Mar 06 2010

Ask

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 6:42 am

John 15:24 [show/hide]John 15:24 [24]If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

Ask, and ye shall receive that your joy may be full.

The lack of joy in Christian hearts may often be traced to a failure to discern the difference between the prayer which is only supplication, and that which takes its guerdon from the outstretched hand of Jesus. Too often our prayers seem like lost vessels; when, in point of fact, they have come to the quays richly freighted, but we have not been there to claim our own.

Perhaps these rules may assist you to acquire this blessed art:

1. Be sure that what you ask is according to the mind of God, offered in some promise or precept of Holy Scripture.
2. Ask for it simply and reverently. Use the name of Jesus; that is, stand in Him, and plead for His glory.
3. Dare to believe that God does hear and answer your prayer altogether apart from the flow of emotion, or the rapture of conscious possession.
4. Go your way and reckon that God is faithful. Count on Him as bound to keep His truth. – F.B. Meyer.

- Daily Thoughts For Meditation

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Feb 26 2010

Promises for the needs of man

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 11:20 am

All the promises of God reveal that He has provided for man here and now despite the curse. Everyone can enjoy to the full all the benefits of these promises if he will surrender his life to God, experience the genuine new birth and live a godly life in this present world according to the gospel of Christ.

Many of these benefits are even for the unsaved so as to prove to them that God provides for all creation in spite of their rebellion. The purpose of such goodness to the unsaved is to lead to repentance [Rom. 2:4 [show/hide]Romans 2:4 [4]Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
].

The following scriptures teach that it is God’s will for man to be blessed:

1. Prosperity: [Josh. 1 [show/hide]Joshua 1 God Commissions Joshua [1:1]After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, [2]"Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. [3]Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. [4]From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. [5]No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. [6]Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. [7]Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. [8]This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. [9]Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua Assumes Command [10]And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, [11]"Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, 'Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.'" [12]And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, [13]"Remember the word that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, 'The LORD your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.' [14]Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them, [15]until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise." [16]And they answered Joshua, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. [17]Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses! [18]Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous." (ESV)
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: 5-9; 1 Sam. 2:7-8 [show/hide]1 Samuel 2:7-8 [7]The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. [8]He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the world.
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; 1 Ki. 2:3-4; 1 Chr. 29:12 [show/hide]1 Chronicles 29:12 [12]Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. (ESV)
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; Ezra 8:22 [show/hide]Ezra 8:22 [22]For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, "The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him." (ESV)
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; Job 36:11 [show/hide]Job 36:11 [11]If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness.
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; Ps. 1:1-3 [show/hide]Psalm 1:1-3 The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked [1:1]Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2]but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. [3]He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
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; Matt. 6:31-33 [show/hide]Matthew 6:31-33 [31]Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32]For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33]But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)
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; 7:7-11; Mk. 11:22-24 [show/hide]Mark 11:22-24 [22]And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. [23]Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. [24]Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (ESV)
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; Jn. 15:7, 16 [show/hide]John 15:7 [7]If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (ESV)
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; 2 Cor. 9:6-8 [show/hide]2 Corinthians 9:6-8 The Cheerful Giver [6]The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. [7]Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8]And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (ESV)
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; Phil. 4:19 [show/hide]Philippians 4:19 [19]And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
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; 3 Jn. 2 [show/hide]3 John 1:2 [2]Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
].

