When Prayer is Desperate, Psalms Satisfy..... By: Lia Martin

 When Prayer is Desperate, Psalms Satisfy (Psalm 86:11-13)

By: Lia Martin

Today’s Bible verse is Psalm 86:11-13 — Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.

The other day I was spending my communion time with God among the Psalms. And in response to my searching, he paused me at Psalm 86. Have you ever tried inviting God’s leading in this way?

Simply opening your Bible and moving your hands through the pages—eyes closed and heart in prayer—can be a meaningful way to exercise faith.

I sought God’s presence in this time of prayer for an answer to my anxious thoughts. Confession: I have a tendency to seek God in prayer to “help me” or “deliver me” or, quite frankly, make my wishes come true.

But today, he would remind me...that we seek God because of who He is.

As I desperately prayed back the words of Psalm 86 in its entirety out loud, it seemed as though the Spirit had commandeered my voice. I felt mysteriously connected to the terrified David of ancient days. Call me crazy, or faithful, but I felt David’s voice supernaturally comingling with mine in harmony.

I was humbled and struck by a realization that the entire story...all of humanity and all of time...is in God’s hands.

And even though David may have been afraid, there’s a really bright side to this psalm. The beloved Charles Spurgeon comments on this psalm that it can be “divided into three portions, each ending with a note of gratitude or of confidence.”

If you read it aloud, you will see that as a prayer, it cries for help. However, it consistently surrenders that anxious longing in favor of grateful praise for the One who the psalm describes as merciful, incomparable, marvelous, and abounding in love.

Its final words declare that the Lord has indeed “...helped me and comforted me.” My Bible sidenotes suggest that as you read Psalm 86, you can then choose one of the loving attributes of God it contains...and thank him for it all week.

An exposition of this verse reveals that the words of Psalm 86 are being spoken through David and into our hands today, by Jesus. One commentary explains,

“In this Psalm, Christ the Son of God and Son of Man, one God with the Father, one man with men, to whom we pray as God, prays in the form of a servant. For he prays for us, and he prays in us, and he is prayed to by us. He prays for us as our Priest. He prays in us as our Head. He is prayed to by us as our God."

Maybe this is why God desires us to open our Bible. Because He’s speaking to us in words that delivered then, now, tomorrow, and for eternity. And what you’re crying out to God about, Jesus has also been through. And he’s seeing you through it, right beside you, now.

He writes this psalm for you as a way of casting your anxiety on him, and choosing instead to be thankful. To know that God was, is, and will forever be your provider; and the source of all hope, joy, and life.

Each line that falls down in desperation is picked up by praise. And you come away, having prayed this psalm, knowing that God can teach you the truth, give you undivided heart, and deliver you from the depths...of even the grave.

God Promises His Presence..... Denison Ministries

 God Promises His Presence

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

There is only one constant in this ever-changing world, and that’s the character of our heavenly Father. The very earth itself is undergoing changes constantly. What seems the most immovable now will one day be done away with. But God is unchanging. God is unwavering. He’s completely faithful and committed to seeing through the promises he’s made you. As we look this week at the promises of God may you ground yourself in his unchanging love. May God’s character become your source and refuge—your constant and unshakable foundation.

Scripture:“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:9-10

Devotional:

One of the most life-giving promises God makes to us as his children is his promise to be near. David wrote in Psalm 139:9-10, “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” What an incredible image David paints of the nearness of God! If we were to explore the ends of the earth, God would still be there. If we were to dive to the depths of the ocean, God would still be there. If we descend into the darkest places of our inner being, we will still find God. There’s no place we can go that he isn’t present. God’s presence floods the earth like the early morning fog, saturating everything with its haze.His presence is his promise.

