When God’s People Pray, God Speaks

Do you remember a time in your life when you prayed about a specific request and God spoke to your heart? Maybe it was God’s Spirit who spoke. Maybe it was a child of God. Or maybe God spoke through His Word.

Once my wife Shelley and I were wrestling with what seemed to be an open door in ministry; but we were struggling with what we were hearing and experiencing. I knew I needed to clarify God’s call so I spent a day in prayer, fasting, and reading God’s Word, seeking God for His clear direction. I prayerfully read through select portions of Scripture, asking God to speak as I read. As I was reading through 2 Corinthians, God spoke clearly through His Word. Paul was writing to the Corinthian believers and he told them that although a door was opened to him by the Lord, he had no rest in his spirit so he said good-bye and left (2 Corinthians 2:12-13). That was my answer and it was an incredible moment. God had spoken to my heart through His Word as I prayed.

In Acts 1, we enter one of the early church’s prayer meetings. During the prayer meeting, Peter addresses the need to find someone to take Judas’ place as an apostle (Acts 1:13-14, 21-26). They needed a leader, so the apostles and disciples prayed together. In their prayer they acknowledged that 1) the Lord is omniscient, He knows everything; and, 2) that the Lord is sovereign, He is in charge. Since God knew all things and since God was in charge, they asked Him to show them who He had chosen. Matthias was God’s chosen apostle to replace Judas.

In Acts 6, Luke records a time when a need arises in the church (Acts 6:1-7). In short, a problem arose because the Hellenistic Jews believed their widows were not getting their fair share of the food that the church provided for their care. So the Apostles called the church together and charged them with selecting “seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Luke doesn’t tell us whether or not the church prayed about this specific decision, but based on the account in chapter 1, and the church’s commitment to prayer in chapter 2, I’m inclined to believe the church prayed. Once the seven men were selected, Luke tells us that the apostles “prayed and laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:6).

I love the Apostles’ commitment to prayer and preaching. While it was important to them for the widows to be cared for, they couldn’t be responsible for this ministry because it would take them away from their God-given calling. Therefore, the decision to select seven men for this work. As a result of the Apostles’ commitment to prayer and preaching, “the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). God blessed His church. And what God did then, He can do again.

There’s another time when the early church was in God’s presence (Acts 13:1-3). They were worshiping Him, fasting, and praying. And once again, God speaks. He tells His people to set apart Barnabas and Saul to the work He had called them to.

In the first century church God’s people prayed and God spoke. When they prayed about a replacement for Judas, God spoke. When they needed to appoint seven men to serve the church, God spoke. When it was time for the church’s first mission trip, God spoke. The early church was committed to prayer. And Luke is clear: both the church’s leaders and the church’s members prayed. They prayed together. They prayed together continually.

From the early church’s experiences we learn that when God’s people pray, God shows up, God shows out, and God speaks.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” God may not answer like we want Him to, but since He knows everything and since He’s in charge of everything, we can trust Him to do what’s best for our good and His glory.

Child of God, when God’s people pray He shows up, He shows out, and He speaks. Remember, what God did then He can do again! So let’s pray.

When God’s People Pray, God Shows Out

What would you like to see God do in your life? Heal your marriage? Bring your children to salvation? Break a stronghold? Return a wayward child? What would you like to see God do in your local church?

Over and over again when the early believers wanted God to do something, they prayed. And when they prayed, God showed up. We see this clearly in Acts 2. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and amazing things began to happen. For example, the Galilean Jews spoke in the language of each visitor to Jerusalem that day. These Galilean Jews were considered to be uneducated, yet they spoke other languages. What happened that day in Jerusalem can only be described as an act of almighty God. You see, when God’s people pray He shows up and He shows out. 

In Acts 2, Peter preached the gospel and once again, God showed out! “When they heard this, they came under deep conviction and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what must we do?” “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them” (Acts 2:37-38, 41). God showed out when about 3,000 became believers in Jesus. In fact, God continued to show out by growing His church (Acts 2:47; 5:14; 11:24).

Following the massive baptism, Luke tells us that “many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles” (Acts 2:47). For example, Peter and John healed a lame man (Acts 3:1-8). Later on, Peter prayed and God showed out by raising Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:40). There were many occasions where God showed out by empowering the apostles to perform many wonders and signs.

In Acts 12, Peter was in prison. Luke tells us that “prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church. On the night before Peter was to be executed, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, “Quick, get up!” Then the chains fell off his wrists” (12:5-7). God’s people were praying and God showed out by releasing Peter from prison. Later on in Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in jail. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose” (16:25-26). Again, God’s people were praying and God showed out.

In the early church, time and time again, God’s people prayed and God showed up and showed out. In his book, The Church God Blesses, pastor Jim Cymbala writes, “every time people really pray, they are believing that God by His divine power can change what is into something better.” He goes on to write, “we can all accomplish more for God’s kingdom than we have ever dreamed if we learn the secret of asking the Lord to stretch out His hand and do what only He can do in our midst.”¹

Believers in the early church really prayed. As a result, God showed up and showed out. He did what only He could do. What God did then, He can do again! He’s the One who can grow His church. He’s the One who can perform miracles in people’s lives. He’s the One who can set captives free. Do we want God to show out in our lives? If we do, then we must pray because what God did then, He can do again.

 

¹Cymbala, Jim. The Church God Blesses (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002), p. 8, 17.

When God’s People Pray, God Shows Up

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have been a member of the very first church ever established; to have been a charter member of the church in Jerusalem?

In 1995, my wife Shelley and I had the blessing of helping to launch Harvest Community Church. After several months of prayer and planning, our core group started meeting in a home for Sunday services. As our core group grew, we began public worship services on Sunday, February 11, 1996. One thing stands out to me about this church plant. We were committed to prayer. Before we launched our services, we prayed; and once we launched, we prayed. God heard and answered our prayers time and time again. And the church grew. Today Harvest Community Church has a facility that sits on 26 acres of donated land and continues to reach people for Christ. Harvest Community Church was birthed in prayer and continues in prayer.

