Category Archives: Prayer

A Model of Grace and Forgiveness Under Persecution

We previously discussed the courage and faith of Stephen as demonstrated in Acts 7 in a separate article. Today we are focusing on the same scripture with a different perspective.  Stephen modeled his grace and forgiveness after that shown by Yeshua on the cross. It is a powerful scene.

Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He made a strong, biblical defense stating clearly that he was not teaching against the Law, the temple or Moses, and that Yeshua was the promised Messiah consistent with the Law and teachings of Moses. He directly addressed the history in the leadership of Israel in missing and persecuting Yahweh’s prophets and messengers. His point was that they were likewise missing Messiah in Yeshua. Ultimately, Stephen was taken away (unjustly) and stoned to death.

Acts 7:54-60

Stephen Put to Death

      54Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. 58When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.

The manner in which Stephen faced his execution is a model to reflect on. He did not just accept it quietly. He made a strong scriptural, Spirit-filled defense filled with boldness and truth. He confronted those who would deny Yeshua even in the face of death. Then, as he was executed, he turned to the LORD and even asked forgiveness for those who were killing him.

I will be the first to admit that I do not do this as well as Stephen even with minor adversarial encounters, and I have never faced what he did.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may truly and boldly stand for You against those who would come against You. Help us be strong even in the face of personal threats and pressure. Fill us with grace and forgiveness. Amen.

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

What Can We Learn from Solomon’s Benediction?

The full detailed account around Solomon’s presentation celebrating and dedicating the temple is almost overwhelming to take in, but it is worth reading and reflecting on. It is all about going over the top for honoring and respecting YHWH.

There are a few points I would highlight in today’s scripture.

  • Solomon praises YHWH for fulfilling all He promised.
  • Solomon asks that YHWH would never leave nor forsake them.
  • He asks for YHWH to incline their hearts toward Himself so that they would walk in all His ways.
  • He wants everyone to know there is only one God and it is YHWH.
  • He comes back again to the importance of obeying all YHWH’s statutes and commands as a sign of our devotion to Him.

All of these points are still very important for us today in our relationship with our Father.

1 Kings 8:54-61

Solomon’s Benediction

      54When Solomon had finished praying this entire prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven. 55And he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying:

      56“Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant. 57“May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; may He not leave us or forsake us, 58that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, which He commanded our fathers. 59“And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires, 60so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no one else. 61“Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day.”

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Lift Up Thanks And Prayers for Those That Serve

According to Wikipedia:

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service.[1] It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance that also occurs in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.

It is good for us to honor and recognize those who died in military service, those who are actively serving, and those who have served in the past. These people who choose to serve in our military have an impact for our nation and for others around the world.  It is good for us to pray for those still living and the families of those who have passed on.

I would also encourage us to pray for and seek to honor and recognize those individuals who have dedicated their lives to serve in the Lord’s army. There are many who are actively serving the Lord or have done so in the past, some giving up their lives or facing much hardship for the glory of YHWH. Their sacrifice and obedience has impacted the world as well, setting many free from sin and selfishness, leading many to salvation through Christ.

I encourage each of us to take time to pray for these individuals and their families. Let us also give thanks to our Creator for both those who serve in His army and those who serve to protect our nation physically as well.

Shalom.

by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

In the Name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—Walk!

Imagine that you were unable to walk and had been that way since birth. You have never known anything else.  You have no choice but to beg for money to survive. Then along come some men who stop to help you. They demand your attention for a few moments. Those moments change your life.  Expecting only a small bit of money, you receive something much better than money… they set you free from your bondage that has been holding you back since birth… all in the name of Jesus Christ!

Acts 3:1-10

Healing the Lame Beggar

      1Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. 2And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!” 5And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” 7And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

In a way, we are all like the beggar. We are born into the world in bondage to sin… to our own selfish nature and prone to believing the lies of the devil which permeate the world around us and pull us ever further from God. We are just trying to survive, really. Then, someone comes along and offers us something that totally transforms our lives. We must give our attention to it and listen. We must open our hearts to be receptive and then receive what Jesus offers… freedom from bondage.

In Acts 3, the beggar is set free from physical bondage associated with his legs not functioning correctly. For all of us, we can be set free from the bondage that we endure to sin. Listen to the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ! Give it your full attention. Accept the gift which is offered through grace… none of us deserve it , but it is offered to all of us. Accept Jesus as leader of your life, turn from your wrong ways of doing things… from bondage to sin and embrace God’s way of doing things. Jesus came to set us free! (Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.)

Imagine if the beggar turned away and refused what was offered him… we would call him a fool. So too for those of us who hear the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and do not take heed!

Once you have been set free by Jesus… do as the beggar did when he was healed… go forth and praise God publicly and let people know what He has done for you and how it has changed your life! Let your life and the changes in your attitudes and behavior proclaim the glory of Jesus Christ!

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, help me to truly appreciate Your power and glory. Thank You for physical healing when You bring those miracles and thank You for forgiveness from my sins that would otherwise separate me from You. You and You alone are God. Let me not lose focus on You. Let me seek You first. Help me to celebrate joyfully and share the blessings of Your grace and mercy in my life. Let me not keep it to myself. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Prayer and Fasting and Seeking the LORD Wholeheartedly in Crisis

As we read in Chronicles 20, we again see an excellent example of how the LORD wants the righteous to turn to Him and trust in Him when faced by seemingly insurmountable odds.  We may not all face an invading army as Jehoshaphat did, but we all face stress and challenges that may seem overwhelming to us.

