Job 42:10
10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.
There are no guarantees in prayer. There are times we don’t know what to say. There are times we say the wrong thing. There are times when we ask selfishly.
Job is about as challenged with hardship, physical, spiritual, and emotional pain as anyone could possibly be, and we see him praying to God. For his friends.
When prayer becomes a ministry of love for the sake of others, who knows how God is going to respond? To pray for others we are at least on the right track. Look at what happens to Job in the end. Maybe we do have an idea of how God will respond.
How does it feel to know someone is praying for you?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
quite a job
Nehemiah 11:17
Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer;
How would you like the job of thanksgiving and prayer? I can’t tell from these verses if this is a job that stays in the family for these guys. They are Levites from Jerusalem and so chances are this is a family affair. The Levites were the tribe of Israel assigned to work in the Temple and assist the priests. For this particular group of men, work meant getting up in the morning and saying, “Thank you God…” A life of thanks and praise? Sounds like a plan.
Are we passing down our faith to our children? Will they lead in thanksgiving and prayer? These are not unimportant questions. Passing down our faith to our children continues the work God is doing in transforming the world. The world may not realize this or appreciate this, but we are not doing it to get the approval of others. We are approved before we begin by God.
Choose a child to prayer for daily this week.
Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer;
How would you like the job of thanksgiving and prayer? I can’t tell from these verses if this is a job that stays in the family for these guys. They are Levites from Jerusalem and so chances are this is a family affair. The Levites were the tribe of Israel assigned to work in the Temple and assist the priests. For this particular group of men, work meant getting up in the morning and saying, “Thank you God…” A life of thanks and praise? Sounds like a plan.
Are we passing down our faith to our children? Will they lead in thanksgiving and prayer? These are not unimportant questions. Passing down our faith to our children continues the work God is doing in transforming the world. The world may not realize this or appreciate this, but we are not doing it to get the approval of others. We are approved before we begin by God.
Choose a child to prayer for daily this week.
Monday, January 29, 2007
pray is better than whistling
Nehemiah 4:9
9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
There is a saying, “Work as if it totally depends on you, and pray as if it totally depends on God.” Here we see an adaptation of this.
I think of all the conferences attended, all the in-house training, all the efforts that we make to improve our "job performance," and the key to it all is surrounding us all the time. Inviting Jesus into the workplace and working with him as a silent partner is a wise decision.
The reality is everything depends on God and he can’t work if there is nothing to work through. So, get busy and pray.
What are you working on that you are praying on?
9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
There is a saying, “Work as if it totally depends on you, and pray as if it totally depends on God.” Here we see an adaptation of this.
I think of all the conferences attended, all the in-house training, all the efforts that we make to improve our "job performance," and the key to it all is surrounding us all the time. Inviting Jesus into the workplace and working with him as a silent partner is a wise decision.
The reality is everything depends on God and he can’t work if there is nothing to work through. So, get busy and pray.
What are you working on that you are praying on?
Friday, January 26, 2007
ask
Nehemiah 2:4
The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?”
With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied…
Asking God to take part in our conversations is a novel idea. For example, imagine praying before you speak to a co-worker.
“God help me put this in a way that can’t possibly be read as criticism…”
“God give me words of encouragement that will stay with him for the rest of his life…”
“Lord, guide me to able to make this as clear as possible and guide her to hear exactly what I mean to say and understand as I mean it.”
What do you want God to help you with today? Ask.
The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?”
With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied…
Asking God to take part in our conversations is a novel idea. For example, imagine praying before you speak to a co-worker.
“God help me put this in a way that can’t possibly be read as criticism…”
“God give me words of encouragement that will stay with him for the rest of his life…”
“Lord, guide me to able to make this as clear as possible and guide her to hear exactly what I mean to say and understand as I mean it.”
What do you want God to help you with today? Ask.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
time
Nehemiah 1:4
4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
Nehemiah was used to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He had a powerful influence over the people. As we read here, he didn’t take his time with God lightly.
On occasion there is a quantity to our spiritual focus, rather than the usual depth and quality. Just spending more time with someone can help build a relationship. It is no different with God.
