"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
One of my favorite stories in the bible can be found in Judges 10. Essentially, the people of God had a habit of adopting the traits, behaviors, beliefs and religious practices of their pagan neighbors. This is characterized by the following: "And the children of Israel did evil again [emphasis mine] in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab...thus they forsook the Lord and did not serve Him," Judges 10:6. The result of such faithlessness was that they were turned over to the crushing and brutal hands of their enemies. Whenever this happened, they cried out to God for salvation and relief, promising to quit their wicked ways and to never be idolaters again, if only He would help them.
On this particular occasion, God had a rather unexpected answer for them. He said, "You have forsaken me and served other gods; therefore I will no longer deliver you. Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress," Judges 10:13-14.
I'm reminded of this story because it is not unusual for me to receive calls from friends, acquaintances and church members, soliciting prayer. In a recent particular case, however, the call came from someone dear to me. I know this person to be a believer but also know them to be inactive in the faith and in their relationship with God. They are experiencing a season of need, uncertainty, discomfort and distress. Inevitably, a pleading to God for relief has begun and yours truly has been engaged.
Beloved, it is always a mistake to treat God as if he is an alarm, an axe or a fire hose behind glass to be broken in case of an emergency. Our relationship with God is designed to be as that of a Father and his children. In this relationship, we are to be constantly engaged, in constant communication and in constant proximity, in spirit if not physically. When the trips, falls, bruises, other accidents or even disobediences of life occur, it is in our best interest for us to have well worn paths of access to Him from whom we seek our help. How much more readily available is that assistance when we are close than if we are distant and disconnected?
None of this is to say that God will not rescue even the dilettante among us. "The sons of Israel said to the Lord, 'We have sinned, do to us whatever seems good to You; only please deliver us this day.' So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord; and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer [emphasis mine]", Judges 10:15-16. The encouragement herein is to not have a prayer life that consists of last minute, emergency or bottom of the barrel prayers but one that is indicative of a close, warm personal relationship with the Father. Then, you will have gained the experience to know that whatever His answer may be, it will be for the ultimate good.
Building God's family,
Lee
Showing posts with label answered prayers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label answered prayers. Show all posts
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Friday, January 27, 2017
He Hears 1/27/2017
"Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David, "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you."
2 Kings 20:4
King Hezekiah had just received the worse news of his life. He was told by the prophet Isaiah to set his house in order because the illness from which he was suffering was about to take his life. As you might imagine, Hezekiah was beside himself and immediately went into prayer, begging that he be allowed to live.
Many of us struggle in our prayer life. We sometimes wonder if our prayers make it beyond the ceiling. We sometimes wonder if God is home or if He cares at all. It may be that we feel this way because we don't always get what we want. Make no mistake, it is understood that some of the things we want are entirely and sometimes urgently needed. We pray out of pain, fear, concern for another, worry, imminent danger and other things we consider critical. We are subject to becoming despondent and shaken in our faith if we feel God does not look at things the way that we do.
Beloved, it is our faith that should carry us through the times when it seems that God is missing in action. It is our trust in Him that should remind us that all things work together for good to them that are the called according to his purpose, even and especially when things seem that they are at their worst. We need to remember the agony suffered by God's only begotten in the garden of Gethsemane. Remember that God did not allow that cup to pass. Remember that if He had, there would be no salvation for you and I today. Remember that despite Christ's great suffering at our hands and on our behalf, he is even now at the right hand of the Father advocating for us. We can only hope that the times that God may say "no" would accomplish an end so noble and beneficial. Lastly, remember that God is never absent. He is everywhere at all times knowing all things with every ability. That said, he also has the ability to be silent.
In Hezekiah's case, God not only heard but responded. God not only responded but He responded so immediately that Isaiah had not even managed to get out of the house before he was directed to go back and give the king the good news. Let us also not forget the times when we have prayed and received an immediate response. Many of us cite those times as proof of His existence in our own minds. Whatever it is that you think, understand that His ways are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth. You may or may not receive an immediate or affirmative answer to your prayers. Regardless, have faith that God knows exactly what He is doing and He hears and responds in one way or another to all of our prayers.