Pastor Ronnie Floyd writes, “There is no great movement of God that has ever occurred, that does not begin with the extraordinary prayer of God’s people.”¹ This was certainly true of the first church in Jerusalem. It was a church birthed in prayer.

Following His death and resurrection, and just before His return to heaven, Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. Once Jesus returned to heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem. Luke tells us that they “were continually united in prayer” (Acts 1:14). These early believers were steadfast and faithful in prayer together. They persisted and persevered in prayer together.

Luke tells us, “When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech” (Acts 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit of God came. God showed up. When God’s people prayed, God showed up! The early church was birthed in prayer.

The early church also continued in prayer. Luke writes, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42). In the life of the church, teaching is important. Fellowship is important. Sharing a meal is important. But prayer is vital because when God’s people pray God shows up.

The early believers were praying. They were praying together. They were praying together continually. Why is it important to know that the early church was birthed in prayer and continued in prayer? Because what God did then, He can do again! What God did then in the 1st century church, He can do again in the 21st century church. God’s people prayed and God showed up. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them (Matthew 18:20). When we pray together God has promised to be with us. He has promised to show up.

Do we want God to show up or are we satisfied with mediocrity in our lives and in the life of our church?

In his book, Autopsy of a Deceased Church, author Thom Rainer conducted an autopsy of fourteen churches that had died. One reason these fourteen churches died was that the church rarely prayed together. Thom writes, “Most of the churches, almost to the day they shut the doors, had some type of prayer time. It may have been a part of the worship services. It may have been with some type of fellowship like a Wednesday evening meal.”² When Thom probed further he, and the former church members he interviewed, concluded that the churches had not had meaningful times of prayer. Their prayer times were “more like a routine or ritual. It would hardly qualify as corporate prayer in the New Testament sense.”³

One former church member said, “There was a day when prayer was powerful in our church. People would pray before the worship services. Small groups spent a lot of time in prayer. We prayed intensely for our community.” The member shared a little more and then continued, “…we stopped praying with the passion we once had. That’s it. That was the beginning of the decline that led to our death. We stopped taking prayer seriously. And the church started dying.”⁴ According to this former church member, when the church stopped praying, the church started dying.

Are you praying with other believers? Is your church praying together? If we want God to show up, then we must pray. We must be like the believers in the early church. We must pray. We must pray together. We must pray together continually.

Child of God, let’s believe that when God’s people pray, He shows up. Let’s believe that what God did then, He can do again. Let’s anticipate God showing up when God’s people pray!


¹ Floyd, Ronnie. SBC Life, “Pleading With Southern Baptists” (Winter 2014/2015), p. 10.
² Rainer, Thom. Autopsy of a Deceased Church (Nashville: B & H Publishing, 2014), p. 64.
³ Ibid, 66.
⁴ Ibid, 68.

What’s Weighing You Down?

Recently, following a bad ice storm, I was traveling from Atlanta to North Carolina. As I traveled up the interstate, I noticed a lot of trees had fallen and many pine trees were leaning. The weight of the ice had caused many trees to fall, break, or bend. Highway crews were still clearing the trees, limbs and other debris from the storm.

As I continued traveling north into the Carolinas, I observed the same scene and it got me to thinking. Many times we live like these trees. We’re not weighed down by ice, but we are weighed down by so many other things that come into our lives. It could be a health crisis, or a situation at work. It could be guilt from a past failure. It could be a troubled marriage or a strained relationship with a child. It could be any number of things…you fill in the blank.

Although we can’t do anything about those bent pine trees, we can do something about those things that are weighing us down. The psalmist instructs us, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22). So whatever is weighing you down take it to the Lord and allow Him to sustain you. You can always trust Him to hold you up no matter what’s weighing you down.

More Precious Than Jewels

Proverbs poses an interesting question, “An excellent wife who can find?” (31:10). It’s not that she doesn’t exist, but the reality is, she’s hard to find. When a man does finally find her he begins to discover that “she is far more precious than jewels” (31:10). Because of her great value, the husband of an excellent wife praises her (31:28-29). I’m so thankful that I found—or I should say, that God found for me—an excellent wife, one who is definitely worthy of my praise.

So, on this Valentine’s Day, I want to give praise to Shelley, by sharing 14 things I love about her…

1. She’s passionate about her love relationship with God! I have been blessed to watch her grow significantly these past 20 years.

2. She’s beautiful from the inside out. Admittedly, I was first attracted to her outer beauty (and still am!) but soon began to discover that her inner beauty was just as radiant.

3. She’s a wonderful mother who loves her daughters unconditionally and teaches them with her words, but more importantly, with her life.

4. She’s an avid reader who shares what she’s learning with me and our girls.

5. She’s gentle and kind—she diligently seeks to live a life of grace to all she comes into contact with.

6. She’s a great cheerleader. Through the years she has not only encouraged me with her words, but I’ve also watched her do the same with our girls and so many others.

7. She loves and values her family! She loves to invest time with me, our girls, her mom, brother, and grandmother.

8. She’s a gifted writer with a God-given talent. Her writings stir my heart.

9. She’s got a beautiful smile—and it’s very contagious!

10. She’s truly selfless. I’ve watched her time and time again buy the girls something they need with her own birthday or Christmas money rather than buying something for herself that she needs.

11. She loves to take walks—and I love taking walks with her! I love that time to connect with her.

12. She takes great care of herself and her family. She not only exercises to stay healthy, but she also encourages our family to do the same. Oh yes, she prepares healthy meals—and they’re delicious!

13. She’s a great listener, always quick to hear and slow to speak.

14. She’s a gifted, creative and patient teacher, at home with our girls, at church with the youth and adults, and in the ESL class where she has served as a volunteer teacher.

To me, Shelley is definitely far more precious than jewels and my love for her grows deeper and stronger with each passing day. I’m so very blessed and I’m thankful for God’s wonderful gift to me!

Happy Valentine’s Day Shelley! I love you!

  

Where’s Your Focus?

