Bold Prayer
Sometimes we are afraid to pray bold prayers. Maybe we've been disappointed. Perhaps we are not confident we can succeed in the en-devour the Lord has put before us. We cannot do it on our own. This week as we've studied Nehemiah we've seen God place a burden upon his heart, we've seen him pray day and night and fast before the Lord, We've seen him humble himself before the Lord and admit his sin, the sin of his family and the sin of his nation. He positioned himself for favor. Nehemiah's boldness involved a prayer to bring favor before the king of Persia. He was the kings cup-bearer.
Nehemiah 1:10-11
11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cup-bearer to the king.
Influence
Nehemiah was in an influential position. His job was to keep the king safe from poisoning by tasting the food first. Cup-bearers also became confidants and advisers to the king...no doubt due to the access they had and their willingness to risk their lives. However, that didn't mean that the kings heart would honor God and Nehemiah's heart's desire to help his country. Thus the bold prayer in the natural was a risk. Nehemiah bold prayer may be called presumption by some...but to me it spells faith.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Nehemiah: If you confess your sin.
Nehemiah 1:5-11
7We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. 8Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. 10Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
Nehemiah knew the history of his people and that they had not kept God's commands. He realized that their present situation was based upon their past behavior of disobedience. The New Testament tells us, James: 4:7 ; When we yield to God in obedience the devil must run in Jesus Name when we resist him. Sometimes we are waiting for a huge revelation about how to have the power of God in our lives and we miss the obvious promise to those who obey. Nehemiah reminded God that when the disobedient turn from their way and obey God he will gather them to Himself. He promised the Jewish nation that He would gather them back to Jerusalem. I mentioned yesterday that Nehemiah prayed for the nation and admitted both personal sin and national sin. God has an assignment for you...He is in the process of revealing it to you. Take an inventory and ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything that needs repentance in your life. Obedience from the heart and out of love for God brings power and victory. It doesn't mean there will be no problems to overcome...but it does mean God will be with you.
Here is a promise that gives great comfort.
I John 1:9
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
9
7We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. 8Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. 10Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
Nehemiah knew the history of his people and that they had not kept God's commands. He realized that their present situation was based upon their past behavior of disobedience. The New Testament tells us, James: 4:7 ; When we yield to God in obedience the devil must run in Jesus Name when we resist him. Sometimes we are waiting for a huge revelation about how to have the power of God in our lives and we miss the obvious promise to those who obey. Nehemiah reminded God that when the disobedient turn from their way and obey God he will gather them to Himself. He promised the Jewish nation that He would gather them back to Jerusalem. I mentioned yesterday that Nehemiah prayed for the nation and admitted both personal sin and national sin. God has an assignment for you...He is in the process of revealing it to you. Take an inventory and ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything that needs repentance in your life. Obedience from the heart and out of love for God brings power and victory. It doesn't mean there will be no problems to overcome...but it does mean God will be with you.
Here is a promise that gives great comfort.
I John 1:9
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
9
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Nehemiah: God Keeps Covenant and is Merciful
Nehemiah 1:5-11
Nehemiah’s prayer takes up the rest of chapter one. Go ahead and read the whole prayer and we will discuss portions of it the rest of the week.
God Keeps Covenant and is Merciful
5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
6Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
A covenant is an agreement. God doesn’t break His word. He keeps covenant…take a minute and ponder that. He remembers what He has said and promised. He works this divine trait in us as well. Psalms 15:4 talks about how we are to keep our word even when it hurts. Perhaps the Israelites wondered if God was still willing to remember them. Things were not looking good for them at the moment. Nehemiah’s prayer reminds us that we serve a merciful God. When we love Him and are obedient His mercy overflows towards us. Verse 6 starts a very important part of the prayer. Nehemiah asked God to listen to his prayer and then he confesses that he and his people have sinned. Nehemiah is placing himself and the nation in a position of receiving God’s mercy. Tomorrow we’ll see Nehemiah getting more specific about what went wrong…but today we will simply ponder the fact that sometimes our situation has to do with disobedience….and that God hears a repentant heart. Notice also that God can use one of His people to begin repentance for a group.
