Category: Prayer

Proactive Prayer

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Baring its sharp teeth, the dog growled menacingly as it stood poised to attack. Fear had gripped my friend and me as we walked past it each day on our way home from elementary school.   Usually we would reassure one another by pointing out the long metal chain that was stretched taut as the dog strained against it. However, on this particular day, my stomach lurched as we noticed the chain was slack. The snarling dog had finally succeeded in breaking free. Before we had time to react, it lunged for my friend, pinning her to the ground. Panicked, my seven-year-old mind cycled through the options: Should I try to pull the dog off? No, I wasn’t strong enough and we’d probably both get hurt. Should I knock on someone’s door for help? No, I wasn’t supposed to talk to strangers. Should I run to get my friend’s mom? Her house was several blocks away, but it seemed like the only sensible option. Beginning to cry, I stumbled down the street before stopping abruptly to turn back. How could I leave her like this? “God, please help!” I cried out in desperation. Shocked, I watched as the dog stepped away from my friend and calmly walked back into its yard, dragging the broken chain behind it.

My cry for help had unleashed the power of heaven on a quiet suburban street that day. As a first grader, I knew little about theology or the Bible, but I knew God loved me. I’d been reassured that Jesus was always with me because I’d invited Him into my heart. Difficult situations often lead us to seek God. I guess I experienced it first on that spring day at age seven.

The story of the dog attack stayed with me through the years and left me in awe of God’s power. I knew He was there for me and could help me in times of desperation and trials. However, it was not until much later that I understood prayer isn’t just something to engage reactively when we are in the midst of hard situations. God also invites us to look ahead and pray proactively about things yet to unfold. Proactive prayers anticipate future situations, both good and bad. They help to prepare us and invite God to intervene in advance.

The apostle Paul knew this. Throughout his writings, he repeatedly asked for prayer.   We see this in both letters to the church at Thessalonica:

“Brothers and sisters, pray for us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:25, NIV)

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, NIV)

If I’m honest, I’ll admit that Paul’s requests for prayer are so frequent I don’t usually notice them. Until recently, I’d skim over his opening and closing comments so I could focus on the meat of his teaching. However, I now recognize the vital role prayer played in his ministry.   The message of the gospel spread through the Roman Empire not because of Paul’s skills or efforts but because of God’s power unleashed through prayer. Beth Moore explains it this way: “Not one inspired writer of the New Testament letters had more to say about prayer. He did not sit smugly back, presuming that Jesus would fulfill His purpose through him with little proactive effort on his part. He pressed in and prayed hard. To Paul, prayer was part of the necessary means even to a divinely foreordained end.” (Children of the Day, p. 192)

Praying proactively is about receiving what God has promised in His Word. It claims what He’s already said is ours for the taking. This kind of prayer isn’t about asking God to do what we want–it’s meant to make our perspectives line up with His. I’ll give you a few examples to clarify. Afterwards you can share your own in the comments at the bottom of this post.

The Desires of Our Hearts

Psalm 37:4 makes this promise: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (NIV) I used to read this and not see how the first phrase informed the second. I thought something like this: Sure, I delight in God, so why doesn’t He give me this thing I want? Now I understand that when we take delight in the Lord, it means we are aligning our hearts with His. The desires of our hearts are also the desires of His heart. We know His heart by studying His Word. For example, we know that He values families and that He wants us to tell our children about Him so that they can love Him and know Him: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV)

My desires for my children have changed over time as my understanding of God has grown. Instead of praying only about their circumstances, I pray more about their hearts. I pray they will value God’s Word and long for a deeper relationship with Him. I pray they will have teachable hearts and be open to the ways the Lord wants to work in and through their lives. I pray that they will delight in Jesus as I delight in Him. I pray they will become men of integrity and character. That is the desire of my heart. Of course I want them to have healthy relationships and a good education. I want them to launch and become successful adults, but I believe the most important thing I can pray is that they will love God and value His Word. The Bible assures me He wants the same for them.

Fulfilling His Call

Paul was called to share the gospel among the gentiles. He asked for prayer that the message would “spread rapidly and be honored” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, NIV). As followers of Jesus, we are all called to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19, NIV). Each of us has a part to play in sharing the gospel with others, whether or not we have the gift of evangelism. If this sounds daunting, remember that we do this through the power of the Spirit, not our own abilities. When we ask the Lord to identify people He wants to love through us, He will answer that prayer. Our job is to abide in Him and take action when He reveals someone who is ready to hear the good news. Second Peter 3:9 assures us that God doesn’t want anyone to perish, so we can pray with confidence knowing that asking for help us share His love is the very thing He wants us to do.

