Perseverance Archives - Page 5 of 7 -

Your Burning Question & the “Wait Answer”

My Thoughts:

We all have that one (or maybe several) question we want an answer to, especially questions we want to ask God to His face. And some aren’t as pretty or nice as “Why was I an only child,” or “Why didn’t I get that job,” or the one the apostles asked right before Jesus ascended: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (v. 6 noted below).

Lifestyle worshiper, did you notice our Lord’s answer to this question? It appears to be another “wait answer,” doesn’t it? Not only does He command them to wait for the Holy Spirit’s power (in v. 4), He is now ‘making’ them wait for the answer to this burning question. (The way the Greek presents this question suggests that many apostles were asking this question, and they kept asking this question until He finally ‘answers’ them.) Again, to you, this may not be as burning a question as yours, but to them this was a burning question: When will their enslavement & tyrannical occupation by the Romans end, and they become free….

To repeat, we all have very earnest, personal and profound questions that sometimes demand an answer, and after screaming them, all we hear is the echo of our own voice. But once the echo fades, and we listen a little more intently, we hear the gentle voice of the Lord say to us, “It’s not for you to know right…. Trust Me that I will work all this out for the Good.”

Brothers and sisters, this “Wait Answer” rarely satisfies, but I know that my faith is being strengthened on a much deeper level then it had been when the event that spawned the question transpired—When my ‘whiny’ “Why” was burped…. Perhaps would you join me in praying for one another to receive the Goodness of the Lord so that we can at least begin to accept the ‘Wait Answer’ to our burning question? I will pray for you….

Main Text: — Acts 1:6-7 — ⁶So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

I still have a lot to say to you, but you cannot bear it now. — John 16:12 (ISV)

Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. —1 Corinthians 3:1-2 (NIV84)

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. — 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, I confess that there are many, many things I do not understand, and I am often paralyzed trying to figure them out or crippled in my screaming and demanding an answer. Forgive me for doubting Your Goodness. Create in me a clean heart so that I may walk in the Light as You are in the Light. Be my Peace as I receive Your “Wait Answers.” In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“The Waiting Whine”

Date: 06-09-15

My Thoughts:

It may be easy enough to whine to our parents while waiting to go to the Mall, or to our spouse as we’re waiting to leave, but can you image whining to the Lord when He tells us we have to wait for the manifestation of His Kingdom?

Lifestyle worshiper, perhaps you, like I, have not so much whined to Him about Kingdom matters, but whined about other issues—well, honestly, minor things like the stop light or the line I’m standing in. But I have also whined about why is it taking Him so long to resolve some struggle in my life or someone else’s…. Maybe you’ve done this kind of whining, too?

But as I become more aware of my subtle whines, I become acutely aware of the fact this is really more of a trust issue. He tells the apostles, “Don’t leave but wait. Trust Me. You’ll need wait I have you waiting on.” Yes, “Trust Me,” the Lord gently reminds me. “Trust Me, you will definitely need what I have you waiting on.” Maybe the circumstances just aren’t quite ready or maybe my emotional make up hasn’t caught up with what’s about to take place. Or maybe there are other ‘players’ in my life that are not quite lined up yet, so I need to reach out in confident faith and ‘Trust Him’ while I patiently wait….

As a side bar, it is interesting to note that this particular word for “wait” has an expectancy component. We are waiting patiently for an expected out come. And if the Lord is good all the time no matter what (and He is), then the expected out come it, ah, Good! Wouldn’t you agree? Your thoughts?

Main Text: — Acts 1:4-7 — ⁴On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” ⁶So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. — 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV84)

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. —Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV84)

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, I put You on as my Slippers of Patience. May I quietly and peacefully wait on You, trusting in Your Goodness and Your timing. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“A Training Manual, of Sorts”

Date: 06-05-15

My Thoughts:

Some people can put things together without looking at the instructions. Others of us need a picture. Still some need step by step instructions. Which are you? I’m kind of the last two depending on the project. Though there have been those few times I’ve been able to assembly something without an instruction manual, I prefer the pictures….

Lifestyle worshiper, when it comes to your walk with Jesus, do you like the pictures in the Training Manual, or do you try to assemble your life ‘intuitively’? Ironically, maybe you’ve discovered that the Life of Jesus is often counterintuitive. You know, “He who saves his life shall lose it and he who loses his life shall find it,” type of ‘huh’. This is why sometimes we need to give the Training Manual a closer look….

