Tag: prayer
Opening Eyes
Scripture reading for July 31: 2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Today’s story involves the prophet Elisha and his helper Gehazi. They were visiting a city in Israel, Dothan, that was surrounded by the Syrian army bent on taking Elisha. Early in the morning, Gehazi went to the city wall and saw the army with their horses and chariots and was filled with fear and alarm as he went back to tell his master about what was happening. His mind was racing trying to figure out how they would escape or survive.
Elisha’s response was one of calm confidence. He stated by faith that there were more of God’s army for them than the enemy that was visible. He simply prayed to the Lord to open Gehazi’s eyes to spiritual reality. As Gehazi’s eyes were given the ability to see in the spiritual realm, he was amazed at the number and power of the angelic army protecting and fighting for them. There was truly many more for them than against them!
How often do we face situations where we feel like we are outnumbered and powerless against an overwhelming enemy, sickness, or disease? It is the enemy’s design to get us into fear and unbelief. We are reminded by this amazing story of spiritual truth. Why not ask, as a man or woman of God, for spiritual insight through the indwelling Holy Spirit? Why not pray in the Holy Spirit, and build yourself up in your holy faith? Jude 20 states, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
Prayer: Father God, open my eyes to see Your amazing army of helpers and defenders. Let faith arise for healing and deliverance! Amen!
“All is Well”
Scripture reading for July 29: 2 Kings 4:32-36 “When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked back and forth in the house and went again and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said , “Call the Shunammite.””
In today’s story, the Shunammite woman had put up Elisha and fed him. She even had her husband build a small room for him to stay when he came that way. In return, Elisha inquired how he might bless her. His servant Gehazi saw that she was old but had no children. So Elisha called the woman and spoke prophetically of a son being born. (2 Kings 4:14-17) The child was born and grew up.
One day the child became ill with a severe headache. He sat on his mother’s lap and died. She laid him on Elisha’s bed in her home and went quickly to find the man of God. She pleaded with Elisha for help. Elisha sent his servant with his staff and gave instructions to lay the staff on the boy without any delay. Upon arriving, nothing had changed. Elisha and Gehazi, his servant, went into the room and prayed. The next thing Elisha did was stretch his own body out on the boy’s body until he became warm. He paced and prayed again and again stretched his body on the boy’s body. This time the boy sneezed seven time and woke up from death! He was restored to his elderly mother and father!
From this story, we see the importance of seeking elders who know how to pray when there is a great need. (James 5:14-15) Also, we observe that the woman did not confess the child’s death except to the man of God. (2 Kings 4:26) She confessed “All is well” before the healing. The man of God sent the symbol of his authority in his staff with the servant. When he arrived, he and his servant got alone and prayed. From the prayer, the steps of healing came forth and he obeyed. The answer came! All was well as faith brought the victory!
Week 20–Day 1-Fire Fighters as ‘God’s Angels’
Scripture reading for May 11: Genesis 19:24, 27-29 “Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. . . .And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace. So it was that when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.”
This is the first mention of burning fire in the Scriptures. You may be thinking, how does this passage relate to firefighting? We know that fire can be beneficial as well as destructive. It is beneficial to keep us warm, cook our food, and even to worship God through sacrifice. Here, God sent burning sulfur on several small cities where their inhabitants had rebelled against God’s revealed plans. This fire was holy judgment from a just and righteous God.
But one man, Abraham, had stood before the Lord and interceded for his family who lived among those in the cities mentioned. Abraham appealed to God’s mercy and He responded to his plea by sending two angels to warn nephew Lot and his family. The residents of the city surrounded Lot’s home and resisted God’s mercy and mocked his messengers. The angels urged Lot to gather his family and leave. It is recorded that Lot lingered, but the angel took them by the hand and escorted them away before fire fell and consumed the cities. Abraham looked and saw the smoke rising, like the smoke of a furnace. He thanked God that He had remembered his plea for Lot and his daughters.