As you read 2 Chronicles 20, think of it not just in terms of the context of an invading army but in terms of situations in which you feel overwhelmed and should follow the example of Jehoshaphat and turn to the LORD for deliverance.

2 Chronicles 20:1-34

Judah Invaded

      1Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. 2Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).” 3Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4So Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD.

Jehoshaphat’s Prayer

      5Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD before the new court, 6and he said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You. 7“Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8“They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary there for Your name, saying, 9‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’ 10“Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not destroy them), 11see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance. 12“O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

      13All Judah was standing before the LORD, with their infants, their wives and their children.

Jahaziel Answers the Prayer

      14Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph; 15and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 16‘Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17‘You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you.”

      18Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD19The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

Enemies Destroy Themselves

      20They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.” 21When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the LORD and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” 22When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed. 23For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

      24When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped. 25When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found much among them, including goods, garments and valuable things which they took for themselves, more than they could carry. And they were three days taking the spoil because there was so much.

Triumphant Return to Jerusalem

      26Then on the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore they have named that place “The Valley of Beracah” until today. 27Every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned with Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28They came to Jerusalem with harps, lyres and trumpets to the house of the LORD29And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on all sides.

      31Now Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 32He walked in the way of his father Asa and did not depart from it, doing right in the sight of the LORD33The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet directed their hearts to the God of their fathers.

      34Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first to last, behold, they are written in the annals of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel.

I want to highlight some key elements I find in today’s scripture. I am sure you can find more if you seek it.

  • Jehoshaphat was afraid. It is a human emotion. Don’t be ashamed if you feel fear or difficulty over a situation. Recognize it and turn to the LORD.
  • The people of Judah came together to seek the LORD.
  • The people of Judah fasted together to further emphasize their focus on seeking the LORD in prayer.
  • They came together to pray, led by Jehoshaphat. He led prayer by focusing on who God is and on His power. He focused on how God has delivered them before. He lifted up and glorified the name of Yahweh before even asking for the help he so desperately needed.
  •  The LORD sent His Spirit on one of the crowd and answered. He gave specific details, which may not always  be the case.
  • The people worshipped and praised Yahweh. They did not just disappear and go back to their business after Yahweh said yes to helping them.
  • In this case the LORD said they would not have to fight the enemy. They showed strong faith by sending out those with song and praise in front of the army!
  • As they sang and praised the enemy was defeated.
  • They celebrated with thankful heart after the victory was delivered.
  • Their prayer and trust in the LORD brought them peace beyond the initial battle for which they were asking for help.
  • It all played out for the glory of Yahweh and not Jehoshaphat or the people of Judah.

Prayerfully reflect on these elements and how you may apply them to situations in your own life. Discuss with someone you trust that is submitted to the LORD.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to draw near to You and rely on You in good times and in difficult ones. Please surround me with a family and friends that will seek You alongside me and not abandon me when things get tough. Help us to seek You and glorify You. Let us cast our anxiety upon You for you love us. Thank you for your help!

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Increase and Abound in Love for One Another

A simple prayer for we should pray for ourselves and one another as followers in Christ. It has powerful implications if we start to live this way. Don’t just read it, pray through it!

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

 12and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.

Take time to pray it, dwell on it, apply it to your life. Do not simply skip through it too quickly or you will miss the significance.

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Look To Scripture, Good Judgment, And God For Decisions

After spending 40 days with Yeshua following His death and resurrection, the disciples witnessed His ascension into heaven with a promise that He would come again. Yeshua charged them with a command to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, which God will send as Helper to them and that they will then be Yeshua’s witnesses to all nations to share the good news of the gospel. In Acts 1:12-26, we see that they return to Jerusalem and devote themselves in prayer together. What a wonderful decision to go and pray together as believers, in private, away from distractions to seek the will of the LORD in difficult times.

Acts 1:12-26

The Upper Room

    12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

      15At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16“Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17“For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” 18(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20“For it is written in the book of Psalms,
‘LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE,
AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT’;
and,
‘LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.’

21“Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen 25to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

As the faithful gather in prayer, waiting on the Holy Spirit, they look also to God’s word in scripture for what actions to take. Peter stands and addresses the people and reminds them that Yeshua had to be betrayed by Judas to fulfill Yahweh’s plan and prophecy through David. They followed the instruction of scripture and selected another man to replace Judas among the twelve. They did not choose randomly, but selected based on demonstration of faithfulness and someone who had been with them from the beginning. Then they prayed for Yahweh to help them pick one and drew lots. They understood the importance of prayer and scripture. They understood the value of seeking the Father’s help in selecting this person rather than deciding on their own. But they also did not just pick random people before asking Yahweh’s input. They made a solid, logical, reasonable approach to narrow the field to two candidates, then asked Yahweh to identify which one they should choose.

We, too, should consider scripture, prayer and good judgment when making decisions in our lives. Our Father wants us to come to Him as well. He cares and will help us if we ask Him. What decisions do you need to turn over to Yahweh today? Seek clarity in the scriptures, use good judgment in assessing your options, and yes… come before Him humbly in prayer and ask Him to show you the answers. Then accept His answer and do as He tells you, even if you wanted a different result.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead and guide Your people in righteousness and wisdom. Help us have discernment in decision making and faithfulness in coming before You to help guide and instruct us. Thank You for Your written word and the Spirit who is here to help us. Please open my eyes to the key decisions I need to bring before You today and in the future. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.