Pursuing discipleship,
Lee
2 Kings 20:4
King Hezekiah had just received the worse news of his life. He was told by the prophet Isaiah to set his house in order because the illness from which he was suffering was about to take his life. As you might imagine, Hezekiah was beside himself and immediately went into prayer, begging that he be allowed to live.
Many of us struggle in our prayer life. We sometimes wonder if our prayers make it beyond the ceiling. We sometimes wonder if God is home or if He cares at all. It may be that we feel this way because we don't always get what we want. Make no mistake, it is understood that some of the things we want are entirely and sometimes urgently needed. We pray out of pain, fear, concern for another, worry, imminent danger and other things we consider critical. We are subject to becoming despondent and shaken in our faith if we feel God does not look at things the way that we do.
Beloved, it is our faith that should carry us through the times when it seems that God is missing in action. It is our trust in Him that should remind us that all things work together for good to them that are the called according to his purpose, even and especially when things seem that they are at their worst. We need to remember the agony suffered by God's only begotten in the garden of Gethsemane. Remember that God did not allow that cup to pass. Remember that if He had, there would be no salvation for you and I today. Remember that despite Christ's great suffering at our hands and on our behalf, he is even now at the right hand of the Father advocating for us. We can only hope that the times that God may say "no" would accomplish an end so noble and beneficial. Lastly, remember that God is never absent. He is everywhere at all times knowing all things with every ability. That said, he also has the ability to be silent.
In Hezekiah's case, God not only heard but responded. God not only responded but He responded so immediately that Isaiah had not even managed to get out of the house before he was directed to go back and give the king the good news. Let us also not forget the times when we have prayed and received an immediate response. Many of us cite those times as proof of His existence in our own minds. Whatever it is that you think, understand that His ways are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth. You may or may not receive an immediate or affirmative answer to your prayers. Regardless, have faith that God knows exactly what He is doing and He hears and responds in one way or another to all of our prayers.
Pursuing discipleship,
Lee
Thursday, January 14, 2016
You Know and You Know You Know It 1/14/2016
"Why do you complain to him
that he responds to no one’s words?
For God does speak—now one way, now another—
though no one perceives it.
In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on people
as they slumber in their beds,
he may speak in their ears
and terrify them with warnings,
to turn them from wrongdoing
and keep them from pride,
to preserve them from the pit,
their lives from perishing by the sword."
Job 33:14-18 (NIV)
When Job famously experienced some of the worst tragedies known to man, he eventually began to question God. He justified himself, wondered aloud to his friends why God was punishing him and most importantly complained about God's lack of response (Job 33:8-13).
So often we find ourselves in Job's frame of mind. We think more of ourselves than we ought. While in the moment we think our circumstance is worse than it really is. And when our faith fails, we somehow think that God is not only absent but unaware.
Beloved, what we must know and believe is that God is all present, all knowing and all powerful. There is nothing that escapes His eye (Matthew 10:29-31). Not only does He know your situation and hear your cries, He answers! Have you ever come to the crossroads of a decision to do right or wrong and hear that voice in your head saying, "Now you know what you should do don't you?" Have you ever gone to bed with a dilemma and arisen the next morning with a decision about what you will do? Have you ever gone to a friend with a problem, hoping that they would tell you what you wanted to hear only to have them tell you what you actually needed to hear?
You see, God speaks to us in many ways. If we do not know it consciously, we most certainly know it subconsciously. In fact many of us refer to this phenomenon as our conscience, typically depicted by an angel on our shoulder arguing against the devil on the other one. My mom always taught me to do what I know is right. It turns out that she received that advice from God (James 4:17). The fact is that we know right from wrong and good from bad and we make our own choices. The more spiritually mature among us know that God is present with us and offers us guidance every day of our lives. Though we may fail to realize it, or worse, claim to the contrary, God knows, hears and answers. We know it. We know we know it. We just need to listen attentively and stop giving ourselves excuses to do other than what we know is right as we accuse Him of not being present. He is.
Practically speaking,
Lee
that he responds to no one’s words?
For God does speak—now one way, now another—
though no one perceives it.
In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on people
as they slumber in their beds,
he may speak in their ears
and terrify them with warnings,
to turn them from wrongdoing
and keep them from pride,
to preserve them from the pit,
their lives from perishing by the sword."
