Category Archives: Learning To Pray Effectively

Church / Body of Christ, Consequences of Sin, Discipline / Correction, Discipline / Guidance From God, Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Patience, Humility, Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Accept Correction, Change Behavior, and Seek Forgiveness

Simon was a man who was used to being the center of attention. He had grown accustomed to people being impressed by his tricks… his slights of hand or “magic arts”. When he met Philip and saw the people being baptized in the name of Yeshua and witnessed great signs and miracles… Simon believed.

As a new believer, Simon continued to witness the signs and wonders and was particularly impressed when the apostles laid hands on people and the Holy Spirit was bestowed on them.

Simon made a significant mistake and was rebuked for it by the apostles. He was so impressed by the acts of the apostles that he perhaps slipped back into his typical mindset of making a deal to buy the power of God he saw in front of him. Perhaps he was drawn to being the center of attention again or just excited as a new follower of Christ and he approached the situation from his selfish nature or glorifying himself rather than the selfless nature of glorifying God.

The message of the apostles to Simon was simple and consistent with the ways of Yeshua, turn to Yahweh in repentance and ask for forgiveness. Simon’s response was equally consistent with the ways of Yeshua, please pray for me.

Acts 8:9-24

     9Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of God.” 11And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. 12But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. 13Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.

      14Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. 18Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21“You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22“Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23“For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” 24But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

New believers are not instantly changed into mature believers when they say “yes” to Christ for the first time. It is typical that they need love, patience, support, and prayer from more mature believers around them. They are still learning how to follow Yeshua, and do so for His glory rather than their own. They will make mistakes. What we see in Simon though is what appears to be genuine concern for his mistake and a genuine desire to ask forgiveness and receive support in prayer form the apostles.

More mature Christians we can make a point to reach out to and support new Christians… and absolutely to rebuke them and pray for them to help them stay on the right path to relationship with God. New Christians should allow themselves to be humble when they make mistakes… not to get defensive, but rather accept counsel, repent of the wrong behavior, ask forgiveness from God and ask others to pray for them and with them.

Our journey to become more like Yeshua and less like our own selfish nature is a journey that lasts a lifetime… we are never done, but it transforms us along the way. Those who accept correction will grow in wisdom and progress faster and further on the journey toward close relationship with Yeshua.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to have a right heart toward You. Help me to focus on bringing glory and honor to You. Give me a spirit that is ready to accept correction (or give it appropriately). Amen.

 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.

Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Submitted / Servant

Pray for More Workers for the Harvest

Jesus feels love and compassion for the lost.  He highlights in Matthew 9:35-38 the need for people who are willing to serve God and take the message of gospel to people throughout the world.

35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Clearly today we see the same confusion and helplessness in people around the world. They are striving for something to fulfill them… to guide them. All too often even those who have heard the message of Christ turn instead to what the world tells them… make money, accumulate things, gather power for yourself… then you will be satisfied.

To dedicate yourself to God’s work means you often give up these things. Instead of earthly desires, you must find your joy in serving the Lord through difficult circumstances. People will mock you and persecute you. In many places throughout the world, people will even kill Christians for their faith.

There is indeed much need and not enough workers. Pray with us that the Lord would send more workers to help bring people to faith in Him through Christ Jesus. Pray that He would draw the workers close to Him so they would bring the full and true gospel and not one which is diluted by man in an attempt to avoid offending someone or trying to please someone. Pray YHWH’s people would “unleash the lion” of the gospel in all its power.

If our Father is calling you to be a worker in the harvest… obey His call wholeheartedly and ask Him for His strength and courage to answer boldly.

Not every worker has to be a pastor or missionary. Many can be called to help in neighborhoods and families and work places around them. Pray too that He would develop each of us and help us to be effective workers in the harvest as well. Let us not just rely on others but step up and fill the role ourselves as well.

Pray the Lord would show you where you can start helping with the harvest or begin preparing so you will be ready soon.

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.

Blessed, Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Seeking God

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.