We in the fire service always stand ready to be sent to a fire. The first sign of a fire is usually smoke rising from an unnatural place. We are part of God’s emergency response service to save those involved. As Abraham prayed, we should be people of prayer who call on the Lord on behalf of those caught in fires. We offer ourselves as those who will go and take victims by the hand and lead them out.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing mercy towards all made in Your image. Use first responders to rescue those caught in fire. Amen.
Prayer is Working!
Scripture reading for November 6: James 5
“Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:13-18
James concluded his letter to the suffering church with encouragement to pray. Tradition says that James, Jesus’ half-brother, was a man of prayer. His knick-name was ‘camel-knees’ because of callouses on his knees from much time in prayer. His advice to the suffering: Pray! James encouragement to those who were cheerful: Sing praise! His encouragement to the sick: Call the elders to pray! We honor Him when we ask in faith for needs and healing. (Psalm 50:15) We honor Him when we sing praises in worship and adoration for His work. (Psalm 103:1-3)
But prayer and praises must come from a heart anchored in faith in God and His Word. All prayer for healing is based on God’s demonstrated will through Jesus Christ and His Word. “The Lord will raise him up” is our hope and trust. We who pray must also be righteous, but our righteousness is not based on us doing everything right, but in Jesus Christ Who Alone was perfect. His righteousness becomes ours by faith and gives us ability to pray in faith with great power. Because of this, we are told to confess our sins one to another that we might be healed and walk in the power of fervent prayer. Elijah was cited as an example of fervent prayer and the Lord giving results. Let’s release our faith through fervent prayer and praise! He will bring resurrection life!
Do you find it hard to spend time in regular prayer? Is there one thing you need that you have not prayed about or asked the elders to pray with you for? Will you pray a prayer of faith today or ask for help? Can you offer praise and thanksgiving for God’s answer now?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for often worrying or whining instead of praying to You in faith. I have also been reluctant to ask other believers to pray. Forgive my pride and self-sufficiency. Give me grace to ask You for the help I need and to ask other mature believers to pray over me. Amen.
Godly men and women!
Scripture reading for September 25: 1 Timothy 2
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with raided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness–with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.” 1 Timothy 2:8-11
Paul began his letter to Timothy by encouraging him to lead the church he pastored in prayer. Prayer for all people, especially those in authority, helps all focus on living peaceful and godly lives. God desires His people to live in peace and to conduct their lives in such a way that the culture and spiritual atmosphere is such that children can be raised to know God and serve Him and that the church can advance the Gospel by reaching those that are lost. Believers are the salt and light God provides to bring out a fresh revelation of God’s goodness and mercy.
Men were to assume their place as leaders of their homes and church families and to set a godly example of lifting holy hands in prayer. They were to avoid anger, quarreling, and dissention. These things hinder prayer and disrupt the peace. Women should be careful how they dress and act. In a pagan culture, sexual immorality and lewdness were acceptable to promote selfish desires, but in God’s kingdom women were called to godliness and modesty. The dressing of the body for sensual attraction and pleasure was not proper in that God called them to a higher standard of behavior. These women should do good works and conduct themselves with modesty while raising godly children and living in submission to their godly husband’s leadership. These instructions were sorely needed in the culture of that time, but are very relevant for our time as well!
When you read this passage, are you somewhat embarrassed or ashamed to discuss it because of our permissive culture? What do you think about the roles of men and women in our time? Are there any changes that should be made in your own attitudes and actions towards roles of men and women?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for designing men and women uniquely and wonderfully. Thank You for the roles and dignity that are assigned to each gender. Help me as a man to lift up holy hands in prayer and lead my family in praying for those in authority. Help me to honor women and their role of dignity and support. Amen.
Handling sharp disagreements!