2. Healing and Health: [Ex. 15:26 [show/hide]Exodus 15:26 [26]saying, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer." (ESV)
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; Ps. 91 [show/hide]Psalm 91 My Refuge and My Fortress [91:1]He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. [2]I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." [3]For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. [4]He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. [5]You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, [6]nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. [7]A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. [8]You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. [9]Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- [10]no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. [11]For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. [12]On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. [13]You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. [14]"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. [15]When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. [16]With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."
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; 103:3-5; Isa. 53:4-5 [show/hide]Isaiah 53:4-5 [4]Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. [5]But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.
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; 58:8; Matt. 8:16-17 [show/hide]Matthew 8:16-17 [16]That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. [17]This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases." (ESV)
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; Jas. 5:14-16; 1 Pet. 2:24 [show/hide]1 Peter 2:24 [24]He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (ESV)
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; 3 Jn. 2 [show/hide]3 John 1:2 [2]Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
]. Christ came “to destroy the works of the devil” [1 Jn. 3:8 [show/hide]1 John 3:8 [8]Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (ESV)
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]; and to deliver “all that were oppressed by the devil” [Acts 10:38 [show/hide]Acts 10:38 [38]how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
]. He came to do this not only for 3 years during His ministry, but forever. He commissioned the disciples to carry on the work that He been doing both ‘to do’ and ‘to teach’ [Matt. 28:19-20 [show/hide]Matthew 28:19-20 [19]Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20]teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (ESV)
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; Mk. 16:15-20 [show/hide]Mark 16:15-20 [15]And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. [16]Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17]And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18]they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." [19]So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. [20]And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]] (ESV)
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; Jn. 14:12-15 [show/hide]John 14:12-15 [12]"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. [13]Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14]If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit [15]"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (ESV)
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; Acts 1:1-2, 8 [show/hide]Acts 1:1-2 The Promise of the Holy Spirit [1:1]In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, [2]until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
]. Early believers did carry on this work until they lost the faith [Acts 3 [show/hide]Acts 3 The Lame Beggar Healed [3:1]Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. [2]And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. [3]Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. [4]And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." [5]And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. [6]But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" [7]And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. [8]And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. [9]And all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10]and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Peter Speaks in Solomon's Portico [11]While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. [12]And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? [13]The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. [14]But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, [15]and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. [16]And his name--by faith in his name--has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. [17]"And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. [18]But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. [19]Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, [20]that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, [21]whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. [22]Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. [23]And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.' [24]And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. [25]You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' [26]God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness." (ESV)
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: 5:16; Jas. 5:14-16; etc.]. Present Christians are to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints [Jude 3 [show/hide]Jude 1:3 Judgment on False Teachers [3]Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (ESV)
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; 2 Cor. 10:4-6 [show/hide]2 Corinthians 10:4-6 [4]For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [5]We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, [6]being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. (ESV)
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; Eph. 6:10-18 [show/hide]Ephesians 6:10-18 The Whole Armor of God [10]Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11]Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12]For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13]Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14]Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15]and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16]In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17]and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18]praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV)
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].

3. Wants and Needs: [Ps. 23:1-6 [show/hide]Psalm 23 The LORD Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. [23:1]The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2]He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3]He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4]Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5]You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6]Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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; 34:9-10; 37:3-6; 84:11; Mk. 9:23 [show/hide]Mark 9:23 [23]And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." (ESV)
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; 11:22-24; Jn. 14:12-15 [show/hide]John 14:12-15 [12]"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. [13]Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14]If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit [15]"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (ESV)
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; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; 1 Jn. 3:21-22 [show/hide]1 John 3:21-22 [21]Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; [22]and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. (ESV)
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; 5:14-15].

- The Amplified Bible: page 633.

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Feb 23 2010

A Lesson on Prayer

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 10:12 am

Deuteronomy 3:26 [show/hide]Deuteronomy 3:26 [26]But the LORD was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me. And the LORD said to me, 'Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again. (ESV)
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But the Lord was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.

This refusal to answer Moses is not an example of God saying NO to men who pray according to His will and the Word of God.

Some carelessly say that God always answers prayer, but He sometimes says NO. This is a deceptive excuse of unbelief.

God NEVER has and NEVER will say NO to any child of His, anyone who is in Christ and who is sincerely asking according to the Promises given.

God may say it to people who live in unbelief and use this kind and every other kind of excuse of unbelief in prayer, but He will surely not say it to men of faith who ask in faith in the Name of Jesus Christ, and according to His promises.

God cannot and will not refuse to fulfill His own Word.

He will meet His own obligations as plainly stated [Num. 23:10 [show/hide]Numbers 23:10 [10]Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his!"
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; Ps. 89:34 [show/hide]Psalm 89:34 [34]I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
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; 119:89, 90, 160; Isa. 46:11 [show/hide]Isaiah 46:11 [11]calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
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; 55:10-11; 2 Cor. 1:20 [show/hide]2 Corinthians 1:20 [20]For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. (ESV)
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; Tit. 1:2 [show/hide]Titus 1:2 [2]in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began (ESV)
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; Heb. 10:28 [show/hide]Hebrews 10:28 [28]Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
]. See Jn. 14:12-15 [show/hide]John 14:12-15 [12]"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. [13]Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14]If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit [15]"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6 [show/hide]Hebrews 11:6 [6]And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (ESV)
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; Jas. 1:4-8.