It has been suggested by some commentators that the Book of Acts was part of a training manual for new believers called, catechumens. These were they who came out of some rather dark traditions into the Light and required some more directed training. Ironically, the Book is not written as a typical training manual with charts and graphs and ABC’s and 1 2 3’s. Rather it is a collections of episodes in the early church’s life to give us a rather ‘theology in life’ training. And in our pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ, I’m fascinated and intrigue at this perspective of the Book of Acts.

Perhaps spending more time in the Life “Training Manual” will make clearer some of the more counterintuitive aspects of my journey with Jesus. Would you agree? Your thoughts?

Main Text: — Acts 1:1-2 — ¹In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ²until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. — 1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV84)

You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings. —2 Timothy 3:10-11 (NIV84)

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. — 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, ignite in me a passion for Your Son that will make Your Light in me reveal the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep my mind and thoughts laser focused on Him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Passion and Progress”

Date: 06-04-15

My Thoughts:

How do you measure your passion and progress in your walk with Jesus? What metrics are convenient for you to use? How much time you read the Bible or spend in a quiet time? How frequently you attend Bible studies and celebration services?

Or do you use the Fruit of the Spirit growing in you? You know: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Or how about thinking about the now proverbial (and near trivialized) WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) prior to ever decision you make?

I have seen quiet passion and subtle progress in myself and others, and I have seen massive grow and explosive passion, as well. I think there is room in the Kingdom for both. Do you? Oh, and how do you measure being ‘more patient’ with someone?

Your thoughts?

Main Text: — Romans 12:11-13 — ¹¹Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, ¹²cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. ¹³Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. [The Message]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. — 1 John 3:16-18 (NIV84)

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. —Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV84)

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. — Philippians 2:14-16a (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, ignite in me a passion for Your Son that will make Your Light in me first blind and then reveal the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep my mind and thoughts stayed on Him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“The Entitled Prodigal”

Date: 05-27-15

My Thoughts:

Although the word, “prodigal,” has become synonymous with “wayward, rebellious runaway,” it actually means “wasteful, extravagant reckless wild living.” I think this fits well with our entitlement culture. It seems to me that prodigals feel an extreme sense of “you owe me for my existence.” Perhaps I am reading too much into today’s main text (Luke 15:11-12), but it appears to me that the younger son is saying, “Father, you owe me. So give me what’s mine (even if it’s ahead of time)!”

Ironically, I have also found that if I chase after a “prodigal,” I only entitle them all the more. I have inadvertently empowered and enabled them in their reckless temper tantrum. And the more I do rescue them, the deeper their sense of entitlement is driven…. Truly a lose-lose scenario.

This is why I admire the father in this story. He did not prevent his son from learning a very difficult lesson—the hard way. Nor did he chase after him. But as I observe the collection of stories in Luke 15, there is a common element of searching, though not as commonly taught. The shepherd diligently searches for the lost sheep—and finds it; the woman fervently searches for the lost coin—and finds it; and the father earnestly searches the horizon for his lost son—and ‘finds’ him! Though the father did not actively run after his son in search of him so as to entitle him again, no, he does eagerly run to his son, once the son has release this sense of entitlement (as evidenced in his returning). Truly, the son came to his senses….

Lifestyle worshiper, have you found that it displeases the Lord when we chase after “prodigals” well before they have come to their senses? I have. And I have done them a grave disservice. Yes, it is painful to remain ‘at home’ and diligently search the horizon, but it is far wiser—for the sake of the “prodigal,” don’t you think? Your thoughts?

Main Text: — Luke 15:11-12 — ¹¹Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. — Proverbs 19:19 (NIV84)

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? —Luke 9:25 (NIV84)

Everything [the teachers of the law and Pharisees] do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi. — Matthew 23:5-7 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I find it fascinating that You sent Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to seek after the lost sheep of the House of Israel; You sent Him to the lost Samaritan woman at a well; and you sent Him to the lost crowds who were like sheep without a Shepard, but in wisdom He did go after the ‘prodigals’…. And yet He was available if they came to Him. Grant me the wisdom, insight, and courage to do the same. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Restoring the Sacred in Our Culture”

Date: 04-21-15

The Big Idea: Keeping anything sacred in our culture requires personal determination and dedication.

My Thoughts: Have you notice that our culture is becoming more and more common and, well, quite frankly, vulgar? s have broken the decency barrier. What was once rated X and R is now PG-13, or —and it is on prime time TV for anyone to see, let alone young impressionable minds!

What does it mean to hold something sacred? Good question. If I may, I believe keeping anything sacred in our culture requires personal determination and dedication. And this determination and dedication follows at least five guidelines.

