A Prayer to Walk Faithfully with God..Maggie Meadows Cooper

09/20/2023 

A Prayer to Walk Faithfully with God

Maggie Meadows Cooper

09/20/2023

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Genesis 4:6-7

Have you ever stopped and reflected on your “walk” with the Lord? Maybe how it started, how long you’ve been on it, or what the path has been like? Well, I did that recently. And let me tell you that mine looked more like tripping, falling behind, running ahead, or missing a turn and straying down the wrong path on many occasions. It wasn’t smooth like I hoped it would be. And it got me thinking more about a Bible hero of the faith named Enoch.

Enoch is mentioned in Genesis 5 and Hebrews 11. We learn that he came from the line of Seth, seven generations from Adam, and was the great-grandfather of Noah. His name means “dedicated,” which is very fitting because we are told that he pleased God, so much so that he is only one of two people we know of who were "taken" to Heaven without dying. So what was it about Enoch that allowed him to find such favor? And what can we learn from him?

In Hebrews 11:5-6, we find a few things out right away: Enoch pleased God because of his faith, believed that God existed, and believed that God rewards those who sincerely seek him. So, how did he live this out? Genesis 5:21-24 tells us this:

"When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God for 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."

 Enoch walked faithfully with God. Scripture tells us not once but twice! Whenever Scripture repeats itself, I believe it is an intentional reminder to look, listen, remember, and root these words in our hearts. So, what does walking faithfully with God look like? And how can we do the same?

Here are a few lessons we can learn from Enoch's walk with the Lord:

1. What's most important isn't when you start your walk, but that you start.

"When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God for 300 years..." Gen.5:22

Did you catch that? After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God. Does that mean he wasn't following God faithfully for the first 65 years of his life? We don’t know for sure, but it appears that way. And that gives me so much hope! When I see these men and women of faith mentioned in the Bible, their status can seem unattainable at times. And yet, God in His mercy, shows us over and over again that no one, besides Jesus, ever was or ever will be perfect. Enoch didn't follow God from his first year on Earth. It wasn't even year 10 or 20 or 30. And yet, God chose to include him in Scripture as an example for us to follow as a man of great faith! So be encouraged that it doesn't matter when you choose to begin walking with the Lord, but that you do!

2. To walk with God, we have to choose: please God or please man.

"...he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith." Heb.11:5

One of the greatest desires of my heart is to be known as someone who pleases the Lord. But unfortunately, I know my own tendency to be a "people-pleaser" at times. Not wanting to disappoint or embarrass or be thought badly of by others. But if we truly want to walk with God, we have to put Him first. To intentionally think about pleasing Him more than others. To choose Him and the things of Heaven more than the things of Earth. And it's not easy. It takes courage and strength that only He can give. Our faith in Him must be greater than our faith in the people and things of this world. It's a choice we all have to make, sometimes week by week, day by day, or even minute by minute.

3. To walk with the Lord, you have to be on the same road.

"Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Heb.11:6

He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. I've thought about those words many times over the years. What "sincerely seeks Him" means. What it really looks like. And this is what the Lord laid on my heart. It means we look for him in every situation. We call on His name when we are in need. We listen for His voice above all others and wait expectantly to hear Him. We stay close enough to do all of those things by spending time in His Word and prayer. We choose Him and His ways over ourselves and our own. And we do it because the ultimate cry of our hearts is to know Him more. Not for anything we would receive but because we truly want to be with Him more than anyone else. We stay on the road with Him. But I can’t say I do these things many days, even when I sincerely want to.

Sincerely seeking Jesus is hard. But thank goodness, the Lord knows our hearts. He knows the sincerity within them. And He loves us so very much that though we may run ahead or fall behind or even choose a different road some days, we can always get back in step with Him.

One version of Scripture says that Enoch walked "steadily" with God, and I love that illustration. To be steady, you walk in a controlled, unwavering manner. Unchanging. We don't change our speed or tempo...we simply stay beside Jesus. Step by step. Day by day. Week by week. Year by year. That's what Enoch did, and I pray for the Lord to help us all do the same.