So, what do we do with the knowledge of God’s nearness? What does it mean for us? In Deuteronomy 31:6 we’re told, “He will not leave you or forsake you.” And in Psalm 23:4 David exemplifies this command in saying, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 46:1 says it this way: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

God’s nearness is meant to be our source of courage and strength. We are to find refuge in the knowledge and experience of his presence. His presence means everything for us. It means we’re not alone anymore. It means he will guide and shepherd us through the various situations we may find ourselves in: “your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” When you wake up in the morning, God is there to love and prepare you. When you go about your day, God is there for you, desiring to empower you. When you lay down at night, God is there to give you rest and peace. God’s presence is the foundation on which so many of his other promises are fulfilled.

So if he’s truly present always, why is it that we don’t feel him? Why is it that we at times feel lonely, dissatisfied, weary, and weak? Encountering God’s presence starts with having faith in what Scripture says. Feeling God’s nearness starts with trusting that he’s right next to you and wants you to know him. God doesn’t force himself on us. He doesn’t occupy space in our hearts that we fill with other things. So simply make space for God today, trust in his word that “He will not leave you or forsake you,” and encounter the nearness of your heavenly Father. Don’t worry if you aren’t feeling him. Your only job is to make space in your heart and trust him. He’ll take care of the rest. Spend time today in prayer renewing your mind to the promise of God’s presence and letting his nearness become your source of courage, strength, and rest.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the truth of God’s nearness as promised in his word.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”Isaiah 43:1-3

2. Make space in your heart for him to fill. Trust his word. Tell him that you believe that he’s right there with you. Ask the Spirit to help you make room for him to fill.

3. Now simply receive God’s tangible presence. Ask him to make himself known to you. Ask him to manifest his presence to you. Remember it’s really not about feeling him. Experiencing him is just the byproduct of being his child. The weight of it is all on him.

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10           

In response to God’s presence pray this prayer of Brother Lawrence to God. May his words articulate the prayer of your heart:

O my God, since thou art with me, and I must now, in obedience to thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech thee to grant me the grace to continue in thy presence; and to this end do thou prosper me with thy assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections.

Extended Reading: Psalm 139

Creating New Space for Growth..... LYSA TERKEURST

 Creating New Space for Growth

LYSA TERKEURST 

“Then he said to the crowd: ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.’” Luke 9:23 (NLT)

Over the years, I have felt the desire to become more than just a checklist Christian.

I wrestled with the question “How can I grow closer to God?” And I wasn’t looking for Sunday school answers: Go to church. Read the Bible. Don’t cuss. Be nice. Pray. Those are all good things. Things we should do. But we can do all those things and still have hearts far from God.

When our relationship with God becomes more of a routine rather than a revival, something needs to change. Instead of habit, I craved connection, communion and closeness with God.

I didn’t want to just know of Him or know about Him — I wanted to truly know Him.

The New Living Translation puts Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23 like this: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” 

I want this kind of all-out pursuit with God. But what does this look like in today’s culture? I think part of what it means is breaking old habits to create space in my heart for new growth. Not turning to outside sources for fulfillment of an inside craving only God can satisfy. Distracting myself with Netflix, social media and food can only get me so far in a world where truly the only option for peace is God alone.

In reality, God desires our sacrifice — our turning from selfish ways — not for His benefit but for ours.

For instance, I stopped watching TV for a season. I realized I was turning on the TV when I felt most depleted — and when I’m most depleted, I deeply soak up whatever I take in. Why would I want to deeply soak in the entertainment of this world and not things that breathe life back into me? I broke the old habit of watching television and created space in my heart for new growth.

Another example is my commitment to do nothing else each morning — including checking my phone or scrolling on social media — before I open up God’s Word. I used to wake up eager to tune in to the world. I’d soon be sucked in to answering this email, reading that Instagram post and returning text messages. Before I knew it, half my day was gone, and I hadn’t let God prepare my heart for any of it. So I broke the old habit and created space in my heart for new growth.