Allow me to present at least these five guidelines for regarding something sacred: First off, to hold something sacred it to separate it from common use. Secondly, to hold something sacred is to treat “it” with respect and dignity. Thirdly, that which is sacred is used only for special occasions. Fourthly, to hold something sacred is to limit its use to the “few”. And the last guideline for regarding something sacred I like to consider is to actively guard or protect “it” from being violated or soiled…. (Of course, there are many more guidelines that can be noted, but let us focus on these few.)

As an example, let us apply these five guidelines to a wedding dress. How can we hold this wedding dress sacred? (1) The dress is separated from common use; (2) The dress is treated with respect and dignity; (3) It is used only for the “day”, that special occasion; (4) This dress is limited to just the bride, and, if she chooses, afterwards she may pass it on to a daughter or granddaughter; and lastly (5) The dress is placed in a protective garment bag and/or a sealed box. This dress is considered sacred by the bride. She most definitely would not let her 4 year old play with it in the sandbox….

Okay, how about that special fishing rod or that lever action Winchester 32? Are these not used only on special occasions, and then kept in a case protected for that moment when you pass them along to your son or grandson? (or daughter, etc.?) Yes, these items are sacred, too, for the same guidelines that deem something sacred are followed—as it is treated with respect and dignity….

So, lifestyle worshipers, what can we do to restore the sacred in our culture, especially when it comes to marriage, sex, and human life? How would you apply these five guidelines to institutions, events, and people like these? Your thoughts?

Main Text: — Nehemiah 13:6b-9 — ⁶ … Some time later I [Nehemiah] asked his [the king’s] permission ⁷ and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. ⁸ I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. ⁹ I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense. [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. — 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV84)

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. —1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV84)

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure. — Hebrews 13:4a (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, forgive me for treating common those things which You have deemed holy and sacred. Lord Jesus Christ, empower me to restore the sacred in my life. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“The Right Place”

Date: 03-31-15

The Big Idea: Now this may seem paradoxical—counterintuitive even, but I go back to the very person I betrayed: I flee to Jesus.

My Thoughts: Lifestyle worshiper, is it possible that you’ve done something horribly wrong? I’m not talking white lies or burps of profanity, but something much like Peter, who denied his Lord, not once, not twice but three time? Often what happens is we begin to isolate ourselves from others, especially if they call themselves “Christian”. Our shame and embarrassment is just too much to bear, eh? (Been there; done that; got the scars and T-shirt to prove it.)

But when I finally come to my senses (and this may take anywhere from a few moments to, ah, several years), I go to the right place. Now this may seem paradoxical—counterintuitive even, but I go back to the very person I betrayed: I flee to Jesus. Now why I do this, I’m not quite sure, especially when I see others who do not. But somehow Peter’s journey with Jesus has given me hope that I, too, can be forgiven.

Have you found this to be so, too? Have you discover that our Lord Jesus is “a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” (Neh. 9:17b)?

Maybe you haven’t done something as terrible as I or Peter, but even if you haven’t, maybe you can receive comfort and hope from the words recorded in Mark 16:6-7 the angel spoke to the women at the tomb of Jesus:

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as he told you.’ ”

Did you read that? “… and Peter”? This is where I get my hope. If the Lord Jesus can forgive the most horrible, terrible wrong done by Peter, He can forgive me, too. I can hear my name in Peter’s place: “and….” Can you?

This is our God! This is the Hope of the Resurrection He offers. This is the reason we praise Him: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Hosanna in the Highest!

Main Text: — Mark 16:6-7— ⁶“Don’t be alarmed,” [the angel] said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. ⁷ But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as he told you.’ ” [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep — 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (NIV84)

I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. —Revelation 1:18 (NIV84)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”. — John 11:25-26 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, by the shed blood of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and through His power, I ask You to forgive me for _____. I thank You, Lord Jesus Christ, for bearing the consequences of my actions. Remove the pain and shame I have cause Your name. Be that part of my life that has been disobedient to You. I release myself into Your hands. Empower me with Your Resurrected Life through the Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to You. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Miracles Leave an Impression”

Date: 02-24-15

The Big Idea: Lifestyle worshiper, do not be dissuaded. Do not discount the miracle, but rejoice in the miracle the Lord has blessed you with.

My Thoughts: When the Lord does something rather fantastic in your life, others do take notice. Oh, they might not see it the way you see it, and, in fact, they will attempt to dissuade you that the Lord had anything to do with it. Nonetheless, the miracle did make an impression on them. One such instance for me was in college. I was having a conversation with a witch regarding something that the Lord did in my life, and she slyly teased me, “Why can’t you give yourself some credit for this? Why do you always have to give the Lord credit?” Oh, she saw the miracle. It made a deep impression on her. She was just unwilling to give credit where credit was due….

