Category Archives: Prayer

A Month Of Gratitude??? #5 Prayer Bible Ballistics: BBs #603

15 Friday Nov 2019

Posted by in Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Prayer, Thankful, Thanksgiving, The Word

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #603    A Month Of Gratitude??? #5 Prayer

 

I am most grateful for the privilege of prayer!  It is the greatest gift of communication that we could have, and God has extended not only His ear, but His heart and compassion to us—24/7/365.

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:15-16

I’d like to share an ‘amplified’ version of the 23rd Psalm that I did several years ago, may it remind us that the One that we pray to hears, guides and provides according to His perfect will—for HE knows what is ahead, and we can trust HIM.  Is HE your shepherd?

“The Lord

King of Kings–

Lord of Lords–

Creator and sustainer of the universe–

Lover of my soul–

The “ONLY” way–

The “ONLY” truth—

The “ONLY” life, blood bought at Calvary—

And because of Calvary the victor over death—

is my shepherd;

He belongs to me; He is MY shepherd—

Because I belong to Him through the cross—

As He gave HIS life’s blood for the sheep—

My keeper—

My guard—

My teacher—

My protector—

My dearest friend–

I shall not want.

Because my God is watching over me—

He knows my needs before I do—

My heart is set on Him—

If it pleases my Shepherd, it pleases me—

Because He “loves” me—

I can trust Him and His tender care—

I can trust HIS perfect will in all things–

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He provides for my sustenance—

When I follow Him, all is well with my soul—

His pastures (like His will) provide the best care—

In His pastures I can rest my weary soul–

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

His water is still so I can drink to the full—

His still waters will never overwhelm me—

His waters will never drag me down in the mire—

His waters are still for my nourishment–

my safety—

my security– 

3 He restoreth my soul:

My shepherd knows my soul needs restoring—

He leads me to quiet places even in the storm—

He can restore simply by HIS presence—

If we’ll but seek Him—

If we’ll but listen—

If we’ll but rest in Him—

If we’ll but trust and believe—

He’ll never send us out powerless–

He’ll never send us out unprotected—

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

My shepherd leads my every step if I’ll go—

My shepherd knows the way before me—

My shepherd gives me a lamp for my feet—

My shepherd gives me a light for my path—

My shepherd provides for my way at Calvary—

His blood imparts His righteousness to me—

I can walk in those paths because HE lives—

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

And we all will die physically—

But with my shepherd death is only a door—

A door that leads to “LIFE” for eternity with HIM—

And because of that—

I will fear no evil:

Because I belong to the Sovereign Lord of ALL—

Because the “joy of the Lord” is my strength—

Because I have “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”- 

for thou art with me;

Just as He promised,

to never leave me—

to never forsake me—

The indwelling Holy Spirit is in me—

Jesus has come in to dine with me—

I can dine with Him regardless of time or place—

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.   

He is conforming me into the image of the SON—

Whether in reproof or instruction He is there—

He is working all things for my good—

As HE conforms me to the image of Jesus—

So, I can take comfort in the discipline of God—

Whether it’s instruction or correction—

It will bring comfort to my soul–              

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: 

When others may come against me, God knows—

God wants my responses to reflect HIS glory, for—

God is weaving me into a tapestry of holiness—

He IS doing HIS work IN me, HIS child—

He often does His best work under duress—

I can trust to HIS ways, public and private– 

thou anointest my head with oil;   

My shepherd will reveal that I am His—

He will verify my work for HIM—

He will identify me as HIS own—

He will welcome me home, my real home—

Because of ALL HE IS…..

my cup runneth over.

I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude—

The abundance of my soul bursts with love—

His love that HE places within me—

My fullness of joy affects everything around me—

To lead others to know my wonderful Shepherd—

And the results are always in HIS hands.

And the results of knowing and following my dear Shepherd are incomparable:

6 Surely goodness and mercy 

shall follow me all the days of my life: 

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord 

for ever.  Psalm 23

May you ever bask in the joy of this Shepherd who loves you and laid down His life for you? If you know Him, trust Him with it all—HE cares. If you don’t know Him, I pray that you will call on Him to today, in repentance and faith, believing that His perfect life sacrificed for you is sufficient to forgive and cleanse you of all sin. God bless your journey to HIM and with HIM! The choice is still yours.

Amen and Amen!!!

Pray On To Press On??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #597

23 Wednesday Oct 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Prayer

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #597       Pray On To Press On???