Nehemiah’s prayer takes up the rest of chapter one. Go ahead and read the whole prayer and we will discuss portions of it the rest of the week.
God Keeps Covenant and is Merciful
5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
6Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
A covenant is an agreement. God doesn’t break His word. He keeps covenant…take a minute and ponder that. He remembers what He has said and promised. He works this divine trait in us as well. Psalms 15:4 talks about how we are to keep our word even when it hurts. Perhaps the Israelites wondered if God was still willing to remember them. Things were not looking good for them at the moment. Nehemiah’s prayer reminds us that we serve a merciful God. When we love Him and are obedient His mercy overflows towards us. Verse 6 starts a very important part of the prayer. Nehemiah asked God to listen to his prayer and then he confesses that he and his people have sinned. Nehemiah is placing himself and the nation in a position of receiving God’s mercy. Tomorrow we’ll see Nehemiah getting more specific about what went wrong…but today we will simply ponder the fact that sometimes our situation has to do with disobedience….and that God hears a repentant heart. Notice also that God can use one of His people to begin repentance for a group.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Nehemiah: Allowing God to make His heart's desire our heart's desire
God's Heart desire.
Yesterday we found Nehemiah in the palace in Persia. We will see as time goes on in our study that the Lord had Nehemiah placed where he could make a difference concerning the problems in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1:3-4 says,
Yesterday we found Nehemiah in the palace in Persia. We will see as time goes on in our study that the Lord had Nehemiah placed where he could make a difference concerning the problems in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1:3-4 says,
3And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.4And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
Nehemiah's brother tells him that things are not good in Jerusalem. This passage reminds me that "the steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord". Here is a man that as we will soon see had an important job in a large kingdom. He was in the palace , a place of luxury, and a place of influence. He grew up knowing that the God of Israel had plans to restore what was lost to them. Knowing all of this didn't mean he had to act. He could have excused himself of caring too much about the condition of his people's home land...after all he was a busy man and could have even reasoned within himself that his current position was too important to give up not just for himself, but for his people.
Think about this for a moment. We all have times when we have to discern if something we've learned about is meant to be our passion. Nehemiah knew within his heart that God wanted him to do something, but he wasn't sure what his role would be yet. He started at a place many skip altogether. Prayer and fasting. Some people would get stuck with the weeping and the mourning and go nowhere, some would shake off the weeping and mourning and go on about their business. Nehemiah determined to seek the wisdom and revelation of the Lord. He cast this great care upon the Lord and asked God to make clear what he was to do. I'm convinced we can do the same thing. We can cast the burden on Jesus and seek His council about what to do about what is presented to us in our everyday life. He can help us find our passion and make a positive difference in our world. Take time to pray and fast this week if even only a meal seeking His goals and passion for your life.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Nehemiah: News From Home
The last several days the Holy Spirit has prompted me to read the book of Nehemiah and let it speak to my heart. I’d like to share some of the wonders of the King of Kings with you. Nehemiah was originally included with the book of Ezra. So after you read Nehemiah you might be interested to read Ezra which actually is chronologically before Nehemiah. Let’s not be in a hurry to get through the book. This week we will concentrate on chapter one. Feel free to read the chapter everyday as we go through it step by step. Write down your own insights as the Holy Spirit speaks to you.
Nehemiah’s family line had been taken to Persia in the dispersion when disobedience towards God had caused the Israelites to be taken captive. Daniel was one of the captives who was used of God at the beginning of the captivity and is still an example of trust in God. Jeremiah had prophesied about it and declared it’s length would be seventy years. In Ezra’s time God gave favor to the Israelites and many were allowed to go back to the Holy Land and repair the temple. Nehemiah opens with Nehemiah in the palace (citadel) in Persia when he receives a visit from a brother with news of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s name means Yahweh comforts (comforted of the Lord).
News From Home: Nehemiah 1:1-3
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah.