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building             (1 Corinthians 3:1-9).

To say the least, the church at Corinth was a church with problems! This is clear as you read Paul’s entire letter, and strikingly clear in these few verses alone. Paul described their behavior as unspiritual, infant-like, fleshly and in a human way. Certainly not a compliment! Certainly not how a Christian should be described! If Paul were writing to you and your church, how would he describe you and the members of your congregation?

What was the issue that Paul was confronting in these verses? Some church members were following Paul, and others, Apollos. In other words, one group in the church was loyal to Paul, others to Apollos. I’ve seen this play out in the church time and time again. When church members develop loyalties around individuals in the church you’re going to have problems—serious problems! When church members take their eyes off God, and place them on man, that church is not headed for trouble, that church is in trouble!

Thankfully Paul redirected the Corinthian believers’ attention from Apollos and himself to the One who the focus should be on. In fact, Paul went as far as to say that he and Apollos were nothing. In other words, they didn’t count! The only One who counted, the only One who these believers should be focused on was God Himself. I have heard it said, and as a pastor I have stated it many times myself, “It’s all about Jesus.” If that statement is true in our lives then that means it’s not about us—or anyone else for that matter! When it’s about us, pride surfaces. When it’s about others, people take sides and division arises. Sadly, when this occurs, God is not honored as He should be.

As God’s children, we need to keep our eyes off ourselves and others, and keep our eyes focused on God, the One alone who is worthy of worship. Think about what will happen when we, the Church, keep our eyes focused on Him. We will not be focused on ourselves. We will walk in humility. We will not show favoritism toward others. There will be no division in the church. God alone will be exalted and glorified!

So, if your focus is on yourself or someone else other than God, then confess and experience God’s forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). Focus on God, the One alone who is worthy of our worship. Don’t be sidetracked. Don’t be detoured. Follow the admonition of the writer of Hebrews who challenged us to keep looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s keep our focus on HIM!

A Parent’s Weight Problem

No doubt that title caught your attention, but please note up front that I am not addressing a weight issue or offering some diet plan. As you will see in this story, a parent’s weight signaled something far deeper than an eating problem.

It’s one of the saddest stories in the Old Testament. A man named Eli, and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of Israel. Tragically though, we’re told that Eli’s sons were “worthless men” (1 Samuel 2:12). Wow! How could two sons grow up in the house of God and be called worthless? Scripture provides an answer: “They did not know the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:12). Hophni and Phinehas dressed the part, but their hearts were far from God! There are a couple of principles that we learn here:

1. You can grow up in a godly family (even in a godly church), but live ungodly.

2. You can be religious (even hold a religious office), but not have a personal relationship with God. 

Because Hophni and Phinehas were ungodly they cared nothing for the things of God. This is clear because they took for themselves, sometimes by force, the choice parts of the meat that were being offered as a sacrifice to the Lord (see 1 Samuel 2:12-17). Scripture tells us that “the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord, for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt” (1 Samuel 2:17). They not only despised the offering of the Lord, but they also engaged in illicit and unashamed immorality in public (see 1 Samuel 2:22). There’s a third principle we learn:

3.  No sin goes undetected by God. 

Because Hophni and Phinehas were ungodly they were stubborn and rebellious. Eli, their father, heard about what his sons were doing and spoke to them about it (see 1 Samuel 2:22-25). Their response? “They would not listen to the voice of their father” (1 Samuel 2:25). Should we be surprised by their response? No! They were ungodly, which leads us to a fourth principle:

4. Ungodly people act ungodly.

Hophni and Phinehas did not respect the Lord, therefore they did not respect their dad. But there’s another reason why they did not respect their father. When a man of God arrived at Shiloh, he included this question in his prophecy against Eli’s house: “Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?” (1 Samuel 2:29). The man of God exposed not only Hophni and Phinehas’ sin, but also Eli’s sin. It is clear that Eli was condoning his sons’ sin by eating of the choice meat that had been set apart as a sacrifice to the Lord. Scripture tells us that when Eli died, “he was old and heavy” (1 Samuel 4:18). Eli’s weight, a result of his sin, actually contributed to his death…he “fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy” (1 Samuel 4:18). A fifth principle is revealed here:

5. When parents condone their child’s sin, they become part of the problem. 

Yes, it’s one of the saddest stories in the Old Testament. There are many unknowns and so we don’t have a complete account of their story. But the account we do have reveals enough information that should cause parents to take notice. Parents play a key role in determining their children’s behavior and lifestyle. Yes, when children grow older they will make their own decisions, but it’s the formative years that are so critical. If you’re a parent like me, then we need to love and lead our children. Here are some ways we can love and lead them…

∙ Be a godly example in our words and actions by living out the truths of the Bible in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

∙ Teach our children who God is, as well as His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit by reading the Bible together and discussing it with them.

∙ Invest quality and quantity time with our children by praying with them, playing with them, listening to them, talking with them, teaching them.

∙ Lovingly confront and discipline our children when they sin, focusing on discipleship and discipline rather than simply handing out a punishment.

Can you think of some other ways we can love and lead our children? Feel free to share in the comments section.

Show Him Honor!

One of the stabilizing forces in a society is a healthy respect for parents and their authority. Tragically though, respect for parents and their authority seems to be a lost art in our nation. I have heard children telling their parents what they are going to do rather than asking for permission. I have witnessed children talking back to and even walking away from their parents. I have watched children throw a temper tantrum in the middle of a store because they could not have what they wanted. But the blatant disrespect of parents only gets more serious. Just this week, a 13 year old entered the equivalent of a guilty plea in a Ohio juvenile court. His crime? At the age of 10 he fatally shot his mother in the head with a rifle. The reason? An argument over chores (1). One result of this blatant disrespect is that it spreads over into all of society. Children who do not respect their parents will also not respect other adults, such as teachers, law enforcement, etc. It is clear from these and other examples that our society has become quite destabilized. 

