Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4
Scripture: Romans 4:18-22
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."
Observation: I love this section about faith. Paul gives us so many insights here. Verse 19 is awesome! Abraham had strong faith, yet did not deny the facts. But he didn't let the facts weaken his faith because he was "fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised."
Application: Faith is not psyching myself up through some kind of mantra. It is being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he says he will do. And then faith is trusting God for the results. Abraham moved forward with his life -- he didn't get stuck wishing and hoping and praying for a son. And in due season, God brought these things to reality. Faith is trusting God to be God, both in the ability to do anything and everything, and in the directing of events and the bringing about of his will. This kind of faith lets me rest in the Lord and trust in him and not feel the need to make it happen myself. That is God's job.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you do your job well. Help me to not waver in my faith regardless of the circumstances. I am convinced that you are able to do all that you have promised. Show me how to cooperated with your will so that I can receive your maximum blessing and greatest fruitfulness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Title: Paul's "Prayer Request" / Topic: Challenge
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Observation: I just love this prayer of Paul's -- actually it is a prayer request. (At least it starts out that way.) In verse one, Paul asks for prayer for effective and fruitful ministry. In verse two, Paul requests prayer for protection from human opposition, which is always something that must be contended with in any true Godly ministry. Then in verses three through five, Paul shifts into encouragement and affirmation sprinkled with a little "positive pressure," giving the Thessalonian Christians a gentle but firm reminder that what Paul has said is what God wants for them. Some would call claiming to speak for God presumption or arrogance. I call it being confident in your call and ministry.
Application: And desiring to be confident and effective in my own call and ministry, aspiring to the example of Paul, I would make the same request of you, my dear reader, to "pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored... and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men..." And I would also offer the same positively-pressured encouragement that "we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." May the Lord help me and you and all those who name the name of Jesus to conduct ourselves in these ways.
Prayer: Father, I so desire to see believers grow in obedience and fervor for you, laying aside the distractions of this world, which is passing away. Strengthen us in your Spirit and in your word that we would walk in a way that lifts Jesus up and draws others to him.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Observation: I just love this prayer of Paul's -- actually it is a prayer request. (At least it starts out that way.) In verse one, Paul asks for prayer for effective and fruitful ministry. In verse two, Paul requests prayer for protection from human opposition, which is always something that must be contended with in any true Godly ministry. Then in verses three through five, Paul shifts into encouragement and affirmation sprinkled with a little "positive pressure," giving the Thessalonian Christians a gentle but firm reminder that what Paul has said is what God wants for them. Some would call claiming to speak for God presumption or arrogance. I call it being confident in your call and ministry.
Application: And desiring to be confident and effective in my own call and ministry, aspiring to the example of Paul, I would make the same request of you, my dear reader, to "pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored... and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men..." And I would also offer the same positively-pressured encouragement that "we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." May the Lord help me and you and all those who name the name of Jesus to conduct ourselves in these ways.
Prayer: Father, I so desire to see believers grow in obedience and fervor for you, laying aside the distractions of this world, which is passing away. Strengthen us in your Spirit and in your word that we would walk in a way that lifts Jesus up and draws others to him.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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