Blog Change

 Thank you for your interest in my blog and for joining me in prayer.  I am moving the blog to a new site and invite you to join me there:  MountainMovers.me

Prayer for Legal Professionals

 "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous 

but terror to evildoers." 

(Proverbs 21:15)

God of Justice,

Today we pray for those in the legal profession who are entrusted with the system of justice in our nation.  We pray that they may be trustworthy, accurate in analysis, correct in conclusion, able in argument, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, and ever attentive to conscience.  May they have godly friendships and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in sufferings.  Mostly, we pray they would honor their oath to support, uphold, and defend the Constitutions of the United States and the states in which they serve.  May their efforts be used to root out corruption, fraud, and lawlessness, and replace it with truth and justice.  May their work further the cause of Your justice and righteousness in this time and place.  For the honor of Christ we pray, Amen. 

“If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say. Can someone who hates justice govern? (Job 34:10-17)

"Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.  Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.  "  (Deut. 16:19-20)

"The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands." (Psalm 9:6)

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you." (Psalm 89:14)

“So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves.  It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.

"I, , DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT AS AN ATTORNEY AND AS A COUNSELOR OF THIS COURT I WILL CONDUCT MYSELF UPRIGHTLY AND ACCORDING TO LAW, AND THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES."

Prayer for wartime pastors

“Then [in the final time] I will give you [spiritual] shepherds after My own heart, 

who will feed you with knowledge and [true] understanding." 

(Jeremiah 3:15 AMP)

In September I read a blog entry by Mario Murillo, an evangelist and pastor in California, that started with these words written to pastors:

"YOU ARE NOW A WARTIME PASTOR

"You believe you have a choice. But reality and circumstances have made the choice. You can try to stay out of the war, but you will be labeled a traitor. I am not calling you a traitor–but the situation will. Things are deteriorating fast. The battle lines are are drawn so clearly. Your silence will label you a turncoat.

"There is a powerful pull to remain a peacetime pastor. Nostalgia and the yearning for simpler times are strong temptations. But there is no going back. Like it or not, reject it or not, you are now a wartime pastor."*

His article goes on to enumerate the many challenges that pastors face today, caught in the crosshairs of a choice between a Biblically-based Christian faith and a faith that absorbs all the ideas in our culture that do not come from a Biblical worldview. 

In a way, all Christians are standing in such a place.  Will we believe what the world says or believe what God says?  Will we choose to act like the world, or like Jesus?  Will we fight for God's Truth, Justice, Righteousness, and Peace or be sucked into the world's warped understandings of those important things?  

Pastors, teachers, elders, and other leaders in churches are held to a high standard, with the expectation that their doctrine will be pure and their lives will be lived in such a way to glorify God.  The Apostle James says it this way, "My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be so eager to become a teacher in the church since you know that we who teach are held to a higher standard of judgment." (James 3:1 TPT). 

Many men and women serving in leadership capacities are strong leaders, led by Holy Spirit, and fulfilling the calling on their lives.  But, there are others in leadership capacities who, truthfully, should not be - or no longer should be  - leading in Jesus's Church.  My words here are not to call them out or to tear them down as people.  Instead, I believe the people of the Church need to be intentionally praying for our leaders in a way that lifts them up in this whole new season of ministry in this ever-changing world. 

How are you praying for the pastors, teachers, and other leaders of Christ's Church? 

Jesus, our Shepherd-King,

We thank you and praise you that you are the perfect example of Holy Spirit-led leadership.  Thank you for caring for your flock, giving them godly leaders whose hearts and minds are set on things above, not earthly things.  Thank you for the Leaders' compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, expertise, strength, and love for You and your Body.  Today we pray for these leaders.  We pray for the leaders to be good examples of Jesus in this world as they share your Word, correct, rebuke, and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction.  Give them abundant courage and strength, reminding them that you do NOT give them a spirit of fear, or timidity, but you give a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  Watch over them so they may be alert and of sober minds.  Cause them to be alert to and resist the enemy of our souls and to hear only the sweet, kind, and loving voice of your Spirit.  Guard and guide their marriages, child-raising, and other community activities so that these relationships honor and glorify you.  Bless them as they persevere through the trials of today.   Grant them overflowing discernment and remind them that you love them in the midst of hard decisions and taking unpopular, but godly, positions on today's issues.  Remove from leadership all those who do not walk with you, are not humble before you, have led lives that do not honor you, or are out for selfish gain.  Remove from leadership those who abuse your children or your church.  Remove from leadership those who will not take a stand for You.  Give these leaders your favor and blessing to persevere under trial so they may receive the rewards and blessings You have promised them. Reform your Church so that it is led by loving, unified, Spirit-led men and women who seek to make disciples and further your Kingdom.  In your powerful name we pray, Amen. 

“‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them." (Ezekiel 34:7-10 NIV)

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2 ESV)

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory... Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:1-4, 10-17)

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)

"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:1-11 NIV)

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12 NIV)

* https://mariomurillo.org/2021/09/14/you-are-now-a-wartime-pastor/ 

Mountain Moving

He moves mountains without their knowing it

    and overturns them in his anger.

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,

    miracles that cannot be counted. 

(Job 9:5, 10 NIV)

Have you been frustrated, worried, scared, or even angry at the state of the world right now?  Maybe it feels too overwhelming - what can any one of us do to change this world? I believe that by reading and being filled with God’s Word, we will find ourselves changed. God’s Word works on us when our spiritual ears are tuned in to listen.  When we hear from God, then we move forward in faith, doing what he calls us to do.  But how do we pray for and influence our society, our nation, and our world?  

If you took our culture - our society - and thought about the ways it is influenced, you would probably recognize these seven areas:  Arts and Entertainment, Business/Economy, Church, Education, Family, Government and Media.  Each of these has a different, but very definite impact upon our society.  In the 1970’s Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, and Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth with a Mission, and Frances Schaeffer, apologist, evangelist, and pastor,* were all given messages from God that led them to believe that for the Church to fulfill our call to “go and make disciples,” (Matthew 28:18) we would have to influence and impact these seven areas of society.  Hence, the idea of “moving” the Mountains of Society.  

If “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Proverbs 14:34 NIV), how is our society doing in each of these seven areas? How is our nation doing?  How is our state doing?  Our county?  Our city or township?   Do you see these geographic areas as being full of God’s righteousness or full of the sin of the world? 

Think of the things in your community that might seem like negative “mountains” - a school board that is opposed to the Gospel, a “gentleman’s club” down the street that sells XXX movies, a “church” whose focus is not on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but on making people feel good or making itself money. Do you see space for an increase in righteousness in these seven areas, even in your own community?

Let us join together to pray for our world, through these seven "mountains," so they can be filed with God's righteousness, justice, grace, peace, love, and joy.

Mountain-Moving God,

Thank you for the call to be your children and your heirs.  What great love you have lavished upon us, Father!  You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing, giving us salvation through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as our guide.  We praise you for the glorious grace you have freely bestowed upon us and for your Spirit you have placed within us.  Thank you that your call on our lives is simple, yet profound:  to go and make disciples so that more and more people know they are dearly loved by you and have a purpose in your Kingdom.  Thank you that you have given us the physical and spiritual tools we need to fulfill our callings and to persevere against the forces of evil in this world.  Thank you, especially, for your Word and prayer, our indispensable weapons.  We pray together with believers in all times and places for the furthering of your Kingdom.  Specifically, today, we pray for the seven mountains of society - government, media, business, arts & entertainment, education, family and your Church.  We pray that in each one of these there would be godly men and women who are standing up to darkness and pouring your Light, Life, and Love into our society.  Where there are mountains containing deep corruption, wickedness, fraud, and evil, we pray in the name of Jesus for a cleansing of those areas.  We believe that you want righteousness and justice for this nation and so we pray that where there is evil it will be overturned, by the power of your Spirit.  Give us more and more love to light up the darkness so that we can shine brightly and invite others to the warmth and beauty of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord, in whose name we pray, Amen!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 

(Eph. 1:3-6 NRSV)

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,

who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,

will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”

Because you have made the Lord your refuge

the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you,

no scourge come near your tent.

Those who love me, I will deliver;

I will protect those who know my name.