Sadly in our politically correct society, there are many who have worked hard over the years to expunge the name of God and anything to do with God (i.e., the Word of God). However, it is in the pages of the Word of God that we find God’s commands. Unfortunately, too many see these commands as restrictive. However, what is seen as restrictive by some in reality is for our protection. God created us therefore He knows what is best for us. Since He knows what is best for us it only reasons that we should obey what He says. One of His commands is found in the book of Exodus. God said, “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). This command was given to His children, the Jewish people. However, it was also a command that was issued to the Church. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2).   

I recall listening to the late Chuck Colson when he was sharing a story about a visit to a local high school. During his visit the principal was telling Chuck that the school was having a problem with students cheating. Exercising great wisdom, Chuck suggested that the school post a sign with these words, “Do not steal.” Of course, Chuck was simply repeating one of the Ten Commandments given by God (see Exodus 20:1-17). Chuck’s premise was that children, or in this particular case, high school students, needed to be taught not to steal. In a similar way, children need to be taught to honor their father and their mother. Children who are taught to honor their parents will then honor other adults in society.

On a side note, I must also mention a command issued to parents. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Parents must not be domineering, placing unreasonable demands on their children. Parents need to be understanding and fair in both their discipline and expectations. Parents must also carefully teach their children the ways of God found in the pages of the Word of God (see Deuteronomy 6:4-9). I firmly believe that parents who honor God and His Word will not only teach their children with their words but also by the lives they lead. In this way, children learn to honor God and His Word from their parents, and in the process, learn to honor their parents.

On Sunday, June 16, 2013, we celebrate Father’s Day. It’s a great day to honor your father. No doubt some of you reading this post have great dads, while some of you may have not so committed dads. Let me encourage you to love your dad, regardless if he’s the best or the worst! Who knows what impact you can have on his life if you will simply and unconditionally love him and show him honor. By the way, that’s what God did for you. He loved you unconditionally. He loved you just the way you were. He loved you so much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to die for you (see John 3:16; Romans 5:8). So, follow His example and love your dad unconditionally, and in the process, show him and God honor!

I’m so thankful to have had a dad that loved and honored God. He taught me by his life what it meant to love God, honor God, and yes, honor your parents. So, on this Father’s Day I remember my dad, Ed Keatts. Although he has been gone for over 30 years I still remember his teachings and his life. And I’ll never forget him. “The glory of children is their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6). Happy Father’s Day!

Prayer, The Greater Work

Oswald Chambers wrote, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.”¹ I wonder, do we really believe that statement? I’m sure every Christian, especially those in ministry, would agree with this statement. But then the question comes, Do we live like it? Do we minister like it? Do we really believe prayer is the greater work?

One of my favorite verses in Scripture is Mark’s account of Jesus’ prayer life. In Mark 1:35 we read, “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Jesus understood the importance of spending time with His Father. It was His personal time with God that empowered Him to carry out the Father’s business. In fact, just before He was betrayed and arrested, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying to His Father (see Matthew 26:36-44). I’ve often thought, if Jesus, the Son of God, needed time alone in prayer, how much more do the children of God need time alone in prayer. By the way, while in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus cautioned his disciples to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). If you read the rest of the story you will discover that Peter slept rather than pray, and within hours he denied knowing Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). It is clear that prayer is vital; it is the greater work!

Andrew Murray gave this caution, “Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart so you will be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”² When we pray we are displaying our dependence upon God, but when we do not pray we are displaying our dependence on ourselves. As God’s children, let’s be busy about the greater work!

 

 

¹ Chambers, Oswald (1986). My Utmost for His Highest: Selections for the Year. Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering.

² http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Andrew-Murray-Quotes/page-3.shtml

If You Were In A Casket Today

Recently while visiting a local business I got into a conversation with a young man named Darryl. During our conversation we talked about our personal driving experiences and Darryl shared some of his crazy driving experiences when he was first starting out. In fact, he said something that caught my attention. Darryl said, “I ought to be in a casket today.” We continued to talk for a few minutes and then I asked Darryl a question: “Darryl, if you were in a casket today where would you be?” Darryl replied, “Today I would be in heaven because I’m a follower of Jesus, but back then, I don’t know.” We continued our conversation and then I left, thankful that Darryl was a follower of Jesus!

I have been thinking about Darryl’s statement for a few days now. As a result, I decided to write a short post posing the same question: “If you were in a casket today where would you be?” Let’s face it, we are all going to die one day. The writer of Hebrews wrote, “it is appointed for man to die once” (Hebrews 9:27). We’re not promised tomorrow. James tells us, “you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Just as sure as we are all going to die one day, we are all going to live forever somewhere! The truth is, according to God’s Word, we will live forever in one of two places: heaven or hell. So, if you were in a casket today where would you be?

We live in a day when people are trying to get to heaven by their own good works. They are working hard and trying to live right. The reality is that no one is good enough, or could ever be good enough, to earn their way to heaven. The Apostle Paul tells us that “none is righteous, no, not one” and that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10, 23). Since we have all sinned, we deserve death, or separation from God (Romans 6:23). Thankfully though, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Christ Jesus paid our sin debt by dying on the cross. He alone is the only way to heaven—to God! Jesus clearly stated that He is “the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). To come to God the Father when we die then we must repent of our sin and come by faith to Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, trusting solely in His death and resurrection (see John 3; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-13).

If you were in a casket today where would you be?

When You Think You’ve Got It, Think Again!

The Summer Olympics of 2004 was held in Athens, Greece. American Sport Shooter, Matt Emmons, was going for a second gold medal. He was one shot away from claiming victory in the 50-meter three-position rifle event. He had done so well he didn't even need a bull's-eye to win. He just needed to be on target.

Emmons fired. The crowd waited anxiously for the score, but no score appeared. Emmons motioned to the officials, thinking something was wrong with his target. After the officials met, they awarded Emmons a score of zero. What had happened? Standing in lane two, Emmons had fired at the target in lane three. He fired at the wrong target and as a result, ended up in eighth place.

Have you ever been so confident in yourself—in your abilities, strength, and wisdom—that you just knew you couldn’t fail, but then you did? Or, have you ever made a promise you didn’t keep, or said you would never do something and then you did it? A man named Simon Peter can relate.