In other seasons, it was intentionally sacrificing sugar and processed foods that turn into sugar once consumed. Yes, I wanted to maintain my weight loss. But the journey was so much more than just that. It really was about learning to tell myself “no” and learning to make wiser choices daily. And somehow becoming a woman of self-discipline honors God and helps me live the godly characteristic of self-control. Giving up sugar was hard at first — really hard, like crying-big-crocodile-tears hard. But I broke the old habit and created space in my heart for growth.

Am I saying all my friends here need to do the same? No more TV? No checking your phone first thing in the morning? No sugar? Nope. These aren’t things I think everyone needs to do. They were personal practices based on where I was and where I felt like God wanted me to be. I’m not asking you to follow me; I’m saying follow wholeheartedly after God. Ask Him. Seek Him. Do what He tells you.

And while it might sound like a lot to ask, to give up and sacrifice things in order to follow Jesus … friend, I know the experience of closeness with God is unlike any other thing and worth it every time.

It’s the kind of closeness that will help us when we wake up in the middle of the night, full of uncertainties and fear.

It’s the kind of closeness that reminds me I will be OK, even when I’m not sure I will be.

It’s the kind of closeness that comforts me with wisdom and truth when I can’t see past what is in front of me.

God doesn’t want to punish us with distancing ourselves from what we are craving. He wants us to replace what we are craving with Himself. Break the old habit and create space in your heart for new growth and closeness.

Dear Lord, I realize You do not need me. I need You. But I don’t often live each day understanding this. Far too often, I forge ahead and battle my issues without You. I want to grow closer to You, to live each day with You. Help me to remember You will never leave me. Thank You for loving me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sanctification Isn't Passive..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Sanctification Isn't Passive

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Did you know that God didn't save you just to keep you from hell and get you into heaven? His top priority while you are here on earth is to shape you into the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). But at this stage of our sanctification, He doesn't do it all for us. We have a responsibility to cooperate with Him and actively participate in the process. Yet many Christians have a passive attitude about the life of faith. They tolerate sin and smooth it over with the age-old excuse, "Nobody's perfect!"

When you received Christ as your Savior, you took the first step in your walk with Him--a walk that will last the rest of your life. However, you also stepped into spiritual warfare with Satan. The Enemy may have lost your soul, but he's going to do everything he can to hinder, sidetrack, and discourage you. The last thing he wants is a saint who's on fire for the Lord and useful in the kingdom.

But many believers have abdicated their responsibility to live holy lives. In fact, some of them look and act just like the unbelieving world. Sexual immorality is one area of compromise that the apostle Paul addressed specifically, but in truth, we should abstain from anything that interferes with godliness.

Have you allowed something in your life that shouldn’t be there? If so, you need to drop it now. You don't want a thread of sin to become a rope, then a chain, and finally a cable that traps you in a stronghold. Turn back to the Lord, and let your sanctification continue.

Burning Your Ships..... by Ryan Duncan

 Burning Your Ships

by Ryan Duncan

“In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:33

Every now and then, when I’ve got some time to spare, I’ll turn on the History Channel and let myself get lost in the past. Recently, I started watching a documentary on the Age of Exploration, when the kingdoms of Europe were sending out ships to explore the Americas. To the Europeans, the New World was a place of limitless promise but also great danger. Faced with new cultures, strange animals, and deadly plagues, many explorations returned home in failure.

Then in February 1519, an explorer named Hernando Cortez was commissioned by the Spanish Crown to sail to the Yucatan and conquer it in the name of Spain. Cortez and his army set out at once, and when they reached the shores of the Yucatan, Cortez turned to his men and said,

“Burn the boats.”

Cortez refused to let turning back be an option. For the sake of his mission, it would be all or nothing. To many of us, this may sound a bit extreme, but as it turns out, Jesus had the same principle when he started his ministry.