How can you reserve more time with God?
4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
Nehemiah was used to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He had a powerful influence over the people. As we read here, he didn’t take his time with God lightly.
On occasion there is a quantity to our spiritual focus, rather than the usual depth and quality. Just spending more time with someone can help build a relationship. It is no different with God.
How can you reserve more time with God?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
prayer reality
Ezra 10:1
While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel—men, women, and children—gathered and wept bitterly with him.
Sincere prayer can be moving, and not just for God. We can impact those around us through humility and honesty before the Lord. We don’t always have to have our act together to be an influence. In fact, when we think we have our act together than it is a sure indication that we don’t. Confidence goes along with realizing how unworthy we really are to actually have God care what we have to say.
You have heard of “brutal honesty,” now practice the art of sensitive honesty today.
While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel—men, women, and children—gathered and wept bitterly with him.
Sincere prayer can be moving, and not just for God. We can impact those around us through humility and honesty before the Lord. We don’t always have to have our act together to be an influence. In fact, when we think we have our act together than it is a sure indication that we don’t. Confidence goes along with realizing how unworthy we really are to actually have God care what we have to say.
You have heard of “brutal honesty,” now practice the art of sensitive honesty today.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
the strength of God's forgiveness
2 Chronicles 33:13
And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request.
The story of King Manasseh is amazing. Read all of chapter 33. Manasseh was about as evil a king as could be. Witchcraft, false idols, putting a statue of himself in the Temple of Jerusalem, and even practicing human sacrifice with his own sons are all part of his legacy. About as bad a person who ever lived.
Yet, rather than destroy him, God allows his prayer of repentance to move him so much Manasseh is restored! No matter what you have done to deserve God’s wrath, never give up praying…
Do you sense God forgives all of your sins?
And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request.
The story of King Manasseh is amazing. Read all of chapter 33. Manasseh was about as evil a king as could be. Witchcraft, false idols, putting a statue of himself in the Temple of Jerusalem, and even practicing human sacrifice with his own sons are all part of his legacy. About as bad a person who ever lived.
Yet, rather than destroy him, God allows his prayer of repentance to move him so much Manasseh is restored! No matter what you have done to deserve God’s wrath, never give up praying…
Do you sense God forgives all of your sins?
Monday, January 22, 2007
forgiveness
2 Chronicles 30:18-19
For Hezekiah said, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon those who decide to follow the Lord the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.”
King Hezekiah knows that God works outside of protocol. Forgiveness is not just for the “right” people. In fact, it is the right people who often need forgiveness the most. They should know better.
Jesus gave his life for forgiveness of sin. We serve others as Jesus did by asking God to forgive them. Prayers for forgiveness include prayering for our enemies. For their sake, as well as our own.
When have you asked God to forgive someone else?
For Hezekiah said, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon those who decide to follow the Lord the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.”
King Hezekiah knows that God works outside of protocol. Forgiveness is not just for the “right” people. In fact, it is the right people who often need forgiveness the most. They should know better.
Jesus gave his life for forgiveness of sin. We serve others as Jesus did by asking God to forgive them. Prayers for forgiveness include prayering for our enemies. For their sake, as well as our own.
When have you asked God to forgive someone else?
Friday, January 19, 2007
God trusts
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
God speaks to Solomon in a dream. “Humble yourself,” “pray,” “seek” and “turn,” are all action verbs. Our words are important, and yet it takes more than words. We actually want what God wants and we are willing to follow up on this desire with our actions.
Today, we are those God calls into his kingdom life. Our “land” is where God allows us influence. The more he can trust us to use his power for good, the more he gives.
How have you made yourself available lately to learn from Jesus?
14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
God speaks to Solomon in a dream. “Humble yourself,” “pray,” “seek” and “turn,” are all action verbs. Our words are important, and yet it takes more than words. We actually want what God wants and we are willing to follow up on this desire with our actions.
Today, we are those God calls into his kingdom life. Our “land” is where God allows us influence. The more he can trust us to use his power for good, the more he gives.