Jesus warned Peter that he would fail, but Peter was so confident in himself that he just knew he couldn’t fail. Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:31-34).

Peter just knew he’d remain faithful to Jesus even if it meant prison and death. And yet within a matter of hours Peter had failed. He had denied Jesus, not once, but three times (see Luke 22:54-62). Peter had been so sure of himself—there was just no way he would deny Jesus; but he did. There are several observations from Peter’s life worth noting…

1. Peter was once so close... He was a disciple and apostle of Jesus (Matthew 4:18-19; Luke 6:13-14). He was even a member of Jesus’ inner circle (Mark 14:33).

…but became so distant. Everyone, including Peter, left Jesus (Mark 14:50). In fact, Luke tells us that Peter was following at a distance (Luke 22:54).

2. Peter was once so certain…He was certain of Jesus’ identity (Matthew 16:15-16).  He was also certain of his own loyalty (Luke 22:33). According to Mark, Peter told Jesus, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” (Mark 14:31). He was so certain of himself.

…but became so defensive. Regarding Peter’s third denial of Jesus, Mark reports that after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”  But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak” (Mark 14:70,71).

3. Peter was once so comfortable…Before Jesus’ warning and before Peter’s denial, the two of them, along with the other disciples, enjoyed a meal together (Luke 22:14). Things were going well. They were relaxing, enjoying a meal, and sharing life together. But then Jesus was arrested and everything changed.

…but became so distraught. After he denied Jesus three times, Peter went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62). Guilt. Disappointment. Anger. Brokenness. It is clear that Peter was distraught over his failure.

As I looked at Peter’s experiences, I was left with a question: Why did Peter fail? Luke reveals at least two reasons.

1. Pride. After Jesus’ warned Peter of his impending failure, Peter told Jesus, “Even though they all fall away, I will not” (Mark 14:29). He was ready to be arrested and even die for Jesus (Luke 22:33). He was so self-confident, self-sufficient, and self-absorbed. In fact, he was even a bit judgmental of the other disciples (Mark 14:29). Solomon warned against pride: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace” (Proverbs 11:2); and, he also wrote, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Peter’s pride led to his disgrace and his fall.

2. Prayerlessness. While in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus had warned Peter, James, and John to “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Mark 14:38). Jesus had even warned them that “the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). But rather than pray, Peter, James and John slept. Peter learned a valuable lesson that day. His self-will, strength, and personal determination was not enough to keep him from failing. His flesh was weak!

Like Peter, we’re in a spiritual battle and we’re told to keep alert and pray (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Having learned from his own failure, Peter cautioned believers: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

From Peter’s failure, we learn that prayer is paramount if we’re to remain faithful followers of Christ. Prayer reveals our dependence upon God. It reveals that we trust His strength and sufficiency, not our strength and self-sufficiency. By the way, prayerlessness is a clear indicator that we are prideful because when we fail to pray we’re trusting in ourselves rather than God.

So, how close are you to failure? If you’re trusting in yourself—your abilities, your strength, your wisdom, your past successes—you may be closer than you think! So, when you, like Peter, think you’ve got it all together, you may want to think again. Here’s a good motto to live by: be prayerful, not prideful!

A Matter of Surrender

A few centuries before Christ, Alexander the Great conquered almost all of the known world with his military strength, cleverness, and diplomacy. One day Alexander and a small company of soldiers approached a strongly defended, walled city. Alexander, standing outside the walls, raised his voice, demanding to see the king.

The king, approaching the battlements above the invading army, agreed to hear Alexander’s demands. “Surrender to me immediately,” commanded Alexander. The king laughed and asked, “Why should I surrender to you? We have you far outnumbered. You are no threat to us!” Alexander responded, “Allow me to demonstrate why you should surrender.” Alexander ordered his men to line up single file and start marching. He marched them straight toward a sheer cliff that dropped hundreds of feet to rocks below.

The king and his soldiers watched in shocked disbelief as, one by one, Alexander’s soldiers marched without hesitation right off the cliff to their deaths. After ten soldiers had died, Alexander ordered the rest of his men to stop and return to his side. The king and his soldiers surrendered on the spot to Alexander the Great. The king and his soldiers realized that nothing would stop the eventual victory of men actually willing to give their lives for their leader.¹

Alexander’s men were surrendered. It’s clear from a careful study of God’s Word that true followers of Christ are also surrendered. In fact, Jesus made it very clear when He said to His followers, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). What does it look like to be surrendered?

We stop pleasing self. Jesus tells us to deny ourselves. Deny means to disregard our own interests. What a contrast to our culture where it’s all about “me.” Our culture seeks to gratify self but Christ-followers seek to glorify God. After all, as Christ-followers we follow Jesus’ example. When Jesus was on earth He didn’t please Himself, He pleased His Father (John 4:34; John 8:29; Romans 15:3).

We yield our total self. Jesus instructs us to take up our cross daily. Taking up our cross daily points to self-denial and even exposure to death. In other words, it costs something to be a true follower of Christ. We daily yield all to Christ’s lordship. We yield our whole heart and our entire life to Him. We love Him above everyone else. We put Him before everything else in our lives. We live for and serve Him. (See Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:17-22 ; 12:30; Romans 12:1, 11)

We go with our Savior. Jesus said, "follow Me." Follow means to move quickly and go with (Mark 1:16-20; 2:14). Jesus is not referring to an occasional or temporary following. He’s referring to total commitment; an exclusive relationship with Him (John 15:1-11). To go with our Savior means that we follow His leading, His example, His life (Luke 22:41-42; Philippians 2:5-8). Jesus said that “My sheep hear My voice; and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

Surrender requires sacrifice. It could require some type of a lifestyle change, a career change, or a change in a relationship. It could even require a relocation. But Jesus would never ask us to do something that He Himself has not already done. He would never ask us to give up something that He Himself has not already given up. He set the example of what surrender really is: He denied Himself, He took up His cross daily, and He obediently followed God the Father.

