1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1 Timothy 2

The world around us changes minute by minute. Each morning I wake up to unbelievable headlines and not just here in the US but also on the other side of the pond. Each day I wonder if this is the day Christ will return for we know we are living in the “last days”.

As the local and world events unravel it is easy to get distracted from our goal as Christ followers and throw our two cents into the mix with our selfish, human opinions. I have been reading friends posts on Facebook after the recent events in England and the sit in from our own government and I see fear, hopelessness and defeat. I see people claiming to have the solutions to all of our world’s problems but what we forget as Christians is that this world is not our home. This world will continue to decline and the speed at which this will happen will continue to increase like a train derailed. We are not called or promised to have an easy life but we are promised that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us.

Here, Paul reminds us to pray for those people whom we may not always agree with; people in position of authority or government. We don’t know any of their hearts. We do know that the Lord works all things according to His greater plan.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. ³ This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2: 1-4

Our prayers for those in high positions (leaders, teachers, politicians, pastors, parents….) should not be out of selfish ambition but instead desire to bring God the glory and praise he is due. God’s plan is rarely clear to us as we are in the process of trail, persecution, pain or confusion but He is always with us. It’s those experiences that turn hearts to him. It is not our personal power that solves the problems or turns a heart but the Holy Spirit. But we are told our prayers are “good and pleasing in the sight of our God our Savior”.

Like in the days of the Psalmist, we need to remember that it is the Holy Spirit working in and through us to accomplish the will of the Father. He will never leave us and his plans will always prosper.

“O God, we have heard with our ears,
our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
in the days of old:
² you with your own hand drove out the nations,
but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
but them you set free;
³ for not by their own sword did they win the land,
nor did their own arm save them,
but your right hand and your arm,
and the light of your face,
for you delighted in them.” Psalm 44: 1-3

 

Thank you, Lord for the opportunity and privilege to come before with our prayers of request, thanksgiving and intercession. Help us to be diligent in praying not only for those who are easy to pray for but also those whom we disagree with. Help us to seek your will and in all things bring you glory. Amen.

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Genesis 20, Matthew 19, Nehemiah 9, Acts 19

Read at – www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.%2020;%20Matt.%2019;%20Neh.%209;%20Acts%2019&version=NKJV

Genesis 20                 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. … But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” … And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? …

             So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; for the Lord had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

             How Amazing is the Lord God to those He favors! You protect and orchestrate Your Will to be done through circumstances. Your Ways are not mysterious, but bold!

            What a responsibility I, Your child, have in living daily to honor You, the King of kings! Tragically, I can do incredible damage, even unknowingly, when I live self-centeredly, out of fear and selfishness. Please Lord God, have me live in Fear of You Lord! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I will not cause other people to stumble or to not know You. Let Your truth and love be my motive.

Matthew 19                 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”… they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

             Lord Jesus, You remind me, again, that I am “just Your child”. There is nothing and no one that I am to hold tightly to except You. Yet by my human nature, You declare that it is impossible. But by Your Holy Spirit, it IS possible for me to cling to and live for You! Please enable me to focus and fix my heart and mind on You 24/7, Lord Jesus. To please You is to be my utmost desire. To hear Your Voice and do Your Will is my delight. To rest in You so I am healed and given direction. May Your Word drown out all of the distresses in my life. And Your hope and dreams be the motivation to fulfill all that You have planned for me. Daily, step by step, until years by years, and then for eternity with You and all Your other children! Zechariah4:6, Hebrews 12:2, Matthew 14:27-33

… everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29

Nehemiah 9                The children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads …and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. …and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God … and they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God.

                … “Stand up and bless the Lord your God Forever and ever! Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise!” … We make a sure covenant and write it; … seal it.”

             Lord God, I share their rejoicing in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem! I rejoice because You have repaired many walls in my heart and mind with Your Word and Holy Spirit! But there are some portions of me which are tattered, torn and wounded. Where I have allowed “foreigners”, meaning influences, affections, ideas and patterns which are not of You, to influence me and they have caused me pain and, in a way, destruction. Lord Jesus, I desire Truth in my innermost parts. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” — I make a covenant with You my Lord and Master. I will serve You Lord. Psalm51:6, Psalm 139:23-24, John 13:13

Acts 19                       And it happened, … that Paul … said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

                And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

              Lord Jesus I have been baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit. But presently, I suffer under being yoked with weak-believers, double minded ones. Let me not quench You, Holy Spirit!! Nor Grieve You, Holy One!! May I be bold in Truth and Wise in Love – as You grow me, as You guide me to walk a narrower path up the steep precipice by faith, daily. I am warned to Not seek comfort with man, but soothing and healing from You, Lord God, the God of Truth. Amen. Psalm31:5

              It is sooo hard, so non-typical, to counter society!  But I have no choice if I want Real Joy – Tangible Hope – And a Real Future! Strengthen me Father. I am Your child.