Job 33:14-18 (NIV)
When Job famously experienced some of the worst tragedies known to man, he eventually began to question God. He justified himself, wondered aloud to his friends why God was punishing him and most importantly complained about God's lack of response (Job 33:8-13).
So often we find ourselves in Job's frame of mind. We think more of ourselves than we ought. While in the moment we think our circumstance is worse than it really is. And when our faith fails, we somehow think that God is not only absent but unaware.
Beloved, what we must know and believe is that God is all present, all knowing and all powerful. There is nothing that escapes His eye (Matthew 10:29-31). Not only does He know your situation and hear your cries, He answers! Have you ever come to the crossroads of a decision to do right or wrong and hear that voice in your head saying, "Now you know what you should do don't you?" Have you ever gone to bed with a dilemma and arisen the next morning with a decision about what you will do? Have you ever gone to a friend with a problem, hoping that they would tell you what you wanted to hear only to have them tell you what you actually needed to hear?
You see, God speaks to us in many ways. If we do not know it consciously, we most certainly know it subconsciously. In fact many of us refer to this phenomenon as our conscience, typically depicted by an angel on our shoulder arguing against the devil on the other one. My mom always taught me to do what I know is right. It turns out that she received that advice from God (James 4:17). The fact is that we know right from wrong and good from bad and we make our own choices. The more spiritually mature among us know that God is present with us and offers us guidance every day of our lives. Though we may fail to realize it, or worse, claim to the contrary, God knows, hears and answers. We know it. We know we know it. We just need to listen attentively and stop giving ourselves excuses to do other than what we know is right as we accuse Him of not being present. He is.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Just Believing 11/12/2013
"Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, 'Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.'” Luke 8:50 (NIV)
There was once a man named Jairus who the Bible describes as a synagogue leader. His responsibilities would have been to conduct services, select participants and supervise the worship. In Christianity, the equivelant might be a worship leader, deacon or even minister. In any case, Jairus had a daughter who was very near death. Knowing of Jesus and his capabilities and knowing that he was in the area, he ran to him, fell at his feet and begged him to come to his home and save his daughter.
As a parent, I do not have to imagine what Jairus was going through. I remember writing in my daughter's baby book as she lay in my arms just days old that it was my job and my promise to love her and protect her from all threats. I found out as Jairus found out that you can't protect your babies from everything. I found out that there are things for which there is no defense. I found out what it is like to see her lying in bed and praying that God would just let me trade places with her, knowing all the while that it was nothing more than a desparate father's wish and that it could never happen. I know what it is like to be utterly helpless and reduced to wracking sobs. But like Jairus, I also know what it is like to have hope and faith in Jesus.
Beloved, there are so many things that are beyond our power to affect. We wonder why these things happen while struggling to hold on to God with everything we've got. Our faith is stong but it is SO hard and it hurts so much. It is particularly hurtful to have to stand by and watch someone we love struggle in their affliction. Jairus was told that his daughter had died and to stop "bothering" Jesus (Luke 8:49). But praise God, Jesus said to not be afraid and to just believe. Jesus went to his home and healed his daughter.
My name is Lee and I am the worship leader at the O'Fallon Church of Christ. I humbly solicit your prayers for my daughter who is hurting, for her mother who is hurting, for her siblings who are hurting and for her father who is hurting. I am at Jesus' feet, begging for him to fix my little girl. I believe in him. I believe him. And I believe he will.
Committed,
Lee
There was once a man named Jairus who the Bible describes as a synagogue leader. His responsibilities would have been to conduct services, select participants and supervise the worship. In Christianity, the equivelant might be a worship leader, deacon or even minister. In any case, Jairus had a daughter who was very near death. Knowing of Jesus and his capabilities and knowing that he was in the area, he ran to him, fell at his feet and begged him to come to his home and save his daughter.
As a parent, I do not have to imagine what Jairus was going through. I remember writing in my daughter's baby book as she lay in my arms just days old that it was my job and my promise to love her and protect her from all threats. I found out as Jairus found out that you can't protect your babies from everything. I found out that there are things for which there is no defense. I found out what it is like to see her lying in bed and praying that God would just let me trade places with her, knowing all the while that it was nothing more than a desparate father's wish and that it could never happen. I know what it is like to be utterly helpless and reduced to wracking sobs. But like Jairus, I also know what it is like to have hope and faith in Jesus.