Lifestyle worshiper, have you notice when something wonderful has happened in your life—something so miraculous it could only be classified a miracle—and you give glory to the Lord, there are those around you that do not share your view or enthusiasm. Oh, they definitely saw the same ‘miracle’ you experienced; it did make an impression on them, but they’d rather downplay it or discount it….

The miracle of the wall being built in 52 days, made a deep impression on the enemies of Nehemiah and they feared the LORD. But not all were permanently impressed. Nope, Tobiah insisted on pressing forward with his plan of intimidation…. You may have a ‘friend’ like this, too.

Lifestyle worshiper, do not be dissuaded. Do not discount the miracle. Do not let the enemy soil the miracle or steal your joy. The Lord has truly done a marvelous thing. Rejoice and be glad! (And turn a deaf ear to the naysayers.)

Main Text: — Nehemiah 6:15-16, 19 — ¹⁵So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul in 52 days.¹⁶ When all of our enemies—including the surrounding nations—heard this, they became very discouraged, since they saw that the work had been done by our God…. ¹⁹ Furthermore, they kept reporting Tobiah’s good deeds to me, and kept repeating what I told him. Tobiah kept sending letters to intimidate me. [ISV]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

— John 10:10 (NIV84)

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

—Psalm 31:7-8 (NIV84)

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

— Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, I put You on as my Shield of Faith to quench the fiery darts the enemy hurls at me. Be my Defense so that I will remain steadfast in Your Joy. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Remain at Your Post”

Date: 02-14–15

Text: — Nehemiah 6:10-13 — ¹⁰One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, “Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.” ¹¹ But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” ¹² I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. ¹³ He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: When faced with opposition, stand strong and stay at your post.

My Thoughts:

Truly, there are those times we need to withdraw and regroup, but there are also those times when we stand strong and stay at our post. We do this for several reasons. Nehemiah shows us that one reason is being a strong leader, one must demonstrate integrity by remaining strong at our post. V. 11 above teaches me this: “should a man like me.” Nehemiah was a man of integrity, and as a wise and strong leader, he did what he expected those he led to do: Do not be intimidated by the enemy’s lies; stand strong at your post!

Lifestyle worshiper, right now you may be enduring lies and misinformation about you or your circumstances. You may be encountering those who are trying to intimidate you into ‘leaving your post’. Stand strong! Remain at your post. And do this not just for your own integrity’s sake, but also for the sake of those you are posted to protect! You are building walls from the debris of broken relationships. Your success may not be as evident to you as it is to others, but many are looking to you. They see your courage, your integrity, and your faithfulness. Stand strong! Remain at your post!

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. — Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV84)

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. — Gal. 6:9 (NASB95)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NASB95)

Lord Jesus Christ, be my strength as I stand against the schemes of the wicked one. You desire to rebuild! He has come to tear down. You restore. He scatters. You heal. He wounds. Blessed be Your Name for You are greater in and through me than he that is in the world. Amen.

Pastor Mike

“The First Targeted”

Date: 02-12–15

Text: — Nehemiah 4:3-6 — ³Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!” ⁴ Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. ⁵ Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders. ⁶ So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Keep the lines of communication open as we face the salvos of opposition in our daily lives.

My Thoughts:

In any military operation, one of the first things targeted is communications. Whether it be through jamming the airwaves, shooting the RTO or bombing the HQ, the tactic is to disrupt communications so to cause confusion and isolation….

Lifestyle worshiper, has this happened to you? When was the last time you prayed to the Lord? Has this tactic been successfully used on you? I know I need to be mindful of my prayer life. When my prayer times diminish, I start to feel isolated and, frankly, confused. “What does the Lord want me to do?” Well, have I checked in with HQ to hear my orders?

Did you notice that Nehemiah kept the lines of communication open in v. 4? Yeah, his prayer is rather challenging for some of us (and perhaps we will deal with the content in later writings) but notice: He immediately goes to prayer. As a matter of fact in chapters 4 & 6, three of the four times Nehemiah prays in these chapters are recorded. He clearly did not let the tactic of disrupting communications be successful….

So if it has been a while since you’ve prayed, or if you’ve flagged a wee bit in the last few weeks, join me in keeping our lines of communication open as we face the salvos of opposition in our daily lives.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” — Matthew 26:36-41 (NIV84)

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

— Romans 12:12 (NIV84)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.— Ephesians 6:18 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, ignite in my soul a passion for prayer. Allow me to move toward a running dialogue with You. And in the silence, let my ears be attentive to Your still, small voice. Penetrate the noise in my life with Your Words of Peace and Joy. Direct my steps as I face the salvos of opposition in my life. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike