Prayer

In The Congregation 

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Psalm 111:1
“Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.”

God created us as social beings; pwe need the companionship of one another. Knowing that being together is a necessary part of healthy development and spiritual growth, God established seven feasts that took place during three different seasons of the Jewish calendar year. During these feasts the children of Israel were to journey together to the city of Jerusalem. The journey itself became a time of celebration. The closer they came to the city, the more they would celebrate. As they hiked up the hills where Jerusalem sat, they would sing a series of psalms, now known as the Psalms of Ascent. Upon arriving, the feasts consisted of corporate gatherings, sacrifices, teachings, worship and eating. Like the festive times in our calendar year, I am sure these were the highlight of the year for the people.

In the New Testament, God established another means by which to satisfy the social needs of His people. He created the church. Now the primary purpose of the church is to be a place where God is glorified, and the Word of God is taught, but in order to do those things, we must gather together in corporate worship. When that becomes a regular part of your weekly schedule, you will find you are not only growing closer to Christ, investing in eternal things, but you are also much healthier, socially. God knows our needs and designed corporate worship for our benefit.  When it is neglected, our growth is stunted, but when we regularly participate in it, we begin to grow in ways that we never thought possible.

Let’s follow the example of the Psalmist, determining that we will praise the Lord in the assembly of the righteous. Here are a few tips that will enhance our worship experience. First, determine now that you will not be a random attendee in your local church. Plan now to attend Sunday morning and a mid week service. Plan for things that regularly interfere, perhaps even making dinner in advance. Get the kids involved with the ministry at their age level. My kids love church because of the relationships they established with others.

Corporate worship is key to spiritual growth. Get plugged in today

Pastor Jim

 

A Fresh Start 

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1 Chronicles 4:9-10
“Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “’Because I bore him in pain.’ And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.”

Tucked away in a sea of names, we find the brief story of a man named Jabez. From the bits of data recorded about him, we learn he was an honorable man who left a mark upon his world. His name reveals much regarding his upbringing. Jabez meant “to cause pain.” He received that name because of the difficulties surrounding his birth. It seems as though his mother never got over that trauma, because Jabez grew up thinking his life would cause continual pain to others. Instead of growing up in a home where he was nurtured and encouraged to become all God had designed him to be, Jabez grew up being reminded that his life would only cause pain in others.

It is sad how often Jabez’ story is repeated. Time and time again, children grow up in circumstances that thwart their growth, rather than encourage it. An absent father, a divorce, substance abuse, or simply the lack of allowing Christ to be the center of the home, will have a profound effect upon a young person. It is common for the sins of the parents to be repeated in the children. A child whose parents divorce, has a greater chance of a failed marriage. Children, whose parents abuse alcohol or drugs, will be more likely to do the same.

It would seem the likely end to the story of Jabez is he would grow to become a man who carried the baggage and bitterness from his difficult upbringing. Instead, we read he was an honorable man, and one worthy of being recorded within the Chronicles of the kingdom.

What happened? What was the secret that raised Jabez out of the slums of despair and turned him into a mighty man of God? The answer is found in one simple phrase, “Jabez called on God.” No matter what the problem is, when we include the Lord in the equation, we will find a solution that is both glorifying to Him, and satisfying to us. Instead of allowing his difficult circumstances to determine who he would become, Jabez sought God and was transformed.

Whatever “baggage” you may have from past experiences, these things do not have to define you. You can come to the One who makes all things new. Allow Him to minister to your wounded heart, and transform you into a person who brings honor to Him, and leaves an example for others to follow.

Pastor Jim

 

Secret Weapon 

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2 Kings 14:25
“He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.”

The Northern tribes of Israel reached the zenith of their strength under king Jeroboam II. Here we are given insight into the secret behind their success:

“. . . according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah. . .”

Most of us are familiar with the story of Jonah. He was the reluctant prophet who went through great difficulty because of his refusal to obey God. When he finally surrendered to the Lord, he delivered God’s message, and the inhabitants of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, were saved.

When we put the pieces together, we find the nation of Israel was experiencing peace and growth because the Word of God had impacted the Assyrians, who were their mortal enemies. The true force that had the greatest impact upon the nation was not their military, but preaching of the Word of God.

There is little doubt today, in anyone’s mind, that the nations of the world are facing great difficulty. Economic crisis is the norm in many western countries, the rising threat of civil unrest runs rampant in the Middle East, the fear of terrorist activity is the plight of all nations. What we fail to see, the greatest weapon in any battle is the Word of God. What our nation needs, more than anything else, are individuals who will commit themselves to Christ, and live according to the teaching of His Word. Individuals who will share the love of Christ with their neighbors and friends.