How have you made yourself available lately to learn from Jesus?
Thursday, January 18, 2007
no waiter
2 Chronicles 6:19
Nevertheless, listen to my prayer and my plea, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you.
King Solomon prays for God to hear him even though he is amazed God actually wants to listen. A good dose of humility makes for the beginnings of powerful prayer. We aren’t ordering off some menu with a waiter, we are coming before the one who makes waiters, and menu items, and even what isn’t on the menu. Humility goes a long way.
Actually, a bit of humility might well enhance your dining experience, too…
“Listen” to your prayers today and check for presumption.
Nevertheless, listen to my prayer and my plea, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you.
King Solomon prays for God to hear him even though he is amazed God actually wants to listen. A good dose of humility makes for the beginnings of powerful prayer. We aren’t ordering off some menu with a waiter, we are coming before the one who makes waiters, and menu items, and even what isn’t on the menu. Humility goes a long way.
Actually, a bit of humility might well enhance your dining experience, too…
“Listen” to your prayers today and check for presumption.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
confess
1 Chronicles 21:17
“I pray, O Lord my God, let your anger fall against me and my family, but do not destroy your people.”
David is worried that God will punish the people for what he, David, has done. Being honest before God is not easy. We can spend a lot of effort trying to fool him. Let’s think about this. The creator and sustainer of the entire universe and beyond, and the one who knows my every thought…
When we keep our sins to ourselves, we put a wall up to the power of God’s forgiveness to flow through us. This keeps us separated from God and from each other.
It’s probably a good idea to be like King David and just tell God the truth. Confession is the beginning of real freedom.
What do you need to confess to God today?
“I pray, O Lord my God, let your anger fall against me and my family, but do not destroy your people.”
David is worried that God will punish the people for what he, David, has done. Being honest before God is not easy. We can spend a lot of effort trying to fool him. Let’s think about this. The creator and sustainer of the entire universe and beyond, and the one who knows my every thought…
When we keep our sins to ourselves, we put a wall up to the power of God’s forgiveness to flow through us. This keeps us separated from God and from each other.
It’s probably a good idea to be like King David and just tell God the truth. Confession is the beginning of real freedom.
What do you need to confess to God today?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
stay
1 Chronicles 17:16
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed.
King David spent a lot of time with God in prayer. He wrote most of the Psalms and so we can experience first hand his heart, as well as his eloquence.
When you sit before the Lord, you are going to stay awhile. Praying to God can be quick, and there are other times you just want to settle in. Stay with him for a bit. Like the song says, "Let the world around me fade away..."
Spend a half hour with God sometime today or tomorrow and just let him know how it’s going.
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed.
King David spent a lot of time with God in prayer. He wrote most of the Psalms and so we can experience first hand his heart, as well as his eloquence.
When you sit before the Lord, you are going to stay awhile. Praying to God can be quick, and there are other times you just want to settle in. Stay with him for a bit. Like the song says, "Let the world around me fade away..."
Spend a half hour with God sometime today or tomorrow and just let him know how it’s going.
stay
1 Chronicles 17:16
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed.
King David spent a lot of time with God in prayer. He wrote most of the Psalms and so we can experience first hand his heart, as well as his eloquence.
When you sit before the Lord, you are going to stay awhile. Praying to God can be quick, and there are other times you just want to settle in. Stay with him for a bit. Like the song says, "Let the world around me fade away..."
Spend a half hour with God sometime today or tomorrow and just let him know how it’s going.
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed.
King David spent a lot of time with God in prayer. He wrote most of the Psalms and so we can experience first hand his heart, as well as his eloquence.
When you sit before the Lord, you are going to stay awhile. Praying to God can be quick, and there are other times you just want to settle in. Stay with him for a bit. Like the song says, "Let the world around me fade away..."
Spend a half hour with God sometime today or tomorrow and just let him know how it’s going.
Monday, January 15, 2007
before the throne
2 Kings 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the Lord
When you read this passage within its context, you see Hezekiah having a conversation before God, though God isn’t speaking directly back, as he does with someone like Moses.