Beloved, there are so many things that are beyond our power to affect. We wonder why these things happen while struggling to hold on to God with everything we've got. Our faith is stong but it is SO hard and it hurts so much. It is particularly hurtful to have to stand by and watch someone we love struggle in their affliction. Jairus was told that his daughter had died and to stop "bothering" Jesus (Luke 8:49). But praise God, Jesus said to not be afraid and to just believe. Jesus went to his home and healed his daughter.
My name is Lee and I am the worship leader at the O'Fallon Church of Christ. I humbly solicit your prayers for my daughter who is hurting, for her mother who is hurting, for her siblings who are hurting and for her father who is hurting. I am at Jesus' feet, begging for him to fix my little girl. I believe in him. I believe him. And I believe he will.
Committed,
Lee
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Spititual Life Lessons 7/3/2013
"I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live." Psa 116:1-2
Dad,
Hope all is well with you. I received a call yesterday from a company offering me an instructor job in Shreveport, LA. This was odd because they found me (instead of me applying) and I had been praying for a better job. On top of that Tasha's father isn't doing too well, I just spoke to both of her parents on Monday. I informed them of my plans to move back to TX for grad school. Both were happy to hear the plans and state how nice it would to have everyone closer.
In the past, I've jump on opportunities such as this, and things didn't work out too well. I was unhappy with my then current situation and allowed myself to me swayed by "possibilities". We are in a good situation (could be better) and I'm very close to finishing school. Moving wouldn't disrupt school or any of my future plan, except where I do my reserve duty (which isn't a huge deal). My problem is I feel like I'm repeating the same behavior that has caused so much friction in prior situations, friction that I want to avoid at all cost. Yet, I have been praying for something like this for a while, and I don't want to miss a blessing. I have given it to God, but for some reason I feel compelled to seek your advice. What are your thoughts on the matter? How does one know if they are being blessed or being tested?
Brandon
I always wanted to come to Missouri to advance my secular career. I prayed to go many times but was shut down every time. It wasn't until after I received my ordination and a few very significant family things lined up that things opened up and they opened wide. During the interim, I prayed for what I wanted, but more than that I learned to pray that his will be done in my life. Not knowing any other way to make a decision consistent with his will, I told God that I would apply. I would take another turn down as a no and an acceptance as yes. We've been in Missouri 11 years now and among many other great things that have happened, I've been promoted to a dream job, become the minister of a fine congregation and finished a grad degree in religion. In retrospect, it all seems that it was the right decision and God blessed it. It wasn't nearly as clear beforehand.
I won't tell you what I think you should do as far as your particular decision. I will tell you, however, to stay in prayer, appeal to God, fast about it and go where you think the Spirit is leading you. I think it says a lot that you are approaching it this way, when perhaps in the past it wasn't as much the case. God will bless your spiritual growth and maturity.
I have prayed that God will give you clarity regarding this issue and cause you to make a decision that is in keeping with his will for your life.
I realize that none of this as solid as a voice that comes from heaven saying do this or do that. But that is where faith comes in. We walk by faith and not by sight and that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. If you do what you do for the right reasons and with the right motivation, I believe God will bless it. And even if this particular decision doesn't end up going the way you think it should, having made it with proper spiritual intent and humility, know that ultimately, God will work all things together for good. What ever decision you make will result either either in the God intended destination and answer to your prayers or just a step along the way on the path he has laid out for you.
Remember that Peter had confidence enough to step out of a perfectly good boat armed only with faith that Jesus would sustain him and this, in the middle of a storm. Even when his faith faltered, Jesus was there to save him.
Have faith. Have confidence. Make a prayerful decision and know that come what may, the Lord has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Love,
Dad
Dad,
Hope all is well with you. I received a call yesterday from a company offering me an instructor job in Shreveport, LA. This was odd because they found me (instead of me applying) and I had been praying for a better job. On top of that Tasha's father isn't doing too well, I just spoke to both of her parents on Monday. I informed them of my plans to move back to TX for grad school. Both were happy to hear the plans and state how nice it would to have everyone closer.