When they call to me, I will answer them;  I will be with them in trouble,

I will rescue them and honor them. 

With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.  

(Psalm 91: 1-2, 9, 14-16 NRSV)

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

(Matthew 17:20 NIV)

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. 

(Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG)

“This is the message from the Lord to [you]: ‘Your help will not come from your own strength and power. No, your help will come from my Spirit.’ This is what the Lord All-Powerful says. That tall mountain will be like a flat place for [you]. He will build the Temple, and when the most important stone is put in place, the people will shout, ‘Beautiful! Beautiful!’” 

(Zechariah 4:6-7 ESV)

*https://rayedwards.com/the-seven-mountains/

Alone

God, my God!

    Why would you abandon me now?

2 

Why do you remain distant,

    refusing to answer my tearful cries in the day

    and my desperate cries for your help in the night?

    I can’t stop sobbing.

    Where are you, my God?

(Psalm 22:1-2 TPT)

Alone.

There are many ways to be alone.  In a crowd. On a plane. In peace and quiet. Awaiting a phone call.  In a hospital bed. In an empty house.  In a bubble bath. On the top of a mountain.  Depending on your circumstances, being alone can be bliss or excruciating.

Having an hour alone when you have very small children is a sweet gift. It's as if Jesus envelops you in a hug and his love and encouragement so you can keep going. 

Lying in a hospital room, alone in the middle of the night, awaiting test results may be dreadful. But you are never truly alone if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus was alone in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He asked his friends to pray with him and they fell asleep. But at least the Father and Holy Spirit were still with him. 

But on the cross he was even more alone - forsaken completely by the Father and the Spirit.  Alone in a way absolutely none of us understands.  After being One with the Father and Spirit from before time began, after creating, dreaming, planning the redemption of humanity, and working to guard and guide the chosen people, in those hours on that cross Jesus was totally, completely, utterly alone. 

Hear that again:

Jesus was

Totally

Completely 

Utterly 

Alone.

He was alone so we don't have to be.

He endured the utter abandonment of the rest of the godhead so that we could be enfolded in the Beloved.

He took our sin upon himself so we could be forgiven and come into relationship with the Holy God.

He became the proverbial bridge between humanity and God so that we would never have to be alone again.  Not in a crowd or on a plane or in a hospital bed or in an empty house.  Emmanuel - God with Us - is with us.  Always.  To the end of the age.  We are never, never, never alone. Nothing can separate us from this Love.

God will never fail us or abandon us. Ever.  

Emmanuel,

Thank you for enduring the utter abandonment on the cross so that we could come into relationship with you.  Thank you for enfolding us into the holiness of the Beloved and for promising that we who know your name and put our trust in you will never be forsaken or abandoned.  Thank you that you are our God who strengthens and helps us, the One who holds us up with your victorious hand. When we are facing circumstances that make us feel totally alone, remind us that you personally go ahead of us and will never leave or forsake us - never, ever, ever fail or abandon us.  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. 

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46 NKJV)

"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:9-10 NKJV)

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT)

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NLT)

Anything-Everything

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, 

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

(Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

(1 Thes. 5:16-18 NIV)

Sometimes the most "cheerful" words in the Bible are the hardest to live out.  In these two passages Paul is reminding us that God is in control and that he wants us to come to him in prayer no matter what.  No problem, right?

But, really?  Don't be anxious about anything?  There's so much in our crazy world that can lead to anxiety.  But God says to use prayer and thanksgiving - in EVERY situation - to ask for God's help. "Every situation" means "every situation."   In every situation we come to our faithful God asking in faith, sharing our thanks for what God has done, is doing, and will do, and trusting that he responds - in EVERY situation.  Even when we can't see the response yet. 

Then Paul tells us to "rejoice always." Really?!?  "Always??"  That's, like, all the time and in all circumstances.  Sometimes there doesn't seem to be much to rejoice about.  Life on this earth - especially if lived without God - can seem overwhelming, terrible, and hopeless.  But when we live life in relationship with God we can always find at least one thing to be thankful about.  Did you wake up breathing today?  Did the sun come up (even if behind the clouds)?  Do you have electricity?  Often when we find one thing with which to give thanks, we then realize how many other things are also worth thanks.  

