Month: November 2016

SUPPLICATION

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SORROW

[“Blessed are those who mourn…” (Matt 5:4 NASB). We know people who are grieving; let’s pray for them. Fill the name in the blanks to this prayer.]

BROKENHEARTED

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-4-34-57-pm“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Ps 34:18 ESV).

FATHER, I pray for ____ as (he/she) is in a most vulnerable state. Move ____ not to let (his/her) feelings dictate (his/her) actions. Do not let them determine what is Truth. Wrap (him/her), LORD, in Your arms; reveal to (him/her) the reality that You are close. Indeed, ____ is Your brokenhearted child—Yours to revive again (ref#136, session 1, p10).

My concerned prayer is that ____ let You bind up (his/her) wounds. Don’t allow (him/her) to entertain the notion that You are content to let (him/her) writhe in pain. Demonstrate, please, to (him/her) that You are (his/her) Healer. Stop (him/her) from basing (his/her) thoughts on what (he/she) sees or feels. Give (him/her) faith enough to let You hold (him/her) during this time (ref#136, p33).

Cause (him/her) to be able to let (his/her) grieving show. Instill in (him/her) that this is not the time to be brave or strong (ref#136, Zig Ziglar, session 1, p2).

“Confession, disorientation and roller-coaster emotions characterize a ‘normal’ grief experience. No matter what you are feeling, be sure to tell God. Get in the habit of sharing openly with Him” Church Initiative (ref#136, p30).

THANKSGIVING

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YOU TEST ME THEN RESCUE ME

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-4-25-19-pmThrough my God I shall do valiantly, for it is He Who shall tread down my enemies (Ps 60:12). Though You are high, You regard the lowly (Ps 138:6). You rend the heavens and come down (Isa 64:1). You provide a way of escape for me (1 Cor 10:13).

Even though You test and try me, bringing me into the net, laying crushing burdens on my back, letting men ride over my head, yet You bring me out to a place of abundance (Ps 66:10-12). You reach down from on high and take me—drawing me out of deep waters. You rescue me from my strong enemies for they are too mighty for me. You bring me into a broad place because You delight in me (Ps 18:16,17,19).

Therefore I will come into Your house and perform my vows to You (Ps 66:13). A day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere (Ps 84:10). I shall be forever praising You. Great is Your faithfulness. Your love never ceases; Your mercies never come to an end (Lam 3:22,23).

You are my portion, I will wait for You; my hope is in You, for You are good to me (Lam 3:24,25). You give me reason to ceaselessly praise You.

CONFESSION

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PRIDE

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-4-10-14-pm“Pride slays thanksgiving…A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves” Henry Ward Beecher (ref#130, p177). “Pride is self-absorption whether we’re absorbed with how miserable we are or how wonderful we are” Beth Moore (ref#105, p58).

“As long as we have a conceited, self-righteous idea that we can do the thing if God will help us, God has to allow us to go on until we break the neck of our ignorance over some obstacle…The bedrock of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is poverty, not possession; not decisions for Jesus Christ, but a sense of absolute futility” Oswald Chambers (ref#118, p14).

FATHER, it is true that “low self-esteem usually means that I think too highly of myself….The reason I feel bad about myself is that I aspire to something more” Edward T. Welch (ref#106, p32). But, why do I want others, even JESUS to think I am great (ref#106, p19)?

“The first biblical perspective on the fear of man is that it is the result of the nakedness that comes from sin. Because of sin still present within us, we experience embarrassment, shame, the feeling of being exposed and vulnerable. As a result, we try to protect ourselves and avoid the gaze of others….even though it feels as if other people are doing the exposing, in reality we carry the shame with us all the time. Other people simply trigger its appearance” Edward T. Welch (ref#106, p35).

“’Christ could afford to be humble as He served upon this earth. After all, He was the Son of God. He had nothing to prove. Yet does His Word not also say that we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ?’” Beth Moore (ref#105, p66).

I have nothing to prove. No one can be in a better position than a child of GOD. Yes, I confess to attempting to be a spiritual giant instead of taking on humility. FATHER, humble and test me so You can do me good (Deut 8:16).