Why should we surrender all, making it a life-time pursuit to be a devoted follower of Christ? It’s only when we surrender our lives completely to Him that we begin to live life to its fullest as He intended for us to live! Jesus said, For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:24-25).

There’s no greater adventure than living for and following after Christ. But it requires absolute surrender. We must stop pleasing self, yield our total self, and go with our Savior. We surrender all to Christ’s lordship. It’s a matter of surrender!

 

¹ Rice, Wayne. Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks (El Cajun, CA: Youth Specialties, 1994), 22-23.

Never On Our Own!

A little boy was spending Saturday morning playing in his sandbox with his cars and trucks, plastic pail, and a shiny, red, plastic shovel. While creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand he discovered a large rock in the middle of his sandbox. He dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. He pushed and nudged the large rock across the sandbox with his feet. However, when he got the large rock to the edge of the sandbox he couldn’t roll it up and over the side wall.

Determined, he shoved, pushed, and pried, but each time he thought he had made some progress, the large rock tipped and fell back into the sandbox. Finally, after repeatedly trying and failing, the little boy burst into tears of frustration.

The little boy’s dad had been watching from the living room window as the drama unfolded. As soon as his son burst into tears, the dad ran to the sandbox. Gently, but firmly, the dad said. “Son, why didn’t you use all the strength you had available?” The boy replied, “But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!” The dad kindly replied, “No, son. You didn’t use all the strength you had. You didn’t ask me.” With that, the dad reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from the sandbox.¹

How often are we like that little boy, trying to do things on our own? When it comes to living the Christian life we too often try to live on our own. I have good news. If you are a true disciple of Jesus then you are never alone and never on your own. Jesus told His disciples: I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth…You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you(John 14:16-17). True disciples of Jesus are never alone and never on our own because we have the Holy Spirit living in us. So what does it mean to have the Holy Spirit living in us?

1. We have God’s presence in us.

Jesus tells us that the Spirit is with us forever and dwells with us. He remains with us. He abides with us. He lives with us. He’s continually with us. Jesus also tells us that the Spirit is in us. The Holy Spirit is our permanent resident. True disciples of Jesus are never alone; therefore, never on our own because we have the Spirit of God—His presence with us.

2. We have God’s power available to us.

Just before Jesus returned to heaven He told His disciples: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you… (Acts 1:8). Since the Holy Spirit, our Helper, lives in us we have His power available to us, and His power is incredible. His power was evidenced at creation—He created something out of nothing. His power was evidenced by Jesus’ miracles—He caused the blind to see, the mute to speak, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, the bleeding to stop, the demons to flee, the dead to rise. His power was evidenced when Jesus died on the cross and then on the third day came back to life, conquering death and the grave. True disciples of Jesus are never alone; therefore, never on our own because we have the Spirit of God—His presence with us and His power available to us.

3. We have God’s provision to be all He wants us to be.

According to Jesus, the Spirit is our Helper. As our Helper, He enables us to be and to do all that God wants us to be and to do. As our Helper, He is in the process of conforming us to the image of Christ. He’s producing in us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

As our Helper, the Holy Spirit is guiding us. Jesus said, When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come (John 16:13). The Spirit not only helps us to understand the truth of God’s Word but also helps us make decisions based on the truth of God’s Word. In other words, He helps us flesh out the Word in our lives! True disciples of Jesus are never alone; therefore, never on our own, because we have the Spirit of God—His presence with us, His power available to us, and His provision to be all He wants us to be.

In their book, How People Grow, Henry Cloud and John Townsend write, “The Spirit-filled life is a supernatural life that surpasses our strengths and abilities.” ² In other words, we can’t do it on our own. Like the little boy with the large rock in his sandbox, living the Christian life is too big for us to go it on our own. God knew that, and that’s why He did not leave us alone!

As Jesus’ disciples we’re never alone so we’re never on our own! Stop trying to live on your own. Surrender to the Spirit of God, allowing Him to fill and empower you each day to live the life He’s called us to live.

¹ Rice, Wayne. Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks (El Cajun: Youth Specialties, 1994), 36-37.
² Henry Cloud & John Townsend, How People Grow (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001), 103.

A Newsworthy Event

Not too long ago the newspaper and evening news were two major ways people got their news, but the internet has changed all of that. It is becoming more prevalent for people to get their news on Facebook, Twitter, or even YouTube. Yet, with all of today’s technology we have never received news like it was communicated over 2,000 years ago. The Apostle Luke records the story (Luke 2:1-20). Can you imagine being one of the shepherds out in the field the night an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:9)? The angel appeared with a very important message, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord ” (Luke 2:9-11). The news the angel shared was a newsworthy event.

This newsworthy event that was first proclaimed in the fields within the vicinity of Bethlehem is newsworthy because of who was born and why He was born. Jesus, the Son of God, was born to the virgin Mary in the town of Bethlehem, born in a lowly stable and placed in a feeding trough. Yet what may have looked on the exterior like an ordinary birth was, in reality, an extraordinary birth—making this particular birth a newsworthy event.   

It is news worth rejoicing over. Luke writes, And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14). When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us” (Luke 2:15). Their response after they had seen Jesus is worth noting: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:20).

The angels and the shepherds rejoiced at the birth of Jesus. Like the angels and the shepherds we can celebrate Jesus’ birth. Although His birth was long ago we still celebrate because of its implication for our lives. As the song reminds us, He came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the earth to the cross our debt to pay, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky. We need to lift His name on high!

It is news worth repeating. Luke tells us, And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them (Luke 2:16-18). The shepherds could not keep what they had seen to themselves—they had to share with others.

Like the shepherds, we too must tell the good news to everyone who will listen. The good news? ”Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Luke also recorded Jesus’ final words before He went back to heaven: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Christians are to be Christ’s witnesses, repeating this good news.

It is news worth remembering. Luke writes, Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19). Mary treasured and pondered this news. No doubt, she remembered the events of that night for the rest of her life. During this Christmas season, we can take time to remember Jesus’ birth and how it impacts our lives. We can also keep Jesus at the forefront of our thoughts every day.