When a prayer is not answered sin and judgment are plainly involved as in the case of Moses here, or it is the result of unbelief [Matt. 17:20 [show/hide]Matthew 17:20 [20]He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; 21:22].

The will of God is not a question where one is truly a child of God, and asking according to the promises, for it is the revealed will of God for His children to ask what they will and desire [Mk. 11:22-24 [show/hide]Mark 11:22-24 [22]And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. [23]Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. [24]Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; Jn. 15:7 [show/hide]John 15:7 [7]If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
].
- The Dake Annotated Reference Bible: page 204

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Feb 19 2010

Unanswered yet

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 11:11 am

Philippians 1:6 [show/hide]Philippians 1:6 [6]And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
John 1:6 [show/hide]John 1:6 [6]There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (ESV)
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What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

“Unaswered yet? Nay do not say unanswered;
Perhaps your part is not yet wholly done.
The work began when first your prayer was uttered,
And God will finish what He has begun.
Keep incense burning at the shrine of prayer,
And glory shall descend, sometime, somewhere.

“Unanswered yet? Faith cannot be unanswered;
Her feet are firmly planted on the Rock,
Amid the wildest storms she stands undaunted,
Nor quails before the loudest thunder shock.
She knows Omnipotence has heard her prayer.
And cries, ‘It shall be done, sometime, somewhere.’” – Ophelia G. Browning.

Prayer inbreathed by the Spirit of God is part of His working in bring about the event, and what He begins He is able to and will finish. Prayer needs to be persevered in because it is so completely a part of God’s plan in bringing the blessing.
- Daily Thoughts for Meditation

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Feb 18 2010

No Fasting God

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 11:01 am

From Koinonia House

NO FASTING GOD

“My dad asked me what I was giving up for Lent this year. I told him I was giving up God for Lent so I wouldn’t have to feel guilty.” -A Catholic teen overheard on a bus.

Ash Wednesday is upon us, a day when Catholics gather to have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross as a sign of penitence and dedication to Christ. It marks the beginning of the 40 days leading to Easter. The idea of community repentance and fasting is a good one, one that could bring much spiritual fruit in our churches if practiced with the right heart. The question is, how much of Lent becomes just another gotta-do religious act? If Christians from any denomination choose to take this time to seek God’s face in the days leading up to the celebration of our Lord’s death and resurrection, that is excellent. Prayer and fasting are still biblical, but they must be done carefully and in truth.

Many instances of fasting are found in the Old Testament; Moses fasted for 40 days when he went up to receive the Law from the LORD (Exo. 34:28 [show/hide]Exodus 34:28 [28]So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
); Daniel entered into a three week partial fast which removed all delicacies (pleasant bread, meat and wine) from his diet (Dan 10:3 [show/hide]Daniel 10:3 [3]I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
); the people of Nehemiah’s time fasted and prayed and repented in sackcloth as the Law of the LORD was read to them (Neh. 9:1 [show/hide]Nehemiah 9:1 The People of Israel Confess Their Sin [9:1]Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
); Esther and her maids fasted from both food and water for three days before she went in to speak to the King in order to save the life of her people (Est. 4:16 [show/hide]Esther 4:16 [16]"Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." (ESV)
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).