In the past, I've jump on opportunities such as this, and things didn't work out too well. I was unhappy with my then current situation and allowed myself to me swayed by "possibilities". We are in a good situation (could be better) and I'm very close to finishing school. Moving wouldn't disrupt school or any of my future plan, except where I do my reserve duty (which isn't a huge deal). My problem is I feel like I'm repeating the same behavior that has caused so much friction in prior situations, friction that I want to avoid at all cost. Yet, I have been praying for something like this for a while, and I don't want to miss a blessing. I have given it to God, but for some reason I feel compelled to seek your advice. What are your thoughts on the matter? How does one know if they are being blessed or being tested?
Brandon
***
Beloved son,
That is an age old and very deep question. Gone are the days when God appears to us in visions and dreams (though he can still do it if he wants, I tend toward Heb 1:1-2). We must now depend on spiritual discernment, movement of the Spirit and of course prayer. These can sometimes be maddeningly uncertain things and sometimes you never really know until after the fact.
I always wanted to come to Missouri to advance my secular career. I prayed to go many times but was shut down every time. It wasn't until after I received my ordination and a few very significant family things lined up that things opened up and they opened wide. During the interim, I prayed for what I wanted, but more than that I learned to pray that his will be done in my life. Not knowing any other way to make a decision consistent with his will, I told God that I would apply. I would take another turn down as a no and an acceptance as yes. We've been in Missouri 11 years now and among many other great things that have happened, I've been promoted to a dream job, become the minister of a fine congregation and finished a grad degree in religion. In retrospect, it all seems that it was the right decision and God blessed it. It wasn't nearly as clear beforehand.
I won't tell you what I think you should do as far as your particular decision. I will tell you, however, to stay in prayer, appeal to God, fast about it and go where you think the Spirit is leading you. I think it says a lot that you are approaching it this way, when perhaps in the past it wasn't as much the case. God will bless your spiritual growth and maturity.
I have prayed that God will give you clarity regarding this issue and cause you to make a decision that is in keeping with his will for your life.
I realize that none of this as solid as a voice that comes from heaven saying do this or do that. But that is where faith comes in. We walk by faith and not by sight and that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. If you do what you do for the right reasons and with the right motivation, I believe God will bless it. And even if this particular decision doesn't end up going the way you think it should, having made it with proper spiritual intent and humility, know that ultimately, God will work all things together for good. What ever decision you make will result either either in the God intended destination and answer to your prayers or just a step along the way on the path he has laid out for you.
Remember that Peter had confidence enough to step out of a perfectly good boat armed only with faith that Jesus would sustain him and this, in the middle of a storm. Even when his faith faltered, Jesus was there to save him.
Have faith. Have confidence. Make a prayerful decision and know that come what may, the Lord has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Love,
Dad
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Things to Consider in Your Prayer Life-7/5/12
"When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. I said, “I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses." Neh 1:4-7
Nehemiah had just received word from his brother that dear Jerusalem and the people of God were in the saddest state of affairs. Though they had relatively recently been freed from exile, their society was in a shambles, they were not worshipping properly if at all and the wall that surrounded the city was in desperate disrepair. Being afflicted in his heart, Nehemiah immediately sat down and prayed.
Beloved, there are many things we can learn about prayer from Nehemiah. Most of us are aware of the so called "Lord's Prayer" which is also an effective model, however note the enhanced content of Nehemiah's supplication. It featured:
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Nehemiah had just received word from his brother that dear Jerusalem and the people of God were in the saddest state of affairs. Though they had relatively recently been freed from exile, their society was in a shambles, they were not worshipping properly if at all and the wall that surrounded the city was in desperate disrepair. Being afflicted in his heart, Nehemiah immediately sat down and prayed.
Beloved, there are many things we can learn about prayer from Nehemiah. Most of us are aware of the so called "Lord's Prayer" which is also an effective model, however note the enhanced content of Nehemiah's supplication. It featured:
- Heartfelt emotion-he wept
- Consistency-he did so for days
- Frequency-he did so day and night
- Sacrifice-he fasted
- Praise-he glorified God
- Knowledge of God-he referenced the covenant
- Confession-he acknowledged his shortcomings as well as that of his people
- Request-he asked for an audience for his prayers and success in his planned endeavor
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
He Hears-12/13/2011
"Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David, "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you."