I do not believe that our rotten circumstances are necessarily God's will for us. If Jesus wants to give us the abundant life (John 10:10) then "abundance" includes love, joy, peace, hope, grace, and so much more.  Rotten circumstances are, ultimately, the result of the enemy of our souls, stealing, killing, destroying lives, relationships, resources, etc.  While I believe God allows this to happen (for what reasons I don't usually know or understand), I do not believe that this is what God intended for us.  

Can God use rotten circumstances to refine and improve our character and our understanding of who God is?  Absolutely.  But just because God can work all things together for good for those who love him, doesn't mean he wants us to have trials, death, and destruction.  God's purpose for us - God's will for our lives - is to know his love, joy, hope, grace, mercy, and peace. 

No matter the circumstances I believe that God wants to give us his Peace.  That "shalom" is beyond everything we could understand without God.  And it guards our hearts and our minds - our spirits, our words, our deeds, our thoughts, our hopes - because of Christ Jesus.  God's Peace gives us Hope in the midst of rotten circumstances.

Is not being anxious but rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances easier said than done?  Yes. But it's still do-able.  And, like anything we practice, the more we do it the easier it becomes.  

For anything, in everything, bring it to God. 

Father God,

Thank you that in all things - not "for" all things - but "in" all things - we can rejoice in you, your faithfulness, your provision, your grace, and so much more.  Thank you that by the Blood of Christ you have made a way for us to draw near to you.  Thank you that we can bring all our hurts, struggles, anxieties, and confusion to you and that you will hear us when we pray.  Holy Spirit, help us to saturate each day in prayer, offering our faith-filled requests to you with overflowing gratitude.  Help us to tell you each detail of our lives, knowing that your perfect plan for us is a life lived within the grace of Jesus Christ, so that your joy is our continual feast .  Help us to remember that you can work all things together for our good - for an abundant life - and that your wonderful peace that transcends our understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord. Help us in everything and for anything to bring it to you. In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. 

"Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ." (Philippians 4:6-7 TPT)


"Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:16-18 TPT)

"A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow!" (John 10:10 TPT)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Enemy-occupied Territory

"Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage. When you go to church you are really listening in to the secret wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious to prevent us from going." 

(from Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis*)

Why does CS Lewis say that our world is "enemy occupied territory?"  Well, would a merciful and gracious God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness really cause all the horrible things we see in this world? 

No.

The evil and horrible things we see in this world are the work of the enemy of our souls, the one whose first twisting questions in the Garden of Eden have led to so much death and destruction.   The Garden's first seemingly no-big-deal conversation is like a leaking bathroom water line that drips, drips, drips and eventually leads to wet plaster, mold, and a full-blown mess.  The only way to get rid of such mess is to gut the entire affected area, dry it out, and rebuild with new supplies.

And that's what Jesus did on the cross.  His death, resurrection, and ascension were God's way of gutting the entire sin-soaked earth and rebuilding with new supplies of love, grace, mercy, peace, joy, and hope. 

When King Jesus landed on earth in the form of a baby in a manger, it was as the rightful King who landed in disguise ready to sabotage the enemy's work in this world.  The enemy knew what Jesus's life would be - that's why he tried to take out the baby while still in the womb, by having King Herod kill infants around Bethlehem, and later by tempting Jesus in the desert and in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The enemy has always known he can't win over God.  But, he can create a lot of pain, hurt, destruction and carnage.

That's why being a Jesus-follower means living a life that sabotages the enemy's plans.  We could easily slide into the easy life of this world - accepting whatever ideas come along and living whatever way we want, even participating in the destruction and carnage. However, when we live life as Jesus-followers, we purpose, we plan, we work to become more like Jesus. We go against the grain of our wider culture and we sabotage the enemy's desires to keep us from God.  

We read our Bibles faithfully, we pray faithfully, we meet together regularly with other believers for worship, study, prayer, and fellowship.  The writer of Hebrews calls us to "provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another..." All this leads to transformation in our lives - and sabotage of the enemy's plans. The Apostle Paul writes, "[W]e are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him."  (2 Cor. 3:18)

What are you doing today that participates in the sabotage of the plans of the enemy and strengthens your relationship to God? 