Fasting does not only belong in the Old Testament, though. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before choosing his disciples (Luke 4 [show/hide]Luke 4 The Temptation of Jesus [4:1]And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness [2]for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. [3]The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." [4]And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" [5]And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, [6]and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. [7]If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." [8]And Jesus answered him, "It is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" [9]And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, [10]for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' [11]and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" [12]And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" [13]And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Jesus Begins His Ministry [14]And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. [15]And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. Jesus Rejected at Nazareth [16]And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. [17]And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, [18]"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, [19]to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." [20]And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. [21]And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." [22]And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" [23]And he said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself.' What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well." [24]And he said, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. [25]But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, [26]and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. [27]And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." [28]When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. [29]And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. [30]But passing through their midst, he went away. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Demon [31]And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, [32]and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. [33]And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, [34]"Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God." [35]But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. [36]And they were all amazed and said to one another, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!" [37]And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. Jesus Heals Many [38]And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. [39]And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. [40]Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. [41]And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. Jesus Preaches in Synagogues [42]And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, [43]but he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose." [44]And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
). In Acts 13 [show/hide]Acts 13 Barnabas and Saul Sent Off [13:1]Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. [2]While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." [3]Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus [4]So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. [5]When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. [6]When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. [7]He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. [8]But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. [9]But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him [10]and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? [11]And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. [12]Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia [13]Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, [14]but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. [15]After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it." [16]So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. [17]The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. [18]And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. [19]And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. [20]All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. [21]Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. [22]And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' [23]Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. [24]Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. [25]And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.' [26]"Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. [27]For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. [28]And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. [29]And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. [30]But God raised him from the dead, [31]and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. [32]And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, [33]this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.' [34]And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, "'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.' [35]Therefore he says also in another psalm, "'You will not let your Holy One see corruption.' [36]For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, [37]but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. [38]Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, [39]and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. [40]Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: [41]"'Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.'" [42]As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. [43]And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. [44]The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. [45]But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. [46]And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. [47]For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" [48]And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. [49]And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. [50]But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. [51]But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. [52]And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
, the church at Antioch was fasting and praying when the Holy Spirit told them to separate out Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work He had for them. Jesus never said, “If you fast…” he said, “When you fast….” (Matt. 6:16 [show/hide]Matthew 6:16 Fasting [16]"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
) and prayer and fasting can still be a valuable practice for the Church today. In fact, Jesus indicated that certain evil spiritual forces are only driven out by fasting and prayer (Mark 9:29 [show/hide]Mark 9:29 [29]And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
).

Before beginning a time of prayer and fasting, though, it is important to keep some things in mind:

1) Fasting is not an obligation.

The purpose of fasting is to seek God’s face, to examine oneself and get any unconfessed sin out in the open. It’s a time to put other things aside and remember that nothing is more important than Jesus – a time to remember our “first Love.” It’s a time to once again present ourselves as living sacrifices before God, humbling ourselves before Him in love and worship, saying, “Here I am, Father. I’m Yours.” There is little value in fasting as merely a religious act, out of guilt, or because everybody else is doing it.

2) Don’t be a self-denial hero.

Fasting is not about the simple act of going without. It is not a battle of self-control or willpower. We should save willpower for dieting. Fasting is about putting God first in our lives, setting aside other things that are just not as important as our relationship with Him.

3) Fasting requires care and prudence.

While Moses survived 40 days without food and water, his circumstances were especially unique. People have died through imprudent fasting.  Both entering into a fast and getting off a fast should be done slowly and gradually, so as to give they body time to adjust, and it can be wise to get a medical examination before starting a major fast.

For some people, fasting can be harmful. Certain people should never fast all food, especially people with a history of eating disorders, those with heart conditions, diabetes, hypoglycemia, or pregnant or nursing women.

4) Fasting food is optional.

There are many ways to fast. A 40-day food-free fast is possible and can be spiritually beneficial, but it can also be life-threatening if not done properly. There are partial fasts, like when Daniel avoided meat and wine for three weeks. There are short food-free fasts like Esther’s three days. Some people fast only one day or one meal - or one day each week.   Many people go on juice-only fasts, which can also be cleansing for the body.

There are many things that can be fasted without starving oneself, however. Some people give up chocolate and sweets, and others give up watching television. Any things that could come between us and God are good candidates for fasting, especially our time wasters, like computer games or endless texting on the phone.

5) Don’t let Satan get you down.

God can use our fasting and prayer times to win powerful spiritual battles, and, because of that, Satan is guaranteed to try to discourage us. We need to be ready for opposition and distraction, determined to keep our commitment to the end, but we also need to remember our artillery against the Enemy is prayer and worship. Any time we get discouraged and aggravated or distracted, we need to quickly take the matter before the Throne of God. As James 4:7 [show/hide]James 4:7 [7]Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
says, “…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

6) Focus On God.