2 Kings 20:4
Many of us struggle in our prayer life. We sometimes wonder if our prayers make it beyond the ceiling. We sometimes wonder if God is home or if He cares at all. It may be that we feel this way because we don't always get what we want. Make no mistake, it is understood that some of the things we want are entirely and sometimes urgently needful. We pray out of pain, fear, concern for another, worry, imminent danger and other things we consider critical. We are subject to becoming despondent and shaken in our faith if we feel God does not look at things the way that we do.
Beloved, it is our faith that should carry us through the times when it seems that God is missing in action. It is our trust in Him that should remind us that all things work together for good to them that are the called according to his purpose, even and especially when things seem that they are at their worst. We need to remember the agony suffered by God's only begotten in the garden of Gethsemane. Remember that God did not allow that cup to pass. Remember that if He had, there would be no salvation for you and I today. Remember that despite Christ's great suffering at our hands and on our behalf, he is even now at the right hand of the Father advocating for us. We can only hope that the times that God may say "no" would accomplish an end so noble and beneficial. Lastly, remember that God is never absent. He is everywhere at all times knowing all things with every ability. That said, he also has the ability to be silent.
Let us also not forget the times when we have prayed and received an immediate response. Many of us cite those times as proof of His existence in our own minds. Whatever it is that you think, understand that His ways are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth. God knows exactly what He is doing. We must know that fact too.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
2 Kings 20:4
Many of us struggle in our prayer life. We sometimes wonder if our prayers make it beyond the ceiling. We sometimes wonder if God is home or if He cares at all. It may be that we feel this way because we don't always get what we want. Make no mistake, it is understood that some of the things we want are entirely and sometimes urgently needful. We pray out of pain, fear, concern for another, worry, imminent danger and other things we consider critical. We are subject to becoming despondent and shaken in our faith if we feel God does not look at things the way that we do.
Beloved, it is our faith that should carry us through the times when it seems that God is missing in action. It is our trust in Him that should remind us that all things work together for good to them that are the called according to his purpose, even and especially when things seem that they are at their worst. We need to remember the agony suffered by God's only begotten in the garden of Gethsemane. Remember that God did not allow that cup to pass. Remember that if He had, there would be no salvation for you and I today. Remember that despite Christ's great suffering at our hands and on our behalf, he is even now at the right hand of the Father advocating for us. We can only hope that the times that God may say "no" would accomplish an end so noble and beneficial. Lastly, remember that God is never absent. He is everywhere at all times knowing all things with every ability. That said, he also has the ability to be silent.
Let us also not forget the times when we have prayed and received an immediate response. Many of us cite those times as proof of His existence in our own minds. Whatever it is that you think, understand that His ways are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth. God knows exactly what He is doing. We must know that fact too.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, December 5, 2011
Beginning With Jesus-12/5/2010
"A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse — after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, "If I just touch His garments, I will get well." Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction." Mark 5:25-29
There is so much available in Jesus. Unfortunately many of us do not realize this until we are at the bitter end of what is available in and of ourselves. Far too often we start with us rather than Jesus. Case in point is the hemorrhagic woman. She had suffered for years, gone to many doctors, exhausted all of her funds and found herself down to no options except one.
Beloved think of the pain, suffering, heartache and utter despair that could be saved by beginning with Jesus. He has been described as a heart fixer, a mind regulator, a balm in Gilead and the Great Physician. There is no ill that we suffer that Jesus cannot fix. We should endeavor to begin with faith strong enough to call on him and believe that he what we need is available in him rather than arriving at that point when there is nothing else we can do. This is the true essence and benefit of a relationship with the Savior.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There is so much available in Jesus. Unfortunately many of us do not realize this until we are at the bitter end of what is available in and of ourselves. Far too often we start with us rather than Jesus. Case in point is the hemorrhagic woman. She had suffered for years, gone to many doctors, exhausted all of her funds and found herself down to no options except one.