 

I want to share a simple and brief call to each of us who belong to Jesus!  Our lives, our families, our schools, our cities, and states, as well as our nation need a touch—a touch that only God can extend.  May we intercede while there is still time!  Our only hope, as I see it, is personal repentance and revival, which can lead to revived churches, which can lead to communities transformed, which can lead to a true and powerful heart of righteousness all around us.  God Himself gave Solomon the key!

“If my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”   2 Chronicles 7:14

The principle, If:

We are called HIS—

We humble ourselves (the one I can humble)-

We PRAY—

We seek GOD’s face—

We REPENT of OUR sin—

GOD will:

Hear from heaven—

Forgive OUR sin—

Heal OUR land!

It all begins with MY willingness to seek God’s face, asking Him to reveal my own failures, short-comings and sins, that I may know the conviction of The Holy Spirit, mourn and repent before MY God, ask HIS forgiveness for MY sin, and receive His “Balm of Gilead”—the grace to heal and restore “my soul”, that I can be a catalyst of revival in my realm of influence!  Will you join me in seeking HIM?

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be

any wicked way

in me,

and lead

me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

Accept whatever HE reveals—and deal with it!  Agree with God!

“If we confess

our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”    1 John 1:9

Then we can join Paul in pressing on to victory.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”    Philippians 3:13-14

Amen and Amen!

Praying Matters!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #577

09 Friday Aug 2019

Posted by in Praise God Today!, Prayer, Press ON!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #577      Praying Matters!!!

 

(I wrote this last night, shortly after the incident that I mention happened..  Life happens, and I’m just now being able to post it—I hope it speaks to you as it spoke to me as I wrote it!)

I’d like to share a very recent event that has brought to my heart and mind the import of praying—not just ‘prayer’ but ‘praying’!!!  Praying is one of the most important works that we can do for God, for ourselves, and for one another!  Paul calls us to pray, because God calls us to pray!!!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand against

the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not

against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about

with truth,

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with

the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the

shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet

of salvation,

and the sword

of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”   Ephesians 6:10-18

We are to put on “the whole armor of God”, but not just put it on, we’re to pray it on, pray it through, and pray in it with “supplication”, “watching”, and “perseverance” for one another!  I have been reminded today of the import of continual prayer for one another; and I would like to share a story and a few pointers in regard to prayer with you.

We have a friend in ministry for whom we pray regularly, and today this precious friend was in a near tragic automobile accident.  He had just left our home and was headed to church when a trailer, carrying a lawnmower, in front of him somehow broke loose from the hitch, throwing the lawnmower into his windshield, then tearing off the top of his pickup truck.  As I heard of this tragedy, my mind went to the amazing providence of our God—the God who has this precious family in His hand—and even though they’ve seemingly had one crisis after another, God has a plan for them! And while the enemy may attack, undermine, try to delude, and distract, God has a plan and when we are suited up—we are safe and secure in His hand!

Yet we can also learn from the instructions that God gives us here:

Be strong in God’s strength and power, not our own!

Depend on God’s armor, not our own self-reliance!

Recognize that we have an enemy- and resist  him!

 Recognize that ‘others’ aren’t our enemy—love them!

Live, walk, and succeed in Jesus’ perfect provision for us–

His truth (for HE IS truth)—

His righteousness (which He provides for us)—

His peace (bought by His sacrifice for our sin)—

His faith (faith in Him, and from Him)—

His mind (thinking God’s way)—

His Word (His love letter to our hearts and minds)!!!

So just a few thoughts of mine on prayer:

 It is important, unparalleled in import—

It is worth taking time for (for you will never “find” time)—

The urgency of it is beyond our understanding—

 We need to have a time to pray–

We need to have a heart for prayer—

 We need to pray regularly, continually and spontaneously!

What does that mean?  It means we should have a time to pray, a prayer list, a place to pray, and an open heart for those moments when God’s prompting of a particular person on our heart isn’t a coincidence but a “God-incidence”!  God wants us to be a channel for HIS blessings on others, to bring Him glory, to minister one to another, and to increase His kingdom. I pray that this will encourage you to value prayer, even when you don’t see the answers in your timing.

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.”  Philippians 4:6

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,

supplications,

prayers,

intercessions,

and giving of thanks,

be made

for all men;

2 For kings,

and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet

and peaceable life

in all godliness

and honesty.

