Category Archives: Interceding for Others

Help / Serve Others, Interceding for Others, Leadership, Learning To Pray Effectively, Psalms, Purposeful / Intentional

A Prayer for Justice and Righteousness (Psalm 72)

Have you ever prayed for a world filled with justice, righteousness, and peace, where the needs of the oppressed are met, and the vulnerable are protected?

In Psalm 72, we encounter a heartfelt prayer for the reign of a righteous king who embodies God’s justice and compassion, offering hope for a world transformed by His divine rule.

Reconnect: As we delve into Psalm 72, we find ourselves drawn into the vision of a kingdom characterized by righteousness, justice, and peace. This psalm paints a vivid picture of God’s ideal ruler, whose reign brings blessing and prosperity to all people, especially the poor and marginalized.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 72

The Reign of the Righteous King.

A Psalm of Solomon.

     1Give the king Your judgments, O God,
And Your righteousness to the king’s son.

      2May he judge Your people with righteousness
And Your afflicted with justice.

      3Let the mountains bring peace to the people,
And the hills, in righteousness.

      4May he vindicate the afflicted of the people,
Save the children of the needy
And crush the oppressor.

      5Let them fear You while the sun endures,
And as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

      6May he come down like rain upon the mown grass,
Like showers that water the earth.

      7In his days may the righteous flourish,
And abundance of peace till the moon is no more.

      8May he also rule from sea to sea
And from the River to the ends of the earth.

      9Let the nomads of the desert bow before him,
And his enemies lick the dust.

      10Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents;
The kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

      11And let all kings bow down before him,
All nations serve him.

      12For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help,
The afflicted also, and him who has no helper.

      13He will have compassion on the poor and needy,
And the lives of the needy he will save.

      14He will rescue their life from oppression and violence,
And their blood will be precious in his sight;

      15So may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him;
And let them pray for him continually;
Let them bless him all day long.

      16May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains;
Its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon;
And may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth.

      17May his name endure forever;
May his name increase as long as the sun shines;
And let men bless themselves by him;
Let all nations call him blessed.

      18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,
Who alone works wonders.

      19And blessed be His glorious name forever;
And may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen, and Amen.

      20The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Summary Key Points:

  1. A Prayer for the King: Psalm 72 opens with a prayer for the king, petitioning God to endow him with wisdom, righteousness, and compassion. The psalmist expresses hope that the king will rule with justice and defend the cause of the oppressed, bringing prosperity and abundance to the land.
  2. The King’s Reign: Throughout the psalm, we glimpse the attributes of the ideal king whose reign embodies God’s justice and righteousness. He champions the cause of the poor and needy, delivering them from oppression and violence. Under his rule, peace flourishes, and the land prospers.
  3. The Impact of Righteous Rule: The psalmist envisions the far-reaching effects of righteous governance, with the king’s rule extending from sea to sea, encompassing all nations and peoples. The entire earth is transformed by the king’s reign, as righteousness and peace abound in every corner of creation.

Call to Action: As we meditate on the message of Psalm 72, let us:

  1. Pray for Righteous Leadership: Like the psalmist, let us pray for leaders who govern with wisdom, righteousness, and compassion. May we intercede for those in positions of authority, asking God to grant them the insight and integrity to rule justly and mercifully.
  2. Advocate for Justice: In our communities and societies, let us be advocates for justice and champions of the oppressed. May we speak out against injustice and work tirelessly to ensure that all people are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
  3. Live Righteously: As followers of God, let us embody the principles of righteousness and compassion in our own lives. May our words and actions reflect God’s love and mercy, as we strive to bring about His kingdom of justice and peace here on earth.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the vision of justice and righteousness presented in Psalm 72. Grant us the courage to pray for righteous leadership, the strength to advocate for justice, and the humility to live righteously in our own lives. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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.