This news story was worth rejoicing over, worth repeating and worth remembering because of its implication for the whole world. Jesus came to earth to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). John reminds us that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). So, this was no ordinary birth because this was no ordinary baby. This baby was a Savior, Christ the Lord, the Son of God. Jesus grew up and ultimately died on a cross, paying in full the payment for the sin of the whole world, and then resurrecting the third day. Those who acknowledge their sin and need of a Savior, and who by faith accept Jesus’ work on their behalf will be saved from death. The Apostle Paul reminds us, God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

The birth of Christ was newsworthy because of who He was and why He came, so let’s rejoice, let’s repeat, and let’s remember this good and joyful news!

In the Midst of Evil Our Only Hope Is Jesus!

This past Friday my heart sank as I learned the news of the shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. As more details came out, my heart began to break because of the many small children whose young lives were taken, not to mention the brave faculty and staff who died protecting their students. Thankfully, due to the faculty and staff’s heroic actions on Friday morning, many children’s lives were spared.

No doubt many today are asking the question, Why? Why would a young man take the life of his mother, the lives of twenty children and six adults. Many will speculate, but no one will ever really know definitively the reasons this young man committed such a deplorable act.

As I reflected on this news I was reminded of another horrific scene that took place over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, Israel, and its vicinity. King Herod ordered that all boys, two years old and under, were to be killed (Matthew 2:16). Matthew repeats the prophet Jeremiah’s words to describe the scene, “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more” (Matthew 2:18; cf. Jeremiah 31:15). Only those who have lost a child can even begin to imagine the  heartbreak and pain these moms and dads in Bethlehem experienced. Sadly, the moms and dads in Newtown can understand.

Why did King Herod commit such a deplorable act? He had heard that the “king of the Jews” had been born in Bethlehem and he was troubled (Matthew 2:1-3). He feared losing his throne and kingdom. Since King Herod did not know where this “king of the Jews” was, and to ensure that he killed him, he ordered all boys, two years old and under, to be killed. Tragically, no boy two years old and under escaped Herod’s death sentence, that is, except for one (Matthew 2:13-15). That boy’s name was Jesus. Herod’s plan to kill baby Jesus, the “king of the Jews,” had failed. 

King Herod’s actions in Bethlehem and its vicinity, and the lone gunman’s actions in Newtown, are clear reminders of the existence of evil. Evil is real and this past Friday we were reminded just how real it is. Jesus warned us that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10), and right now “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Our only hope is Jesus!

During this Christmas season we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to rescue men from sin. The angel told the shepherds, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus revealed that He came to earth “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He died on the cross to save all who would come to Him by faith for salvation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Three days later He rose from the dead and today He sits at God’s right hand (1 Corinthians 15:4; Hebrews 10:12). Jesus will return again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16). When He comes the second time He will remove the evil one, doing away with evil once and for all (Revelation 20:10). Jesus will also “wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In fact, Jesus tells us that He will  make “all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Our only hope is Jesus! 

Let’s continue to pray for the families of the Newtown victims, as well as the entire Newtown community. Let’s be faithful to share with others the good news of why Jesus came to earth. Let’s be anticipating Jesus’ return. In the midst of evil, our only hope is Jesus!

Let’s Not Forget!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Ps. 103:2).

When you read the history of the Israelites you see that they tended to forget God as well as His kindness towards them. If we’re not careful, we will do the same. As His children, God has blessed us in so many ways. In Psalm 103, David reminds us of some of His blessings: who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Ps. 103:3-5). In these few verses, David reminds us that…

1.  God forgives us (v. 3). Israel had sinned time and time again and yet God forgave them. If we are honest, we would have to admit that we too have sinned against God time and time again; yet He forgives us. In addition, He heals all our diseases—He restores our moral and spiritual life. David adds, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Ps. 103:12). God’s forgiveness is complete and sure.

2.  God redeems us (v. 4). God set the Israelites free from certain death in Egypt. We who have come to God by faith through Jesus for salvation have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We have been set free from sin and sin’s penalty, which is death (see Rom. 6:23). According to David, God does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities (Ps. 103:10). God in His amazing grace and endless mercy has set us free.

3.  God crowns us (v. 4). In His grace, God surrounds or envelopes His children with His loyal, steadfast love and mercy. In fact, David goes on to write, For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him (Ps. 103:11). Thank God for His steadfast love!

4.  God satisfies us (v. 5). God brings contentment to the lives of His children by constantly caring for and providing for us. Since God created us He knows our needs, and in turn, meets our needs. He satisfies us with good things.

As we look back in history, both in the lives of the Israelites, as well as in our own lives, we can trace God’s mercy, grace, kindness, love, and compassion. So, let’s not forget God or His many benefits! Let’s say with the psalmist David, Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Ps. 103:1).

Where To Turn In Times of Crisis

Before the days of GPS, while traveling, I would often have to stop and ask for directions. Inevitably, while giving the directions, the person would tell me how far to travel, where to turn and which way to turn. In times of crisis it is important that we know where to turn. During a time of national crisis, Nehemiah turned to God.

Nehemiah turned to God in desperation, “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4). When we find ourselves in a crisis, or when our nation is in a crisis, the first place we need to turn is to God in desperation. He’s our only hope!

Nehemiah also turned to God in adoration, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments” (Nehemiah 1:5). As we invest time adoring Him, our focus will shift from the things of this world to the One who holds the world in His hands. As we adore Him we will be reminded that our hope is in the Lord.

Nehemiah also turned to God in intercession, “Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants” (Nehemiah 1:6). For three to fourth months, day and night, Nehemiah interceded on behalf of his people. He asked God to be attentive and hear his prayers. It was during Nehemiah’s time of intercession that God began to reveal His plan for the people of Judah as well as how Nehemiah would be a part of that plan.