3 For this is good

and acceptable

in the sight of God

our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men

to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge

of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4

Thank YOU, God, for reminding us that while we may not know how YOU are using our prayers, YOU have called us to draw near to YOU, to minister YOUR grace to each other, and to the world! Let us press on to be “iron” sharpening “iron”!  We win!!!

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance

of his friend.”   Proverbs 27:17

He calls you/me friend!

“Henceforth I call you not servants;

for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:

but I have called you friends;

for all things that I have heard of my Father

I have made known unto you.”  John 15:15

Twist His Arm Or Trust His Care??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 13

18 Sunday Nov 2018

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Praise God Today!, Prayer, Sovereignty, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No.13 Twist His Arm Or Trust His Care???

 

I want us to talk about prayer again for it is such an essential to our personal well-being, our churches as well as our nation’s; and there is so much being taught that is off base to say the least. So I want us to take another look to keep ourselves on track with the biblical view of prayer, for it is our lifeline and sustainer of an intimate relationship with God!

We have to be so careful that our faith doesn’t turn into an ‘arm wrestling’ match with God—us trying to convince Him to grant our requests—or even worse demand His attention and reply to our every whim (regardless of it’s agreement with the Word of God or not!)! Prayer also isn’t using Jesus’ name as a ‘magic potion’ to fulfill our lusts and greed! Rather, prayer is depending on our Sovereign God and our Lord Jesus Christ for our every need, direction and sufficiency, knowing that HE knows what HE is doing to accomplish HIS work in, for and through us to make us more like Jesus! He is wise, trustworthy and loves us more than any other person could. And sometimes what HE knows that we need to endure the “refiner’s fire”—not fun but the work that creates in us that reflection of holiness and glory—God’s glory not the world’s!

“For we are saved by hope:

but hope that is seen

is not hope:

for what a man seeth,

why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope

for that we see not,

then do we with patience

wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not

what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind

of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know

that all things work together

for good

to them

that love God,

to them

who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”    Romans 8:24-29

God IS working for our good in “all things”—all things, all the time, every day, all the way—conforming us “to the image of his Son”! God is making us who are “them that love God, to them who are the called”, into the image of Jesus, The Son—what a glory! And while we often become impatient, distracted and loose our focus, God is ever at work conforming us, growing us, into “the image of his Son”; and we can trust ourselves to His care, in each and every prayer that comes across our lips! We can stand with Job, knowing that same God is still GOD!!!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

Job didn’t understand why he was where he was, but he knew his God! And while Job didn’t know what was going on, he knew the God who held him in His hands! And God revealed it to him in His time.

“Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

2 I know that thou canst do every thing,

and that no thought

can be withholden from thee.” Job 42:1-2

“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job,

when he prayed for his friends:

also the LORD gave Job

twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10

I find it interesting and contrary to much that is being touted about today, about what we can “demand” of God because we have enough “faith” and are “King’s Kids”—but here we find that Job asked nothing of God but simply professed his lack of understanding of the ‘awesomeness’ of the Creator! And as he obeyed God in praying for his ‘friends’ (A word loosely used in Job’s case I think!!!)! God restored Job’s riches because it pleased Him to do so, not because Job demanded or even asked for it! What about us? Are we willing to endure trials as James teaches us to, or would we rather pout and try to work up more “faith” to get our own way, our desires met in “our time”! I have lived long enough, and seen enough of God’s faithfulness and glory to know that He has and plan, and I have learned and continue to learn that HIS time and ways are best. While I certainly haven’t arrived or do I get it right all the time, I am learning to trust Him more and more and seek His face more intimately! And much of that time has been spent in the refiner’s fire!

“But who may abide

the day of his coming?

and who shall stand

when he appeareth?

for he is like a refiner’s fire,

and like fullers’ soap:

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier

of silver:

and he shall purify the sons of Levi,

and purge them as gold and silver,

that they may offer unto the LORD

an offering in righteousness.”   Malachi 3:2-3

God is refining us as silver to serve HIM!

“Ye also, as lively stones,

are built up a spiritual house,

an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices,

acceptable to God

by Jesus Christ……….