Hezekiah is talking with God about life and ministry situations that are impacting him. He is letting God know about his concerns. Knowing that when you pray you are praying before the Lord is really quite astounding! He cares that much to listen? He is God. He can do that.
What do you need God to know that you have been reluctant to tell him?
When you read this passage within its context, you see Hezekiah having a conversation before God, though God isn’t speaking directly back, as he does with someone like Moses.
Hezekiah is talking with God about life and ministry situations that are impacting him. He is letting God know about his concerns. Knowing that when you pray you are praying before the Lord is really quite astounding! He cares that much to listen? He is God. He can do that.
What do you need God to know that you have been reluctant to tell him?
Friday, January 12, 2007
whose on your side?
2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
When you trust in Jesus and you experience the joy and rightness of living connected to him, you will automatically want others to have that same kind of life. It wouldn't be too loving if you didn't. Those who don't know this life might wonder what all the fuss is all about. Praying for them can have a powerful effect. If they have eyes to see...
The enemies of Elisha are surrounding him, yet he has no fear. Angels of the Lord are surrounding him first. When you are on God’s side, don’t worry. Elisha prays that his servant can see the angels, as well. The servant is terrified until he sees, too.
God’s angels 1 (or infinity, it doesn't matter)- Enemies 0
Game over.
Who can you pray for today who is in need of confidence in the Lord?
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
When you trust in Jesus and you experience the joy and rightness of living connected to him, you will automatically want others to have that same kind of life. It wouldn't be too loving if you didn't. Those who don't know this life might wonder what all the fuss is all about. Praying for them can have a powerful effect. If they have eyes to see...
The enemies of Elisha are surrounding him, yet he has no fear. Angels of the Lord are surrounding him first. When you are on God’s side, don’t worry. Elisha prays that his servant can see the angels, as well. The servant is terrified until he sees, too.
God’s angels 1 (or infinity, it doesn't matter)- Enemies 0
Game over.
Who can you pray for today who is in need of confidence in the Lord?
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Listen
1 Kings 9:3
The LORD said to him:
"I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me;
After having the temple built, God responds to Solomon’s prayers. God is letting him know they are in this together. He reminds Solomon to be faithful. God lets us know this, too.
When God speaks to Solomon, this is a significant event. This is why it is recorded in the Bible. Hearing the direct voice of God is certainly not the most common communication from God. We can expect God to reveal himself most often through his word, the word of a trusted Christian friend, and through prayer. This is why if we want to hear from God, read the Bible, meet with Christian friends and pray; while all along, listen, listen, listen.
What have you “heard” God saying to you lately?
The LORD said to him:
"I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me;
After having the temple built, God responds to Solomon’s prayers. God is letting him know they are in this together. He reminds Solomon to be faithful. God lets us know this, too.
When God speaks to Solomon, this is a significant event. This is why it is recorded in the Bible. Hearing the direct voice of God is certainly not the most common communication from God. We can expect God to reveal himself most often through his word, the word of a trusted Christian friend, and through prayer. This is why if we want to hear from God, read the Bible, meet with Christian friends and pray; while all along, listen, listen, listen.
What have you “heard” God saying to you lately?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
God knows
1 Kings 8:28
Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.
Solomon was a wise man. He knew where his help would come from. He asks God to listen. Notice he doesn’t ask for God to bless his plans. Instead he asks God to forgive him.
When we pray, we don't need to analyze the situation and then give God all the possible solutions. There is a time for thinking and strategy on our part, but God knows what's going on. We never do wrong to start out with confession. For a forgiven sinner, even the wrong action can result in good if you are keeping close to God. At times, this prayer is appropriate:
“Jesus, forgive me, and give me what I need in spite of what I think I need.”
Where do you need forgiveness today?
Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.
Solomon was a wise man. He knew where his help would come from. He asks God to listen. Notice he doesn’t ask for God to bless his plans. Instead he asks God to forgive him.