Church / Body of Christ, Interceding for Others, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Learning To Pray Effectively

Prayer for All: Seeking Guidance and Unity (1 Timothy 2:1-8)

Have you ever wondered about the power of prayer, especially when it comes to praying for our leaders and those in authority?

In 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Paul reminds us of the importance of intercession and the unique role of Yeshua as our mediator.

Let’s explore how our prayers can shape nations and lead people back to God.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

1 Timothy 2:1-8

A Call to Prayer

     1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

      8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Praying for All: These verses emphasize the significance of offering prayers for everyone, including those in positions of authority. Just as we pray for our loved ones, we’re called to pray for leaders, even when we may disagree with them.
  2. Guidance from Above: Prayer is a way to seek divine guidance for our leaders. Regardless of their beliefs or actions, we can petition God to influence their decisions and lead them in His will. It’s a powerful way to impact the direction of a nation or community.
  3. United in Prayer: Paul encourages unity in prayer, highlighting that believers should come together to lift their voices in supplication. This unity strengthens our collective impact and demonstrates our shared faith in Yeshua.
  4. The Role of Mediator: These verses reaffirm that Yeshua is the only mediator between humanity and God. While teachers and preachers play important roles in our faith, they aren’t required intermediaries between us and our Creator.

Pray for Guidance: Reflect on the power of prayer in influencing the hearts and decisions of leaders. Take time to pray for your local, regional, national, and global leaders, asking that they may be guided by the Spirit and honor God.

Embrace Unity:

Engage in discussions with friends and family about the importance of united prayer for leaders and nations.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below to inspire others to join in prayerful intercession.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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.

Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Love, Obeying God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Protector / Deliverer, Share the Good News

Prayerful Reflections: Spreading His Word, Seeking Protection, and Growing in Love (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

Delve into the richness of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, a passage that unfolds like a tapestry of prayer, protection, and devotion.

Join us in heartfelt intercession as we lift our voices together: praying for the rapid spread and glorification of the Word, seeking rescue from the grasp of perverse influences, and acknowledging the Lord’s faithful protection.

Let’s explore the confidence in following His instruction and the transformative power of hearts directed into the deep love of God and the unwavering steadfastness of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

1Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Rapid Spread and Glorification of the Word: Engage in heartfelt prayer for the swift and glorious spread of the Lord’s Word. Reflect on the transformative impact it can have beyond acceptance, leading to a profound understanding of God’s instructions to be walked out in our lives.
  2. Rescue from Perverse and Evil Influences: Unite in prayer for one another’s deliverance from the clutches of perverse and evil men. Recognize the reality of external influences that challenge faith and seek divine protection for resilience and spiritual strength.
  3. Faithful Lord and Protector: Acknowledge the Lord’s faithfulness and His role as our protector. In prayer, express gratitude for His unwavering commitment to His people, providing a secure refuge in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
  4. Confidence in the Lord’s Instructions: Cultivate confidence in the Lord and encourage fellow believers to persist in obeying His instructions. Explore the transformative power of steadfast commitment to God’s guidance, fostering a sense of assurance and spiritual resilience.
  5. Directed Hearts into the Love of God and Steadfastness of Christ: Pray earnestly for one another’s hearts to be directed into the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ. Reflect on the transformative journey of deepening love and unwavering commitment that comes with divine guidance.

As we immerse ourselves in these prayerful reflections from 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, let’s unite in lifting our voices for the Word’s spread, protection from external influences, and a deepening love for God.

Share your reflections in the comments and initiate conversations with friends or family, fostering a collective exploration of the profound nature of prayer.

Join us by commenting, and let’s uncover the deep truths woven into the fabric of these transformative verses together.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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.

Interceding for Others, Justice / Judgment, Learning To Pray Effectively, Persecution / Glorifying God, Thankfulness

Embracing Endurance in the Face of Adversity (2 Thessalonians 1)

Have you ever found yourself facing the relentless winds of adversity and challenges simply because of your faith?