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. Psalm 31:5

The word of the LORD … saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Esther 6, Esther 7, Esther 8, Revelation 13

The king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” Esther 6:6

They hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided. Esther 7:10

The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. Esther 8:16

he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, Revelation 13:14

Evil people come and go (1): by attempting to harm God’s people, some accomplish this. But God’s people endure forever because they belong to God Who keeps them safe eternally. (2)

Bible Passage at – www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%206,%207,%208;%20Rev%2013&version=NKJV

Esther 6        That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. v.1-3

             Mordecai unashamedly stood out to protect the life and rulership of King Ahasuerus. (3)

             Who do I serve, God, man, self or fear? To whom is my Highest allegiance? Who do I promote with my being? I do protect my family, friends, and even strangers in different ways. What is my motive? Who is my Strength, God? From where does my wisdom originate, the Word of God and Holy Spirit? How consistent am I?

              There have been times when I am all sold out, narrowly focused, Christ-centered. No fear but All Truth and Love. Nowadays it seems I do not over-look those who are needy in subtle ways around me. I care for their “details”. (1 Corinthians 7:34) It distracts me from what I desire and delight most to do for God. Yet it is obedience. “not as I will, but as You will.” (Mt 26:39) The Eternal Fruit will be unending because of the attention to the details, You repeatedly tell me Lord.

Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” v.3

              Nothing had been done. Yet waiting in the wings was a proud man seeking the demise the righteous Mordecai and exalt himself. His name was Haman. And the King of kings had His way. (4)

So Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” v.6

Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.” v.10

             How can I delight You and bring You pleasure, my King? Not for any favors, but because You already are my “shield, (and) exceedingly great reward.” (Gen. 15:1) I seek to please you with my life, Lord Jesus Christ! (5)(6)

But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 9:24

            What is done for the man, woman or child in whom the King of King delights? Eternal Salvation, Intimate Fellowship with God and His people, God’s Promises fulfilled, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, and so much more endlessly! (17)

Meanwhile, back with King Ahasuerus, Haman is now mortified. (7)

            Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. Haman’s wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.” v. 12-13

Esther 7        The king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you.” – “if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.” – King Ahasuerus answered, “Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?” And Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!” So Haman was terrified before the king and queen. Then the king arose in his wrath – Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, “Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.” Then the king said, “Hang him on it!” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.

             How can anyone presume that the King of kings and Lord of lords Who does know everything (8) would not be Just in His dealings with every person? (9)

             Lord, please – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

Esther 8        On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. – The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman. v.1-2

Lord God, You are The Advocate for the humble. (10)

Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Psalm 17:7 (11)

            Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews. – The King Ahasuerus said, “You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke.” 1-3, 8

             Many times I have fell on my face in prayer to You Almighty God! Imploring Your Good and Perfect Will to be done, even when I don’t know what it will be. When I find horrific things going on near or far, within me or outside, I know You Are the Solution. You will do what is needed to make things Right, in Your way and time. Thank You for Esther’s good example.

            Lord God, You always hold out Your Scepter to us who come to You through the Blood Sacrifice of Your Son Jesus, our Messiah. Please protect and fulfill the needs of Your children within all the nations who persecute Your people. Cause salvation to come the persecutors and Your Glory to be displayed! (12)

The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. … Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them. 16-17

Revelation 13          I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, – The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority…- Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, – to make war with the saints and to overcome them. v.1-7

             Did I think Haman was bad? No one will be worse than the man of lawlessness, the Anti-Christ, the one with the power from satan. (13) Just as Haman wanted to demolish God’s people, this one will accomplish it because the Lord God will have removed the “Restrainer”, the Holy Spirit, from planet earth. (14)

            So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is able to make war with him?” – All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world….Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.v.4-10

            Only the people “whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb”, those who never chose to believe, trust and surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ and to obey God’s Word for God’s glory, only those people will worship a false god and have the same destiny as he (15).

            Patience and Faith! Longsuffering for God’s people! Lord Jesus, please increase the faith of Your people for that time, and increase their hope in You, Savior Jesus!!! Thank you (ahead of time) for preparing and giving them just what they need and protecting them in timely fashion as they heed Your Voice and do Your will (John 10:27-30) for Your Glory!

             He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. v.14-17

              Lord Jesus, Your Word is very clear. There will be a very bad person (beast) who will have an image made which will seem like it is alive. People will be commanded to worship the image (16) of the beast and to receive a “mark” on their hand or forehead with the mark or name of the beast on them. If they do not, they are persecuted.

              Lord Jesus, out of fear these people will worship the beast, not from love! Fear of pain and death will drive people to comply in hopes that they will get what they need. This is the opposite of us who worship You out of Love and Gratitude, Lord God Almighty! When we come to You, You immediately give us Eternal Life (2 Corinthians 9:15) and all the Gifts we need (17). We worship You because of Your Character, for Who You Are, not for what we can get!!!