The purpose of fasting is not simply the act of self-denial; it is a time to come before the Lord. If we give up watching our favorite show, it should be because we are putting that time toward the purpose of seeking God. Setting aside our golf clubs for a month is fairly useless if, instead of playing golf, we just go bowling.

When we fast, we need to set aside specific time to dedicate ourselves to going before God. He is the whole point of the fast, after all. And beyond our special quiet time with our King, we should enjoy worship and prayer throughout the day, taking every opportunity to enter His presence. Bill Bright writes:

“Read His Word and pray during what were mealtimes. Meditate on Him when you awake in the night. Sing praises to Him whenever you please. Focus on your Heavenly Father and make every act one of praise and worship. God will enable you to experience His command to “pray without ceasing” as you seek His presence.”

7) Any time can be good for a fast.

It may be the season of Lent, a popular time for fasting and prayer. However, fasting is not limited to set times on a calendar. Community fasting and prayer can be a powerful weapon and an excellent way for a church body to get on track with the Spirit of God. However, the most important time to fast is when the Spirit leads us.

May God bless us all as we come before Him and prepare our hearts to serve Him now and every day throughout this year.

Related Links:

A Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer - Campus Crusade For Christ
Knowing God’s Will Personally: Part 2 - Koinonia House

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Feb 05 2010

Prayer for the defeat of enemies: Earth Destroyers

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 8:23 am

Psalm 129:5-6 [show/hide]Psalm 129:5-6 [5]May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward! [6]Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up,
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

Let them be confounded and turned back that hate Zion;

Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up.

Here is another prayer for the defeat of enemies, which is in perfect harmony with gospel praying today. When we say, “Thy Will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”, we are praying for the defeat of God’s enemies, the earth destroyers. They will truly be defeated and millions killed to bring this about (Isaiah 63:1-8 [show/hide]Isaiah 63:1-8 The LORD's Day of Vengeance [63:1]Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save." [2]Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? [3]"I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. [4]For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come. [5]I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me. [6]I trampled down the peoples in my anger; I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth." The LORD's Mercy Remembered [7]I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. [8]For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely." And he became their Savior.
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; Ezekiel 38:17-21 [show/hide]Ezekiel 38:17-21 [17]"Thus says the Lord GOD: Are you he of whom I spoke in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel, who in those days prophesied for years that I would bring you against them? [18]But on that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, my wrath will be roused in my anger. [19]For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. [20]The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground. [21]I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord GOD. Every man's sword will be against his brother. (ESV)
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; Ezekiel 39:2, 17-21 [show/hide]Ezekiel 39:2 [2]And I will turn you about and drive you forward, and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel. (ESV)
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; Joel 3 [show/hide]Joel 3 The LORD Judges the Nations [3:1] "For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, [2]I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, [3]and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it. [4]"What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily. [5]For you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my rich treasures into your temples. [6]You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their own border. [7]Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head. [8]I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a nation far away, for the LORD has spoken." [9]Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. [10]Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, "I am a warrior." [11]Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there. Bring down your warriors, O LORD. [12]Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. [13]Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great. [14]Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. [15]The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. [16]The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. The Glorious Future of Judah [17]"So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it. [18]"And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim. [19]"Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the people of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. [20]But Judah shall be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem to all generations. [21]I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion."
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; Zechariah 14 [show/hide]Zechariah 14 The Coming Day of the LORD [14:1]Behold, a day is coming for the LORD, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. [2]For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. [3]Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. [4]On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. [5]And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. [6]On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. [7]And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. [8]On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. [9]And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one. [10]The whole land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. But Jerusalem shall remain aloft on its site from the Gate of Benjamin to the place of the former gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king's winepresses. [11]And it shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security. [12]And this shall be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples that wage war against Jerusalem: their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. [13]And on that day a great panic from the LORD shall fall on them, so that each will seize the hand of another, and the hand of the one will be raised against the hand of the other. [14]Even Judah will fight at Jerusalem. And the wealth of all the surrounding nations shall be collected, gold, silver, and garments in great abundance. [15]And a plague like this plague shall fall on the horses, the mules, the camels, the donkeys, and whatever beasts may be in those camps. [16]Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths. [17]And if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. [18]And if the family of Egypt does not go up and present themselves, then on them there shall be no rain; there shall be the plague with which the LORD afflicts the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths. [19]This shall be the punishment to Egypt and the punishment to all the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths. [20]And on that day there shall be inscribed on the bells of the horses, "Holy to the LORD." And the pots in the house of the LORD shall be as the bowls before the altar. [21]And every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holy to the LORD of hosts, so that all who sacrifice may come and take of them and boil the meat of the sacrifice in them. And there shall no longer be a trader in the house of the LORD of hosts on that day. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; Rev. 19:11-21 [show/hide]Revelation 19:11-21 The Rider on a White Horse [11]Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. [12]His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. [13]He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. [14]And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. [15]From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. [16]On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. [17]Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, "Come, gather for the great supper of God, [18]to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great." [19]And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. [20]And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. [21]And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
)