Don’t hold back. Take time today to pray for opportunity to let someone know about the hope of heaven found in relationship with Jesus.

Pastor Jim
 

 

The Spoils

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Psalm 68:12b
“…and she who remains at home divides the spoil.”

The physical battles Israel faced illustrates the spiritual battles the Christian faces.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

He also reminded the Corinthians that, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Our battle is not for land to be occupied, but for souls to be won. Our weapons are not the sword, spear, or slingshot; they are prayer, the Gospel message, and a righteous life. David, who knew battle as well as any man, gives insight into a spiritual principle of warfare. He reminds us that, “she who remains at home divides the spoil.”

At least two spiritual principles are tucked away in this little phrase. First, the battle belongs to the Lord. It is wrong to glory in victory, or to shy away in fear, because the battle truly is the Lord’s. We do not win others to Christ, He does. We are but the messengers declaring the truth of God; which has the inherent ability to convert the hearer. Second, in Israel, the spoils of war were shared equally among those who went to battle, and those who remained home. In God’s economy, faithfulness is rewarded more than accomplishment. Those who are being called out to the mission field, and those who are called to make their community a mission field, have equal reward in the kingdom of Heaven.

If you are heading out to make a new address your home in service of the Lord, remember the battle belongs to the Lord. Trust not in your own strength, but in His. Cling to Him and His Word, as the weapons of your warfare. If you are called to remain, join those who are sent by covering them in prayer. No force in heaven, or on earth, can resist the power of God. “. . .she who remains at home divides the spoil.”
Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 68

  1. Verses 3-6 are describing David’s praise to God, are you feeling lonely, in bondage, or disadvantaged? Discover the joy David shows here by loving and praising God.
  2. What mountain will the Lord dwell in forever?
  3. Notice that verse 18 is quoted in the book of Ephesians chapter 4:8. Every person who is in the body of Christ has a gift. Do you know what yours is? If you don’t pray to the Lord that he reveal it to you. How are you furthering the kingdom?
  4. According to verse 19, what does the Lord do for us?
  5. In verses 34-35 we are to tell everyone about God’s power. When you look at His creation are you overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and majesty of it? Where is God more awesome? We are so fortunate that God cares for us.

 

Pray For Me 

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1 Kings 13:6
“Then the king answered and said to the man of God, ‘Please entreat the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.’ So the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him, and became as before.”

Jeroboam had been called and anointed as king of Israel. He was given the same opportunities and promises that David was given. His problem was, instead of drawing near to the Lord, he followed the gods of the surrounding nations, and turned Israel away from the Lord. God, in His unparalleled mercy, sent an unnamed prophet to win Jeroboam back to the ways of the Lord. The man of God declared a powerful message of rebuke to the king; and with a stunning show of the power of God, the altar split in two. Jeroboam’s heart had become so hardened, his response was to demand this young man be imprisoned. As the king’s hand stretched forth condemning the prophet, his hand suddenly withered. With a withered hand, and a broken altar, the king pleaded with the prophet to pray for him. Sadly, his prayer was not one of repentance, he simply wanted things restored to the way they were.

Unfortunately, Jeroboam is not alone in this. Too often, when calamity comes our way, as a result of wandering off the path of God, we seek only to have things returned to normal. The king should have taken this as a time to repent of ungodly activities, and get to the business of following the Lord. It is both wrong and dangerous, if we are only seeking to have the Lord take our difficulties from us, and not seeking to live a life that is well pleasing to Him.

Pastor Jim

 

Who Are You Wearing? 

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Psalm 65:6
“Who established the mountains by His strength, being clothed with power; . . .”

Have you ever noticed, when movie stars are walking the red carpet, for one of their many awards presentations, they are not asked what they are wearing, but who they are wearing? One of the marks of success is getting a particular designer to make you a one-of-a-kind outfit.

Here the Psalmist declares to us what God is wearing. He is “clothed with power.” I picture God getting ready for the day and choosing to put power on as His garment. His power is infinite. No power on earth or in heaven can be compared to it. The power of the storm, the devil, sickness, and death, were all overthrown by the word of His mouth. Without sweating, straining, grunting, or pulling a muscle, Jesus spoke and conquered the greatest powers on earth. The people were fascinated by His great power; the whole nation was in awe of the One to whom even the demons were subject.

Between the resurrection and ascension of Christ, forty days transpired. During those forty days, Luke tells us Jesus was doing two things. First, He was appearing, to prove beyond a shadow of doubt, that He had, in fact, risen; conquering sin, death and hell.