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” -Luke 9:57-62

Being a true Christian is something bold and dangerous. We live in a world that loves compromises, and teaches us that we are free to pick and choose what parts of religion we want to follow. Christ is different. When we become his followers, he tells us to take up our crosses and never look back. To follow him is all or nothing. So take some time today and renew your relationship with Christ, because God never claims a victory until he finally gets it all.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Are you holding onto something that is keeping you from God? Take some time to consider.

Further Reading

Matthew 8

A Prayer While You Wait for God to Work..... By Betsy de Cruz

 A Prayer While You Wait for God to Work

By Betsy de Cruz

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.” – Psalm 130:4

Do you ever wish God would just answer your prayer or solve your problem now? Most of us are not good at waiting. Instead of trusting God, we wring our hands and worry.

Whether you’re waiting for God to provide a need, heal an illness, or bring your prodigal home, you probably know God’s answers don’t usually come as quickly as you’d like.

When a difficult situation lingers, discouragement makes waiting even harder. While you wait on God to answer your prayer for a new job or healing in your marriage, doubt creeps in. We want our problem solved now, but God wants us to learn to trust Him with our needs.

One little verse helps us understand how to wait well: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.” (Psalm 130:4)

We need to cling to God’s Word while we wait on Him to act.

The Bible is full of encouragement to fuel our faith during those hard times when we cannot see God moving as we would like. On its pages we find:

- Reminders of God’s unchanging character

- Assurance of His presence with us

- Stories of His faithfulness in the past

- Promises we can claim today

As we read, remember, and meditate on the truths we find in Scripture, our hope grows. We can be sure we’re praying in accordance with God’s will when we pray through God’s Word.

We need to fill our minds and hearts with truth from Scripture.

While we wait on God, we have to choose our focus carefully. Will we focus on what isn’t happening in our lives until our hearts grow bitter? Or will we choose to focus on God’s presence, His faithful love, and His power to do more than we can even ask for?

If you are waiting for an answer to prayer, may I encourage you to cling to God’s Word and feed your faith with Scripture today? Your trust in God will grow as you choose to stand on His Word and praise His faithfulness.

Let’s pray:

Lord, while I wait for you to answer my prayer, I will hope in your Word and praise you for the blessings of salvation. Thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Scriptures to encourage my faith. Lord, today I’m choosing to cling to your Word. Help me grow in the daily habit of reading my Bible each day. As I read the Scriptures, open my eyes so I can see you. Open my ears to hear your voice through your Word.

Father, I continue asking you to do what only you can do, but today I will praise you for your faithfulness even when I cannot see it as clearly as I’d like. I choose to trust your love and your perfect plans for me. Strengthen my faith and hope as I continue to wait on you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Easter: Bigger Than Christmas?..... Ray Pritchard

 Easter: Bigger Than Christmas?

Ray Pritchard

In our society there are two great religious holidays - Christmas and Easter. For most of us Christmas is the bigger and greater season of the year. It's the time of year when we gather with family and friends to sing carols, decorate the tree, and exchange gifts. Christmas is the climax of the whole year. Easter? Well, for most people it's just another long weekend, another chance to get away for a few days.

Even Christians view Easter as a second-rate holiday!

Somehow we've gotten our thinking badly mixed up. If Easter had not happened, Christmas would have no meaning. If the tomb is not empty, the cradle makes no difference. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then he really is just a misguided Jewish rabbi with delusions of grandeur. If Easter is not true, then Christmas is only the story of an obscure baby born in an out-of-the-way village in a forgotten land 2000 years ago. It is Easter that gives Christmas its meaning.

You want proof? In all the New Testament no major doctrinal point is ever built upon the  virgin birth of Christ. Not one. It's true. It happened. But it's never discussed or mentioned. In fact, two gospels don't even say anything about it.

But the resurrection? That's a different story. In every part of the New Testament, it comes up again and again. Read the Acts 4:28. When the first Christians preached, they didn't mention Bethlehem; they talked about the empty tomb. They never got over the fact that on Easter Sunday when they went to the tomb, Jesus was gone.