Jesus said, "Ask anything in My name..." Then He immediately went into an instructive prayer.
Do we want to know for what we should pray? What God desires to grant?
Check out Jesus' prayer in John 17 and start by praying to:
1. Glorify the Father (vs. 1-5)
2. Continue in God's name (vs. 6-12)
3. Have full joy in Jesus (vs. 13)
4. Be kept from the evil one (vs. 14-16)
5. Be sanctified in God's word (vs. 17-19)
6. Be unified (vs. 20-23)
7. Be with Jesus (vs. 24)
8. Love as Jesus loves (vs. 25-26)
Showing posts with label pondering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pondering. Show all posts
Proverbs 31--The Virtuous Woman
Faithfulness (vs. 11-12)
--Her husband trusts her--even in his heart because she's proven herself faithful in little things
--She does him good ALL THE DAYS OF HER LIFE--even before she knows him she is seeking his good, preparing herself to be a godly sidekick, keeping herself pure, maintaining a spotless reputation, practicing submission, kindness, service
Cheerfulness (vs. 13)
--She delights in working, in caring for a home
Industry (vs. 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 24, 27)
--Most of this chapter details the diligence, ingenuity and industry of this woman. She puts her creative powers to work caring for her home and also brining wealth into it through "home" business means. Never let anyone tell you that a godly woman should sit around home, or that if you are a homemaker you'll be bored. Of that you're not carrying your weight by helping out with the income. There's plenty to be done from home.
Invests Wisely (vs. 16, 24)
--Not only does she not spend all her husband's money, she works hard to make her own so that she can reinvest it in worthwhile things. No wonder her husband trusts her and has no lack of gain.
Cares for Herself (vs. 17, 22, 25)
--With all her work, and her care of her household, she is never negligent of herself. She keeps herself fit and well-clothed. Clean and healthy is her goal, and it will not be her fault if she is not pleasantly attractive.
Modest (vs. 22)
--She covers herself--and with fine cloth, too. It's not some tacky t-shirt and jeans, but something that proves that she treasures the body God has given her--the temple--she dresses with elegance, style and modesty.
Ladylike (vs. 25)
--For her adornments, to dress up her outfits, she adds strength and dignity. She's a lady. Her manner will earn her respect--and respect and honor for her husband. (This is something I certainly need to work on--I still lean toward the tom-boy side.)
Generosity (vs. 20)
--She works hard so that she can give to the Lord. She can't blame her husband for not giving as much as she'd like (as I've heard some women do) because she works cheerfully with her own hands to have something to share with those who have nothing. This is a wise investment as well, since those who give to the poor are lending to the Lord and He will repay.
Speaks God's Word (vs. 26)
--So much of what is described in this chapter seems like "works", but her real secret is here: wisdom falls from her lips, and we know the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and knowlege of the Holy One is understanding. When she opens her mouth, what comes out is wisdom and kindess, proof of a mature woman of God.
What stood out to me the most was the familiar verse "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised." The key here is that all of these "works" are fruits of a life fixed on the Lord. She doesn't do these in pursuit of power, riches, "equality" with men, beauty, sex-appeal, security, independence, success--she does them because she pursues the Lord.
--Her husband trusts her--even in his heart because she's proven herself faithful in little things
--She does him good ALL THE DAYS OF HER LIFE--even before she knows him she is seeking his good, preparing herself to be a godly sidekick, keeping herself pure, maintaining a spotless reputation, practicing submission, kindness, service
Cheerfulness (vs. 13)
--She delights in working, in caring for a home
Industry (vs. 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 24, 27)
--Most of this chapter details the diligence, ingenuity and industry of this woman. She puts her creative powers to work caring for her home and also brining wealth into it through "home" business means. Never let anyone tell you that a godly woman should sit around home, or that if you are a homemaker you'll be bored. Of that you're not carrying your weight by helping out with the income. There's plenty to be done from home.
Invests Wisely (vs. 16, 24)
--Not only does she not spend all her husband's money, she works hard to make her own so that she can reinvest it in worthwhile things. No wonder her husband trusts her and has no lack of gain.
Cares for Herself (vs. 17, 22, 25)
--With all her work, and her care of her household, she is never negligent of herself. She keeps herself fit and well-clothed. Clean and healthy is her goal, and it will not be her fault if she is not pleasantly attractive.
Modest (vs. 22)
--She covers herself--and with fine cloth, too. It's not some tacky t-shirt and jeans, but something that proves that she treasures the body God has given her--the temple--she dresses with elegance, style and modesty.
Ladylike (vs. 25)
--For her adornments, to dress up her outfits, she adds strength and dignity. She's a lady. Her manner will earn her respect--and respect and honor for her husband. (This is something I certainly need to work on--I still lean toward the tom-boy side.)
Generosity (vs. 20)
--She works hard so that she can give to the Lord. She can't blame her husband for not giving as much as she'd like (as I've heard some women do) because she works cheerfully with her own hands to have something to share with those who have nothing. This is a wise investment as well, since those who give to the poor are lending to the Lord and He will repay.
