Tag: Psalm 38:15
Praying for God’s enemy!
Scripture reading for April 26th: 1st Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9
Acts 9:13-17 “But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your Name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My Name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name. So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, The Lord Jesus Who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you might receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight.”
God knows all people and the plans He has for them. He often uses stubborn and contrary people and specializes in transformation. Saul, the strict Pharisee, was such a person. He was zealous for the law and justified having followers of Christ imprisoned and even killed, thinking that they were blasphemers. But Jesus confronted Saul and struck him blind. He gave instructions to him to wait for a man named Ananias to come and pray for him. Ananias was reluctant to go, knowing the evil that Saul had done to believers. But God gave clear instructions and Ananias obeyed. Immediately Saul was healed and God began the work of transformation! Amazingly, God uses our prayers to accomplish some of His work.
Psalm 38:15 “But for You, O Lord, do I wait; it is You, O Lord my God, Who will answer.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the prayers of God’s people for those needing transformation. It is wonderful that You include us in Your amazing work of salvation and transformation! Help me to pray effectively for those who oppose Your people and even Your plans. Speak to me through the Holy Spirit and I will obey even if I may fear those involved in evil. I have confidence in Your answers and Your powerful Name!
1st Samuel 12:22-24 “For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great Name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for Himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.”
The cost of being a “chosen instrument.”
Scripture reading for April 24th: 1st Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9
Key Scriptures: Acts 9:13-16 “But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your Name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My Name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name.”
Saul had been thrown from his horse as he went to Damascus to persecute and arrest God’s people. He was struck blind by the light of Jesus Christ, appearing to him in glory. Ananias was an obedient disciple chosen by God to go lay hands on him to receive back his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ananias had heard about Saul and his destructive ways but went as instructed by God. Saul was God’s chosen instrument to take the Gospel to the Gentiles and kings as well as the Israelites.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, thank You for Your “chosen instruments.” Thank You for choosing me for salvation and to suffer for Your great Name. Keep me from turning aside from Your purposes and empower me to fulfill Your plans.
1st Samuel 12:21-22 “And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great Name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for Himself.”
Psalm 38:15 “But for You, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, Who will answer.”
Greatness through serving!
Scripture reading for February 21st: Mark 10, Psalms 38, Proverbs 7
Key Scriptures: Mark 10:42-45 “And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
James and John had approached Jesus with a request. They asked if they could be seated on His right and left when Jesus came into His glory. This caused the other disciples to become upset as well. Jesus called them all together and explained what true greatness was in God’s eyes: serving others. In fact, Jesus demonstrated His servant-leadership by giving His life for all mankind’s salvation.
Faith’s confession: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your teaching and example of servant-leadership. I believe true greatness comes by serving others. Give me opportunities to serve others today.
Psalm 38:15 “But for You, O Lord, do I wait; it is You, O Lord my God, who will answer.”