5/8/2025
Why do some people prefer to read devotionals, read a book, or watch a video to see what a well-known pastor has to say about scripture rather than check it out themselves? I asked my son why people don't like to read the Bible, and he said, "because it is boring!" I don't feel that way at all. I can understand why Leviticus is a difficult read, as it is rather explicit in some regards, but the rest is so interesting. I am even learning to pay closer attention to the "begots" and the lineage of Christ I find very interesting, as anyone who reads my blogs will know. But my son even thinks these subjects are boring, even if it was his own lineage. This tells me much about people and attitudes today, I even have friends who think a five minute devotional reading is growing closer to the Lord. I know our lives are busy, but spending quality, uninterrupted time alone with the Lord is a necessity for me, especially in our world today.
I belong to a small group of intercessors who meet once a week, but sometimes I feel as if I don't belong. When we pray we should always exalt His holy name, and thank Him for His presence. Holy Spirit dwells within us, if we are truly born again believers. As we intercede we examine our hearts, and praying corporate prayers should cause us to recognize our need for repentance, cleansing. We have examples in scripture when Moses interceded on behalf of the grumbling, discontent people, and as Daniel interceded when he read about the 70 years of exile for Israel's sins of idolatry. He was a young teenager when he was taken and exiled in Persia. Yet, he included himself with Israel's sins. Whereas we may not have been involved in the sins of the nation directly, our silence on certain matters, especially in the church, has led to the downfall of our nation and to spiritually weak, and often dead, churches without the power of God in operation. Why don't we witness more miracles? They do happen, believe me, as I am one.
When Jesus ascended to heaven after He was resurrected, the scripture says He was seated on the right side of Father, and we as His believers are seated beside Him in heavenly places. When He died, He said, "It is finished!" Do we know what that means? What He accomplished for us? He conquered death, hell, and the grave. He took back the keys from satan, and we are free. We can live victorious lives in Christ. Only in Christ, and only as we realize what that freedom in Christ means. Even intercessors seems to forget about it. Right now in Israel there is a lady who served as an intercessor for a great evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, who is now deceased. This was back in the day. Suzette is holding prayer schools for pastors and others who want to learn the proper way to pray. I have heard her teach on multiple occasions through the embassy, and this teaching is much needed. The trick, and it no trick, is praying the word of God, and believing God will do what He says He will do. That's right, the boring-to-some Bible is the key to victorious living, as well as spending time with our Father daily.
This morning I was reading Abide in the Secret Place by Andrew Murray, and he says "In worldly matters, we know how important it is that work be done with the whole heart. In the spiritual realm, this rule still holds true." In 2 Chronicles 16:9 the importance of seeking God with a pure heart is made evident: "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." Our hearts must be right before a Holy God, and we must love Him with all our hearts: "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, your soul, your mind, and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5). We must seek Him: "You will see Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13).
Later, in our prayer time with the Embassy, our leader shared a portion of scripture from the book of Revelation recorded by the Apostle John who was exiled on the Island of Patmos. John stated that he was taken to the throne in heaven. "After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this'" (Revelation 4:1). Just as John was taken to heaven, whether physically or in the spirit, Jesus told him to "come up." And this is what God is seeking in relationship with us. He wants to commune with us, and show us great and mighty things (Jeremiah 33:3).
Jurgen shared about his own journey over the past year, as he has struggled with severe back pain, requiring multiple surgeries, and he remains in a wheelchair still, still in pain. He has returned to work, but he is not able to work full time. He hosts the call on Thursdays, and it is such an uplifting time. When we suffer chronic pain or disease or any debilitating condition, it can be the most precious time of spiritual growth, if we use it to draw close to God and listen. I personally know this to be true, as does my daughter. As does Jurgen and others in the Embassy who have experienced challenges, especially during this time. When we set apart our lives to follow Christ, we will be tested, because we must be purged, cleansed of anything that is not holy, or perhaps to see what we are truly made of. This is necessary, even in suffering. We began the daily prayer call 580 days ago to stand with Israel in the time of war and for the release of the hostages. Jurgen shared that although we have seen many answers to prayers and miracles where IDF lives were spared due to divine intervention, many have died and 55 hostages remain. God is in control, irrespective of our situation. And although we are waiting, there are no emergencies in heaven. We recognize this, and we worship Him. Through the Bible, especially in the Psalms of David, we see the response to worship and adore Him. He is our God - Yahweh. He is El Shaddai, Elohim, and Adonai. And He will do what He says He will do. Our job is to remain fixed in prayer, trusting He will finish it, because He will.
In closing, I want to share a song by Bethel Worship that I pray speaks to your heart today:
Came to My Rescue
No comments:
Post a Comment