God of Mercy and Grace,

We bless your name and thank you that you are slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and continually calling us into deeper relationship with Jesus.  Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness to never fail or abandon us. Give us courage and strength; remind us that we don't need to be afraid because you go before us.  Keep us always in your Word, Prayer, and Fellowship with other believers so that we can be transformed into the image of your Son Jesus Christ and so that we can counter the attacks of the enemy of our souls.  Holy Spirit, lead us and guide us in your righteousness and make our ways straight on the paths you have for us.  In the powerful name of Christ we pray, Amen. 

"But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." (Psalm 86:15 NRSV)

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  (Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV)

"And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:18 MSG)

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before [your enemies]. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

"Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me." (Psalm 5:8 NIV)

  

*Mere Christianity. Copyright © 1952, C. S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. Copyright renewed © 1980, C. S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. 

Clarity and Discernment

"Many adversities come to the one who is righteous, 

but the Lord delivers him from them all." 

(Psalm 34:19)

Which voice are you listening to most, the voice of the world or the voice of the Lord??

God of Clarity and Discernment,

Thank you that you are faithful in all you do. Your Word is right and true and you love justice and righteousness. Thank you for your unfailing love. Thank you for deliverance from our enemies, especially the enemy of our souls. Sometimes the enemy speaks in quiet, simple ways as he did to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Sometimes the enemy speaks in loud, pompous ways as he did when Hezekiah's kingdom was threatened. Sometimes the enemy speaks in the chaos of our world and circumstances in ways that make it hard to hear the Voice of the Lord. Give us spiritual ears to hear your Voice, your Word, and your Truth. Put to death the lies of the enemy. Help each of us to hold fast to you - to follow your Word and your Way, so that, when our adversaries come against us, we are delivered by you. Give us overflowing insight, understanding, wisdom, and especially discernment in this day. In the strong name of Christ we pray, Amen and Amen!

"For the word of the Lord is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love." (Psalm 33:4-5)

"I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.” (Psalm 119:104-106)

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any animal of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God really said, “You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?”’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.”’ The serpent said to the woman, ‘You certainly will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked.” (Genesis 3:1-7a; NASB)

"5 Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. 6 He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. 7 And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. .... 17 The king of Assyria sent his supreme commander, his chief officer and his field commander with a large army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They came up to Jerusalem and stopped at the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Washerman’s Field. 18 They called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to them.

"19 The field commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah: “‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours? 20 You say you have the counsel and the might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?.....28 Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! 29 This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you from my hand. 30 Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ 31 “Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own cistern, 32 until I come and take you to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey. Choose life and not death! Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he is misleading you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ 33 Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?"

"...When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah [the prophet], 6 Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’”

"...32 Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria:
‘He will not enter this city
or shoot an arrow here.
He will not come before it with shield
or build a siege ramp against it.
33 By the way that he came he will return;
he will not enter this city, declares the Lord.
34 I will defend this city and save it,
for my sake and for the sake of David my servant.’
"35 That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew." (2 Kings 17-19)

Legacy

 

A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,

but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. 

(Proverbs 13:22 NIV)

Do you remember what it felt like to be nine years old and looking forward to that next birthday?  You'd be in double digits!!  What an exciting time!  You'd never go back to single digits and who, at nine, could imagine making triple digits?!?!

But some people do make triple digits.  Today is my grandmother's 100th birthday.  On Sunday, January 15, 1922 the US President was William Harding, a half-gallon of milk was around 30 cents, and there were a little over 110 million people in the U.S. The telephone had been invented, the Wright Brothers had flown at Kitty Hawk, World War I was over, but the Great Depression and World War II were coming and, later, men would land on the moon. By Saturday, January 15, 2022, the U.S. population will have grown to over 330 million, a 1/2 gallon of milk will cost over $2, and there will have been 18 U.S. presidents in office before her 100th birthday.  She has three children, ten grandchildren, and a legacy of life to share with family and friends. 