ADORATION

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CHRIST’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-4-03-24-pm“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev 22:13 NASU).

“…I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades” (Rev 1:18 NASU).

“…I am in the Father and the Father is in Me;…” (John 14:11 NASU).

“…I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38 NKJV).

“…He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone…” (John 8:29 NKJV).

“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father…” (John 5:30 NKJV).

“…’I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NKJV).

“‘I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1 NKJV).

“…I came to give life—life in all its fullness” (John 10:10 NCV).

VALLEYS TO MOUNTAINTOPS

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FEAR, A GOOD THING

5/31/12

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-3-59-28-pmThis is an attempt to record the benefits of my last episode of caregiving:

I’m back now but still as soon as I awoke this morning, my spirit yelled for GOD to help me get through the day—a knee-jerk reaction stemming from my last two weeks.

Unfortunately repeated caregiving situations does not make me a better caregiver. I do not come home less shell-socked or more peaceful and rested.

I have been thinking of CHRIST on earth, living in a frightened human body but overcoming it by walking in the SPIRIT. I wonder if His human nature panicked every morning knowing that the FATHER would require Him to perform beyond human ability even though His spirit found exceeding joy in knowing His FATHER’s plans.

As an unbeliever and even as a young Christian when faced with situations my human nature could not handle, it took the course of avoidance—refusing to walk straight through the situation.

But, then GOD graced me with enough faith to believe 1 Cor 10:13* so I no longer refused, but still walked through situations frightened to death. This is where I continue to be today—sidestepping situations is not an option but living in fear still is.

Will I ever find enough faith to not be frightened to death? I wonder if CHRIST’s human nature ever got over being frightened to death. I wouldn’t be surprised if His motto was. “You will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on You.” (Isa 26:3)—which should be my motto.

Now home from caregiving I question myself: Have I walked by the SPIRIT? I certainly prayed for Him plenty. And I experienced His answer to small prayers like making 6 drumsticks fit in a small omelet pan. He reminded me of His presence with my songbird singing and the smell of my candle every morning during devotions.

Now, as I reminisce, I see His grand work as I review the entire caregiving stay. He has, over a two-week period, brought mom back to being able to live alone again and wasn’t that my initial prayer?

I see why You, FATHER, didn’t commission the SPIRIT to answer my prayer immediately. If You would have I would only marvel at the miracle and not get to know the miracle worker.

Through these days I have thrown myself into Your arms—learned what pleading felt like—strengthened my faith in You by knowing I could find help in no other place. Through answering slowly I have naturally lived in Your presence—able to thank You properly by remembering tiny progresses. I have learned to calm myself in Your presence—reduce my anxious thoughts making me able to be patient and not to be easily moved. I have glorified You by demonstrating CHRIST’s fruit before mom and others. You have worked Yourself through me. I praise You for what You have done in me.

Human nature fear has kept me alert; it has exhausted me but also kept me alert. I looked for Your miracles—depended on them. Overwhelming circumstances made me run to hide under Your wing—making me not want to lead, making me plead You lead. I surmise fear can be a good thing when I run to You because of it.

*”The trials that you have had to bear are no more than people normally have. You can trust God not to let you be tried beyond your strength, and with any trial he will give you a way out of it and the strength to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13 JB).

SABBATH

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RESTING ON THE LORD’S DAY IN HOPES OF THE GREAT REST TO COME

“I will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob” (Isa 58:13-14). In that way is the Sabbath to be sanctified — withdrawing the mind from temporal things, abstaining from all secular work and fleshly gratification, not allowing ourselves that liberty of speech as on other days, but setting our affections on things above, performing holy duties, and rejoicing in what that day celebrates (Psalm 118:22-24). Then shall we be lifted above this world, anticipate Heaven, and be favored with blessed foretastes thereof. The saint should be most in his element when he is wholly at leisure to joy in the Lord” Arthur W. Pink (ref#216).