Let’s pray:

Dear Jesus,
Thank you Lord. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for mercy. Thank you that when the desire of my heart is to walk with you, but I get out of step for a time, you are always willing to allow me to walk with you again. Oh Lord, “my flesh and my heart may fail, but you are the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Ps.73:26).” Please give me the strength to block out the distractions of this world, listen for your voice, and walk faithfully with you all the days of my life.
In Your Mighty Name,
Amen

09/21/2023

What Cain and Able Teach Us about the Way Out of Sin
by Jennifer Waddle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Genesis 4:6-7

Even though I already know the outcome of the story, each time I read Genesis 4, I find myself thinking, Sin is right outside your door, Cain! Hurry, get a broom and sweep it off the porch!

But as we know, God’s warning went unheeded. Cain proceeded to rise up against his brother and kill him. Cain did not understand that the KEY to mastering sin—yielding to the Lord’s admonition.

It’s really no different with us, is it? We get a “check” in our spirit—a warning from God—yet we choose to ignore Him. The Lord not only warns us when our sin is right outside the door, He gives us everything we need to rule over it.

Here are 3 ways the Lord provides a way out of sin.

1. “…but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1Corinthians 10:13

Our temptations are never more than we can bear. Even when they feel overpowering, God always provides the way out. In times of temptation, we can ASK the Lord to show us the nearest escape route—and count on Him to provide it.

Here are 3 ways the Lord provides a way out of sin.

1. “…but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1Corinthians 10:13

Our temptations are never more than we can bear. Even when they feel overpowering, God always provides the way out. In times of temptation, we can ASK the Lord to show us the nearest escape route—and count on Him to provide it.

2. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Sin feels powerful. Its grip can seem too strong to loosen. However, sin is weak and powerless against the One who lives in us. We have the ultimate Source of strength, yet we either try to fight the temptation on our own, or we completely ignore the Holy Spirit.

Once we declare that God lives in us, nothing can stand against it! The way out of sin is yielding to the Spirit. For it’s not by our power or might, but by His Spirit says the Lord! (Zechariah 4:6)

3. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:2

When God questioned Cain about his anger, He knew exactly what Cain’s intentions were. The Lord’s thought-provoking questions were an attempt to get him to stop and think about his actions.

If you read all of Genesis 4, the Bible explains that Cain did not give the first fruits of the land, while Abel offered God the firstborn of his flock. The Lord respected Abel’s offering, but Cain’s, He rejected. Cain was overcome with evil because he refused to do what was good.

For us, choosing to do what is right, even when we don’t feel like it, will triumph evil every time. So, the next time sin is crouching at your door, go ahead and grab that broom. Sweep it away before it even stands a chance!

09/22/2023

What Cain and Able Teach Us about the Way Out of Sin

by Jennifer Waddle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Genesis 4:6-7

Even though I already know the outcome of the story, each time I read Genesis 4, I find myself thinking, Sin is right outside your door, Cain! Hurry, get a broom and sweep it off the porch!

But as we know, God’s warning went unheeded. Cain proceeded to rise up against his brother and kill him. Cain did not understand that the KEY to mastering sin—yielding to the Lord’s admonition.

It’s really no different with us, is it? We get a “check” in our spirit—a warning from God—yet we choose to ignore Him. The Lord not only warns us when our sin is right outside the door, He gives us everything we need to rule over it.

Here are 3 ways the Lord provides a way out of sin.

1. “…but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1Corinthians 10:13

Our temptations are never more than we can bear. Even when they feel overpowering, God always provides the way out. In times of temptation, we can ASK the Lord to show us the nearest escape route—and count on Him to provide it.

Here are 3 ways the Lord provides a way out of sin.

1. “…but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1Corinthians 10:13

Our temptations are never more than we can bear. Even when they feel overpowering, God always provides the way out. In times of temptation, we can ASK the Lord to show us the nearest escape route—and count on Him to provide it.

2. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Sin feels powerful. Its grip can seem too strong to loosen. However, sin is weak and powerless against the One who lives in us. We have the ultimate Source of strength, yet we either try to fight the temptation on our own, or we completely ignore the Holy Spirit.

Once we declare that God lives in us, nothing can stand against it! The way out of sin is yielding to the Spirit. For it’s not by our power or might, but by His Spirit says the Lord! (Zechariah 4:6)

3. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:2

When God questioned Cain about his anger, He knew exactly what Cain’s intentions were. The Lord’s thought-provoking questions were an attempt to get him to stop and think about his actions.

If you read all of Genesis 4, the Bible explains that Cain did not give the first fruits of the land, while Abel offered God the firstborn of his flock. The Lord respected Abel’s offering, but Cain’s, He rejected. Cain was overcome with evil because he refused to do what was good.