The emotions that arise in those moments, the weight of persecution, and the toll it takes on your spirit—these are the very sentiments we’ll explore in the enduring words of 2 Thessalonians 1.

Join us on an intimate journey through these verses as we uncover the transformative power of enduring faith, the assurance of God’s justice, and the unwavering hope that sustains us even in the midst of our deepest struggles.

2 Thessalonians 1

Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance

      1Paul and Silvanus and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

      3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed. 11To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Endurance in Persecution: Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for their steadfastness and faith in the face of persecution and affliction. This chapter highlights the transformative power of endurance, illustrating how their response to adversity becomes a beacon of inspiration.
  2. God’s Righteous Judgment: The passage emphasizes the concept of God’s righteous judgment, assuring believers that justice will be served. Those who endure persecution for their faith will find relief, while those who oppose God will face the consequences of their actions.
  3. A Prayer for Spiritual Growth: Paul offers a prayer for the Thessalonians’ spiritual growth, desiring that their love may abound and their hearts be established. This prayer underscores the transformative impact of love and spiritual maturity, even in the midst of challenges.
  4. The Glorious Return of Christ: The chapter concludes with the anticipation of the glorious return of Christ. Believers are reminded that, ultimately, the challenges and persecutions they face are temporary in light of the eternal hope found in Christ’s second coming.

As we explore the enduring words of 2 Thessalonians 1, let’s reflect on the theme of enduring in the face of persecution.

How can we cultivate a steadfast faith in the midst of challenges?

Take a moment for personal reflection and prayer, considering the transformative power of endurance in your own life. Additionally, share your insights with others, discussing how the assurance of God’s justice and the hope in Christ’s return inspire you to endure.

Join the conversation, and let’s delve into the profound lessons woven into these verses, discovering the strength that comes from unwavering faith in the midst of trials.

I invite you to pray with me.

Heavenly Father,

In adversity, grant us strength to stand firm, anchored in hope and the promise of Christ’s return. May our love abound, and our hearts be established in unwavering faith. Kindle within us enduring love, even in trials. Remind us that our struggles are temporary, but Your promises are eternal. Prepare our hearts for the glorious return of Your Son.

Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John

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.

Encouragement, Help / Serve Others, Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Love, Tribulation

Strengthening Bonds of Faith Amidst Trials (1 Thessalonians 3)

Join us in the heartening journey through 1 Thessalonians 3, where the apostle Paul shares profound insights on fortifying the bonds of faith during times of trial. As we explore this chapter, discover the enduring themes of encouragement, steadfastness, and the transformative power of mutual support in the face of life’s challenges.

In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul expressed deep love for the Thessalonian believers. He had a strong desire to revisit them but shares that Satan hindered his plans.

However, in Chapter 3, we witness Paul’s unwavering commitment as he sends Timothy in his place. This selfless act showcases Paul’s dedication to staying connected with those he shared the gospel with. Instead of keeping Timothy by his side, Paul prioritizes the well-being of others over his own, setting a powerful example of putting the needs of fellow believers first. It’s a beautiful illustration of believers collaborating to achieve what one, even someone as influential as Paul, cannot achieve alone.

(Continued and summarized after the scripture.)

1 Thessalonians 3

Encouragement of Timothy’s Visit

      1Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, 2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. 5For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.

      6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?

      11Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; 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.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Paul’s Concern for the Thessalonians: In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul expresses deep concern for the faith of the Thessalonian believers amidst the trials they are facing. His desire to strengthen and encourage them becomes a central theme of this chapter.
  2. Sending Timothy as a Source of Encouragement: To provide support and strengthen the Thessalonians’ faith, Paul sends Timothy to them. The chapter unfolds as a testament to the significance of sending encouraging figures during challenging seasons, highlighting the impact of such gestures on the body of believers.
  3. Enduring Trials with Steadfastness: Paul acknowledges the reality of trials and afflictions but emphasizes the importance of enduring them with steadfastness and faith. The chapter inspires reflection on the transformative power of resilience and trust in God during difficult times.
  4. The Joy of Mutual Encouragement: Both Paul and the Thessalonians find joy in the mutual encouragement they receive. This reciprocal relationship underscores the communal nature of faith and the strength that emerges when believers support each other through trials.
  5. Fervent Prayers for Spiritual Growth: Verses 11-13 highlight Paul’s fervent prayers for the Thessalonians, expressing his earnest desire to see them again and to contribute to their spiritual growth. This underscores the importance of intercessory prayer within the faith community, recognizing the role it plays in sustaining and nurturing believers through various seasons of life.

As we immerse ourselves in the timeless wisdom of 1 Thessalonians 3, let’s reflect on the role of encouragement, steadfastness, mutual support, and fervent prayers in our own faith journeys.

How can we strengthen the bonds of faith within our communities during times of trial?

Share your thoughts on the transformative power of mutual support and the joy found in encouraging one another.

1 Thessalonians 3 calls us to be sources of strength and encouragement, fostering a community where faith thrives even amidst life’s challenges.

Join the conversation, and let’s explore together the enduring lessons woven into this chapter.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John

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.

Church / Body of Christ, Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Thankfulness

A Grateful Heart, A Journey of Thanksgiving (Colossians 1:1-12)

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, let’s embark on a journey through the uplifting words of Colossians 1:1-12. In this passage, the apostle Paul expresses gratitude and offers a prayer that resonates with the spirit of thanksgiving. Join us as we explore the profound theme of thankfulness that intertwines seamlessly with the upcoming holiday.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Introduction and Thanksgiving: Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with greetings and expressions of thanksgiving. His gratitude is not just a formality but a heartfelt acknowledgment of the faith and love demonstrated by the Colossian believers.
  2. Prayer for Spiritual Growth: Paul’s prayer in these verses is not only a thanksgiving but also a heartfelt plea for the Colossians’ spiritual growth. He desires that they may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, and bear fruit in every good work.
  3. Qualities of a Thankful Heart: The passage outlines qualities such as endurance, patience, and joy with thanksgiving, emphasizing the connection between gratitude and a resilient, joyful spirit in the face of challenges.
  4. Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season: As we read Paul’s words, we can draw parallels between his expressions of thanksgiving and the spirit of gratitude we cultivate during the Thanksgiving holiday. The emphasis on faith, love, and hope mirrors the values celebrated during this special time.

Colossians 1:1-12

Thankfulness for Spiritual Attainments

     1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

      2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

      3We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

      9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s reflect on the spirit of gratitude that permeates Colossians 1:1-12.

How can we incorporate Paul’s expressions of thankfulness into our own lives and celebrations?

Share your thoughts on the qualities of a thankful heart and how they align with the values of the upcoming holiday.

As we give thanks for the blessings around us, let’s also take a moment to uplift one another in prayer, just as Paul did for the Colossians.

Join the conversation in the comments.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John

 

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.

 

Church / Body of Christ, Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Thankfulness

Thankfulness and Prayer for One Another

Colossians 1 contains a beautiful prayer that I would encourage us to pray for one another and for ourselves. There is no “magic” word or prayer, but this is a good example of a perspective of one believer who is close to YHWH having insight into how to pray for others who love YHWH also. It is not about the specific words, but rather the ideas behind them that help us focus on what is important.

Colossians 1:1-12

Thankfulness for Spiritual Attainments

     1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

      2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

      3We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

      9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

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.

Fear / Reverence for God, Heaven and Hell, Help / Serve Others, Interceding for Others, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News

To Live Is Christ And To Die Is Gain

Paul set an incredible example for us to consider and follow. His faith was such that even facing death, he was not afraid. He was absolutely confident in life after death with and through Yeshua. He knew that when he would die, he would be with his Lord and Savior and this is good. He also knew that to live still allowed him to help others to know and follow Yeshua.