Speaks God's Word (vs. 26)
--So much of what is described in this chapter seems like "works", but her real secret is here: wisdom falls from her lips, and we know the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and knowlege of the Holy One is understanding. When she opens her mouth, what comes out is wisdom and kindess, proof of a mature woman of God.
What stood out to me the most was the familiar verse "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised." The key here is that all of these "works" are fruits of a life fixed on the Lord. She doesn't do these in pursuit of power, riches, "equality" with men, beauty, sex-appeal, security, independence, success--she does them because she pursues the Lord.
Concerning Wise Men
I know I am a day late, but when you stop to think about it, the magi probably arrived a year after the birth of Jesus, so I'm in good company.
This year I've been pondering the wise men, who embarked on a tedious journey from the luxurious East to the small town of Bethlehem in pursuit of a star. At their journey's end, they found, not a great, rich, powerful man, but a small child with His mother--and they bowed down and worshiped Him.
Why?
These wise men were students, not only of the stars, but likely of the ancient writings--including the words of several prophets: Balaam, a man of their own, who was sent to curse God's people and, rebuked by his donkey, blessed them instead and Daniel, a hebrew captive who rose to be one of the leading Magi of his time, through the aid of the God He set His heart to obey.
Daniel prophesied the coming of the Jewish Messiah, who would rule the world with a rod of iron...at a time 490 years from his writing.
Balaam prophesied the rise of a star in the land of Israel--a scepter in the land of Jacob.
When a star appeared in the night sky, hanging over the land of Israel, the wise men knew this King had been born.
But Jesus was so much more than just the King of the Jews. The gifts of the Magi proclaimed His tri-fold purpose and person.
Gold--the gift for a King--the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Frankincense--offered to the divine, to the Son of Almighty God.
Myrhh--the expensive embalming, proclaiming to all that Jesus was the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, judged perfect to die as atonement for all humanity.
These men, renouned for their wisdom, traveled miles to behold and worship what others recognized as only a child. Two thousand years have passed, but wise men still seek Him, still find Him, still fall to their knees in reverence and woship.
This year, my prayer is that you might seek the Savior--King, God and Sacrifice.
Turn your speakers up and follow this link:
We, wise men of orient are.
Bearing gifts we travel from far...
Glorious now, behold Him rise
King and God and Sacrifice!
Heav'n cries "Hallelujah!"
"Hallelujah," earth replies.
Oh, star of wonder...
Guide us to that one True Light.
Psalm 27:1, 4, 14
He is the one who lightens my path so that I don’t stumble and shows me the proper way to go
And my salvation
He saved me from the penalty of sin
He is saving me from the power of sin
He will save me from the presence of sin
Whom shall I fear?
Do not fear men who can kill the body, and after that can do nothing
The Lord is the defense of my life
Do not take your own revenge beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God
I am silent, because the Lord is my answer
Whom shall I dread?
4. One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I shall seek:
There’s only one thing important enough to ask and seek it
Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life
I want eternal life with Jesus! That’s the important thing!
To behold the beauty of the Lord
No man can see God and live…until perfected in His image
And to meditate in His temple
Not the earthly temple…the one that is in heaven!
14. Wait for the Lord
Let God work in His own timing
Be strong and let your heart take courage
Waiting is hard work…it takes strength and courage of heart
Yes, wait for the Lord!
God is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or hope, and He will delight to fulfill the desires of our hearts. We have only to wait for His timing.
Psalm 13: The Howling Psalm
1-2: The Complaint
God has forgotten
God only forgets when His law has been forgotten (Hosea 4)
Deuteronomy 4:31 31 "For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.
God is hiding
In the scriptures, God threatens to hide His face from those who practice evil deeds. David knows how to prevent God from hiding His face, and He knows how to remedy it.
I’m alone
I have to take counsel in my soul, because there is no one else to take counsel in!
I’m sad
He’s pretty sad if He has sorrow all the day.
My enemy exults
They are excited about how poorly I am doing. They think they won!
3-4: The Prayer
Take thought
Think about my complaints and then answer them
Answer me
Enlighten my eyes
Don’t let me die!
Don’t let my enemies rejoice when I am shaken.
He who is righteous won’t be shaken (Psalm 15, 55, 126, 10)
5-6: The Praise
I have trusted
You are faithful. I’ll believe that you won’t forget me, that You won’t hide from me or allow me to be shaken, as long as I am righteous.
I will rejoice
I will praise and rejoice because You will save me.
I will sing
You have dealt kindly with me
You’ve given me better than I deserve:
You remember me
You are friends with me
You speak to me and I to you
You give me joy
You avenge me on my enemies
You give me life
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the assurance that You have not forgotten us, for the promise that, if we seek You, we will find You, and for Your gift of eternal life. Be with us every day to counsel us and cheer us and to lift us up so that the wicked won’t exult over us. We know that, if we are righteous, You will not allow us to be shaken, and if we remember Your law, You will remember us. We praise You for Your faithfulness and Your mercy. Thank You for all Your kindness!
Amen.
Concerning Praise
Why should we praise?
#1. Praise is appropriate for us as believers
It makes us acceptable and attractive to Yahweh
How should we praise?
