It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”
And He said to them, “When you pray, say:
‘Father, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.’” Luke 11:1-4
In his book The Believer’s Guidebook, Lawrence Richards writes this delightful synopsis on the privilege of coming before our loving Father in personal prayer:
“I’ve read many books on prayer. Too many of them approach prayer as if it were on obstacle course...prayer seems to become a tense, threatening chore. Our technique must be just right. God, the all-seeing Judge, gives points; and when we fail to clear the hurdles, He is quick to withhold the prize.
What bothers me about such interpretations is that they’re hardly honest to God. They distort the vision given in the Bible of a loving, welcoming God. To understand prayer, we simply need to look up at the character of God. We need to see the loving Father. We need to hear Him invite us to share every need and confess every sin. Prayer is nothing less than responding to the warm assurance of God’s love and accepting His invitation to come to our Father and to share.”
If you have received Christ as Savior, you can move freely into God’s presence. You are His child, and He wants to talk with you and show you His love.
“...let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace...” Hebrews 4:16
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Go Forward
“As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, ‘Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, “Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians”? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.’
But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.’ Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.’” Exodus 14:10-16
The wise man Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is an appointed time for everything...” Though not included in the list of appropriate seasons that followed, this principle rings just as a true: “There is a time to wait - and a time to act.” How do we see the difference? When do we hover over the situation, and when do we launch out?
There are two conditions involved in determining the latter course. If we have done everything we know to discern God’s leadership - diligent in prayer, common-sense fact-gathering, searching the Word, obtaining good counsel, total submission to Jesus’ lordship - and if a decision must be made now, then it is time to thrust forward.
If we want to please God sincerely, we must not worry about the consequences of our decisions. If it is the wrong decision, then He will forgive us and steer us rightly. But when a course must be charted, our confidence, faith, and courage are fully cast on the God Who knows the future and has secured our relationship with Him. Wait on God when you can, but act boldly in faith when you must - entrusting yourself to a faithful God.
“Be strong and courageous!... for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.’ Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.’” Exodus 14:10-16
The wise man Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is an appointed time for everything...” Though not included in the list of appropriate seasons that followed, this principle rings just as a true: “There is a time to wait - and a time to act.” How do we see the difference? When do we hover over the situation, and when do we launch out?
There are two conditions involved in determining the latter course. If we have done everything we know to discern God’s leadership - diligent in prayer, common-sense fact-gathering, searching the Word, obtaining good counsel, total submission to Jesus’ lordship - and if a decision must be made now, then it is time to thrust forward.
If we want to please God sincerely, we must not worry about the consequences of our decisions. If it is the wrong decision, then He will forgive us and steer us rightly. But when a course must be charted, our confidence, faith, and courage are fully cast on the God Who knows the future and has secured our relationship with Him. Wait on God when you can, but act boldly in faith when you must - entrusting yourself to a faithful God.
“Be strong and courageous!... for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pray in the Will of God
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” 1 John 5:13-15
Charles Finney was one of the foremost evangelists of the nineteenth century. The foundation of his ministry was preserving prayer. In his Principles of Prayer, Finney instructs the believer:
“There are three ways in which God’s will is revealed to men for their guidance in prayer.
1. By express promises of predictions in the Bible, that he will give or do certain things.
2. Sometimes God reveals His will by Providence. When He makes it clear that such and such events are about to take place, it is as much a revelation as if He had written it in His Word.
3. By His Spirit. When God’s people are at a lost (about) what to pray for, (but while also being) agreeable to His will, His Spirit often instructs them. When there is no particular revelation and Providence leaves it dark and we know not what to pray for as we ought, we are expressly told that the ‘Spirit also helpeth our infirmities’ and ‘the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.’”
The Word of God, the Providence of God, and the Spirit of God - all are supernatural aids to discerning the will of God in prayer.
“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17
Charles Finney was one of the foremost evangelists of the nineteenth century. The foundation of his ministry was preserving prayer. In his Principles of Prayer, Finney instructs the believer:
“There are three ways in which God’s will is revealed to men for their guidance in prayer.
1. By express promises of predictions in the Bible, that he will give or do certain things.
2. Sometimes God reveals His will by Providence. When He makes it clear that such and such events are about to take place, it is as much a revelation as if He had written it in His Word.
3. By His Spirit. When God’s people are at a lost (about) what to pray for, (but while also being) agreeable to His will, His Spirit often instructs them. When there is no particular revelation and Providence leaves it dark and we know not what to pray for as we ought, we are expressly told that the ‘Spirit also helpeth our infirmities’ and ‘the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.’”