Scripture reading for May 26: Acts 15
“And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the Word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” Acts 15:36-40
Being believers in church leadership does not mean everyone will always be in agreement. This passage records a ‘sharp’ disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, a young believer who had deserted them on their earlier missionary journey. (Acts 13:13) This disagreement resulted in Paul and Barnabas separating and two missions journeys instead of one. (Not a bad thing!) Prayer was made over both teams and they were sent out by the church.
What do we learn from this record of a sharp disagreement? First, each person has a different world view and level of faith from knowing God and His Word. God is working in each life through the Holy Spirit to bring unity and love between brothers. When we don’t see opportunities or problems in the same way, prayer is needed to seek God. Sometimes, peaceful separation for a time will bring clarity. God’s grace is always at work to accomplish His plan and purpose. Mark went with the encourager, Barnabas, and was restored to ministry, eventually writing the Gospel record that bears his name. Paul got to mentor another missionary, Silas, and multiplied ministry. Churches were encouraged and built up by both ministers and their mentors. It was a winning result that moved God’s kingdom forward.
Have you ever had a sharp disagreement with another in ministry or the church? How did God work this out for His good and your growth? Does this help you to think differently about handling disagreements? What do you learn about handling disagreements agreeably?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You work out all thing for the good of those that love You. Please take our fleshly disagreements and different opinions and make something good come forth. Please correct my attitude and actions when needed towards those who disagree with me. Amen.
Keeping focus!
Scripture reading for May 13: Acts 6
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” Acts 6:1-4
The early church grew quickly and brought growth pains to the church leadership. There were needs among widows and different nationalities felt that there was favoritism and neglect. To solve the problem, the disciples and other leaders gathered together to find a solution. The head of the ‘Twelve’, most likely Peter, stated that preaching the Word and prayer must have priority from apostolic leadership. The recommendation was to pick from the many disciples seven men of good reputation who were filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. These men would be assigned to take care of all the widows and report back on the progress.
It is not always easy to keep focus as a disciple of Jesus. Many good works present themselves and compete for our attention. People with needs can be demanding and stir up strife. Compassion for hurting people is the heart of Jesus and we are to minister without partiality. But those in leadership must make wise choices in the use of their time. Prayer is an absolute priority for effective use of time. Ministry of the Word is the calling of pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers and apostles. Others with the calling to serve should be empowered to use their gifts in these needy areas of ministry.
Have you ever had to wrestle with your calling and the use of your time? What kind of priorities have you set up to keep your focus on the calling you have from the Lord? What place does prayer have in your life on a daily basis? Are you called to minister God’s Word?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your calling to me to preach Your Word and pray. It is comforting to know that there are others in Your family who have different gifts and talent to do compassion ministry and help. Give me the Holy Spirit and wisdom to set godly priorities based on my calling. Amen.
Satan entered Judas
Scripture reading for April 2: Luke 22
“Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priest and the scribes were seeking how to put Him to death, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of a crowd.” Luke 22:1-6
If our world view does not give any credence to the spirit world, we lack the discernment of spirits needed to avoid deception. In the natural world, many people believe in Satan and demons and understand that they cause evil. Some have experienced Satan entering them or someone they know and seen the tragic results. Believers in Jesus have God’s Word that explains the clash of the spiritual kingdom of darkness and death with the Spirit of God and Life. We are wrestling against these wicked spiritual entities as we preach the Gospel and are used in spiritual Gifts of healing and deliverance. We recognize that evil, sickness, disease, confusion, strife and hatred are indications of Satan’s work and possible indwelling.
As Jesus was preparing for the Passover with His disciples, Judas Iscariot left the company of disciples and invited Satan to indwell him. We are not told exactly how this happened in Scripture. Judas was the keeper of Jesus’ money bag and had been taking for himself. Judas had participated in the ministry by going out and healing and casting out devils. Judas was not implicated by other disciples when Jesus announced His betrayal at the meal. Judas betrayed his Master by going to the chief priests and bargaining for a price of betrayal. Judas would be directly confronted by Jesus at the Last Supper about his betrayal. (Luke 22:22-23) His tragic end was taking his own life without evident repentance.
