My Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Matthew 6:9-13 - Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

You have shown us how we should pray. You have shown us how to worship You with our words and actions. You have said we should ask for Your guidance because You have given each of us a purpose in life. We must realize the provision You give; You give not as the world gives. You have admonished us to forgive others, just like You have forgiven us. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. We can realize the great protection we have when You are the center of our lives. We acknowledge You as the Most High God.

I praise You Lord for who You are. You are high and lifted up as You are seated on Your throne in the heavenlies. You are the Name above all names, You reign eternal. You are all that I need because You are my provider. I thank You for Your wisdom which is much greater than any man's. You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Only You are worthy. Thank You for this day. Thank You for the freedom I hold on to in You, the freedom that cannot be taken away by the world. Thank You that whatever life holds for me You will be by my side as my guide and comfort.

This world today strives to push You aside. I know better...that You will return some day to rule and reign. All will see who You truly are in that day. All knees will bow and tongues finally confess Your Lordship, Your awesomeness. I long for that day. 

Thank You for sending Your son Jesus to become the propitiation for our sins. He is the daily Bread. He is the One who speaks wisdom into my life and to those when they are ready to receive. Thank You for bringing that day to me. Thank You that day by day Your Word opens my mind to greater truths and discernment of those things in this world that are false. 

Keep me from turning away and prevent me from doing what my flesh wants to do. Thank You for being the Way, the Truth and the Life for me. Thank You this is what You desire for all mankind, no matter what race, religion or denomination. Let others know You this way. Thank You for seeking me, a lost sheep. Thank You for forgiving me of the wrongs I committed so long ago. Thank You for forgiving as I ask for it each day. Thank You for Your neverending love and forgiveness. How difficult it is to understand such a great love...that no man can hold a candle to.

Thank You for being my Light today. Keep me out of the hands of my enemy. Keep me on the narrow path that leads only to what You desire this day. Strengthen me against my enemy with Your words, Your wisdom. Give me the words I need for each situation today.

Your kingdom reigns. No matter what we see in this world, my hope is secure because of You. Your power is greater than any other on earth or in the heavens. Your glory will shine and light this world in days to come. Come quickly Lord

So be it!

Matthew 6:13 - Amen.

Rock or a Hard Place?

Acts 4:11-12 - This is the "stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone." Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

I wrote the other day, as many other days, about the only way to reconciliation with God being (through) Jesus. He is also called the Door. My thoughts continue.

When we are in a dilemma and anxieties hit and we feel we are between a rock and a hard place, what do we do, where do we turn?

The message in the Church should always be: for a multitude of issues, and sins, seek first the kingdom of God. There are no multiple ways. He provides all we need: guidance, wisdom, peace, protection. Buddha can't do it, a pastor or priest can't do it, nor a rabbi; no astrologer or palm reader or spirit guide or self-help book or psychologist. There is only one way. Jesus. He can be the Rock in the midst of a hard place.

Do we ask Him daily for His wisdom, guidance and peace in all situations? Why not? If He is the way, truth and life, why wouldn't we? By the power of His Holy Spirit we can know His eye is on us, His sparrows. He will never leave nor forsake those who seek Him first. 

He will guide and give wisdom to those who seek Him through His Word and through conversing (praying) with Him. He will listen if He knows we are truly seeking.

He knows those who actively seek Him. He opens eyes, minds and hearts to them. If you knew someone who wanted nothing to do with you, did not appreciate you or pay attention to you or respect you, wouldn't you choose to shake them off? In a way, that's what God might do. He still knows everything about you and knows what you're up to, but until you pay mind to Him, He might back away and leave you to your own devices.

If, however, that person suddenly, humbly, changes their mind about you, maybe because they finally see a need to believe and trust in you and seek your guidance, wouldn't you give them a second chance? Just what God does. 

A rock and a hard place. The Rock and a hard place. The Rock is strong, solid. When you need security, He's the Rock to stand on.

2Samuel 22:2-4 - And he said: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.”

To Save Lives

Genesis 50:20 - But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

There are many biblical stories that describe what seems to be hardship situations. Situations which seem unfair. But God...always has a plan. There are reasons for everything all of us experience. We don't always understand them but if we are open to believing we can't know everything and believing still that God is in control of all things, we will be better off.

Remember these things: 

• Egypt is symbolic of the world, of the things not of God, of evil, as it were, decadence, over the top power, fame, fortune, excess. 
• God always has a plan. He can use evil or discomfort to bring it about.
• If we trust in Him, no matter what, His plan will be for our good.
• Only God truly knows what we have need of. 