#2. Musical instruments are recommended to help stir us up to praise
It seems like we are often reluctant to praise, and should use outward means to get ourselves into a spirit of praise
#3. We are told to sings new songs
We’re encouraged to write new songs of praise to Yahweh. We’re not limited to “classic hymns” and we should be careful that, whatever we sing, we don’t allow ourselves to fall into a comfortable groove and loose focus on what we’re saying
#4. We should play “skillfully”
Even though our praise shouldn’t be to show-off, skillful playing requires practice and shows time and effort. David said he wouldn’t offer Yahweh anything that cost him nothing.
What should we praise?
#5. We should praise Yahweh’s character
He is trustworthy and faithful—a good friend
He is righteous and just—a good judge
He is so merciful that the world is full of his mercy—a good king
#6. We should praise Yahweh’s creation
He can create by the word of his mouth
He can also destroy by the word of his mouth
#7. We should praise Yahweh’s counsel
He thwarts the plans of men
His plans are never thwarted
Those who live by his plans are blessed
#8. We should praise Yahweh’s care
He humbles himself to look into the earth
He tests hearts, not actions
He is our defense
Spiritually—salvation from Hell
Physically—He shields us from famine
Where should we praise?
#9. I never found any limits…
When should we praise?
#10. No limits there, either!
Psalm 100:4 says “I will enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.”
Are you feeling spiritually dry? Can’t seem to connect with Yahweh in prayer, or focus on his word to read or study it? Here’s the answer…the secret pass-word: PRAISE! Start telling God what he’s done and you’ll find yourself in his presence.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Are you feeling lost and looking for Yahweh’s will? You can’t miss it if you’re praising Him!
The Hem of Your Robe
Yet I grope through the crowd with a skeleton prayer.
I wish to escape all the eyes that would probe,
But, Lord, let me just touch the hem of Your robe.
Unclean, I approach You, ashamed of my sin
And reach out to know that You’ve healed me within.
You know it—You’d planned it—the powerful touch.
Only the Christ loves a beggar so much.
Of all those who touch You, who press You this day
The power comes only to those who will say:
“Lord, I’ll pursue You. Lord, You may probe.
But, Lord, let me just touch the hem of Your robe!”
In church, Sunday, Nathaniel shared from Colossians 4 about prayer, exhorting us to pray like beggars. I’ve been mulling over his words since, meditating on a beggar’s relationship to a king. It’s not unthought-of of that a kind king would look at a beggar—might even give her a gift, speak to her or touch her. In the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 9:43-48), our King proves the power of His love: in one instant, he adopted a beggar.
“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Psalm 23
This verse sums up the whole Psalm. Because God cares for us, we lack nothing and should be content. (John 10) Jesus says “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, my sheep know me (thus God’s covenant name) and I lay down my life for my sheep.”
2. He makes me lie down in Green pastures
Phillip Keller says a sheep will not lie down unless they are free of four things:
Fear, friction with others, parasites and pests, and hunger
When our Shepherd makes us lie down in green pastures, it is a symbol that he gives comfort, rest and plenty. In order for Him to best achieve these things, He needs to be present. Our Shepherd is always present, never sleeping, always caring for us.
He leads me beside quiet waters
Quiet waters will be pure. They will be peaceful. Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come unto me and drink.”
3. He restores my soul
“Why so downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God” He will set upright. He will save, and repair the soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake
Sheep (and humans) are creatures of habit. Healthy sheep must be kept on the move so that bad habits don’t arise. If left to ourselves, we will go astray like sheep. But if our Shepherd leads us, we can stick to the paths of righteousness, and bring glory to His name.
4. Even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil, for You are with me
Sometimes the paths of righteousness lead into danger or pain or sorrow, but we know we won’t be overcome by evil because the Good Shepherd is with us—always.
Your rod and staff comfort me
A rod was used by Shepherds, both as a defense and as a disciplinary tool. It’s comforting to know that God will defend us, and will also prevent us from leaving the path of righteousness. It was also used every day to count sheep.
5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies
A Shepherd often takes his sheep to a mesa (or table) where he has strewn minerals. We know the master has gone ahead to prepare the way, so that we will be safe and well-filled.
You anoint my head with oil
The oil keeps flies and other annoyances from bothering a sheep. Our Shepherd strengthens us to block out the buzzing world and focus on filling our minds with Him.
My cup runs over
Even in the presence of danger, Christians have been full of hope and praise—running over with the joy of the Lord.
6. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life
God has been merciful to us in giving His life for us. Won’t He continue to be merciful and good to us, all the days of our life on earth?
And I will dwell in the house of Yahweh forever.
“One thing I have asked of the Lord: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life.” After our life on earth ends, we have something even better to look forward to: We get to live in God’s house forever.
Yahweh is my Shepherd, I want nothing. Lord we know that you supply all our needs, according to the riches in Christ. You give us You Holy Spirit, and You guide us in Your ways. While we are following you we are safe, comfortable, well-fed and joyful, and if we stray you discipline us to bring us back. Thank You, Shepherd for Your tender care. Keep us free from worldly distractions. Lift up our souls, and let us bubble over with Your joy. Thank You for Your promise of eternal salvation. Glorify Your name. Amen.
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