Second, He was giving commands to His followers. These commands fit into two categories: go and wait. He was sending them out into the world with the message of eternal life. They were to start at home, then travel the globe, sharing with everyone the glorious message of salvation through faith in Christ. Before they went, they were commanded to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed them that when the Spirit came upon them, they would be clothed with power from on high. Just like the Twelve, we have been commissioned to live a holy life in an ungodly world; to declare the hope of salvation with our family, friends and community.

Just like the Twelve, we have been promised power from on high to accomplish this. As you prepare to face your day, with the unknown temptations and opportunities that await, who are you wearing? Are you walking out the door clothed with all the strength that you can muster? Or have you taken time to sit at the feet of Jesus and be filled afresh with the Spirit of holiness? Let’s clothe ourselves with the power of the Spirit.

Pastor Jim

 

Wisdom

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1 Kings 4:30
“Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.”

Solomon was known for his great wisdom. We are told his understanding of psychology, botany and biology surpassed the great teachers of his day. We find people from all over the Middle East would travel to hear him speak, and when they left, they declared that the rumors of his intellect did not do justice to how brilliant he really was. The most remarkable thing about his abilities is where they came from. As we read his Biblical biography, we find these gifts were God-given and purchased through prayer.

The early years of Solomon’s life gave no evidence of a truly gifted young man. His father doubted his ability, and when he was told by God to pass the kingdom to Solomon, he all but refused. It was not until his hand was forced by the threat of civil war, that he gave the crown to his young son. David declared, “My son Solomon, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced…” (1 Chronicles 29:1). His father’s cabinet saw nothing remarkable in Solomon, and when Adonijah attempted to take the throne, many of David’s counselors joined him, rather than Solomon. Even Solomon, himself, doubted his abilities and prayed,

1 Kings 3:7-8  “Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.”

It seems clear, Solomon was a man of average abilities who was being called to a task way beyond himself. The beauty of Solomon’s story is that God would provide what was lacking in his life. We read, upon realizing his inability, Solomon began to seek the Lord, and in a time of praise and petition, he encounter the promises of God. Solomon heard God promise to provide him with the wisdom he needed to carry out the call.

This is always the method of God. He will call us to areas of ministry that are beyond our capacities, but as we seek Him, He promises to provide all that we need. Scripture, history, and our modern world, all attest that God will provide all that is necessary for us to accomplish that to which He has called us. Our fame may never reach that of Solomon’s, but we can be sure, the promises of God will never fail, and we can serve in whatever capacity He has called us.

Pastor Jim

 

Strong Hands

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Psalm 54:1
“Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your strength.”

This Psalm is a prayer set to music. In It, David is crying out to God to deliver him from those who are seeking to end his life. The title of the Psalm gives us insight into the situation he is facing.

‘A Contemplation of David when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, ‘Is David not hiding with us?’”

Because of the jealous rage of King Saul, David was forced to live in hiding. The Wilderness of Ziph provided a perfect hiding place for David and his men. The many caves made it difficult for anyone to pinpoint their whereabouts. That is, until the Ziphites, or inhabitants of that area alerted Saul to David’s location. When news reached David that King Saul knew where he was hiding, and that he was coming with an army to kill him, David’s reaction was to pray. He set his face toward heaven, sought God’s assistance and was delivered from his enemy. We discover in 1 Samuel 23 that God moved the Philistine army in order to deliver David. God is like that; since He is the King of kings, the universe is at His disposal. He will even move nations to deliver His people. When David prayed, God delivered.

Our reaction in times of difficulty, danger, fear or uncertainty, is not always faith-filled prayer. Instead, we are often filled with worry, fear and unbelief. Too many times, when we should be following the example of David and looking up, we find ourselves in a panic, perhaps even crippled with anxiety. How was it that in such grave danger, David was able to look to the Lord with confident prayer? Again, 1 Samuel 23 gives us the insight. Just prior to the Ziphites selling David out to Saul, we read,

1 Samuel 23:16-17 “Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, ‘Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.’”

The conditions of life had greatly weakened David, until his friend came and strengthened his hands. Notice, David’s hands were strengthened when Jonathan simply shared the promises of the Word of God. This was not a pep talk, or a motivational speech. Jonathan was quoting to David what God had already promised, “You shall be king.” In our times of difficulty, faith-filled prayer is the answer. However, this kind of prayer stems from remembering the great and precious promises of God. Allow your faith to be built up for the challenges ahead, by reminding yourself of His wonderful promises.

Pastor Jim

Psalm 54

  1. Read 1 Samuel 26 for background on the writing of this Psalm.
  2. David had the opportunity to destroy his enemy; did he?
  3. Within this psalm what is David’s attitude concerning those who are his enemies?
  4. Have you ever had opportunity to take vengeance, or to wrongfully take matters in to your own hand?  If you are currently struggling with this pray that God will help you to trust the situation and those who are involved into His hands.
  5. Note verse 4.  Compare this with John 14:16-18.  Is this a real help?