“There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Heb. 4:9). In our glorification, we will finally and fully rest from our sin and the weariness of laboring in a creation that is suffering the effects of the Lord’s curse. Resting on the Lord’s Day is an anticipation of that glorious reality and a means by which we can live in the present that life we will enjoy fully in the future” (ref#215).

“…the new-born heart lives habitually above. Its whole employ flows in a holy course. But when the Sabbath comes, God is not only mixed in every thought, but God and His work alone are present. The Scripture is the only Book. Things heavenly are the only converse. God’s service is the one concern” William Law (ref#214).

“The Sabbath…provides leisure to gain grace” William Law (ref#214). Sabbath, in the end, isn’t something to be observed but something to be celebrated” R.C. Sproul, Jr. (ref#213).

SUPPLICATION

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NON CHRISTIAN Pursuers

[We all have friends and family that sit in our churches but only act like they are Christians. It is up to us to pray for their salvation. Here’s an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

FLESH – ALL AN UNREGENERATE PERSON IS

screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-4-12-38-pm…FATHER, I can hear ____ say, “Since GOD did so much for me, I want to show my appreciation by being and doing good.” Anyone who approaches You this way does not know You, they only think they do. You have yet to do anything for them. They are simply practicing “religious moralism” Madame Guyon (ref#123, p13). “To most people in our society, Christianity is religion and moralism” Madame Guyon (ref#123, p14).

____ can make great strides at being and doing good. Without any help (he/she) can, all by (himself/herself), accomplish many good works. “Self-confidence and self-reliance… are the notable traits of the good works of the flesh” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p114).

The Apostle Paul calls the unregenerated person “fleshly” (Rom 7:14). “Flesh” is not just the body, but encompasses the entire person (ref#33, p69).  “…put no confidence in human effort,” (Phil 3:3 NLT) says the Apostle Paul, because “it is impossible for the flesh to lean upon God” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p114).

____ has not come to the cross as a helpless sinner. (He/She) is enamored with CHRIST’s goodness and thus wants to show Him (his/her) own goodness.   CHRIST is (his/her) hero but not yet (his/her) Savior.

You, FATHER, have not yet impressed upon (him/her) that the goodness of (his/her) flesh is as filthy rags (Isa 64:6). Send Your SPIRIT to convict ____ of the sin of operating with (his/her) flesh. And, not only once “but daily and incessantly” remind (him/her) of this fact  (ref#33, p122).

FATHER, it is good that ____ admires You. I pray You keep (his/her) interest by revealing more and more of Yourself to (him/her). But, (he/she)) cannot know You until (he/she) first knows (himself/herself). “The nothingness of the creature helps our conception of the all of God” Madame Guyon (ref#128, p405, [Song of Songs 1:7]). Propel ____ to go forth into more understanding of You, permitting (himself/herself) “no natural satisfaction and no life in self” Madame Guyon (ref#128, p405, [Song of Songs 1:7]).

THANKSGIVING

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LEANING ON GOD

screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-4-09-44-pm…FATHER, my enemy is strong and persistent, while I am weak and lazy. But, yoked with CHRIST I am able to overcome the devil. You have given me a Godlike heart and enabled me to walk beside CHRIST to work my heart’s righteousness out through my members (Rom 6:13). Thank You for giving me commands and making me able to keep them.

When my soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your Word. When I have told You of my ways, You will answer me (Ps 119:25,26). Teach me Your statutes; make me understand the way of Your precepts, so that I will meditate on Your wonders (Ps 119:27).

When You will enlarge my heart, I’ll run the way of Your commandments (Ps 119:32). So, FATHER, enlarge my heart, I pray.

I weep because of grief. Strengthen me—remove the false way from me, then I will not be ashamed (Ps 119:28-29). You have ordained Your precepts that I should keep them diligently. Oh, that my way be established to keep Your statutes (Ps 119:4-5)!

When I look upon You—when I keep Your statutes, I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart (Ps 119:2). I will be blessed and give thanks when You will enlarge my heart (Ps 119:32). I will wait for You—enlarge my heart, please.

Deal bountifully with me that I may live and keep Your Word. Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things (Ps 119:17-18). Crush my soul with longing after Your ordinances; make Your testimonies my counselors and my delight (Ps 119:20,24).