"Legacy" is a term associated with handing something down to someone else - whether emotionally, financially, or in memories, property, ideas, or of a faith.  Not all legacies are good.  When childhood sexual abuse is caused by parents and grandparents who were themselves abused, we know that evil can pass from generation to generation.  And we know legacies of alcoholism and poverty, for instance, can lead to hurt, strife, and destruction. 

But some legacies are very good.  Those who come before us have handed down their faith, their values, their hope and optimism.  Their loving care and nurture have helped us develop into the people we are. They have given us "roots and wings" for our lives and we have the opportunity to give "roots and wings" to those who come after us.  The legacies we leave can have lasting impacts for generations. 

One song that has challenged me about the legacy I leave is by Nicole Nordeman.  The chorus of "Legacy" says: 

I want to leave a legacy,
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough?
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy.

Ultimately, I expect that no matter how long our lives, each of us wants to leave a legacy of mercy and grace that blesses God and leads to God celebrating over us as he says, "Good job! You’re a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted... Come and share your master’s happiness."  (Matthew 25:21 GW)

What is your legacy?

God of Yesterday, Today, and Forever,

Thank you that your steadfast mercies never change and your love and grace for your children is poured out daily.  Thank you for 100th birthdays and good and godly legacies given to children and grandchildren.  Thank you for those who fear the Lord and their legacies given to descendants who then have a delightful inheritance and spiritual and material prosperity. Give us hearts to seek you and to always have in mind the legacy we are leaving for others. Give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so we may know you better and the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened.  Show us the hope you have called us to, the riches of your glorious inheritance for your holy people, and your incomparably great power for those who believe.  Help us to leave a legacy of love, mercy, grace, and honor that blesses you and enriches the lives of those around us.  In Christ's name and by the empowerment of Holy Spirit we pray and celebrate, Amen. 

"Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. 

They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land." (Psalm 25:12-13 NIV)

"Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance." (Psalm 16:5-6 NIV)

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV)

Are you ready yet?

"And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, 

because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 

perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

(Romans 5:2-4 NIV)

"Are you ready yet?"

Sometime in your life you've probably been asked this question.

- are you ready to get on the bus for school?
- are you ready to perform your solo at music contest?
- are you ready to walk down that aisle and become married?
- are you ready to walk into that courtroom?
- are you ready to say goodbye to your ailing parent?
- are you ready to meet Jesus?

Some things in life are easy to "be ready" for because we know when they will happen. Many children will ride the bus to their first day of school sometime when they are five or six years old. Many young adults will set a wedding date and walk down that aisle into a hopeful future. Many of us will look forward to specific dates like college graduation.

But some things in life are not so easy to "be ready" for because they catch us unexpectedly. A spouse caught in an affair. A childhood friend dying of stage 4 brain cancer. A young mom killed in a car crash. An elderly parent suddenly hospitalized - and failing - after a bad fall. Is there any way to prepare and be "ready" for such life events?

On one level, it doesn't take too much awareness to realize that hard things happen everyday to someone(s) somewhere. This lines up with an accurate reading of the Bible which reminds us that in this life we will have troubles and suffering. Even the writing of the Apostle Peter isn't exactly warm and fuzzy when he says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV). It sounds great to be "overjoyed when God's glory is revealed," but I doubt many of us admit to be excited and enthused about "participating in the sufferings of Christ."

Just like these unexpected life events come when we might not be looking for them, Jesus will return and he hasn't told us when.  "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:13, 24:44 NIV)  We don't know the day or the hour for many things.  But we do know the One whose Presence and Peace can overcome our world.  Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

So, we do what we can to be ready - focusing on our relationship with God and telling others the Good News we have in Jesus Christ.  And we help others to be ready - especially for Jesus's return. 

We boast in our hope, even when we are suffering.

Comforting, Suffering Servant,

You who came to earth as both fully Man and fully God, we thank you that you know what it means to be human.  You know suffering, peace, joy, disappointment, and a whole host of other human emotions.  But by your Blood you have overcome this world and we may have peace.  Help us to focus on your Peace.  Help us to call out to you when our burdens seem overwhelming and help us to trust you who are gentle and humble in heart.  Help us to be ready for your return and to help others be ready. Give us courage to share the Good News of our Hope in Jesus Christ with others.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)

I Heard the Bells of Peace

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth 

peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

(Luke 2:14 NIV)

Does it seem like this world has gone absolutely crazy?