 

One Man Army

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1 Kings 1:36-37
“Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king and said, ‘Amen! May the Lord God of my lord the king say so too. As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.’”

As David’s final days drew near, a dark and ominous cloud hung over the nation of Israel. Following in the footsteps of his brother Absalom, Adonijah exalted himself in an attempt to usurp the nation’s throne. He convinced the princes of Israel, as well as the army, to join his rebellion. However, the palace guard, prophets and the mighty men remained loyal to David and young prince Solomon. The nation of Israel found itself once again on the brink of a civil war that would cost the lives of thousands.

In the midst of all this chaos, we are re-introduced to Benaiah. We met him earlier in the story line, and found him to be one of David’s mighty men. We read in 2 Samuel that He “killed two lion-like heroes of Moab, a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day and an Egyptian, a spectacular man” with his own spear. Benaiah was well known in his day for his acts of valor, but the greatest battle he ever fought was in a totally different realm.

As the armies of Israel joined forces to attack the king, Benaiah stood before the Lord and interceded for his nation.“May the Lord God of my lord the king say so too. As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”

This short prayer may be what saved the kingdom from a brutal civil clash.

It is important to remember the value of prayer. Instead of being quick to grab the sword, or enter the physical battle, we need to be instant in prayer. We must remember that the real battles will be won on our knees, as we intercede on behalf of others. One man’s plea, can rescue a nation.

Pastor Jim

 

Miry Clay 

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Psalms 40:1-3
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth — Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.”

Without giving us the details, David describes the condition of his life as being in a horrible pit of miry clay. A mire is an area of wet spongy earth, like a bog or marsh. David was saying he was stuck in a very difficult place, and it seemed as though there was no escape. Unfortunately, life can be like that. Even when we are walking with the Lord, we come to times of great difficulties that seem to carry on and on, without hope of ever ending. Sometimes, these miry bogs are the result of what appears to be unrelenting waves of trials. Before we get our head up from one strike, we are hit with another. John Bunyan referred to these times as “The Slough of Despond.” if you are currently facing one of these times in your Christian walk, be encouraged with two things.

First, you are not alone. You are not the first, or only Christian, to find yourself in the mire wondering if there is any hope of deliverance. In addition to David’s poetic description of his circumstances, Paul wrote;

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed, . . .” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Knowing that others, even the godliest of men, have faced the Slough of Despond, encourages me that I am not here simply because of my failures, sins or bad choices. Times in the pit are part of following Christ and becoming like Him.

Notice that David wrote, “He inclined to me.” The word ‘inclined’ means to lean toward. In his darkest hour, the Lord leaned toward David and met him in the pit. Perhaps there is no greater illustration of this than when the three Hebrews were thrown into the fire by Nebuchadnezzar. Three men were thrown into the fire, but four were actually there; the fourth was the Son of God. In the heat of the trial, the Lord shows up (Daniel 3:23-25). If we were to ask those three men what the worse day of their lives was, they would, no doubt, tell us of being thrown into the fire. But if we to ask, what was the best day, they would probably tell us of meeting Jesus in the fire. If you are in a miry clay, a Pit of Despair, or the Slough of Despond understand that Jesus has inclined to meet you there, and wants to draw you nearer to Himself.

There is a second truth revealed by David that is of great encouragement to those who are in the pit. David declares there is a way out. That is essentially what Paul was telling the Corinthians. He said we are perplexed, which means he cannot find a way out, but not in despair, which means there is a way out. How comforting to know, that as difficult as the circumstances may be, they are not permanent. The Lord has a way out. David gives us the secret to finding the way,

“I waited patiently for the Lord.”

The key to the door that leads out of the mire, is waiting on the Lord. Waiting on the Lord does not mean to sit back and do nothing until He decides to lower the rope and pull us up. Instead, waiting involves examining my own life to see if there is anything that needs to be confessed and forsaken. It also includes time attending to the things of the Lord. In the miry pit, we should spend less time fighting and complaining, and more time seeking and praying. You will find that while the slough is not an easy place, when you seek the Lord, His voice is loud and clear.

Until you find your feet back upon solid ground, keep seeking Jesus for what He wants to accomplish in you.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 40

  1. What is involved in waiting on the Lord?
  2. What attributes are necessary in order to experience the blessed life, see verse 4.
  3. How much of the day do you spend thinking about God?
  4. How much time does He spend thinking about you?
  5. What does David cry out for in verse 11?