9 But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth

the praises of him

who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past

were not a people,

but are now

the people of God:

which had not obtained mercy,

but now have obtained mercy.”   1 Peter 2:5 & 9-10

Oh, what a blessing to know that we are living stones in God’s kingdom and work! And we are to “shew forth the praises” of one of God’s own! Even as Paul told the Colossians, we are changed into a Kingdom different that the darkness of this world!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:12-14

We have received a “transfer” from the darkness of Satan and the world, into God’s kingdom! And we are in a kingdom that is set in God—The God who has total control of not only our circumstances but also every circumstance around us, and HE is working to accomplish HIS purposes and bring His Kingdom to those who will believe in His Son, and are not hardened to His love by the “deceitfulness of sin”. And presumption on God in arrogant demands is sin! Jesus told us how we are to pray, and it’s not arrogant or presumptuous. We can have bold confidence in HIM as we come to Him, but never arrogance!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.” Matthew 6:9-11

Our prayer is to be focused on God’s name, God’s kingdom coming, God’s will being done—not ours. And we are called to ask for our “daily bread” today, not stocking up for an unknown future—for our future is in our “Father God’s” hands! And because we can trust HIM we can endure whatever He sees fit to send or allow in our lives. So we truly can “count it all joy”!

“My brethren,

count it all joy

when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this,

that the trying of your faith

worketh patience.

4 But let patience

have her perfect work,

that ye may be perfect

and entire,

wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.” James 1:2-5

Just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we can stand in confidence when the trials come, knowing that our God can deliver, and whether He delivers from any particular situation, He will deliver us ultimately into HIS very presence! And the timing is His choice, and I trust HIM! How about you?

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God

whom we serve

is able

to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve

thy gods,

nor worship

the golden image

which thou hast set up.”   Daniel 3:16-18

These three godly young men stood fast in their faithfulness to their God, even under the threat of the fiery furnace! They knew that God “could” deliver from the fire, but they let the king know that even if God’s provision was not out of the fire, but through it, they would serve only HIM, and not “the golden image” which King Nebuchadnezzar had demanded that they bow to! What about you and me? Have we bowed before the ‘gods’ of this world and failed to stand fast for our God, in pursuit of the world’s distractions? Let us remember that God is worthy of our devotion, faithfulness and a life of glory and praise to our God.

We also need to remember that God deals in reality as well as faith, and “visualizing” isn’t a way of faith, but a way of presumption. Prayer is seeking God’s face, not ‘visualizing’ ‘me’ the way I want ‘me’ to be, and to most of the world that ‘looks’ like riches, wellness, happiness, popularity, comfort and ease. God’s goal is for us to live in the “beauty of holiness” and “His righteousness”! As Jesus told us:

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye

have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:31-34

So, how’s your prayer life? Are you seeking God’s Kingdom and righteousness or are you presuming on the love and care of God. He is faithful, but we called to be His servants, not His dictators! He hears and answers prayer—when we seek His face and will not our own!

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Amen and Amen!!

Praying In Confidence!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #497

05 Friday Oct 2018

Posted by in Come Boldly, Prayer

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #497 Praying In Confidence!!!

 

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 

I love these verses, which called the original recipients to remember who had saved them, and keeps them. They were called to “hold fast” to their faith in Jesus—He whom they had professed to believe. We can take comfort in these precious verses—for they bring hope to our hearts as well.

We learn so much about our Lord Jesus in this brief section of scripture—

HE is our great high priest—

HE is our heavenly advocate—

HE is “Jesus the Son of God”—

HE was tempted in every way that we are—

HE overcame temptation and completed HIS work—

“without sin”—

HE calls us to pursue HIS throne for help!!

Oh, what a glorious thought—we have a Savior—a Redeemer—a glorious Lord—who loves us and calls us to come to HIM with our needs. We can “come boldly” to our Lord to find mercy and grace when we are in need, and for most of us, that is almost continually. That is one beauty of the relationship that we can have with The Lord Jesus Christ! Yet while we are called to come “boldly”, it’s never to be in arrogance or presumption. Boldness means, “without hesitation or fear” not manipulation of God, for our boldness is based on ‘WHOM’ we serve not on who we are!

Prayer is a means to walk with God in continual fellowship, not a practice in “arm twisting” that many today seem to think it is. God loves us and calls us to trust Him with our lives—every issue in our lives—there is no insignificant prayer ever offered to God when it’s in faith and submission. We must remember that Jesus Himself told us how to pray, but some today seem to have forgotten this pattern.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”    Matthew 6:9-10

Our confidence is in the total sovereign care of our God—and because of that assurance we can pray with hope and true confidence, knowing that our God has us in HIS hand! You can trust to HIS care. So don’t hesitate or fear coming to God with your needs, concerns and stresses today. He is waiting to meet you at that “throne of grace”. Amen!

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession for them.”  Hebrews 7:25