How would you rate your understanding of the spirit world and Satan’s power to enter someone? Have you ever experienced Satan’s enticement to evil? What are some steps to preventing Satan from entering you or your family?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are a good Father and a Life-giver and that You are love. Thank You for delivering me from Satan’s grip through the Gospel. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me daily in discernment of spirits and resisting the devil that he would flee from me and my family. Amen.
Prayers that shake the earth!
Scripture reading for December 24: Revelation 8-9
As Revelation chapter 8 begins, the seventh seal was opened in heaven by the Lamb. This seal revealed seven angels who had seven trumpets standing before the throne of God. Another angel, who had a golden censer, stood at the golden altar right in front of the throne and was given incense to offer. We are told that this incense was the prayers of the saints. Our prayers come before God’s throne in heaven like sweet incense. Our cries, worship, adoration and thanksgiving have a special place close to the seat of our King in the universe!
Heaven’s response to these prayers is instructive! The angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the golden altar and then hurled it to the earth. This act produced thunder, lightning and an earthquake. Never make light of prayer for our prayers have the power to move God to shake the earth!
Then the angels with the trumpets began to sound them one by one. With each trumpet blast, there was a corresponding reaction on earth that brought judgment and destruction. As John watched the first four angels and the events on earth, an eagle that was flying in midair spoke in a loud voice. “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the last three angels.” (Revelation 8:13)
The fifth trumpet sounded and John saw a star that had fallen from the sky. This star was some sort of angel for he was given the key to the Abyss. When he opened it smoke rose and darkened the sky. Out of this smoke, creatures like locusts with the sting of a scorpion covered the earth. They were instructed to sting only those without the seal of God and those affected suffered horribly.
The sixth trumpet brought the release of four angels of death who were bound by the river Euphrates. These killed a third of mankind. They loosed what looked like an army of mounted troops numbering two hundred million. These troops killed them with plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur. Even this display of mighty power did not cause any to repent of their demon worship, idolatry, murder or sexual immorality!
These trumpet judgments were inflicted on the unsaved of the earth but they were so hardened in their sins that they refused to repent! These chapters of Revelation show us the power of prayer and the protection of the seal of God on those who are saved. They warn us of the power of sin to blind and harden us. Let us continue to pray and ask God to shake our unsaved loved ones into the kingdom!
“If you believe . .”
Scripture reading for October 16: Mark 8-10
Have you faced a situation that was beyond your spiritual ability to know what to do? Today we have the story of a man with a son who had an evil spirit that was trying to kill him. This boy was often thrown to the ground, into the fire, and foamed at the mouth and became rigid. The father had brought his son to Jesus’ disciples for deliverance, but they could do nothing. This problem was not responding to what they knew and where they were spiritually. They needed help!
“O, unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” Mark 9:19 Jesus cried out from the depths of His being! He had spent many hours with these men and showed them the power of faith and of words. They were being ruled by sight! As the boy was brought before Him, the spirit caused another seizure to occur. Jesus asked the boy’s father how long he had been like this and he replied that his son had been that way from childhood. The man begged Jesus, “. . .if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”. “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23 “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”” Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, it left the boy and he was healed!
The disciples were perplexed as to why they had failed. Jesus explained to them that this kind of demonic activity can only be defeated by prayer. (Mark 9:29) At this point, we should stop and think about what has happened and look at our lives as disciples. Jesus called His followers to take up their cross and follow Him. He lived a life of prayer and of complete submission to God as Father. He left these records for us to know that by faith, all things are possible. When we are faced with an impossible situation, prayer (and fasting) often is the only way to victory. God has answers if we won’t give up or quit too soon! If we lack faith, we need to seek His Word and direction on whatever obstacle we face and ask!
A scriptural prayer is found on the lips of the boy’s father: “I believe; help my unbelief!” He saw the salvation of God because of his faith and Jesus’ mercy. May we enjoy growing in faith and experience His mercy in our lives today!