For us, choosing to do what is right, even when we don’t feel like it, will triumph evil every time. So, the next time sin is crouching at your door, go ahead and grab that broom. Sweep it away before it even stands a chance!

09/23/2023

The Powerful Practice of Fasting

Dr. Charles Stanley

Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah's brother arrived from Judah with some bad news: the Israelites living in Jerusalem were in great trouble. After hearing about their plight, Nehemiah fasted and prayed to the Lord for several days. During this time, he discovered God wanted him to ask the king of Persia for help.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us center our attention on the Lord and discover His will so we may act according to it. People fast in different ways: some abstain from food while others refrain from various activities. The period of time can vary as well. But the focus in each case is to be the same—to seek God and know His will.

When we begin to deny ourselves, several things happen. First, the Holy Spirit will enable us to set aside earthly matters. Relationships, work, and pleasure will take a lesser place in our mind as we concentrate on Him and His purposes. Second, our attention will shift from ourselves to the Lord. Thinking will become clearer, and our ability to understand God's plans will sharpen because we are not distracted by other things.

Third, the Lord is probably going to do some spiritual housecleaning in our lives. His Spirit will convict us of sinful attitudes or behavior. Upon confession of our sin, we'll be forgiven and cleansed (1 John 1:9).

When unexpected news greets us, we—like Nehemiah—may find our emotions in turmoil. He wisely sought the Lord through fasting and prayer. This powerful practice can also help us to hear clearly from our heavenly Father, who knows the best way through every situation.

09/27/2023

Encountering God through Scripture

Craig Denison Ministries

 Weekly Overview:

Having consistent and transformational encounters with God while on earth is meant to be foundational to the Christian life. Our God has not left us. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we’ve been filled with the very Spirit of God who longs to reveal to us daily the nearness and love of our heavenly Father. We are never alone. There is nowhere we can flee from the presence of our God. May this week be filled with transformational encounters with the living God as we learn what it is to seek the face of the one who has formed us, knows us, and loves us unconditionally.

Scripture:“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

Devotional:

In Scripture, we have a perfect and direct avenue to powerful and transformational encounters with God. Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” In Scripture we find both our weakness and God’s unfailing love portrayed through countless stories. God has spoken to us all we need in Scripture to both understand and pursue wholehearted, unveiled relationship with him.

The very Spirit who authored the words of Scripture longs to use it to guide you and me into powerful encounters with our heavenly Father. I fear that many believers today are missing the intended meaning behind Scripture. The Bible is not God. It is designed to act as a guide to knowing its Author. It is designed to give us a desire and understanding about this God who is living, active, and near to us.

Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” God’s purpose has always been restored relationship with his people. His goal is our hearts. And his word is powerful in accomplishing his purpose. Psalm 1:1-3 says,

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

The Lord longs to plant us by the streams of his presence. He longs for us to be a people that consistently and purposefully encounter his unending love. He longs for us to meditate on his laws that we might live according to his will and be blessed in all that we do. His heart is for us to know his love through his Spirit and word that we might live a truly abundant life marked by his unceasing faithfulness.

May we as fully loved children of the Most High God seek all that is available to us in Scripture. May we gain heart-knowledge about our Father as his word guides us into more consistent, true, and impactful encounters with him. May we be a people filled with the stories of God’s redeeming love that we might live in response to the unchanging, active nature of our heavenly Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of being a person who lives by the word of the Lord.

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth you need to know through his word today. Ask him to guide you into a direct encounter with your heavenly Father as you open his word and read.

3. Take time to do the extended reading today. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart what you need to hear through the powerful words of Jesus.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13

Pray this prayer with me today: Lord, make us a people who are endlessly hungry for your words of life. Make us a people who have so tasted and seen your goodness poured out in the pages of Scripture that we make time to feast on the bread of your word. Fill us with a longing for deeper, more consistent encounters with you that we would search the pages of Scripture for truths that will open our hearts to you more fully. May our lives be marked today by the fruit grown from the seed of your word.

Extended Reading: John 17

Pray this prayer with me today: Lord, make us a people who are endlessly hungry for your words of life. Make us a people who have so tasted and seen your goodness poured out in the pages of Scripture that we make time to feast on the bread of your word. Fill us with a longing for deeper, more consistent encounters with you that we would search the pages of Scripture for truths that will open our hearts to you more fully. May our lives be marked today by the fruit grown from the seed of your word. Craig Denison Ministries

09/28/2023