Arrogance, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Learning To Pray Effectively, Miracles, Miracles, Submitted / Servant, Unteachable / Foolish

Proclaim The Gospel Boldly Despite Intimidation

The religious “elite” or “establishment”, those with the most apparent authority and training, arrested Peter and John, who were uneducated and untrained men, and brought them to testify. The religious leaders, having already killed Yeshua, wanted to subdue this movement that claimed Yeshua was Messiah and had risen from the dead. Surely, Peter and John, who had gone into hiding when Yeshua was arrested and killed, would respond to intimidation and just be quiet. The miracles could not be denied, even by those who chose to reject Yeshua as Messiah.

Before being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost Peter and John indeed lacked the boldness with which they now stood and proclaimed Yeshua as Messiah. However, now they stood before the full intimidation of the religious leaders and refused to give an inch. They would not back away from Yeshua despite threats toward their own well being… and it amazed their accusers. They had nothing to say in reply to Peter and John.

Acts 4:13-31

Threat and Release

      13Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 14And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, 16saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17“But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” 18And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 22for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

      23When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM,

25who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,
‘WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE,
AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?

      26‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,
AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER
AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’

27“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. 29“And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, 30while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” 31And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

The religious leaders could not deny God’s power as demonstrated by the healing miracle. The healed man was well known and now stood before them. They never stopped to reconsider what this signified… that they should reconsider their opinion that Yeshua was not Messiah. They continued in their wickedness to try to cover up and subdue the message of Yeshua. These supposed holy men and esteemed religious leaders did not even stop and pray to seek Yahweh’s help in this matter. They had already decided to dismiss the evidence Yah provided and continue like a freight train on the path to denying Jesus. They seem blinded by their own choice… having put their faith in the traditions and power of men. Do not be like these men.

So after they were released, how did Peter and John respond? Did they pray for protection? Did they pray for their enemies to be overthrown? Did they pray for wealth and power to stand up to their enemies? No, no, and no. They prayed for confidence and boldness and God’s continued hand to heal miraculously to His glory in the name of Jesus. Wow. We should be like these men, Peter and John. Having prayed a righteous and powerful prayer, God filled them again with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak the word of God with boldness!

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence. Grant us courage to stand boldly for You despite intimidation we may face. Use us for Your glory and honor! 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.

 

All Powerful / King of All, Faith / Trusting God, Fasting, Learning To Pray Effectively, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Strong in Our Weakness, Through Prophets, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

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 LORD. 19The 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 LORD. 29And 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 LORD. 33The 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.

Interceding for Others, Learning To Pray Effectively, Love

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.

Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Learning To Pray Effectively, Obeying God, Prophecy, Prophecy, Seeking God

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.

Blessed, Faith / Trusting God, Fear / Reverence for God, Learning To Pray Effectively, Obeying God, Peace / Rest, Protector / Deliverer, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Repenting from Sin, Strong in Our Weakness, Submitted / Servant, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Do Right in the Sight of the LORD

Good things happen when we do “good and right in the sight of the LORD”. Our LORD can provide peace and success over challenges and enemies that we could not otherwise achieve. This principle applies in our personal lives today as it did thousands of years ago regarding war.

2 Chronicles 14

Asa Succeeds Abijah in Judah

      1So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David, and his son Asa became king in his place. The land was undisturbed for ten years during his days.

      2Asa did good and right in the sight of the LORD his God, 3for he removed the foreign altars and high places, tore down the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherim, 4and commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers and to observe the law and the commandment. 5He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. And the kingdom was undisturbed under him. 6He built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was undisturbed, and there was no one at war with him during those years, because the LORD had given him rest. 7For he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. 8Now Asa had an army of 300,000 from Judah, bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, bearing shields and wielding bows; all of them were valiant warriors.

      9Now Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, and he came to Mareshah. 10So Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up in battle formation in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” 12So the LORD routed the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. 13Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as Gerar; and so many Ethiopians fell that they could not recover, for they were shattered before the LORD and before His army. And they carried away very much plunder. 14They destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them; and they despoiled all the cities, for there was much plunder in them. 15They also struck down those who owned livestock, and they carried away large numbers of sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.

