Video Bible Drama - Praying for Open Eyes By Brent Rinehart

1/2 Hour of God’s Power with Scott Ralls

6/12/2020

Praying for Open Eyes

By Brent Rinehart

“Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” - 2 Kings 6:17You’ve probably heard the saying that someone “can’t see the forest for the trees.” It’s often used to describe a person who is so involved in the details of a project that they are unable to view the situation as a whole. Put another way, it’s when present circumstances shield the bigger picture. Thinking about this concept spiritually, sometimes the hardships we are facing can cause us to be blind to how God is moving in and through them.I love this story about Elisha found in 2 Kings 6. The king of Syria was aiming to invade and take over Israel. His massive army surrounded the Israelite camp, and Elisha's servant was alarmed – with good reason! He didn't know what to do, so he ran to the prophet Elisha. Elisha said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v. 16).Elisha then prayed for God to open his servant’s eyes, so he could see the same thing Elisha could see. “So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v. 17).I take great comfort in this passage, for it reminds me of a couple of key principles. First, it shows that God is still working even when we can’t see it. Second, it reminds me that sometimes, God may give us vision if it's His will to do so... if we ask Him.It may seem like the enemy is all around. It may appear like the odds are stacked against us. This world brings all sorts of trouble. From health scares and financial woes to job loss and relationship struggles, sometimes it feels like the world dishes out more than we can take. We can feel like we are fumbling around in a dark room trying to find the Light. But, we can rest in knowing God is in control. Remember, greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). He’s working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).Even more, this passage shows us God’s willingness to give us His vision. We can ask God to open our eyes and open the eyes of the ones around us. When I can’t see God moving, I should pray for open eyes to see what He’s up to. When the ones I love around me can’t see God moving, I should pray for God to open their eyes so they can see the big picture. God may not always let us in on His plans, but I believe the process of asking Him reminds us that He is at work and we can trust Him.What are the circumstances in your life blocking your view of how God is moving? What hardships are you facing that are keeping you from fully trusting God? We can ask God to give us His eyes. Whether or not we ever see the mountain full of “horses and chariots of fire,” we can trust and have faith that God is good and He’s working in and through our difficult circumstances.

#Jesus, #Christian, #Bible, #Salvation, #Heaven, #God, #HolySpirit

A Safe Journey

Streams in the Desert

In everything ye are enriched by him (1 Cor. 1:5).

Have you ever seen men and women whom some disaster drove to a great act of prayer, and by and by the disaster was forgotten, but the sweetness of religion remained and warmed their souls?

So have I seen a storm in later spring; and all was black, save where the lightning tore the cloud with thundering rent.

The winds blew and the rains fell, as though heaven had opened its windows. What a devastation there was! Not a spider’s web that was out of doors escaped the storm, which tore up even the strong-branched oak.

But ere long the lightning had gone by, the thunder was spent and silent, the rain was over, the western wind came up with its sweet breath, the clouds were chased away, and the retreating storm threw a scarf of rainbows over her fair shoulders and resplendent neck, and looked back and smiled, and so withdrew and passed out of sight.

But for weeks long the fields held up their bands full of ambrosial flowers, and all the summer through the grass was greener, the brooks were fuller, and the trees cast a more umbrageous shade, because the storm passed by–though all the rest of the earth had long ago forgotten the storm, its rainbows and its rain.
–Theodore Parker

God may not give us an easy journey to the Promised Land, but He will give us a safe one.
–Bonar

It was a storm that occasioned the discovery of the gold mines of India. Hath not a storm driven some to the discovery of the richer mines of the love of God in Christ?

Is it raining, little flower?
Be glad of rain;
Too much sun would wither thee;
‘Twill shine again.
The clouds are very black, ’tis true;
But just behind them shines the blue.
Art thou weary, tender heart?
Be glad of pain:
In sorrow sweetest virtues grow,
As flowers in rain.
God watches, and thou wilt have sun,
When clouds their perfect work have done.
–Lucy Larcom

The Secret of Contentment.....Dr. Charles Stanley

The Secret of Contentment

Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 4:4-13

In today's reading, the apostle Paul says he has learned the secret of experiencing contentment in all circumstances, good or bad. Does it surprise you that he wrote this when he was in prison, unsure of his future?

We're often discontent even when all is going well. Consequently, we wonder how it's possible to be truly content during our most difficult trials, especially when there's no end in sight. So what is genuine contentment? Paul is speaking of a freedom from worry and frustration about everything in life--even unfulfilled desires.

It's usually when we cannot control or change our situation that we feel discontentment. As long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things actually work out, we'll allow circumstances to cheat us out of peace. I'm not saying there's some spiritual stage where you will never again experience anxiety or frustration. But what matters is how we respond when those feelings grip us.