Yesterday I finished reading about Jacob and his deteriorating relationship with his father-in-law. Jacob needed to flee from his family in one country because his brother wanted revenge against him. And after being situated in that country for many years his father in law became upset with him so God told him to go back to his family and the previous land. Imagine being between a rock and a hard place. But it was God's suggestion. If he trusted God it would be okay, though he didn't know what the outcome would be. It would be fine. Reconciliation would take place! And because Jacob's life was spared, so was the lineage to Christ. And what was His role? To save lives. 

There's Moses. He was born a Jew. To save his life his mother put him in that little basket on the river. Pharaoh's daughter found it. Without her knowing it, Moses' mother became the nursemaid. The first 40 years Moses learned both his Jewish roots and the ways of Egypt. Again to save his own life, he fled to the mountains and became a sheep herder. Forty more years pass. During that time Israel is captured by Egypt and they are made slaves to pharaoh. God then calls on Moses to save them and lead these people out of Egypt back to their land. Moses needed those 80 years of training in Egypt's ways, his own Jewish roots and how to lead in the hills with sheep, for this important task. To save lives. I am reminded that we are all like sheep in need of guidance...(Isaiah 53:6)

Joseph's brothers were jealous of him because he was their father's (Jacob) favorite. Some wanted to kill him but rather than have his blood on their hands they decided to sell him into slavery. And guess where he ended up? Egypt, again. As a servant in his house, pharaoh's wife took a liking to him and attempted to seduce him. Joseph would not have it, but in trying to escape from her lost his coat. Out of anger because of the rejection, she used this to get him sent to prison. He was there for many years, an innocent man. Yet God used him in an extraordinary way and he was then released to become second in charge of Egypt, maintaining the storehouses. When there was a famine in Israel, Joseph's brothers were sent to Egypt to purchase food. Long story short, they met up with their brother, reconciliation took place, and Joseph saved his family.

God led all these people in one way or another into circumstances that, like I said, seemed unfair. Yet God knew the outcome already. He knew the preparation necessary in just these three lives. (Believe me there are more stories...Esther, Ruth, Noah, Jonah, Jeremiah, Job, and more...Jesus.) They were all used to save in some way. Sometimes salvation didn't occur, just like today. 

If we are believers and followers of God our lives may be in training for some end result. It probably, ultimately, even if we don't see it, will be to save someone's spiritual life. It may not be is as great a way as these three stories, but somewhere someone will have benefited. We don't see His plans. We live out our lives in that faith in the unknown and unseen going about His business. But God knows. Maybe not knowing or seeing takes the possibility of our pride out of the picture. God gets the glory. 

We trust in Him, right up to our last day. We stay obedient to our Father. We read His Word so we can know and hear our Shepherd's voice and be reminded of the times people of long ago went through trials just to see God's hand in the end. He speaks to us through His Word. All that is written in the Bible is for us to learn from. Examples of God's goodness to His people and His judgment when we choose not to trust and obey. 

We will never be perfect. We will take wrong turns or be disobedient at times. We might not hear God's voice because we are distracted by our own desires or thoughts. But God is in the business of saving lives. We have to lose things in our lives to gain the life He has to offer. Who is willing to trust Him in all things? Who is willing to look at difficult situations as stepping stones to greater things? He is the Good Shepherd. He will guide us and go before us, like He did with these three people. He will work behind the scenes. Who is willing to trust in Him till death's door is upon us?

Matthew 24:12-14 - And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Tomorrow...and the Days After

Psalm 119:1-2 - Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! 

Tomorrow is a big day...midterm elections. I was not going to write this but as I prayed for our country this morning I could not help but share some of the thoughts that came to me. 

We must rule this country in truth and justice. This is what God would have us do. He stands by His Word. Psalm 119 speaks volumes about hanging on to the truth of His commandments. He desires justice and truth in our leaders. He only wants what is best for us...because He loves us. If we do not return this love, He will bring His justice upon us.

Seeking and obeying His Word brings goodness, peace, prosperity, understanding His wisdom. Who wouldn't want these? Who wouldn't want to know that God is for us and not against us? Who wouldn't want to know that His hand is upon us to protect us and guide us through the truth of His Word? Well, there are some who could care less... 

It would be nice to see those in office standing by His Word and commandments. That they would stand by His moral judgments, seek Him for guidance, uphold what is right and true and not be found as fools but as wise men and women. That God's wisdom would become the mandate of the leaders. 