I probably don't need to expound upon the question, "How is it crazy?"

But I will say that, unless you are totally and completely immersed in God's Goodness, it's challenging to stay in the Peace he wants to give us.

In every era and place there have been challenging circumstances that have stretched the faith and hope of believers. “I Heard the Bells,” is a poem written by the 19th century American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This poem, originally entitled “Christmas Bells,” was written Christmas day, 1863 in the middle of the American Civil War, and after Longfellow’s cherished wife had died and he’d received news his son was injured in battle.

The first verse says:

I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old, familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat, of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Each subsequent verse ends with those encouraging words “Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Under Longfellow’s circumstances, we could understand if the poem’s words were very gloomy, indeed. Maybe you or someone you know is struggling right now or maybe as you look at this world Longfellow’s words resonate with you:

And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

If that were where the song ended, we’d be left in a Good Friday of sorts - darkness, despair, hopelessness.

The first Disciples who watched Jesus die on the cross and be buried in the tomb had to have been filled with that same darkness, despair, and hopelessness of Longfellow - and of many people today. But the disciples’ story doesn’t end there. On the first Easter morning, the Disciples found an empty tomb - and a Risen Savior! Jesus’s Resurrection gave them hope and joy and peace.

Perhaps this last verse of Longfellow’s poem can give the hurting of our day a bit of Light and Hope:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

The enemy of our souls wants us in chaos - in despair - in hopelessness. But God wants us to be in love, joy, and peace. The darkness Longfellow saw was real - just as the darkness we see today is real. But the darkness is not God! God is light. John the Apostle tells us, “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.” No darkness. No chaos or evil, only light. Only hope. Only peace.

That’s why Longfellow was able to proclaim that God is not dead or sleeping and that the wrong shall fail and the right prevail. The dark shall fail and the Light shall prevail. God’s Word gives us this hope. That’s why when the angels that announced Jesus’s birth to the nearby shepherds they also announced peace. They said “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

This isn’t the cheap “no war” peace the world offers, but God’s shalom - a deep, God-centered peace that includes harmony, prosperity, wholeness, and tranquility.

God's Peace is the opposite - the antidote - to chaos and crazy.



Jehovah Shalom,

Thank you for the many ways in which you call us to rest in you, to be patient, and to trust that in the midst of chaos and troubles, you are with us. Thank you that you are the Almighty God, our refuge and fortress, the God in whom we trust. Help us to dwell in you, to rest in you, and to make you our strong tower. Help us to know that no matter what terror, arrow, plague, or pestilence seems to be coming at us, no disaster will come near us and you will punish the wicked. Help us to focus our eyes on you and to rest in your shalom. Help us to live with peace on earth and goodwill to all people. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.


Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7 NIV)

"The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10 NIV)

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent." (Psalm 91:1-10 NIV)

What are you waiting for?

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; 

it speaks of the end and will not prove false. 

Though it linger, wait for it; 

it will certainly come and will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3 NIV)

What are you waiting for? 

All of us are waiting for something.  The use of the family bathroom.  The results of a medical test.  The birth of a baby.  The coming job offer. The return of Christ.  Maybe thousands of other things, depending on the day and time and circumstances. 

Waiting (usually) sucks, to put it bluntly.  

In a world where we can go from frozen to cooked in 5 minutes, move from East Coast to West in less than six hours, and send a "letter" electronically in less than one second, waiting for God to move can feel exasperating. 

Why is God taking so long to bring my loved one to salvation?

Why is God taking so long to stop these evil people from doing such evil deeds? 

Why is God taking so long to send Jesus back to earth and take us to him? 

Even when we can say that we trust God, it can be hard to live out that trust in the midst of real-world experiences.  But we have a real-world God who knows what it's like to live in real-world life and time.  That's probably why the writer of Isaiah 40:25-31 could speak for God in this way: 

The Holy One asks:

    “Can you find anyone or anything to compare to me?

    Where is the one equal to me?”