If we pull apart the events in this chapter of scripture a bit, we can highlight some key principles we should consider personally applying in our own lives.

1- Asa did right in the sight of the LORD before there was a war, before there was a direct challenge in front of him.

Don’t assume taking down the altars and false places of worship was without difficulty. People cling to their family and cultural traditions. There would have been resistance and disruption in this change. Asa did what was right anyway. I can point to some significant disruption in my life just pivoting away from celebrations based on pagan roots like Christmas and Easter to God’s holy days, or Moedim. It stirs up resistance to lead others through this change. It takes courage of conviction to proceed. It is not the easy path.  The easy path is to rationalize that these ungodly things are “ok” or focus on “what they mean to me” instead of what they mean to God. It can be hard to step away from family and cultural traditions in favor of what God wants us to do.

2- Asa was diligent in making preparations for defense before there was a battle. He did not just say, “God will provide”, and then do nothing. He trusted God but also prepared with purpose. He recognized that God was providing Him the peace and He should take advantage of it.

3- Asa called upon the LORD in His time of need, giving glory and honor to God as the one who can deliver them.

4- Asa waged war, even engaging in a conflict which by human eyes he should expect to lose. This action was evidence of his faith. His army fought and God blessed them. They did not all have a picnic and wait for God to disperse the enemy. One example of how we may apply this today could be that we pray against abortion, but we also organize, protest, communicate and engage with others around us, actively engage politicians and challenge them to support our views, vote based on what we say we believe… without rationalizing or compromising. Obviously this can apply to many things. Abortion is just one example today.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to trust in You fully, in peace and in conflict. Help give me wisdom for the decision I should make to have success in both peace and conflict. Please raise up the righteous and protect us as Your people. Defeat the wicked. Bring us peace that glorifies Your name. 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.

 

 

 

 

All Powerful / King of All, Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Learning To Pray Effectively, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Strong in Our Weakness, Submitted / Servant

Do Not Overlook Your Relationship with God in Preparing for Battle

It is good that we prepare for the challenges we expect to face, and also for some surprises we may not anticipate. That said, ultimately our faith and relationship in Yahweh (through Yeshua) is what will be the deciding factor in many situations. We may feel like we face mountains that we can not overcome. However, with Yahweh, all things are possible.  As we read today’s scripture we will see an example of the importance of a righteous and obedient walk with the LORD as part of preparation for calling upon Him in our need. Of course we should not do it just to get his protection… that is selfish. We obey His law and live His way out of love for Him for what He has already done for us (e.g. creation, life, salvation, blessings, etc.)

2 Chronicles 12

Abijah Succeeds Rehoboam

      1In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah became king over Judah. 2He reigned three years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah.
Now there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 3Abijah began the battle with an army of valiant warriors, 400,000 chosen men, while Jeroboam drew up in battle formation against him with 800,000 chosen men who were valiant warriors.

Civil War

      4Then Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, “Listen to me, Jeroboam and all Israel: 5“Do you not know that the LORD God of Israel gave the rule over Israel forever to David and his sons by a covenant of salt? 6“Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, rose up and rebelled against his master, 7and worthless men gathered about him, scoundrels, who proved too strong for Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, when he was young and timid and could not hold his own against them.

      8“So now you intend to resist the kingdom of the LORD through the sons of David, being a great multitude and having with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made for gods for you. 9“Have you not driven out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron and the Levites, and made for yourselves priests like the peoples of other lands? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams, even he may become a priest of what are no gods. 10“But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the sons of Aaron are ministering to the LORD as priests, and the Levites attend to their work. 11“Every morning and evening they burn to the LORD burnt offerings and fragrant incense, and the showbread is set on the clean table, and the golden lampstand with its lamps is ready to light every evening; for we keep the charge of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken Him. 12“Now behold, God is with us at our head and His priests with the signal trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.”