Philippians 1:21-30

To Live Is Christ

     21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

      27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Paul was facing execution and suffering. He was not contemplating suicide. That is important to note for some who may take this message out of context. Murder, even of one’s self is wrong.

Join me in praying for the body of Christ, believers everywhere, that they would truly be strong in faith and know that they will go to the Lord after they die. Pray also for others who do not know Yeshua but think they do… that they would not fool themselves and grow complacent simply because they use His name and go to church. Pray that they would truly come to know Yeshua in a genuine relationship based on repentance and forgiveness and love.

Pray for the body of Christ also that they would conduct themselves worthy of the gospel of Christ as Paul encouraged the church at Philippi… standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, not alarmed by those who oppose Yeshua. Pray that the Spirit would help believers in suffering to stand firm, as Christ did.

—-

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.

Church / Body of Christ, Grace / Patience, Interceding for Others, Love, Thankfulness

Thank God For Other Believers And Pray For Them

Let us be thankful even for imperfect Christians that are trying to grow in the Lord and live obediently for Him. Pray for them. Encourage them and yes… correct them when needed. But we need not divide over every disagreement. Be gracious.

Philippians 1:1-11

Thanksgiving

     1Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

      3I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

How do you treat other Christians? Do you pray for them? Do you encourage them? Do you rebuke them when needed? Do you show grace through disagreements, but remain loyal to those seeking obedience to God in their lives. Ask God to show you areas in your life where He wants you to change in this regard.

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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.

Compassionate, Demons, Faith / Trusting God, Healer, Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Loving / Kind, Miracles

Yeshua Is Moved With Compassion for Those Who Seek Him Faithfully, Humbly, and Persistently

As much as we would like to think that Yahweh looks upon everyone equally, scripture does not always appear to back this up. Yahweh sent Yeshua and most often the prophets to His chosen people, the Hebrew people. It was not until the Hebrew people rejected Him that He turned to the Gentiles, in which case those who accept Him are now grafted into Israel as part of His people (Romans 11). Individuals are grafted in or grafted out with rejection of Messiah, but Israel is not thrown aside as if discarded and Christianity is not a brand new start, or “do over”. The path demonstrated by Yeshua and His disciples built upon the Hebrew roots and added Messiah. We should take note and do the same.

In Mark 7, we even see Yeshua initially refusing to cast out a demon for someone else who was not Jewish. Ultimately, because of her faith and persistence, He had compassion on her and cast the demon out of her daughter. We can learn from this to be sure.

Yeshua was often moved by compassion in the face of faith demonstrated by people who wholeheartedly sought after Him. Even for those whom He had not intended to help, such as those not among the Jewish people, He was still moved when the came seeking Him humbly, faithfully, and persistently. As a side note, this also shows a tangible example where God invites us to come to Him in prayer persistently. We are not rebuked for asking more than once, though we do need to seek the Spirit on how and what we ask for persistently (reference Luke 18:1-8).

The answer could still be “no” in some cases and we may not always understand why (reference Job and Yeshua’s prayer in Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36-46). None the less we are encouraged to persistently bring righteous prayers before our Father and not lose heart.

Mark 7:24-37

The Syrophoenician Woman

      24Jesus got up and went away from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know of it; yet He could not escape notice. 25But after hearing of Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. 26Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28But she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.” 29And He said to her, “Because of this answer go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having left.

      31Again He went out from the region of Tyre, and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, within the region of Decapolis. 32They brought to Him one who was deaf and spoke with difficulty, and they implored Him to lay His hand on him. 33Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; 34and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” 35And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly. 36And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it. 37They were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

Do not overlook or cease to be amazed at the miraculous healing power of God. Seek Him persistently and humbly. Trust Him in His answer. Do not lose heart.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for demonstrating Your love and compassion on Your people, and even those who are not Your people, when we desperately and faithfully seek You. Help us to have the courage to persist and not lose heart and help us also to trust in Your answer to our prayer without losing faith if the answer is “no”. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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