The Word of God, the Providence of God, and the Spirit of God - all are supernatural aids to discerning the will of God in prayer.
“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17
Sunday, June 13, 2010
The Anchor for Prayer
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:9-13
In the black-and-white 1950s, one of the most engaging shows on television was Father Knows Best. Despite the perils of raising a son and two daughters, the wise father always seemed to have a solution. In the realm of prayer, the principle is at work: God knows best.
When our petitions are mercifully granted - healing for our sick spouse, extra income for a pressing need, a promotion at work - we worship and thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness. When our requests don’t seem to be answered - our sick mate does not improve; the financial need remains unmet; we are passed over for that promotion - we still worship and thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness.
In the first instance that is easy. In the second that is extremely difficult: “Why doesn’t God come through? What is He trying to do to me? Doesn’t He care?” Our view of God is fogged by the confusion over prayer’s primary purpose. Prayer is trusting God to do what He knows is best for our lives not just in the short term but also in the long run.
The character of God is the anchor for prayer. He loves us. He always works for our best. You can always trust Him.
In the black-and-white 1950s, one of the most engaging shows on television was Father Knows Best. Despite the perils of raising a son and two daughters, the wise father always seemed to have a solution. In the realm of prayer, the principle is at work: God knows best.
When our petitions are mercifully granted - healing for our sick spouse, extra income for a pressing need, a promotion at work - we worship and thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness. When our requests don’t seem to be answered - our sick mate does not improve; the financial need remains unmet; we are passed over for that promotion - we still worship and thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness.
In the first instance that is easy. In the second that is extremely difficult: “Why doesn’t God come through? What is He trying to do to me? Doesn’t He care?” Our view of God is fogged by the confusion over prayer’s primary purpose. Prayer is trusting God to do what He knows is best for our lives not just in the short term but also in the long run.
The character of God is the anchor for prayer. He loves us. He always works for our best. You can always trust Him.
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Ultimate Victory!
“Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?’
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
It’s a cold winter day. The canvas awning under which you sit flaps roughly. The people behind you cry silently. Those gathered around the sides are red-eyed and somber. In front of you a preacher stands next to the casket of your loved one - the one with whom you ate, laughed, walked, and communed for all these years. A few long, minutes pass - it is over. Friends hug you; the preacher consoles you; and you return to your car for the lonely trip home.
In this setting of grim, undeniable reality lies the profound and majestic hope, comfort, and assurance of the Christian faith - forever set in the scriptural jewel of John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” Death is not the final act. It isn’t the ultimate farewell scene.
Because Jesus confronted death and emerged the Victor, we too, who believe in Him, will live - even though we die. Because of Christ’s resurrection, our forever is guaranteed. Our faith is valid; our hope is sure; our expectations are fulfilled. Christ, the Death-Slayer, has won the ultimate battle and invites all who believe in Him to experience the delightful fruit of His victory - eternal life.
“...but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?’
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
It’s a cold winter day. The canvas awning under which you sit flaps roughly. The people behind you cry silently. Those gathered around the sides are red-eyed and somber. In front of you a preacher stands next to the casket of your loved one - the one with whom you ate, laughed, walked, and communed for all these years. A few long, minutes pass - it is over. Friends hug you; the preacher consoles you; and you return to your car for the lonely trip home.
In this setting of grim, undeniable reality lies the profound and majestic hope, comfort, and assurance of the Christian faith - forever set in the scriptural jewel of John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” Death is not the final act. It isn’t the ultimate farewell scene.
Because Jesus confronted death and emerged the Victor, we too, who believe in Him, will live - even though we die. Because of Christ’s resurrection, our forever is guaranteed. Our faith is valid; our hope is sure; our expectations are fulfilled. Christ, the Death-Slayer, has won the ultimate battle and invites all who believe in Him to experience the delightful fruit of His victory - eternal life.
“...but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57
Thursday, June 10, 2010
His Resurrection - Our Assurance
“...concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ...” Romans 1:3-6
You have just finished eating in a nice restaurant. Before exiting, you make sure your parking ticket is validated so that the parking attendant will allow you to leave without a charge. The validation is the key, verifying your visit. The dictionary defines validation as “to give legal force to; to legalize; authoritative; sustainable in law.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is binding validation, or proof, of Jesus’ deity. The bodily resurrection of Christ testifies beyond doubt that Christ was “the Son of God with power” (Rom. 1:4). He can no longer be thought of as a mere prophet, a deluded evangelist, a wise teacher, or just the son of Mary and Joseph.