When we pray, we don't need to analyze the situation and then give God all the possible solutions. There is a time for thinking and strategy on our part, but God knows what's going on. We never do wrong to start out with confession. For a forgiven sinner, even the wrong action can result in good if you are keeping close to God. At times, this prayer is appropriate:
“Jesus, forgive me, and give me what I need in spite of what I think I need.”
Where do you need forgiveness today?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
pray as you are
1 Samuel 12:23
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
God’s people realize the source of their trouble is themselves. Now they are worried their leader, Samuel, won’t pray for them because they don’t deserve it. We hear Samuel’s answer. We don’t have option of praying only for those who do good. Who would we end up praying for?
Who would pray for me? You? Exactly...
Whom do you need to pray for today whom you would rather not?
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
God’s people realize the source of their trouble is themselves. Now they are worried their leader, Samuel, won’t pray for them because they don’t deserve it. We hear Samuel’s answer. We don’t have option of praying only for those who do good. Who would we end up praying for?
Who would pray for me? You? Exactly...
Whom do you need to pray for today whom you would rather not?
Monday, January 08, 2007
inside out 13
a talk on the soul
-does everyone have one?
- what is it?
- how does it work?
listen to/download inside out 13 at ITunes, "Christcast"
-does everyone have one?
- what is it?
- how does it work?
listen to/download inside out 13 at ITunes, "Christcast"
God hears
1 Samuel 7:8
They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.”
The Philistines kept providing plenty of drama for God’s people. Of course, the most famous Philistine was Goliath, and we know how he ended up. Yet, the Philistines had been a problem long before the time of Goliath. Many times it appears that God allows this to happen as justice, because of the sin of his people.
To cry out to God during times of trouble is the right direction no matter if you are suffering in spite of your actions or because of them. The source of your help is going to be the same.
How do you suffer today? Tell Him.
They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.”
The Philistines kept providing plenty of drama for God’s people. Of course, the most famous Philistine was Goliath, and we know how he ended up. Yet, the Philistines had been a problem long before the time of Goliath. Many times it appears that God allows this to happen as justice, because of the sin of his people.
To cry out to God during times of trouble is the right direction no matter if you are suffering in spite of your actions or because of them. The source of your help is going to be the same.
How do you suffer today? Tell Him.
Friday, January 05, 2007
the connection between New Year and the Christ of Christmas
what is an atheist reponse to Christmas?
what is the connection between New Years resolutions and Christmas?
This sermon is available at ITunes: "Christcast"
what is the connection between New Years resolutions and Christmas?
This sermon is available at ITunes: "Christcast"
weep for the children
1 Samuel 1:10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD, and wept bitterly.
The story of Hannah is another woman who is having a hard time having a baby. This reoccurring biblical theme tells us that instinctively we know that when great things are to happen, the vision is passed on through our children.
There is nothing more important and more difficult than to raise the next generation to love Jesus and trust in him as Lord. There is always the real possibility that our wick slowly dies out and the light that once shone bright in us is not able to attract our own children like little moths to see what is so wonderful about the light. If children don't have faith in Jesus, it is cause for weeping, indeed. We do well to pray with Hannah this day.
What greatness are you teaching yours or someone else’s children about lately?
Thursday, January 04, 2007
show me your glory
Exodus 33:18 Show me your glory, I pray.
God and Moses have a close friendship. This verse refers to when Moses asks to see God and he catches a glimpse of God’s back. Would we really want to see God in his glory? Where all his goodness would be present right there? Well, many got to see Jesus and that never turned out as expected.
The more God has of us, the more God can trust us. This means the manifestation of his power through our lives becomes greater. With this comes joy and great fear. The "holy things" of God are not to be "handled" casually. So, think carefully when you pray, "Show me your glory"-
But pray, "Show me your glory..."
Are you ready to really let God have access to your life?
God and Moses have a close friendship. This verse refers to when Moses asks to see God and he catches a glimpse of God’s back. Would we really want to see God in his glory? Where all his goodness would be present right there? Well, many got to see Jesus and that never turned out as expected.
