Month: January 2018

Hear My Cry, O Lord

Psalm 130:1-4

Psalm 130:1-4

  • Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.
  • 2Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
  • 3If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
  • 4But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
  • Read complete chapter here: http://www.Biblegateway.com
Hand drawn picture of Jesus holding Bible Text Psalm 130:1-4
Hear My Cry O Lord

Hear my cry, 0 Lord!

Some people think this was a prayer for Israel; however most believe it was a prayer for himself. Regardless of the why, Nehemiah was praying earnestly to God. So, this post supports latter popular belief. I have also written a post that supports that Nehemiah was praying for Israel. See: PSALM 130: 3-8

The Psalmist realized that his sins were keeping him from God and more importantly that they would keep him separated from God right into eternity.

In the depth of his guilt of sin and with admission to God that he was a sinner, the Psalmist shows that he realizes that there was no one, except God, that could forgive sins. He’s crying out, for God to hear his prayers.

After asking for God’s forgiveness, he stood in faith, acknowledging his belief that God heard him. Nehemiah knew that without God’s grace, no one could stand before God, without falling.

The closer he got to God, the more Nehemiah felt the fear of God: (awe – reverence), (afraid of sinning again).

As Nehemiah grew in fear and faith of gratitude, his love also grew. He learned that true forgiveness comes only from God.

Man standing with arms stretched out to God at ocean in front of setting sun. Hear My Cry O Lord
Hear My Cry O Lord

My Prayer for Psalm 130:1-4 Hear My Cry O Lord

Father in Heaven,

The blood of Jesus covers my sin. Thank you Lord.

Father, I appreciate, that today and everyday the Holy Trinity watches over me. He convicts me when I have sinned

I have the privledge that Jesus is my advocate, going between you and me and that in you, I am forgiven and loved by your grace.

The more I know you Lord, the deeper my faith becomes. Like Nehemiah, I put my faith and trust in you. Hear my cry O Lord!

In the name of Christ, I pray Amen

Every person knows how to pray. Prayer – God Has Made It Possible

The Lord Called To Abraham

Genesis 12:1-3

Genesis 12: 1-3 

  • [1] Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
  • [2] And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • [3] And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
  • Read complete Chapter here: http://www.biblegateway.com
Hand drawn picture of Jesus. Text says the Lord called to Abraham Genesis 12:1-3
Genesis 12:1-3

Following the flood

Noah’s descendants became sinful. Amongst other things, they built the Tower of Babel.

  • They disobeyed God and stayed in one place instead of spreading out all over the earth.
  • Therefore, God confused their language so they couldn’t understand each other. So they finally spread out.

Many years after the flood the Lord called Abram

God decided to start a personal relationship with one person, Abram. It is also interesting to note that’s God asked for only one thing in return from Abram; obedience.

Verse 1

God commanded Abram to leave his country. Furthermore, leave his family and friends and go to a land where God would lead him.

  • God was moving Abram from an idol-worshipping area and people.
  • At this point in Abram’s life, he was a 75 year old man living in his father’s house, married but childless.
  • His father and family were also idol-worshippers.
  • However, God allowed Abram to take his wife and nephew with him.
  • This was God’s test to Abram.
  • In other words, would he be able to leave everything behind and follow God without even knowing where he was going?

Verse 2

God first promises he made to Abram:

  • To create a great nation through his descendants
  • Furthermore to build Abram’s name great
  • As a result, to make Abram a blessing (to all obedient believers who would follow Abram’s lead)

Verse 3

The first promise is to Abram alone. God will bless him in three ways. However, the rest of the promises involve other people.

  • God will bless those who bless Abram.
  • And God will curse those who curse Abram.

When the Lord called Abram – Abram obeys and with faith he follows God. Which then became a turning point in history.

  • The Nation of Israel (Abram’s/Abraham’s heirs) are promised to become a great nation.
Picture of cross lying on top of 10 Commandment stones. Text reads Genesis 12:1-3
The Lord Called to Abraham

My prayer for Genesis 12:1-3

Heavenly Father, Almighty God,

Lord called Abraham. You promise you made with Abram/Abraham still stands today. In the same way, the people who bless Abraham’s heirs (Israel) will be blessed and those who curse her will be cursed.

We can see that you kept your promise to Abram. That is to say that even today, he is known as: “a friend of God”, “the father of all those who believe” and is considered the founder of 3 religions (Judaism, Islam and Christianity).

Why would we have any reason to doubt that you are still holding those promises you made with him?

Father, allow me to always bless Israel in any way I can. Furthermore, I know one of the best things I can do right now and everyday is to pray for Israel.

Thank you Lord for the opportunity and privilege of praying for the people and for their city. We are blessed that your word is true always.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray Amen

Please join with me in praying for Israel: Pray for Peace of Jerusalem Thank you!

Without Faith

Hebrews 11:6-7

Without Faith – Hebrews 11: 6-7

  • [6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
  • [7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
  • Read complete chapter at www.biblegateway.com
Hand drawn picture of Jesus Text Hebrews 11:6-7 Without faith

Verse 6

Enoch knew God and wanted to please Him and set out daily to do just that. He walked with and pleased God by faith. How?

