Psalm 83-86

When I start to read the first eight verses of Psalm 83, I am met with a serious issue raised to God regarding the malicious designs against the people of God and His honour. This is the same prayer I hear in my prayer groups – at its core – a frustration that God is not honoured as He ought to be honoured.

Knock the breath right out of them, so they’re gasping
    for breath, gasping, “God.”
Bring them to the end of their rope,
    and leave them there dangling, helpless.
Then they’ll learn your name: “God,”
    the one and only High God on earth. – Psalm 83:16-18 MSG

I am amazed with all this intensity that I find myself, as a follower of Jesus, in a privileged relationship with God – the only High God on earth. There is honour in His name and in His social position and my blessings are designed to honour God and that relationship by placing me with Him.

 “Shame has often weaned men from their idols, and set them upon seeking the Lord.” – Spurgeon

This prayer is simple – God, show such a manifestation of power that it would be so evident that this could be traced to no one else other than You and by this demonstration, people will honour You. In my mind I see Elijah on Mount Carmel moments.

I think some of my friends think that its okay to leave God His name – that is to say, they believe they can give Him His name because they have frittered away His power. So like giving Him an empty title.

This is where the shame and repentance comes in because without turning there is shame and death. It is like trouble will cause them to turn – and the end result is not chaos but peace.

It is really hard for me to say, but the final day, the great day of judgement, will be the proof of this, before all of heaven, when everlasting shame and contempt will fall on those who have not repented and everlasting honour and praise to those who have decided to follow God.

This is why the prayer is so hard.

• Knock the breath right out of them
• Bring them to the end of their rope
• leave them there dangling, helpless

My prayer is no different – I want God to move into the lives of those who have turned their back towards Him and teach them about the fear of the Lord. I pray this way because the kingdom and the glory and the honour belong to God alone and I will not be satisfied until He has it.

Father, thank You for the passion in this prayer and for encouraging me to be just as passionate.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

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Exodus 9; Luke 12; Job 27; I Corinthians 13

Why do people ask me to pray for them? Pharoah begs the prayers of Moses.

The king sent for Moses and Aaron and said, “This time I have sinned; the Lord is in the right, and my people and I are in the wrong. Pray to the Lord! We have had enough of this thunder and hail! I promise to let you go; you don’t have to stay here any longer.”

Moses said to him, “As soon as I go out of the city, I will lift up my hands in prayer to the Lord. The thunder will stop, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth belongs to the Lord. – Exodus 9:27-29 GNT

I am starting to get a bit bolder and tell people to pray themselves. However, I will go home and pray for even those I have little hope for, and I continue to pray and speak into their lives with tough love. One thing is for certain. If you find someone who knows how to pray, I mean the prayer of Moses opened and shut heaven, I get why it is so tempting to ask them to pray. But let’s not forget, Moses prayer could not subdue the hard hearts of men.

If I am plugged into God, I think I will react differently because my life will be a prayer that will overflow in my situations. No matter what those situation will be or where I find myself – school, work, or home – the Holy Spirit can give me the words at that time.

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. – Luke 12:12 GNT

I do not need to be anxious then. When I live on mission I will get the message I need.

Father, I want those You have called me to serve to find the joy they are missing in You. Just talking with You can change a person’s life forever. While they are on that journey, help remind me to pray for them. Even if I get discouraged, I know You never give up because You have never given up on me. While I may be amazed at how You answer my prayers, there are times I know that all I can do is lift myself and others to You. I trust You. Holy Spirit, if You have to yell at me, yell at me. I want to walk where You want me to walk. While it is so much easier to not care about people, that would not reflect Your character or Your love. If I am going to be like You, I need to pray. Help me and remind me. Thank You.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)