This is something that the apostle had to learn. Paul endured amazing suffering, from shipwrecks and hunger to unjust imprisonment and beatings (2 Cor. 11:24-30). He had gone through countless situations that were uncertain, extraordinarily painful, and seemingly hopeless. But he finally discovered that contentment could not be dependent upon his circumstances.

How do you respond when circumstances are out of your control? Do you get angry? Do you try to escape? Does despair make you want to give up? Paul chose to give his anxieties to Jesus in exchange for peace that "surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7). That same peace is available to you!

3 Choices for When I Feel Afraid

3 Choices for When I Feel Afraid
LYNN COWELL

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

From the street, you would never know my small childhood home held a secret space — an attic-like bedroom, which I shared for years with my big sisters. Then when my sisters grew up and moved out, the upper-most portion of our house became all mine.

My friends envied me, constantly wishing they had a bedroom as unique as mine. Yet, even though my room had the “awesome” factor, I knew something they didn’t:

As soon as the sun went down, the super cool became super scary.

From my bed, I couldn’t hear or see people if they came up the enclosed staircase. Each night, I would try to sleep in the dark, but within seconds, I would convince myself someone was there. It didn’t matter that I was way past the age when you shouldn’t be afraid of the dark; I was terrified.

Since my age was already in the double digits, I was embarrassed and ashamed of my anxiety, so I kept my fear a secret. I suffered alone, sitting for hours in my bed, shivering in the shadowy room until exhaustion overtook me.

Looking back, I could have told my parents. They would have had sympathy for me and helped me overcome my fear.

Now, not only do I want to overcome my own fears, but I also want to be a cheerleader for others to do the same. I’ve looked to the Psalms — penned by David — in God’s Word for help me in this struggle. Here are three choices that help me when I’m wrestling with fear:

1. Share when you’re scared.

Often, we don’t share our fears because it is sometimes shamed to do so — seen only for the weak or immature. Yet David, the strong one who took down a giant single-handedly, begins today’s key verse in Psalm 56:3 by admitting he is scared: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

When we share our fears with a trustworthy person, it normalizes our fears and says they are not something to be ashamed of. Sharing with God, as well as a friend, can open the door for healing and overcoming.

2. See the source of bravery.

Over and over, David found himself in situations that were downright terrifying! He couldn’t change his situation, and he couldn’t change the way he felt, but he could direct where he looked: “… I put my trust in you” he wrote (Psalm 56:3b). David expected that if he looked to God, God would help him. This trust gave David confidence to take the next step forward.

When I turn to God with my fears, I believe He will help me. And when we’re a safe place for others, we can lovingly point them to God, who sets us free of our fears.

3. Soak your thoughts in God’s strength.

David goes on to say in Psalm 56:4a, “In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid” (NIV). David reveals the source he turns to when he is afraid. He turns to God’s Word for the strength and courage to overcome.

I have verses in various beautiful forms scattered throughout my home: in my office, in my kitchen, wherever my eyes can take in the “word I praise.” I set it around to remind me of the One who is the source of my courage and strength.

Our fears, as well as the fears of those we love and care for, are legitimate and should not be minimized or belittled. Yet, these fears can turn into the very building blocks God can use to make us brave when we share them with someone safe, see the source of our bravery and soak our thoughts in God’s strength.

Lord, every day holds situations with the potential to push me and my loved ones to fear. While I can’t always avoid feeling afraid, I can look to You when I am fearful and help others trust in You. Help me find the courage I need to not be afraid of the invisible and visible things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 62:6, “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (NIV)

Maybe Those Words Mattered

Maybe Those Words Mattered
by Debbie Holloway

"Maybe those words never really mattered at all
 But lately those words run with me wherever I go…"

Those lyrics are from a Keane song that I’m currently listening to as I write. Do you ever reflect on the power of words? Words have so much influence, even when we don’t intend for them to. I’m currently dealing with a rocky relationship, and words have played a key role in the hurt and confusion. “Rocky” probably isn’t the best description… frayed, torn, broken, sporadic, and unraveling might be more accurate – but you get the idea.

The worst part honestly just might be that I have no idea how to deal with it.

I don’t envy people who’ve always had to deal with crazy drama, but I envy their preparation and their ability to keep it together after years of practice. I don’t have a background in Dealing With Crazy. I don’t think I’ve ever had a heated, angry, yelling-type fight with anyone outside my immediate family. And in dealing with family, all arguments have always ended with jam sessions or forgiveness or just a resolve to move on.