May Your lovingkindness comfort me according to Your Word; may Your compassion come to me that I might live (Ps 119:76-77). My eyes fail with longing for Your Word; my soul languishes for Your salvation. I wait for Your Word (Ps 119:82,81).

Revive me according to Your lovingkindness so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth (Ps 119:88). Sustain me according to Your Word that I may live. Do not let me be ashamed of my hope (Ps 119:116).

Establish my footsteps in Your promise; don’t let iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from oppression that I may keep Your precepts (Ps 119:133-134). Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that my soul may live—that I may praise You (Ps 119:144,175).

I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek me for I do not forget Your commandments (Ps 119:176).

CONFESSION

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ME, IMPUDENT AND HARDHEARTED?

screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-3-59-19-pm“It is not the Devil who switches folk off Christ’s way, but the ordinary steep difficulties of daily life, difficulties connected with food and clothing and situations….the little worries of life have…enfeebled our spirits, and made us sorry and humiliated before Him, even more so than the times when we have been tempted to sin” Oswald Chambers (ref#118, p96).

FATHER, You call Israel, “impudent and hardhearted” (Ezek 3:7), and I agree. Seems Scripture testifies they never got it right. But, You say, “No one is right” (Rom 3:11). Help me find my “not-rightness.”

SPIRIT CHECK: Impudent. Do I have “an arrogant spirit?” Do I lack “holy shame or an unhallowed boldness in evil?” Can I be un-humbled with no inward humiliation? Have I ever pretended to pray or pretended to praise (ref#34, April 28th PM)?

SPIRIT CHECK: Hardhearted. Even though I have a new heart, does much of my former stubbornness remain? How affected am I by the death of JESUS? Am I moved as much as I should be by the ruin of my fellowmen? Do I care about “the wickedness of the times?” Does it move me that You, FATHER, are chastised by unprincipled men? Do I regard my failures as trivial (ref#34, April 28th PM)?

Oh FATHER, I still live in this hateful body of death, though You have changed me to desire to live for You. I bless You now that Your Son’s precious blood will effectively soften me. His blood is a solvent that will melt my heart like “wax before the fire”Charles Spurgeon (ref#34, April 28th PM). You again will do wonderful things for me (Isa 29:14). “Oh that my heart would melt at the recital of my Savior’s sufferings and death” Charles Spurgeon (ref#34, April 28th PM)!

ADORATION

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OBEDIENCE

screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-3-52-15-pm“O Lord,

I stand very much in need

of greater grace,

if You want me to attain that

spiritual frame of mind

that allows no one to keep me from You” Thomas a ‘Kempis (ref#147, p185).

FATHER, You send Your HOLY SPIRIT to quicken me (John 6:63). For I am as one dead (John 5:25).

CHRIST, You work out Your righteousness in me. You make me realize its preciousness.   Your righteousness in obeying perfectly all the law is imputed to me (ref#35, p298).   So I am perfectly accepted by the FATHER (ref#35, p297).

The work of the HOLY SPIRIT is to prepare me for obedience; He enables me to be obedient and brings forth the fruits of obedience (ref#35, p305).

Everything the Triune GOD does for me is to make it possible to be obedient. My obedience to You gives You glory and honor. You give me everything and my only proper response is obedience (ref#35, p306). This is all I can give You. My every other interaction with You is all about receiving from You.

“…divine love…begins with the Father, is carried on by the Son, and then communicated by the Spirit; the Father designing, the Son purchasing, the Spirit effectually working” (ref#35, p302). I ascend “to the Father’s love through the work of the Spirit and blood of the Son” John Owen (ref#35, p302).

The SPIRIT is first, working in my heart giving me an interest in CHRIST’s blood. Then my interest is accepted by the FATHER.

TRIUNE GOD, I adore the labor-intense means You exert Yourself for me. I am triply blessed by Your means—blessed much more than if You would describe Yourself as just “the One GOD who saves me.” You are not a GOD who is far off (Jer 23:23).