh in on the conversation. It is my privilege to travel this path with you.
Blessings,
It is good to pray for others but the better way is to lead them back to the Father so they can learn dependence on Him for all their human needs.
This blog is a place where we can share together about prayer and be in prayer. God is greater than all our needs and my hope is that as we talk and pray together, we will all grow in faith and knowledge of Him.
Another aspect of this blog that we will delve into is the Bible, the Word of God. Knowing the Bible and praying God’s words back to Him infuses prayer with power. The Bible is filled with divine intent and direction from God, which if used to form prayers will allow your mind and your will to agree with God. This is how change can take place.
Where you are in your life doesn’t matter here. We welcome your input, your prayer needs, your questions, and your friendship. We welcome you here as we investigate God and His ways together. Our focus will be on prayer most of the time, but our topics will cover life. My desire is to testify to the faithfulness of God even when we don’t see the immediate evidence of life being easy.
We will investigate questions such as:
- How do we know that God is with us?
- How can we pray through the needs of our lives so we trust God for each and every moment of the day?
- How do we deal with tragedy?
- How do we voice our thanks and praise?
- How can we have confidence that God is real and cares about us?
- Who is Jesus?
I think you have a good perspective on our goal for this blog.
I hope you will join us often and that you will weigh in on the conversation. It is my privilege to travel this path with you.
Blessings,
Carol
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