Nehemiah also turned to God in confession, “confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses” (Nehemiah 1:6-7). Nehemiah confessed the sins of his people, his own sins and the sins of his family. He confessed their corrupt actions and their disobedience to God’s word.

When we are in a crisis—whether individually or as a nation—we should always follow Nehemiah’s example by turning to God in desperation, in adoration, in intercession, in confession. After all, God and God alone is our only hope!

Responding To A Nation’s Crisis

America is a nation in crisis economically, politically, and morally. All you have to do is look around and you will see that our country is in trouble. In the Bible we read of a country whose people were in “great trouble” (Nehemiah 1:3).

The people of Judah had been taken into Babylonian captivity. In time, Cyrus, king of Persia, overthrew Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, although not all the exiles returned,and those who did return did not return all at the same time. One of the Jewish exiles, a man named Nehemiah, was the cupbearer to the king. One day Nehemiah’s brother and some other men visited and Nehemiah “asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 1:2). They told Nehemiah that “the remnant…is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire” (Nehemiah 1:3). As soon as Nehemiah heard their report he “sat down and wept and mourned for days,” and he “continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4). Their report was not good. Without walls and gates the city could not defend itself against enemy attacks and the residents were at risk.

After hearing the report, Nehemiah grieved for his people. His heart broke for the situation his people found themselves in. He was so heartbroken and concerned that he wept and mourned for days.

No doubt we all recall the events of 9/11 that left us all feeling vulnerable. We grieved for young children who lost their moms or dads, for spouses who lost their mates, for moms and dads who lost their children, and for other family members. We grieved as a nation for the loss and pain inflicted on so many. Similarly, Nehemiah grieved for the pain and shame his people were experiencing.

Nehemiah also fasted. Fasting is a way for us to draw nearer to God so that we may get to know Him deeper. Nehemiah’s grief led him to fast, to go without food, in order to seek God and discern His will.
Nehemiah also prayed a moving prayer of adoration, confession, and intercession (Nehemiah 1:5-10). In his prayer he acknowledges God’s greatness and faithfulness. Nehemiah also acknowledges and confesses his and his people’s sinfulness, specifically, the way they had acted and their disobedience to God’s word.
Jerusalem was in a crisis and Nehemiah knew that God was their only hope. In the same way, God is America’s only hope. Not a politician, party or even policies. America needs God. Our nation is living in blatant sin before God. Like the people of Judah, we have acted corruptly. Our nation desperately needs to turn from her sin and turn to God. In light of this, as Christians, we can follow Nehemiah’s example:

1. We need to grieve for our nation. Our hearts ought to break over the decisions that our leaders and justices are making and the direction our country is headed. Our hearts ought to break over the blatant sin that is rampant in our society.

2. We can fast before God on behalf of our nation. We can go without some meals and use that time to draw near to God and seek His face. The psalmist Asaph wrote, “In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord…” (Psalm 77:2).

3. We must pray to God for our nation. We need to acknowledge His greatness and faithfulness. We need to confess our sins and the sins of our nation. We need to plead for God’s mercy. We need to pray for our fellow citizens to come to the realization of the truth found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to pray for our leaders. Paul gave this instruction: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We also need to ask God to raise up godly leaders.

God is the only hope for a nation in crisis. Realizing that, we need to respond to our nation’s crisis as Nehemiah did: grieving, fasting, and praying.

Time for God?

You make known to me the path of life; 

in your presence there is fullness of joy; 

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

- Psalm 16:11

Several years ago I was in a conversation with a friend who said, “I realized recently that I have not been as joyful as I used to be. Then while reading Psalm 16 I found out why: I had not been spending enough time in God’s presence.”

What about you? Are you experiencing that inner joy that comes from God or are the cares of this life distracting you from spending time in God’s presence? In Psalm 16 David acknowledged that his life, and well-being for that matter, was totally dependent upon God. God was David’s refuge (Psalm 16:1,2). David also acknowledged that God was the center of his life. David writes, “I have set the LORD always before me” (Psalm 16:8). As a result of making God his refuge and the center of his life, David’s heart was glad and his whole being rejoiced (Psalm 16:9).

Is God your refuge? Is He the center of your life? If so, like David, you will find time and take time to spend time in God’s presence because it is only in His presence that you and I will experience fullness of joy!

When You Want To Get Even

After a 4-year-old got into trouble at preschool, his mom asked him what he had done wrong. He explained, “I was angry with a playmate. But you told me that I should not hit anyone, so I asked my friend to do it for me!” ¹ I believe you would agree that this little boy got revenge in a rather creative way. Often when someone gets hurt they want to get even—one way or the other. If anyone ever had a reason for wanting to get even it was a young man named David.

David was on the run for his life! He was being hunted by King Saul who, because of his jealousy of David, was determined to kill David. In fact, David had already escaped from Saul on more than one occasion. It is clear that David had done nothing to deserve Saul’s rage and yet he was hunted like an animal (1 Samuel 24:11). On two separate occasions, while Saul was hunting for David, David had an opportunity to kill Saul. He was even encouraged by his own men, but he spared Saul’s life. David entrusted his life to God. He trusted God to avenge him (1 Samuel 24:12). He trusted God to deliver him from Saul’s hand (1 Samuel 24:15; 26:24).

Although he had what many would call justifiable reasons to take Saul’s life, David chose not to touch him (1 Samuel 24:12-13; 26:11, 23). Instead, he left it in God’s hands. By choosing not to harm Saul, David was commended by Saul. Saul told David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil" (1 Samuel 24:17). Later Saul acknowledged: “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them” (1 Samuel 26:25).

Do you feel you have justifiable reasons to seek revenge? Are you waiting to get even with someone who has hurt you? If so, learn a lesson from David. Entrust your life to God. Trust God to avenge you. Leave the matter in God’s hands. Like David, don’t in any way harm the one who has hurt you. We would do well to remember the words of David to King Saul, “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23a).

So, when you want to get even, follow David’s example and entrust your life to God! Remember, God will reward you for your righteousness! 

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Romans 12:17

 

¹ Story taken from Our Daily Bread, November 20, 2010.