So when a relationship I thought was secure starts pumping venom in my direction, I sort of lose it. I’m an ugly crier, too. And my times of panic are bewildered, because I’m not usually a panicked person. To boot, I was often told growing up “you should be a lawyer” because of my passion for rightness and justice. So when my sense of “how the world is meant to work” gets thrown back at me in a situation I can’t control…. well… it’s hard. I have a soft and fierce heart.

This season has helped me grow in ways, though. It’s helped me think twice about judgments I make on people when I don’t know their story. It’s helped me remember to measure my own words. It’s helped me realize that I have no control over what someone will do with my words once they leave my lips. It’s helped me remember that love and loyalty must be kept up like a well-trimmed garden. Leaving relationships to take care of themselves sometimes results in a beautiful, out-of-control wisteria vine… but too often, it results in chaos, decay, and weeds choking out the flowers.

James writes,

“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (3:8).

No human can tame the tongue. But God can. Give your words over to God before they pass through your lips, and let God reign in taming your tongue. It’s a daily struggle for me, but even in my weakness, he is perfectly strong.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Do rash words get you in trouble? Start meditating on the Word, and give your impulses to God. Are rash words from others hurting your heart? Remember, you are only master of your own tongue. Behave as one bearing the standard of Christ.

Further Reading

James 3

Understanding the Fear of the Lord

Understanding the Fear of the Lord
by Lynette Kittle

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” - Proverbs 9:10

Growing up, I had a healthy respect or as some might describe “fear” of my parents. Not that I grew up fearing them but rather knew they deeply loved me and had certain guidelines they wanted me to follow.

As a kid, I didn’t really understand how their standards were for my good, and in my best interest to keep me safe and help me grow up healthy. In my childish thinking, it just seemed like they were trying to keep me from having fun and getting my own way.

Likewise, it’s difficult for many individuals to understand what it means to “fear the Lord.” Scripture may seem like it’s contradicting itself by telling you to fear God ( Proverbs 24:21), yet assuring you that God has not given you a spirit of fear ( 2 Timothy 1:7).

So what does it mean to fear the Lord and how is it different from being fearful of Him? Proverbs 8:13 describes it this way, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil.”

Hating evil means you detest and stay away from the things God hates, and choose to love and follow after the things He loves.

So how is it possible to distinguish between what God hates and what He loves? Begin by studying Scripture. Through reading it you’ll gain understanding to help you differentiate between the two because if you don’t know what is true, you won’t be able to tell what isn’t true.

Knowing God’s Word is foundational in being able to recognize what is false. Proverbs 16:6 states, ”Through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”

Do you know Christians who have seemed to be led astray? If so, it’s probably because they haven’t grown in their knowledge of God’s Word and aren’t able to distinguish between good and evil.

Romans 1:21 states how easy it is for individuals to be led astray stating, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Hebrews 5:12 explains how many by now ought to be able to teach the Word to others, but instead they need someone to teach the elementary truths of it all over again to them. To grow in understanding, Hebrews 5:14 describes how “solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

If you’re looking to grow in your knowledge and relationship with God, don’t be afraid of the Lord but fear Him. When you do, you will bring wisdom and understanding to your life ( Proverbs 9:10).

A Prayer to Restore Fun in Your Life

A Prayer to Restore Fun in Your LifeBy Brad Rymer

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. – Ecclesiastes 8:15

What about fun? Is it okay for Christians to have fun? How much fun? What kind of fun? God wants us to enjoy ourselves. But pleasure can be serious business. In today's scripture, an assembly of Israelites is instructed to enjoy themselves. They had just listened to a reading of the sacred Scriptures and were crying and mourning over how poorly they had been paying attention to God's Word regarding how to live purposefully and reverently. It is interesting to see how preceding and following a time of pleasure were periods of studying the "Book of the Law" (See Nehemiah 8:1-2, 13).

After hearing the reading of Scriptures, the Israelites were told to have a feast, to celebrate. They were celebrating with the joy of the Lord.

To pursue pleasure sensibly, we need to include God. We need to be grounded in God's life instructions.

Consider this…

When we leave God out, we tend to revert to our sin nature. Our priorities get out of balance. Pursuing pleasure can become more important than anything else. We tend to revert to our sin nature and may even pursue evil desires leading to addictive and destructive behaviors.

How do we include God? By finding joy in His love for us and our walk with him. By asking him to help us find balance in our lives. By finding ways to have fun that don't lead to disobedience to the Scriptures. By always putting him first in our lives.

Prayer

Father, I thank you that you want me to enjoy times of fun and celebration. You are the creator of fun and you love to see your children enjoying the world and gifts you've given them. Help me not be afraid to have fun. Help me pursue fun in ways that honor and bring you joy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.