Changing Our Hearts, Not Just Our Circumstances

Without a doubt, the default mode of most people is to pray about their circumstances. The situations we face every day shape our attitudes, our relationships and our actions. It’s tempting to pray and ask God to fix or change difficult and frustrating situations. While this isn’t a bad thing to pray, it’s overlooking the fact that our circumstances have much to teach us. I think that’s Paul’s point when he says “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV) Instead of praying for our circumstances and waiting to see if/when/ how God is going to work in them, we can try changing our perspectives with these simple prayers:

“God, show me what you want me to learn through this.”

“God, refine my character.”

“God, reveal yourself to me.”

“God, help me to show your love, mercy and grace to others who are going through this hard thing with me.”

“God, be glorified in this situation and reveal how You are using it for good.” (See Romans 8:28)

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23, NIV)

Praying proactively requires us to step outside our current circumstances and to have an eternal perspective. It also means we need to study the Bible so that we can know God’s will and pray for His kingdom to spread on earth. His power is within reach, but we get to decide whether or not we want to receive it.

Praying opens the floodgates of Heaven, enabling us to access God’s glory and power. For more inspiration, click on the link to hear Meredith Andrews’ song “Open Up the Heavens.”

Praying Strategically

Many of us are strategic with our schedules, our finances, and our retirement. But it’s less common to find people who are as calculated and deliberate in their prayers. Although he’s best known for rebuilding Jerusalem’s broken down walls, the prophet Nehemiah provides an excellent example of how to pray strategically. 

To give you context, the events in his story unfold about a thousand years after Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt.  The book of Nehemiah takes place after the Jews’ seventy-year exile in Babylon. When the story opens, they’d already been allowed to return to Judah to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Although they were free to go back, many Jews chose to remain in Babylon. Nehemiah was one of those who stayed behind to continue working as chief cupbearer in the palace of the King of Babylon. This influential position would have put him in close contact with the king daily, somewhat like a butler. Being a cupbearer to Artaxerxes was an esteemed role that was probably well paid and enabled him to live very comfortably. 

Chapter 1 opens with Nehemiah learning news about his home city of Jerusalem. He finds out, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3, NIV)

Nehemiah’s first response after hearing this distressing news is to pray:

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” (Nehemiah 1:4-11, NIV)

Here are few things we can learn from his prayer:

-Start with Gratitude and Acknowledgement: Nehemiah opens his prayer by remembering God’s promises and His faithfulness. He recognizes the Lord’s character and sovereignty and approaches Him with humility. Try beginning your prayer time by making a point to thank God for His faithfulness in your life. Point out the character qualities you appreciate about Him. If you’ve been reassured by a specific promise or verse from the Bible, thank Him for how it encourages you in your circumstances.

-Admit Your Sin: Nehemiah takes ownership over his sin and the sins of his people. He recognizes that their exile was a direct result of their disobedience to God. He doesn’t blame the Lord for the hardships they’ve endured. Nehemiah understands that their sin over the long haul has had profound effects on them as a nation and as individuals. 

Is there a difficult situation you’re dealing with now that might be the result of long-term disobedience? Answering this may not be easy, but keep in mind that conviction from the Holy Spirit is not condemnation—it’s an opportunity to recognize and relinquish sin you’ve been harboring. Give it to God so it won’t continue to hinder your relationship with Him. Then, rest assured–we’re called to confess our sins, but God doesn’t keep a running tally. Psalm 103:12 tells us: “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” And 1 John 1:9 promises us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

-Know Scripture so You Can Pray God’s Will: In his prayer, Nehemiah reminds the Lord of the promises He made to Moses. Read Deuteronomy 30:1-5 and you’ll notice how similar it is to what Nehemiah says. Clearly, he knows God’s Word and claims it with authority in his prayer. He remembers the Lord’s promises from the past and applies them to his current situation. Try taking a verse, a promise, or a situation from Scripture and personalizing it for a specific circumstance you’re facing.  Discovering God’s will in His Word and asking for it to be done in your life leads to powerful and effective prayers.

-Let Your Broken Heart Prompt Prayer and Action: After hearing terrible news about his people and his homeland, Nehemiah’s first impulse is to pray. His distress brings him to his knees before God. Maybe, like Nehemiah, you’ve heard about something happening either locally or globally that breaks your heart. It’s easy to feel helpless or overwhelmed at the thought of intervening to alleviate the suffering of others. Instead of dismissing those feelings, pray and ask God to show you if there is something you can do. Pay attention to the ways He may be nudging you to respond. If you’re already involved in a cause you believe in, pray and ask God to show you how you can maximize your impact there.

