The Spirit Utters our Prayers

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought…

Learning to pray is more that being able to say the right words. It is not the vocabulary of the words we speak that bends the ear of God, but with the heart, we are able to express our desires to Him. The infirmities of our humanity often hinder us to utter the words that need to be said. That is when the Holy Spirit takes that which was spoken from the heart and translates it into a heavenly language. This does not mean that we should not make efforts to learn how to approach the throne of God for He invites us to boldly come to His throne and make petition for our needs and the needs of others, but after our efforts are made, the Spirit takes our feeble efforts and utters them in such a way that God hears and answers.

Pilgrim on Earth

Heb 11:13 ….and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

This world is not my home, I’m only pass through, an old gospel song based on this scripture verse. We live not for this world, but for the world to come. How easy it is to get trapped by the things of this world. The things we buy that make this life more comfortable and pleasurable. We all like our creature comforts and find a measure of contentment in the things this world has to offer. But the things of this world will burn with the elements of earth. When life comes to an end at the time appointed, we will leave the things of this world behind us. All that will be left is our faith, and that which when did in the Name of Jesus. Things of eternal value, that will last for eternity. We are but pilgrims, just traveling through this world. Our journey, our destination is for another world. A city prepared for us by God. Let us hold loosely to the material things of this world. Let us set our eyes on the city above.

Look Toward the Holy Temple

Jonah 2:4, 7 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple…When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

Did Jonah turn his back on God? We do know that he refused to do what God wanted him to do. I believe Jonah wanted to do the right thing, but was caught up in his own fears and prejudices. Nineveh was a wicked city and it showed no tendency toward serving God. Weather Jonah sense that it was of no use, or if he feared what the people would do to him, he fled away from what God wanted him to do. He jumped from the fire pan into the fire when he decided to board the boat that would whisk him away. It was at sea, in the storm and eventually in the belly of the big fish that Jonah looked to God for help. He remembered what it was to be in the presence of God and to sense God’s glory. He realized that God would not forsake him. Even as Jonah fled, God was chasing him. To think that the God of the universe loves us so much that He pursues us in spite of ourselves. Like the prodigal son who remembered his home and looked to toward his father, Jonah looked back toward the holy temple, and remembered the goodness and mercy of God. It is never too late to turn to God. If we turn from our ways of disobedience and turn our hearts toward the holy temple, God will receive us.

God Working in Us

Hebrew 13:21  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

God is able to work through anyone, even without their cooperation. But, to those that open up their heart and are filled with the Holy Spirit, God is able to do mighty things. When we surrender our life to God, He begins to do a work that is impossible for man to do. No amount of schooling or book reading can equip a person to love unconditionally. His love working in us does not always follow reason or logic. It will look beyond the surface and sees what is possible with the help of God. Start your day asking God to work in your life to make a difference, to show others the goodness of God. The works of the devil are destructive and self serving, God desires to work in us that which is pleasing. A work that will bring glory to the Father.

Step Out in Faith

2 King: 19:32 Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.

When it seems impossible, God always come through with an answer. For Jerusalem, things did not look good. It appeared that the Assyrian were on the brink of besieging the city. The logical thing to do was to surrender to the pressure of the enemy. After giving it their best to defend the city, the house of Judah came to a surpass. Give in, or listen to the voice of God. God promised them victory, they needed to step out in faith and believe that He would do as He said. There are times that the situation before us looks impossible, but God says, “Step out and believe me” If we take that first step, He will do what He has promised. 

He Will Save Us

Isaiah 33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off… For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.

We look down the valley and the crossing seems overwhelming. The danger that await us are unforeseen, but nevertheless they are out there. God, the creator of all things knows the land that we all cross and is aware of the snares that are there. He is in charge and will not lead us were is grace will not keep us. In our time of need, He will save us from the enemy who wants to destroy us. We see the vastness of the valley and it does not seem possible that we can make it, but God wants us to walk in faith and leave our worries with Him. He will save us and keep us from harm.

Living in the Word is a Lifestyle

Debt. 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up…  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Living in the word of God is a lifestyle. It consumes every part of our day. The things we do and the things we say are guided by the words that are given to us in the Bible. It is unnatural for a Christian to go through the day and not think on the precepts of God’s word. As a Christian, we are part of the Vine, and the words of Christ flows through our life essence. His word is more than a set of rules and instructions to live by, it is the source of life we draw from to inspire us to keep moving forward. It provides us the promises that God will not leave us or forsake us in our time of need. As we wake up in the morning, and start our busy daily responsibilities, may we keep His word in our hearts, and allow His word to guide our thoughts, words and deeds. Let us make God’s word more than just a good book to read, but may it become our lifestyle.

I Am Well Pleased

Mat. 3:17  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Jesus laid down His God powers to become man and live and walk this earth as a human being. And in all points was tempted as a man, but without sin. The God-Man lived His life to please the Father. At no time did Jesus use His powers to serve himself, but always to serve others. He could have turned stone into bread, called the angels from heaven to destroy those who meant Him harm, but he choose to live and suffer as a man. The voice from heaven affirmed the work that Christ and it pleased the Father. Each one of us has a calling from God to fulfill that which is well pleasing to Him. We but need to listen to His voice and follow His will. May we also hear from heaven those words “My son, my daughter, I am well pleased with you.”