Beloved think of the pain, suffering, heartache and utter despair that could be saved by beginning with Jesus. He has been described as a heart fixer, a mind regulator, a balm in Gilead and the Great Physician. There is no ill that we suffer that Jesus cannot fix. We should endeavor to begin with faith strong enough to call on him and believe that he what we need is available in him rather than arriving at that point when there is nothing else we can do. This is the true essence and benefit of a relationship with the Savior.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Will Alignment-DD 5/17/2011
"He said, 'Thus says the Lord, 'Make this valley full of trenches.' "For thus says the Lord, 'You shall not see wind nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, both you and your cattle and your beasts. 2 Kings 3:16-17
The kings of Judah and Edom had allied themselves with aggrieved king of Israel, Jehoram, in an effort to do battle with the offending king of Moab. It should be noted that Jehoram was a wicked king but the king of Judah was righteous. Having set their battle plan to go through an area of wilderness, they found themselves without water for their men and animals. Wisely, they sought the prophet Elijah to advocate for them with God. It should also be noted that Elijah would have had nothing to do with Jehoram had it not been for the presence of Judah's king.
God's instruction, in short, was to prepare themselves for a miraculous blessing. They would have all the water they needed if they followed His instructions. They would not be inundated by rain which might have actually hindered their efforts, yet the Lord promised that they would have water.
Beloved, we do not always know how God will accomplish those things for which we have prayed, but we should always be prepared for an affirmative answer when the request aligns with His will. In this case the Moabites had offended God and wronged His people. It may be in your life that God take action in order to accomplish His will. Perhaps you WILL receive that promotion in order to be able to carry His word to more people and contribute more financially to His kingdom. Perhaps you WILL recover your health in an effort to be more convinced of His grace and mercy and will in turn be an encouragement to others. Perhaps He WILL send a spouse to you in order to allow you to defeat temptation and thereby be preserved. But as the kings did, you must prepare to receive such blessings.
God truly delivered on His promise to the kings. Not only did they have water to drink, but the blood like appearance of the waters' reflection of the rising sun caused the enemy to believe the kings had fought among themselves. Thinking this they went out to meet the prepared and army and were themselves consumed.
Our God is a mighty God who blesses His children in accordance with His will. Does yours align with His? Despite the fact that there may be Jehorams in your life, be sure that you are the Judah that finds favor.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
The kings of Judah and Edom had allied themselves with aggrieved king of Israel, Jehoram, in an effort to do battle with the offending king of Moab. It should be noted that Jehoram was a wicked king but the king of Judah was righteous. Having set their battle plan to go through an area of wilderness, they found themselves without water for their men and animals. Wisely, they sought the prophet Elijah to advocate for them with God. It should also be noted that Elijah would have had nothing to do with Jehoram had it not been for the presence of Judah's king.
God's instruction, in short, was to prepare themselves for a miraculous blessing. They would have all the water they needed if they followed His instructions. They would not be inundated by rain which might have actually hindered their efforts, yet the Lord promised that they would have water.
Beloved, we do not always know how God will accomplish those things for which we have prayed, but we should always be prepared for an affirmative answer when the request aligns with His will. In this case the Moabites had offended God and wronged His people. It may be in your life that God take action in order to accomplish His will. Perhaps you WILL receive that promotion in order to be able to carry His word to more people and contribute more financially to His kingdom. Perhaps you WILL recover your health in an effort to be more convinced of His grace and mercy and will in turn be an encouragement to others. Perhaps He WILL send a spouse to you in order to allow you to defeat temptation and thereby be preserved. But as the kings did, you must prepare to receive such blessings.
God truly delivered on His promise to the kings. Not only did they have water to drink, but the blood like appearance of the waters' reflection of the rising sun caused the enemy to believe the kings had fought among themselves. Thinking this they went out to meet the prepared and army and were themselves consumed.
Our God is a mighty God who blesses His children in accordance with His will. Does yours align with His? Despite the fact that there may be Jehorams in your life, be sure that you are the Judah that finds favor.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
When God Says "Yes!"-DD 4/20/2011
"But Hannah replied, "No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord. "Do not consider your maidservant as a worthless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation." Then Eli answered and said, " Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him." 1 Sam 1:15-17
Hannah was a woman whose womb was shut up, preventing her from living out her most heartfelt desire; she desired to give birth to a son. She prayed to the Lord day and night for the desires of her heart. Despite the fact that she had a supportive husband, her prayers seemingly went unanswered. During one of many annual trips to Shiloh to pray and sacrifice, she wept bitterly and promised the Lord that if He would give her a child, she would dedicate the boy back to Him. She caught the attention of Eli the priest who initially thought she was drunk. Ultimately understanding her plight, he encouraged her to go in peace, asking that the Lord give her the desires of her heart. In due time she conceived, rejoiced, and turned the boy over to Eli for the service of the Lord as she promised.