-Invite God to Leverage Your Resources and Connections: Nehemiah ends his prayer by asking God to grant him favor with “this man,” referring to the king. He knows Artaxerxes has valuable resources that can be used to help his people, and he asks God to use this relationship for the good of others. Maybe, like Nehemiah, there is a relationship in your life that you could leverage. Do you know someone with power, influence, resources, or authority who could use those things for good? Pray boldly and ask God to let you find favor with that person so that He can bless others through them. (This prayer prompt and the one above could go together in certain circumstances.)

Growing in our understanding of prayer nurtures our relationship with God. Let Meredith Andrews’ song “Draw Me Nearer” be the cry of your heart today.

Praying Honestly

Few people have heard the audible voice of God. There are a several instances recorded in Scripture when individuals dialogued with Him, but there’s one person who had multiple conversations with the Lord throughout his life–Moses. Some of the things we can learn about prayer from this hero of the faith may surprise you.

Let’s start with some background context. You might remember that Moses was born as a Hebrew slave in Egypt. His people, the Israelites, had emigrated to Egypt from Canaan about 400 years earlier during a severe famine. When they first arrived in Egypt, the Israelites were a large extended family of about seventy people consisting of twelve brothers, their wives and their children. Their father was Jacob, who had been re-named “Israel” by God. His family members and their descendants became known as Israelites. The Egyptians also called them Hebrews. Jacob and his eleven adult sons came with their families to Egypt at the invitation of Joseph, the twelfth son who had risen to a position of honor and power in Egypt. (This is the same Joseph that received the coat of many colors from his father and who was sold into slavery by his brothers as a teenager. His story is in Genesis 37, 39, 40-50.)

After Joseph’s death, life for the Israelites began to deteriorate as new Pharaohs came to power. The Israelites’ population steadily increased. This caused subsequent Pharaohs to fear the Hebrews would become so numerous they could overpower Egypt by joining its enemies if war broke out. To eliminate this threat, the Egyptians eventually enslaved the Hebrews and worked them ruthlessly.

In Exodus 1 & 2 we learn that Pharaoh’s solution for controlling the Hebrew population was to order that all Israelite baby boys be slaughtered at birth. However, when Moses was born, his mother concealed him for the first three months of his life.  Scripture explains, “But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. ‘This is one of the Hebrew babies,’ she said. Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?’

‘Yes, go,’ she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.’ So the woman took the baby and nursed him.  When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, ‘I drew him out of the water.’” (Exodus 2:3-10, NIV)

Moses grew up as a prince in the household of Pharaoh, However, at the age of 40 his life pivoted dramatically when he decided to kill an Egyptian who he’d witnessed beating Hebrew slaves. Fearing retribution from Pharaoh, Moses fled to the neighboring land of Midian where he later married the daughter of a priest and lived as a shepherd.

Moses’ first personal encounter with God occurred when he was 80 years old. The swagger he had as a prince of Egypt had been stripped from him after four decades of being humbled in the desert.  His first conversation with God caught him by surprise while he was tending his flocks: “There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’

And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’

‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’ Then he said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” (Exodus 3:2-6, NIV)

The Lord went on to explain that He had seen the misery of His people and was appointing Moses to go and lead his people out of slavery. Shocked, Moses’ first words to God were: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11, NIV)

The Lord replied, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12, NIV)

What stands out to me in this conversation is Moses’ surprising combination of reverence and honesty. He knelt humbly before the Lord and hid his face, but then boldly proclaimed his doubts about being able to fulfill the task he’d been given. Instead of just saying, “Yes, Lord” and then walking away with angst wondering how he’d follow through, he openly expressed his fears. And the Lord reassured Moses, promising to be with him and to give him a sign of His faithfulness. 

Later in the same conversation, Moses again showed bold honesty with the Lord saying, “’Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’

The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’

But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, ‘What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.’” (Exodus 4:10-16, NIV)

Moses’ lack of eloquence and fear of public speaking made him want to opt out of the Lord’s call on his life. Once again, God reassured him and even made a provision for his insecurity by offering to let his brother communicate for him. (Let’s not miss the irony that we’re learning about prayer from a hero of the faith who didn’t think he was skilled at speaking.)