Here we have the destruction of the wicked requested. In the East the roofs of the houses were flat. Seeds of various kinds falling on them would naturally grow but wither soon because of no deepness of earth or proper nourishment. The request is, let the wicked perish like grass withering on the housetop. - Dake A.R. Bible

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Feb 02 2010

How to Pray

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 7:58 am

Isaiah 64:7 [show/hide]Isaiah 64:7 [7]There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee, for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. – Dake.

Hebrew ‘chazaq’, to fasten upon; seize; be strong; courageous; obstinate; to bind; restrain; conquer; catch; cleave to; be constant; continue; force; lay hold on; maintain; play the man; wax mighty; prevail; retain; be urgent; wax strong.

All these meanings can be understood in connection with prayer.

If one would stir himself up this manner, refusing to be denied, and if he would appropriate every benefit of the promises and covenants of God which have been freely and abundantly given to men – all men, then such a person would experience answers to prayer for body, soul, and spirit, for both himself and others.
- Dake Annotated Reference Bible: page 850

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Jan 20 2010

The Most Ancient of all Prayers

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 5:34 pm

Genesis 32:9-11 [show/hide]Genesis 32:9-11 [9]And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,' [10]I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. [11]Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac; the Lord which sadist unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant, for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray Thee from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau,

It does not seem that there could be a finer model for a special prayer than this, - the most ancient of all.

He first claims his interest in the covenant with Abraham and Isaac, just as we might, and ought to, set forth our interest in the mercies covenanted to us in Christ; then he urges the covenant of personal mercies and promises: then he confesses his utter unworthiness of the blessings that have been showered upon him, yet venturing, not-withstanding to hope for deliverance from the danger that lay before him. – John Kitto.

The foundations on which we build the superstructure of prayer are broad and firm.
- Daily Meditations for Prayer.

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Jan 14 2010

Private Prayer - Public Power

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 10:26 am

St. Matthew 14:23 [show/hide]Matthew 14:23 [23]And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Alone with God in retirement from the world and in prayer and meditation, as He so often was [Mk. 4:10 [show/hide]Mark 4:10 The Purpose of the Parables [10]And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; 6:47; Lk. 9:18, 36 [show/hide]Luke 9:18 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ [18]Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; Jn. 6:15 [show/hide]John 6:15 [15]Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
].

His private praying and conquest of Satan were the secret of His public power.

It was by prayer that He received the Holy Spirit [Lk. 3:21 [show/hide]Luke 3:21 [21]Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
]. It was by continued prayer that He received fresh anointings of the Spirit for His daily work.

He used the same methods to get and keep power that are required of believers [Lk. 11:13 [show/hide]Luke 11:13 [13]If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; 24:49; Acts 1:14 [show/hide]Acts 1:14 [14]All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; Acts 8:15 [show/hide]Acts 8:15 [15]who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, (ESV)
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; Eph. 6:10-18 [show/hide]Ephesians 6:10-18 The Whole Armor of God [10]Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11]Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12]For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13]Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14]Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15]and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16]In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17]and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18]praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
; Jude 20-24 [show/hide]Jude 1:20-24 [20]But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21]keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. [22]And have mercy on those who doubt; [23]save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Doxology [24]Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
].
- Dake A.R. Bible: page 16