The more God has of us, the more God can trust us. This means the manifestation of his power through our lives becomes greater. With this comes joy and great fear. The "holy things" of God are not to be "handled" casually. So, think carefully when you pray, "Show me your glory"-
But pray, "Show me your glory..."
Are you ready to really let God have access to your life?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
answered prayer?
Genesis 25:21 Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD granted his prayer.
Isaac had a hard time being born himself. Now it was his turn to sweat it. He and Rachel were not having success at getting pregnant. Isaac does what God’s people do. He talks to God about it. Rather than instantly getting jealous that Isaac’s prayer was answered, I am more intrigued that it was granted.
We often are so sensitive not to offend people who pray and don't get the results they are hoping for, that we ignore the times when our prayers are followed by exactly what we desired would happen. Some people end up treating prayer like it is something to do for the physical, emotional, and spiritual results of those praying only. It is good for your well being, but don't expect God to actually take what is prayed for and respond to what is being said. That's an interesting observation except it is not actually what happens.
When is a time when God gave you exactly what you asked for?
Isaac had a hard time being born himself. Now it was his turn to sweat it. He and Rachel were not having success at getting pregnant. Isaac does what God’s people do. He talks to God about it. Rather than instantly getting jealous that Isaac’s prayer was answered, I am more intrigued that it was granted.
We often are so sensitive not to offend people who pray and don't get the results they are hoping for, that we ignore the times when our prayers are followed by exactly what we desired would happen. Some people end up treating prayer like it is something to do for the physical, emotional, and spiritual results of those praying only. It is good for your well being, but don't expect God to actually take what is prayed for and respond to what is being said. That's an interesting observation except it is not actually what happens.
When is a time when God gave you exactly what you asked for?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
really?
Genesis 20:7 He will pray for you and you shall live.
God speaks to King Abimelech about not taking Sarah as his wife. God says she is really married to Abraham who is a prophet who will pray for Abimelech. It is sometimes confusing to get caught up in God’s ways. Not to God it isn’t.
We need to take a break in thinking that we have God figured out. The sense of certainty that is this exactly what God is thinking comes out of our own desires more than the Lord’s input. It is enough to leave our encounters with God with a healthy dose of, “Whoa! Really?”
When have you been confused about what God wants recently?
God speaks to King Abimelech about not taking Sarah as his wife. God says she is really married to Abraham who is a prophet who will pray for Abimelech. It is sometimes confusing to get caught up in God’s ways. Not to God it isn’t.
We need to take a break in thinking that we have God figured out. The sense of certainty that is this exactly what God is thinking comes out of our own desires more than the Lord’s input. It is enough to leave our encounters with God with a healthy dose of, “Whoa! Really?”
When have you been confused about what God wants recently?
Monday, January 01, 2007
who am I to talk to God?
Genesis 18:27 Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.
Abraham says these words as he is in conversation with God concerning the wickedness of Sodom. This episode is a wonderful example of prayer as speaking with God about the work we are doing together. Can you imagine having a talk with the creator of the universe? At least Abraham knows where he ranks. We are the same. Dust and ashes, as it were.
When we approach God in prayer, we emphasize his being like our "Abba," the Hebrew equivalent of "daddy." Jesus told us to pray to God like this when he gave the model of the Lord's Prayer. At the same time we realize who we really are compared to him. Since he knows everything about us anyway, we might as well come to him in complete honesty.
What is it about yourself that is the best example of your own unworthiness?
Abraham says these words as he is in conversation with God concerning the wickedness of Sodom. This episode is a wonderful example of prayer as speaking with God about the work we are doing together. Can you imagine having a talk with the creator of the universe? At least Abraham knows where he ranks. We are the same. Dust and ashes, as it were.
When we approach God in prayer, we emphasize his being like our "Abba," the Hebrew equivalent of "daddy." Jesus told us to pray to God like this when he gave the model of the Lord's Prayer. At the same time we realize who we really are compared to him. Since he knows everything about us anyway, we might as well come to him in complete honesty.
What is it about yourself that is the best example of your own unworthiness?
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About Me
- Dana
- Pastor from LIFEhouse Church in Northridge CA, focusing on the theme, "How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk."