People, this is not just a political election. It's a spiritual one. I know that may be hard to digest. God is so fully aware of what is taking place. His hand is in the trials as well as the good. Like Israel, whom God allowed to wandered for forty years in the wilderness, it was part of His plan to get them to return to Him, the One who knew best what they needed, He wants us to return to Him. As long as they whined, complained, chose to not trust in Him, did wrong, He left them to their own devices. History repeats itself...could this be why we are seeing struggles today? We can look at the things happening in this world as just worldly events brought upon by men. But believe what I say...God's hand is in this. What we see happening is more spiritual than we can imagine. That comes from knowing God's Word, having discernment through the power of God.

Righteousness and truth are not standards today. The world, in general, believes the lies, stands for "what's in it for me?" attitudes. If we do not see a positive change in this country, it also might be God's plan. We have gone too far in the wrong direction, like Israel, and His hand might be removed for a time, that we are heading into (or are already there) a time of trouble or sorrows as suggested in the Bible: Mark 13:8 - For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. 

If we are truly in the beginning of these sorrows...(if that sounds too extreme, just put it on the back burner of your mind for awhile)...we need to be looking up and not at the circumstances. Those who choose to look up will take God for His word, will trust in His power and guidance, will be strengthened in the time of trouble. 

Those who do not look to God still have a chance and maybe that's why these troubles occur. Verse 21 of Psalm 119 tells us: You rebuke the proud--the cursed, who stray from Your commandments. All people will go through this, but He will protect and give strength to those who truly know Him.

If we seek God's guidance and wisdom, He honors that. But let's not be surprised if as a nation things don't get better. Things might look hopeful for a time and it might continue if we get men and women in higher places of leadership whose principles meet with His approval. There is not one party that is perfect, but which party's principles are morally better? Which party stands for the people and their rights and not for their own gain? Sadly, when any mention of God is brought to the forefront, these candidates are viewed as too "out there" and are to be avoided at all cost. 

I believe this country's eyes are being opened. I have felt for some time that God is stirring things up. It's an exciting time...seeing God's hand at work. Yet, for most it may not be viewed as a spiritual change. I've heard both Glenn Beck and some Christian pastors suggest that we might be in for a spiritual awakening. I sure hope so. God wants all to know Him, to seek Him, to be guided by Him, to know the truth of His Word. Perhaps this is why the uproar in this country, in its leadership. God's Word is truth. Don't deny it. 

Psalm 119:4-6 - You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Oh, that my (our) ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I (we) would not be ashamed, when I (we) look into all Your commandments.

My Prayer

Matthew 6:9-13 - Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Heavenly Father,

You have shown us how we should pray. You have shown us how to worship You with our words and actions. You have said we should ask for Your guidance because You have given each of us a purpose in life. We must realize the provision You give; You give not as the world gives. You have admonished us to forgive others, just like You have forgiven us. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. We can realize the great protection we have when You are the center of our lives. We acknowledge You as the Most High God.

I praise You Lord for who You are. You are high and lifted up as You are seated on Your throne in the heavenlies. You are the Name above all names, You reign eternal. You are all that I need because You are my provider. I thank You for Your wisdom which is much greater than any man's. You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Only You are worthy. Thank You for this day. Thank You for the freedom I hold on to. Thank You that whatever life holds for me You will be by my side as my guide and comfort.

This world today strives to push You aside. I know better...that You will return some day to rule and reign. All will see who You truly are in that day. All knees will bow and tongues finally confess Your Lordship, Your awesomeness. I long for that day. You will return and all things will change...the change so many people don't realize they need. That will truly be heaven on earth.

Thank You for sending Your son Jesus to become the propitiation for our sins. He is the daily Bread. He is the One who speaks wisdom into my life and to those when they are ready to receive. Thank You for bringing that day to me. Thank You that day by day Your Word opens my mind to greater truths and discernment of those things in this world that are false. 

Keep me from turning away and prevent me from doing what my flesh wants to do. Thank You for being the Way, the Truth and the Life for me. Thank You this is what You desire for all mankind, no matter what race, religion or denomination. Let others know You this way. Thank You for seeking me, a lost sheep. Thank You for forgiving me of the wrongs I committed so long ago. Thank You that they are as far as the east is from the west and that You have forgotten them all. Thank You for forgiving as I ask for it each day. Thank You for Your never ending love and forgiveness. How difficult it is to understand such a great love...that no man can hold a candle to.

Thank You for being my Light today. Keep me out of the hands of my enemy. Keep me on the narrow path that leads only to what You desire this day. Strengthen me against my enemy with Your words, Your wisdom. Give me the words I need for each situation today.

Your kingdom reigns. No matter what we see in this world, my hope is secure because of You. Your power is greater than any other on earth or in the heavens. Your glory will shine and light this world in days to come. Come quickly Lord

So be it!

Matthew 6:13 - Amen.