Enoch:

  • Believed God is who he says he is
  • Had confidence and trust in Him
  • Knew that God is truth
  • Kept close to God continually
  • Understood that God always keeps his promises

Like Enoch, we need to have total faith that God exists. In other words, everyday we must be actively drawing him near to us.

As we grow in our faith, we draw near to Him, and in turn, he draws near to us. When we believe with faith, our soul changes and we become obedient to God’s will and yearn to make Him happy.

Many people believe, that by saying they know there is a God, it would be enough to draw them near to God. Some people also think that by doing good works, they will get to heaven. They are wrong! Furthermore, no matter what we think, say or do and no matter how many good things we do for God, nothing will compensate for a lack of true faith.

In return for our faith, God loves and gives us peace. We can know that regardless of what our circumstance, the Lord is always watching over us and we have the assurance that He will keep His promises to us.

Verse 7

We see in verse 7 that Noah was another person who walked with God and had total belief and faith in the Lord.

  • God gave Noah a divine warning. (Genesis 6:13).
  • And then, he immediately reacted and completed God’s assignment.
  • However, Noah was not afraid of God. In truth, he acted out of a reverential fear (awe, respect) and love for God.

Noah loved God. God asked Noah to build a boat and he built it. Furthermore, whatever God requested, Noah and his family were committed to doing the task. It was by faith that they were the only people on earth, saved in the flood.

God sent Jesus

Since then, God has sent his son Jesus, to earth for our salvation. In the same way, it is imperative that we must have faith in Jesus Christ if we want to become a child of God.

  • Why? Because we become righteous heirs through Jesus Christ.
  • Every person has the option and ability to become a child of a God through belief in Jesus Christ.
  • Humans are given free-will, however, it is human pride keeps many people apart from God (the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

These above two verses from the story of Enoch show us that anyone who wants to become a child of God must believe. And also, have true faith in God (Trinity).

Abstract black/white picture with text reading - without faith Hebrews 11:6-7
Without Faith in the Lord

My Prayer for Hebrews 11:6-7 Without Faith

Gracious God,

I know Lord that to be counted as your child, I must have faith, belief and love for you and it’s important that I draw near to you each and every day.

The more I do that, it then becomes a constant circle – the more I draw near to you, the more you draw closer to me.

Please help me Father to be more like Enoch and Noah and to also be prepared, on a daily basis, to do your will. Let my eyes always be open to see ways that I can draw closer to you.

Thank you Father that it is your desire for every person to turn and come to you, through Jesus. In the same way, I understand that you have given people the choice of free-will. I will also continue to pray that pride and unbelief is broken in many people today. It is also in my heart to pray for those lost souls Lord.

Praying that they may find faith and belief and then grow to love you. For without faith, it is impossible to please you Lord.

Thank you for your love Father. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray Amen

Romans 8:31-32 When I am afraid I will trust in God Almighty

New Year Thoughts

After Christmas, I began thinking about the Family Traditions my family used year after year when I was growing up. I tried to keep as many as I could with my children and of course my husband’s traditions also came into the mix.

Now that our children are older and we have grandchildren, I find that many of the traditions that I grew up with have been watered down as more and more new members join our family and bring their traditions with them.

Am I complaining? Nope, just reminiscing about things of the past; like sitting around the ping pong table in the basement, enjoying the Christmas dinner because that was the only spot that would hold all the people in our small house; such fun, such merriment, such good memories.

Times change, traditions change, people change. I began wondering if traditions even matter in this ever changing world.

I decided to write a list of why they DO matter and this is what I realized….

  • Traditions bring families together
  • Give a sense of comfort and familiarity
  • Provides lasting memories
  • Creates a positive family culture
  • They are held with a specific purpose
  • They provide a source of identity
  • Traditions serve as a reminder of events that shaped us
  • It’s good to know that we belong to something bigger
  • We are strengthened by a family (or perhaps friends) bond
  • Traditions offer comfort and strength in a changing world
  • They teach us value
  • They bequeath love

As I reread my list, my heart lifted because I realized two things.

The first was that my children and grandchildren (and generations to come) are instilled with wonderful childhood memories that are not watered down, but full-fledged memories for them.

The second thing I realized, is that those who are in the family of Christ receive the same benefits listed above, all year long.

Every person is welcomed into the family of God, with His traditions. Everyone is entitled to receive the blessing of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit – the best family of all!

My wish for every person this New Year, is to have: a wonderful year filled with love, laughter, joy, perfect health, fulfilling and loving relationships, financial stability (at a job you really enjoy) and a year of making the best memories ever.

Much love to you all and the happiest New Year everyone!

Heavenly Father

My prayer is that every person is touched by the hand of God this year and receives your blessing.

As we begin and move into the New Year, help us to keep you first and foremost in our minds and let 2018 be a year where you are loved and glorified in many, many ways.

1 John 3:23 tells us “And this is His commandment, that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us command.” May that be so Lord.

I bless your Holy name Father.

In Jesus Christ I pray

Amen

May God’s Blessing rest upon you.

Numbers 6:24-26 King James Version (KJV)

[24] The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

[25] The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

[26] The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

If you have a desire to know more about Jesus and His family click here.