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Jan 13 2010

Worship: Finding Fullness of Joy

Tag: Prayer For...Sage @ 8:25 am

From Koinonia House

WORSHIP: FINDING FULLNESS OF JOY

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” - Psalm 16:11 [show/hide]Psalm 16:11 [11]You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

Worship is of key importance to our lives, and we know we need to do more of it.  We can express the worth of God in many ways - in the way we live our lives, in loving people, in obeying Him in adoration, or in singing or dancing.   There is a very special kind of worship, though, in which we have a divine encounter with God Himself. It’s coming into His presence, bowing down, falling down and showing Him our complete reverence.

Worship is the place that God promises to “meet with us,” because worship is something that is done on the inside - i.e., in our spirit. As Jesus tells us in John 4:23-24 [show/hide]John 4:23-24 [23]But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. [24]God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
, “the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” Worshiping the Lord, then, means coming into His presence, adoring, praising and loving Him in the same nature as He - in the spirit.

Most believers know that they have a responsibility to worship, but when asked to define what true worship means or how it’s done, they are unable to offer any answers. This is what we want to explore over the next few months. What is true worship? How and when are we to do it? And, what makes worship so important?

Whom Do We Worship?
Man, in general, has an inbuilt need to express his love and gratitude to some deity and that “someone” is who determines his worship.

Believers can worship the Lord with all their heart and soul because they have already invited Him into their lives - their spirits have already been united with and quickened by His Spirit. In other words, believers in Christ can “internally” communicate their love of the Father through the spirit. John 6:63 [show/hide]John 6:63 [63]It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
validates this: “It is the spirit that quickeneth [or makes alive]; the flesh profiteth nothing….”

Nonbelievers, on the other hand, cannot really worship the Lord in this way because their spirits are not yet united with or quickened by God’s Spirit. In other words, they cannot “internally” communicate or fellowship directly with the Father. They can only have an external form of worship. Therefore, they cannot personally or intimately know the Father. Listen to John 3:5-6 [show/hide]John 3:5-6 [5]Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [6]That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
:

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

We often read about being created with a “God-shaped hole” in our hearts. And, it’s so true: without an intimate, internal relationship with Christ, nothing on earth will ever fill us.

Though God does not need our worship, He is seeking those who are worshipers. (John 4:23-24 [show/hide]John 4:23-24 [23]But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. [24]God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
) Thus, one of the reasons we worship is to minister and to bless Him. Worship is the time we forget about ourselves, concentrate on Christ and experience His presence.

What Makes Worship so Important?
Worship is important because, as Tozer once said, “…it’s the reason Christ came, the reason He was crucified and the reason He rose again.” Furthermore, the entire book of Revelation concerns the importance of worship and what God thinks of worship. Listen to Revelation 4:8-11 [show/hide]Revelation 4:8-11 [8]And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" [9]And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, [10]the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, [11]"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
as an example:

“The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Other pertinent Scriptures are Revelation 11:16 [show/hide]Revelation 11:16 [16]And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, (ESV)
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
and 19:4, and there are many other Scriptures in the Word that tell us God is seeking true worshipers. Scriptures like Psalm 95:6-7 [show/hide]Psalm 95:6-7 [6]Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! [7]For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
: “Oh, come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand…” And Psalm 99:5 [show/hide]Psalm 99:5 [5]Exalt the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!
This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
, “Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; for He is holy.”

Worship is critical because it’s the key to God’s presence. It’s what brings us intimacy with the Father. In other words, worship is a two-way communication. We come into His presence by loving, adoring and exalting Him. He then makes Himself known by communicating His Love and His inspiration (and revelation) back to us. This, of course, results in inexpressible joy for us.

This daily communion is what allows us to endure difficult circumstances. If we are hearing from the Lord and keeping our eyes only on Him, we can withstand anything. Worship, then, is not only the key to intimacy, it’s also the key to withstanding trials and problems and restoring the joy of our salvation.

[This article has been excerpted from Nancy Missler's book Private Worship: The Key to Joy.]

Related Links:

What Makes Worship So Important? - Koinonia House
Private Worship: The Key To Joy - Koinonia House Store

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