      13But Jeroboam had set an ambush to come from the rear, so that Israel was in front of Judah and the ambush was behind them. 14When Judah turned around, behold, they were attacked both front and rear; so they cried to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets. 15Then the men of Judah raised a war cry, and when the men of Judah raised the war cry, then it was that God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. 16When the sons of Israel fled before Judah, God gave them into their hand. 17Abijah and his people defeated them with a great slaughter, so that 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain. 18Thus the sons of Israel were subdued at that time, and the sons of Judah conquered because they trusted in the LORD, the God of their fathers. 19Abijah pursued Jeroboam and captured from him several cities, Bethel with its villages, Jeshanah with its villages and Ephron with its villages.

Death of Jeroboam

      20Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him and he died.

      21But Abijah became powerful; and took fourteen wives to himself, and became the father of twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. 22Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways and his words are written in the treatise of the prophet Iddo.

Do not wait until you are desperately needing Him to turn toward Him and build relationship with Him. Do that now and do not stop. Then when you are in difficult situations, you can lean on Him and cry out for His help. Of course, even if you are already in a bad spot, you can still repent and turn toward Him and cry out to Him for mercy and help.

What are some situations you have faced in your life that were very hard? Did you cry out to Yahweh? Did you recognize His answer? Ask Him prayerfully to show you anything in your relationship with Him that you need to change.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, help me to seek Your face now, even before I face adversity or difficult challenges. Help Your people around the world to live righteously and bring honor and glory to Your name. Thank You for Your help when we face trials from the enemy and from those who are against You. 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.

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Forgiveness, Learning To Pray Effectively, Loving / Kind, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Salvation, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Steps to Peace with Yahweh

Do you experience peace and joy in your life based on a foundation of your relationship with our Creator, Yahweh? Do you want to share your faith more confidently and effectively with others?  Please consider the following resource from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

The Christian Life and Witness Course is a course that is designed to help provide people with a basic foundation of living for Christ and also how to witness and share their faith with others effectively. The material is good, even if ordered off the BGEA association website and conducted offline personally via DVD training instead of face-to-face training. I recommend it and there is much more to it than what I share here in this article. Please click on the link above in this article to check it out in more detail.

I will highlight in today’s article just one of the summary resources to help communicate key concepts and peak your interest. There is a very nice summary booklet to guide a discussion with non believers about your faith in Christ and also to check your own relationship with Christ along the way. It is a booklet titled Steps To Peace With God.

Step 1: God’s Purpose: Peace and Life

God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life – abundant and eternal.

“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

We must ask ourselves… “Why don’t most people have this peace and abundant life that God planned for us to have?” Even most of us who identify as Christians do not have this peace and abundant life!

Step 2: The Problem: Our Separation

God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. He did not make us as robots to automatically love and obey Him. God gave us a will and freedom of choice.

We choose to disobey God and go our own willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Our choice (sin) results in separation from God (holy).

Our Attempts To Reach God

People have tried in many ways to bridge this gap between themselves and God…

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

No bridge made by man can reach God… not good works, not religion, not philosophy, not morality. Only one bridge can reach God.

Step 3: God’s Bridge – The Cross

Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

God has provided the only way… Each person must make a choice…

Step 4: Our Response – Receive Christ

We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive Him by personal invitation.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Where are you? Are you separated from God, in sin, rebellion, and separation? or have you received Jesus as a bridge to be reconciled with God and now experiencing peace, forgiveness, abundant life, and eternal life?

Will you receive Jesus Christ right now?

    1. Admit your need. (I am a sinner).
    2. Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
    3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
    4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Him as Lord and Savior.)

An example of how to pray

Dear Lord Jesus,

I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.

In Jesus name, Amen.

God’s Assurance: His Word

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

Did you sincerely ask Jesus Christ to come into your life? Where is He right now? What has He given you?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Receiving Christ, we are born into God’s family through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer. This is called regeneration, or the “new birth.”

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:12-13

This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life in Christ. To deepen this relationship you should:

  1. Read your Bible every day to know Christ better.
  2. Talk to God in prayer every day.
  3. Tell others about Christ.
  4. Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians where Christ is preached according to the Bible.
  5. As Christ’s representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others.

I encourage you again to consider reviewing the full training course material from BGEA using the link at the beginning of the article. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

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*Pictures and much of the content shared is from BGEA Steps to Peace With God booklet.