           These people receive fear and instability. This is NOTHING like Christ-followers receive SONSHIP by the Lord God, Co-heirs with Christ Jesus, and given intimacy with the Most High and endless peace, joy, hope, wisdom, fruit, and an abundant variety of blessings!!! (17)

               Lord God, please awaken and enliven people to be new creatures (2 Cor 5:17) before the Tribulation. (Joel 2:1-17). Open people’s minds and hearts Your Word so they know Who to Really Fear (Luke 12:5) and why.

             Lord God Almighty, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus (18) to earth. God, thank You for putting on fleshing and living with mankind, dying by taking the punishment and eternal wrath that I deserve for every bad thing I have ever done, and living after you died proving Your Victory over sin and death! I choose You as my Savior and Lord this day. Take all of my sins and put them on the cross of Jesus Christ so I bear them no more. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I would live for You now and forever, by Your Word and Holy Spirit and for Your Glory alone!! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Insights –

1 – Psalm 37:10, Proverbs 10:25, Revelation 20:7-15, Romans 1:18-32, 2 Timothy 3:1-9

2 – 1 John 4:4, 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30, 2 Corinthians 5:5-10, John 10:27-30, Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 28:18-20, John 16:33

3 – Romans 1:16; Matthew 10:33; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; Acts 6:8-7:60

4- Proverbs 21:1, Proverbs 16:9

5 – The Lord’s Delights – Psalm 37:4; Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 3:12; Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 11:20; Proverbs 12:22; Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 16:13; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 58:2; Isaiah 58:14; Isaiah 62:4; Psalm 147:11; Psalm 149:4; Zephaniah 3:17

6 – To please God – Colossians 1:10-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 10:38; Psalm 51:17; Psalm 35:27

7 – Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 29:23

8 – Psalm 139:1-12; Psalm 139:23-24; Psalm 77:6; Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 5:36-40; Psalm 94:11; Psalm 100:3; Psalm 135:5; Psalm 9:16; Psalm 37:18; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 98:2; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Genesis 1; Job 38-42; Exodus 3:14; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13

9 – Psalm 9:8; Psalm 98:9; Psalm 36:6; Psalm 9:4; Psalm 19:9; Psalm 50:6; Psalm 51:3-4; Psalm 7:8-11; Psalm 58:11; Psalm 72:2; Psalm 96:10; Job 33:13; Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Peter 4:5; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Timothy 4:1, Psalm 96:13; Psalm 119:62; Psalm 119:137; Psalm 119:160; Psalm 119:164

10 – Psalm 51:17, 1 John 2:1, Job 16:19, Romans 8:26-27,34, Hebrews 7:25

11 – Psalm 5:11, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 17:7, Psalm 25:2, Psalm 25:20, Psalm 31:14, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 55:23, Psalm 56:3

12 – Proverbs 14:34; Isaiah 42:21; Acts 5:29-32; Job 36:7; Ephesians 1-2; Proverbs 16:12; Proverbs 25:5; Jeremiah 23:5; Romans 14:17; Hebrews 1:8

13 – 2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation 12:7-9; Revelation 20:1-3; Luke 10:18-20; Matthew 13:37-43; Matthew 24; Genesis 3:1; Genesis 3:14; John 8:44

14 – Matthew 24:30-36; Matthew 24:40-42; 1 Corinthians 15:49-55; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 3:7-8; Revelation 3:10-13; John 10:28-29; 2 Corinthians 3:12-18; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Luke 21:34-36; Isaiah 26:19-21; Matthew 25:1-13

15 – Matthew 25:41-43; Romans 1:18-32; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 9:11; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:1-3; Revelation 20:14-15; Luke 12:5

16 – Exodus 20:1-6; 1 Kings 21:26; Isaiah 66:1-4; Jeremiah 16:18; Ezekiel 14:6; 1 Peter 4:3; Revelation 21:8; Ezekiel 20:8; Galatians 5:6-26; Colossians 3:5

17 – Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8; James 1:17; Ephesians 1-2; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Ephesians 4:7-8; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Galatians 5:22-26

18 – John 1:1-3,14, John 3:16-17, Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

1 Samuel 25; 1 Corinthians 6; Ezekial 4; Psalm 40,41

Keeping the peace sometimes requires aggressive action.  Doing the right thing requires courage and the wisdom to know when to act.  Abigail’s action spared many lives of those who would have died by the hand of David.  Even the servant who made Abigail aware of David’s messengers being snubbed by Nabal, knew that Nabal was wrong and told Abigail.  The scripture leads me to believe that David didn’t want to take the lives of others because of the ignorance and arrogance of their master.  To me Abigail mirrored Christ in her actions.  For all we know; she was risking her life to intercede by taking food and asking the blame to be put upon her. But as it turned out, that was the right thing to do.  Had God prepared her for this day?  It’s not always those that are well known who make a difference in the lives of others.  It’s usually the people like you and me.  Ask God to prepare you.

May you be blessed for your good judgement and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. 1 Samuel 25:33

Father, bless those who take action to protect us.  Our service men and women, disaster volunteers and relief aid workers.  These people put their lives on hold and go into battle for those who cannot fight on their own, those who often times are plagued by the policies of their leaders or by natural disaster.   Equip me to take action when I am called. Amen

Cindi