It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan[a] the citadel, 2 that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”
The splendor of the palace could not hold Nehemiah's heart when his brother Hanani (God is gracious) explains to him that city of Jerusalem is in great distress with the walls which are meant to be a protection are instead broken allowing enemies to have a foothold to bring destruction. So many times when we are shown a need that grips our heart it is God giving us opportunity to make a difference in this world and fulfill His plan for our life. Chapter one reveals how God places in Nehemiah’s heart a burning desire to bring help to his country as well an understanding that God would show him great favor. As we read we will see that we all need the wisdom and revelation of the Lord. Perhaps there are area’s in your life where the walls are broken down, where the enemy wants to get a foothold and cause destruction and reproach. Rising to the call of the Lord is not always an easy road, but God brings joy in the fulfillment of His plan. He sees and He always has a wise plan. Keep reading to see how Nehemiah walked out the plan of God and helped his nation.
Nehemiah’s family line had been taken to Persia in the dispersion when disobedience towards God had caused the Israelites to be taken captive. Daniel was one of the captives who was used of God at the beginning of the captivity and is still an example of trust in God. Jeremiah had prophesied about it and declared it’s length would be seventy years. In Ezra’s time God gave favor to the Israelites and many were allowed to go back to the Holy Land and repair the temple. Nehemiah opens with Nehemiah in the palace (citadel) in Persia when he receives a visit from a brother with news of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s name means Yahweh comforts (comforted of the Lord).
News From Home: Nehemiah 1:1-3
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah.
It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan[a] the citadel, 2 that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”
The splendor of the palace could not hold Nehemiah's heart when his brother Hanani (God is gracious) explains to him that city of Jerusalem is in great distress with the walls which are meant to be a protection are instead broken allowing enemies to have a foothold to bring destruction. So many times when we are shown a need that grips our heart it is God giving us opportunity to make a difference in this world and fulfill His plan for our life. Chapter one reveals how God places in Nehemiah’s heart a burning desire to bring help to his country as well an understanding that God would show him great favor. As we read we will see that we all need the wisdom and revelation of the Lord. Perhaps there are area’s in your life where the walls are broken down, where the enemy wants to get a foothold and cause destruction and reproach. Rising to the call of the Lord is not always an easy road, but God brings joy in the fulfillment of His plan. He sees and He always has a wise plan. Keep reading to see how Nehemiah walked out the plan of God and helped his nation.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Come Boldly To the Throne of Grace
We live in a world of uncertainty and wonderment. Things can happen in a moment that can change the course of our lives. The choices of others can seem to crash our life pulling all hope and peace out from under us like a rug. Have you ever been in a situation like that? One that makes you question your faith in God, your spouse, your children, or the perfect will of God for your life. It is times like these when the enemy of our soul seeks to crush us and cause us to give in to disappointment and a spirit of giving up. These times produce overwhelming feelings and emotions that leave us finding it hard to function properly.
There are so many verses that could be used to express help, but the first one that comes to mind for me is,
There are so many verses that could be used to express help, but the first one that comes to mind for me is,
Hebrews 4:16
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Come Boldly
First the Lord wants us to realize that we have access to walk into His presence. What an awesome thought! With all of our problems the God of the universe is still willing to give us an audience right in the very throne room. We walk in...throw ourselves in His arms and He holds us close. He has time for us...and He cares about our situation. Boldness means confidence that we are allowed in...confidence that He cares....confidence that He has a solution. God knows our state of mind and what it will take to build faith within us. This is why it is so important for us to be willing to come to the throne room even when every instinct is telling us to run for cover.
The Choice when the Crisis hits the lowest spot
Remember Jairus, the leader of the synagogue, whose daughter was dying. He went to ask Jesus to come heal her...and Jesus was on his way to his house. Things were looking up, until a little woman with a sickness reached through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus' garment. She was instantly healed and any other day Jairus would have rejoiced but this day was different. He didn't have time for a delay. Hurry he thought ...just hurry! "Don't bother the teacher anymore messengers came and told Jairus...the girl has died" Imagine the hopelessness that those words brought to Jairus, the disappointment and the questions. Yet Jesus spoke afterward... “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” Luke 8:50 What would Jairus do? Would he continue to lead Jesus to his home even with the message of woe or would he retreat alone to face his sorrow?