Lift up your eyes to the sky and see for yourself.

    Who do you think created the cosmos?

    He lit every shining star and formed every glowing galaxy,

    and stationed them all where they belong.

    He has numbered, counted, and given everyone a name.

    They shine because of God’s incredible power

    and awesome might; not one fails to appear!

Why, then, O Jacob’s tribes, would you ever complain?

    And my chosen Israel, why would you say,

    “Yahweh isn’t paying attention to my situation.

    He has lost all interest in what happens to me.”

Don’t you know? Haven’t you been listening?

    Yahweh is the one and only everlasting God,

    the Creator of all you can see and imagine!

    He never gets weary or worn out.

    His intelligence is unlimited;

    he is never puzzled over what to do!

He empowers the feeble

    and infuses the powerless with increasing strength.

Even young people faint and get exhausted;

    athletic ones may stumble and fall.

But those who wait for Yahweh’s grace

    will experience divine strength.

    They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles,

    run their race without growing weary,

    and walk through life without giving up.  (TPT) 

Go back and substitute your name in where Isaiah says "Jacob's tribes" or "Israel."  Whatever vision you have - whatever question you are awaiting an answer - whatever revelation you are searching for - God has the answer.  It may seem like God is lingering and not giving you what you are waiting for. But the One who created the universe and everything in it, the Everlasting God who never wearies or puzzles over what to do, has an answer.  This Truth will give us refreshment when we are tired and stumbling through life.  

Who are you waiting with? 

Everlasting God, 

Thank you for being our unequal, incomparable, and amazing Creator God who loves each of us so much you would send Jesus to die for our sins.  Thank you for the gift of grace you offer to us and for Holy Spirit who lives within us when we become believers.  Thank you for the fruits of the spirit which Holy Spirit gives us. We pray today that you would strengthen our ability to be patient.  Help us delight in you and give you the right to direct our lives, knowing that your plans and purposes are perfect and you are our righteousness and justice. Help us stay strong as we pray for unsaved loved ones, for deliverance from evil, for the breaking of the power of the wicked, for the return of Christ, and for all the "everyday" events and issues we have. Help us to patiently wait under the covering of your divine Grace so we will run and not grow weary and we will persevere when life is hard.  Protect us from discouragement and uphold your righteous children, we pray in Jesus's name.  Amen. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)

Find your delight and true pleasure in Yahweh,
    and he will give you what you desire the most.

Give God the right to direct your life,
    and as you trust him along the way,
    you’ll find he pulled it off perfectly!

He will appear as your righteousness,
    as sure as the dawning of a new day.
    He will manifest as your justice,
    as sure and strong as the noonday sun.

Quiet your heart in his presence
    and wait patiently for Yahweh.
    And don’t think for a moment that the wicked, in their prosperity,
    are better off than you.

Stay away from anger and revenge.
    Keep envy far from you, for it only leads you into lies.

For one day the wicked will be destroyed,
    but those who trust in the Lord
    will inherit the land. (Psalm 37:4-9 TPT)

"[F]or the power of the wicked will be broken,
    but the Lord upholds the righteous." (Psalm 37:17 NIV)

"Wait on You" (excerpt)

"I know You've ordered every step

Yeah, You are the Author

But there's no predicting what is next

But You hold the future

And all the questions, they come second

To the one I know is true, yeah

You've always been true

"So, I'm gonna wait on You, yeah

I'm gonna wait on You

I've tasted Your goodness

Trust in Your promise

I'm gonna wait on You, yeah, yeah

I'm gonna wait on You (Jesus)

I've tasted Your goodness

I'll trust in Your promise

I'm gonna wait on You"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3TYG7Q_fj4

Songwriters: Christopher Joel Brown / Steven Furtick / Chandler David Moore / Michael Brandon Lake / Tiffany Hammer / Dante Lamar Bowe

Wait On You lyrics © Worshiptogether.com Songs, Sixsteps Music, Said And Done Music, Thankyou Music Ltd., Be Essential Songs, Bethel Music Publishing, Bethel Worship Publishing, Maverick City Publishing, Maverick City Publishing Worldwide, Brandon Lake Music, Dante Bowe Music