Beloved, it is a glorious blessing to our lives when God says, "yes" to the desires of our hearts. We pray, we beg and we cry for those things that are needful (or just wanted) in our lives. Some of us even make bargains with the Lord, promising to do this or that if our requests find favor with Him.
God does not always say yes, but when he does, we must always remember from whence our blessings come. We should celebrate with everything we have within us. And perhaps most importantly, we must remember to honor those things which we have committed. He blesses us for us, but always gives abundantly more than we ask that we may bless others and return some of that blessing to him.
Surely our God is a great God and delights in blessing His children. Let us rejoice! Thank you Father!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Hannah was a woman whose womb was shut up, preventing her from living out her most heartfelt desire; she desired to give birth to a son. She prayed to the Lord day and night for the desires of her heart. Despite the fact that she had a supportive husband, her prayers seemingly went unanswered. During one of many annual trips to Shiloh to pray and sacrifice, she wept bitterly and promised the Lord that if He would give her a child, she would dedicate the boy back to Him. She caught the attention of Eli the priest who initially thought she was drunk. Ultimately understanding her plight, he encouraged her to go in peace, asking that the Lord give her the desires of her heart. In due time she conceived, rejoiced, and turned the boy over to Eli for the service of the Lord as she promised.
Beloved, it is a glorious blessing to our lives when God says, "yes" to the desires of our hearts. We pray, we beg and we cry for those things that are needful (or just wanted) in our lives. Some of us even make bargains with the Lord, promising to do this or that if our requests find favor with Him.
God does not always say yes, but when he does, we must always remember from whence our blessings come. We should celebrate with everything we have within us. And perhaps most importantly, we must remember to honor those things which we have committed. He blesses us for us, but always gives abundantly more than we ask that we may bless others and return some of that blessing to him.
Surely our God is a great God and delights in blessing His children. Let us rejoice! Thank you Father!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, January 24, 2011
Rejoicing in "Yes"-DD 1/24/2011
"Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David, " I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. "I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake and for My servant David's sake." 2 Kings 20:5-6
King Hezekiah had contracted a mortal illness. God sent his prophet Isaiah to warn him that his life was shortly to come to a conclusion. As any of us would upon hearing such news, Hezekiah immediately went into prayer and besought the Lord.
There are many things that move us to prayer. Though it is a means for us to communicate with our Maker, most often we are requesting favor for ourselves or others. Depending on where we are in our faith, we seek Him anywhere from the beginning of our troubles, having learned to trust Him, to a time that is at he very end of our own efforts, having no other options. In either case, we are fervently looking for an answer, prayerfully a positive one.
Beloved, God hears our appeals and is sensitive to them. In this case, His answer was both immediate and positive. Though His will is the final arbiter of such things, it is especially gratifying to experience the times when what we desire is in fact consistent with His will. God is to be thanked for every answered prayer, but we rejoice all the more when His answer to us is "Yes."
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
King Hezekiah had contracted a mortal illness. God sent his prophet Isaiah to warn him that his life was shortly to come to a conclusion. As any of us would upon hearing such news, Hezekiah immediately went into prayer and besought the Lord.
There are many things that move us to prayer. Though it is a means for us to communicate with our Maker, most often we are requesting favor for ourselves or others. Depending on where we are in our faith, we seek Him anywhere from the beginning of our troubles, having learned to trust Him, to a time that is at he very end of our own efforts, having no other options. In either case, we are fervently looking for an answer, prayerfully a positive one.
Beloved, God hears our appeals and is sensitive to them. In this case, His answer was both immediate and positive. Though His will is the final arbiter of such things, it is especially gratifying to experience the times when what we desire is in fact consistent with His will. God is to be thanked for every answered prayer, but we rejoice all the more when His answer to us is "Yes."
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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