The Throne Room holds His presence and our answer
Jesus cleared Jairus' house of everyone except Jairus , his wife and a few disciples. "Little girl...rise" The life of this family was changed as they allowed Jesus into their house. His presence is still the same today. He changes things. His plan is not always what we would think..but His presence will leave us changed for the better. He really does have our answer.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Ponderings of the Resurrection
Mary and Joseph obeyed God by bringing Jesus to the temple to be consecrated as the firstborn. God had arranged to have a prophet and prophetess speak over Him.
Mary hid these things in her heart.
Simeon Blesses Mary and Joseph and Says many things about Jesus
Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and proclaimed many things about Jesus. My eyes have seen your salvation. Simeon declared that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and would bring Salvation. He would bring a light to the Gentile nations and be the glory of Israel. The prophets of the Old Testament confirm that God would show his love to the Gentiles, but that seemed like a far off thing. He would bring glory to Israel....the people of his time couldn't see this happening. Many could not see Him as sent of God at all. The Jews of Jesus time were waiting for a deliver who would free them from the oppression of Rome and restore the nation to the glory of David. They were not aware that God's Salvation would start with individual hearts and changed lives. Genesis 12 reminds us that God told Abram that the nations would be blessed through the Jewish nation.
A Hard Path
Simon spoke further, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Imagine if you will these parents. Mary the mother and Joseph the willing step-father hearing these words and having to process them. I have to adult boys and remember fondly their babyhood. The hopes and dreams for blessing in their lives. The promise their little lives held amazed me. Mary and Joseph had agreed to allow God to work in their life...to allow the Son of God to be born to them. Perhaps they like those of their time dreamed of Messiah as freeing them from oppression. They'd held him in their arms...they willingly sacrifice their reputation and future to obey God. Now these words shed light upon the purpose and plan of God for their son. I would do anything to help my boys have a good life and to fulfill the plan of God. I hate to think of the hard parts of their lives and really wish they could all be eliminated. Mary and Joseph were willing to sacrifice much, but they did not realize how much Jesus would sacrifice and what he would do to bring salvation to the world.
Not my will but thine
Certainly as God in the flesh Jesus wanted to do the will of the Father. As a human being that grit and determination towards obedience to God was shown to him by parents who said..."Let it be unto me as you have said." and followed obedience.
What steps of obedience has God asked of you? Do you have the fortitude to obey God even when things are not easy? Take some time to ponder what the Lord has spoken into your life.
Mary hid these things in her heart.
Simeon Blesses Mary and Joseph and Says many things about Jesus
Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and proclaimed many things about Jesus. My eyes have seen your salvation. Simeon declared that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and would bring Salvation. He would bring a light to the Gentile nations and be the glory of Israel. The prophets of the Old Testament confirm that God would show his love to the Gentiles, but that seemed like a far off thing. He would bring glory to Israel....the people of his time couldn't see this happening. Many could not see Him as sent of God at all. The Jews of Jesus time were waiting for a deliver who would free them from the oppression of Rome and restore the nation to the glory of David. They were not aware that God's Salvation would start with individual hearts and changed lives. Genesis 12 reminds us that God told Abram that the nations would be blessed through the Jewish nation.
A Hard Path
Simon spoke further, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Imagine if you will these parents. Mary the mother and Joseph the willing step-father hearing these words and having to process them. I have to adult boys and remember fondly their babyhood. The hopes and dreams for blessing in their lives. The promise their little lives held amazed me. Mary and Joseph had agreed to allow God to work in their life...to allow the Son of God to be born to them. Perhaps they like those of their time dreamed of Messiah as freeing them from oppression. They'd held him in their arms...they willingly sacrifice their reputation and future to obey God. Now these words shed light upon the purpose and plan of God for their son. I would do anything to help my boys have a good life and to fulfill the plan of God. I hate to think of the hard parts of their lives and really wish they could all be eliminated. Mary and Joseph were willing to sacrifice much, but they did not realize how much Jesus would sacrifice and what he would do to bring salvation to the world.
Not my will but thine
Certainly as God in the flesh Jesus wanted to do the will of the Father. As a human being that grit and determination towards obedience to God was shown to him by parents who said..."Let it be unto me as you have said." and followed obedience.
What steps of obedience has God asked of you? Do you have the fortitude to obey God even when things are not easy? Take some time to ponder what the Lord has spoken into your life.
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