His resurrection also validates the truthfulness of all that Jesus said. Throughout His ministry, Christ foretold His death and resurrection. The angel announced, “He has risen, just as He said” (Matt. 28:6). Jesus said He would conquer death and He did. Having fulfilled that bold claim, we can rely on every word He uttered and every deed He accomplished.
If you are looking for compelling evidence of Jesus’ deity and authority, the resurrection is sufficient.
You have just finished eating in a nice restaurant. Before exiting, you make sure your parking ticket is validated so that the parking attendant will allow you to leave without a charge. The validation is the key, verifying your visit. The dictionary defines validation as “to give legal force to; to legalize; authoritative; sustainable in law.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is binding validation, or proof, of Jesus’ deity. The bodily resurrection of Christ testifies beyond doubt that Christ was “the Son of God with power” (Rom. 1:4). He can no longer be thought of as a mere prophet, a deluded evangelist, a wise teacher, or just the son of Mary and Joseph.
His resurrection also validates the truthfulness of all that Jesus said. Throughout His ministry, Christ foretold His death and resurrection. The angel announced, “He has risen, just as He said” (Matt. 28:6). Jesus said He would conquer death and He did. Having fulfilled that bold claim, we can rely on every word He uttered and every deed He accomplished.
If you are looking for compelling evidence of Jesus’ deity and authority, the resurrection is sufficient.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Jesus Christ, The Sin-Bearer
“Then he shall slaughter the goat of the sin offering which is for the people, and bring its blood inside the veil and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat. He shall make atonement for the holy place, because of the impurities of the sons of Israel and because of their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and thus he shall do for the tent of meeting which abides with them in the midst of their impurities. When he goes in to make atonement in the holy place, no one shall be in the tent of meeting until he comes out, that he may make atonement for himself and for his household and for all the assembly of Israel.
Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and of the blood of the goat and put it on the horns of the altar on all sides. With his finger he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it seven times and cleanse it, and from the impurities of the sons of Israel consecrate it. When he finishes atoning for the holy place and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall offer the live goat. Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and he shall lay them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who stands in readiness. The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to a solitary land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:15-22
“...and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
Through repeated usage, the term scapegoat has become quite familiar to our secular culture. Its meaning - “an innocent party being blamed” - has its roots, however, in an ancient Hebrew ritual known as The Day of Atonement. This holy day took place once each year. Two male goats were taken by the High Priest as a sin offering for the iniquities of the people. One goat was slaughtered, and its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat. The remaining goat was sent into the wilderness - after the High Priest has placed his hands on the goat’s head and confessed the sins of the nation over it. Through this “scapegoat” observance, God showed His mercy to the Israelites, allowing Him to continue His covenant relationship with them.
In much the same way, Jesus became the divine Scapegoat for the sins of the world. He was and is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Our sins were placed on Him at Calvary. Indeed it was our sins that put Him there. Jesus took the blame so that we could live. Have you trusted in His atonement? Have you come to Him for the forgiveness of your sins? Have you been healed of your transgressions through His sacrifice?
“But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:6
Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and of the blood of the goat and put it on the horns of the altar on all sides. With his finger he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it seven times and cleanse it, and from the impurities of the sons of Israel consecrate it. When he finishes atoning for the holy place and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall offer the live goat. Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and he shall lay them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who stands in readiness. The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to a solitary land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:15-22
“...and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
Through repeated usage, the term scapegoat has become quite familiar to our secular culture. Its meaning - “an innocent party being blamed” - has its roots, however, in an ancient Hebrew ritual known as The Day of Atonement. This holy day took place once each year. Two male goats were taken by the High Priest as a sin offering for the iniquities of the people. One goat was slaughtered, and its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat. The remaining goat was sent into the wilderness - after the High Priest has placed his hands on the goat’s head and confessed the sins of the nation over it. Through this “scapegoat” observance, God showed His mercy to the Israelites, allowing Him to continue His covenant relationship with them.
In much the same way, Jesus became the divine Scapegoat for the sins of the world. He was and is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Our sins were placed on Him at Calvary. Indeed it was our sins that put Him there. Jesus took the blame so that we could live. Have you trusted in His atonement? Have you come to Him for the forgiveness of your sins? Have you been healed of your transgressions through His sacrifice?
“But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:6
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