The conversation Moses had with God inspires me to speak honestly in my prayers and to admit my inadequacies. It gives me the freedom to tell Him about my lack of confidence and to express my doubt that He could work through me. God’s reassurance and provision for Moses encourages me that we don’t need to be intimidated when approaching Him. We can be reverent but honest. When we read something in Scripture that seems too difficult or daunting to obey, we can be truthful, admit our hesitation, and ask Him to help us wrestle through it.

Is it time to take off your polite veneer in prayer and to be honest before God about your struggles, weaknesses, and inadequacies? If God reassured Moses and provided for him, there’s a good chance He’ll do the same for you.

Need a more modern example of an honest conversation with God? Then enjoy Jason Gray’s song “I’m Gonna Let It Go.”

Know Him

The end of the school year always makes me nostalgic. Graduations are a time to celebrate accomplishments, revel in memories, and recognize growth that’s taken place in a student’s life. This season usually prompts me to make unique cards for friends and family members celebrating milestones. When I’m inspired, I make ones that include old photos and memories from a graduate’s childhood. The more time I’ve spent with someone, the more detailed I can be with including fun facts I know about the person. I love the looks of delight on their faces when what I’ve created brings back forgotten moments or includes some aspect of their lives they didn’t realize I knew.

As I gave a funny homemade card to a longtime family friend recently, I thought about how I’d been able to conjure up so many details that would make him smile. I realized that this boy has been around our family since birth. I’ve watched and participated in his upbringing. I’ve seen his triumphs and his less than shining moments. Because I am aware of his habits, interests, and quirks, it was fun and easy to make a card for him.

Although it may sound strange, I thought of those homemade cards recently in relation to our prayer lives. Our ability to connect and engage with God on a deep level directly correlates to how well we know Him. It’s just like a human relationship– the more time we spend with Him and the more intentional we are, the richer our conversations become.

I think about moments when I’ve been in a group with people praying aloud. Sometimes I’m amazed at what they say. It’s not their eloquence or the breadth of their vocabulary, but their familiarity with God and His ways. They talk to Him about things I would never think to bring up in prayer. Maybe you know someone like this too– a person whose prayers are so deep and complete you feel like there’s no need for you to say more. It’s possible you may even feel a tiny bit inadequate or self-conscious praying in front of them. If you’re prone to comparing your prayers to others, it may help to shift your perspective.

When you’re intimidated to speak after hearing someone else pray, you’re playing right into the hands of the enemy. There are few things he probably celebrates more than a child of God feeling too inadequate and self-conscious to talk with his or her Heavenly Father. Remember, prayer isn’t a competition to see who can be the most articulate, but an opportunity to communicate directly with your Maker. There is no such thing as being “good” or “bad” at prayer. The only thing that may be holding you back from having deeper, richer prayer life is you. 

Knowing God and His Word are the keys to having vibrant and powerful communication with Him. And there’s no better place to learn about prayer than from people in Scripture who walked and talked with the Lord. Conversations between God and faithful followers run throughout the Old and New Testaments. Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at some familiar characters like Moses and David and some lesser known ones like Nehemiah and Jehoshaphat. We’ll examine prayers of Jesus, Paul, and other founders of the New Testament church. Through them, I hope we’ll be inspired to grow in our personal dialogues with God and to recognize “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b, NIV) Beyond that, it’s my goal for us to apply what we’re learning so that we can experience the richness of a deep and impactful prayer life. 

God knows us fully. Because He’s infinite, we can spend our lives cultivating a relationship with Him, yet always have more to discover. As we seek Him consistently, our ability to align with His will and to communicate authentically will plunge ever deeper.

If you want to keep growing in your prayer life, I hope you’ll follow along as we discover what we can learn from those who walked with God. In the meantime, let Tauren Wells’ song “Known” remind you that God knows you fully. Then, let it inspire you to know Him more every day.

The Feast of the Lamb

Touching down on the runway, I switched on my phone as the plane taxied to the gate. My mind buzzed with excitement anticipating the weekend of wedding festivities that lay ahead. As we jolted to a stop, I glanced at a text message I’d received mid-flight and my stomach lurched: a close friend’s father had passed away earlier that morning and her husband had reached out to share the news. Stunned, I froze for a moment before burying my face in my hands as tears began flowing. Though I ached for my friend’s loss, I also rejoiced that her father was no longer suffering from a debilitating disease. The news triggered a surprising wave of personal grief as memories of losing my own dad surfaced. Wiping my eyes and taking a deep breath, I gathered my things as we prepared to exit the plane.

After a phone call with my friend, I pushed the pause button on my emotions and changed gears. We’d flown halfway across the country to gather with extended family for a happy reason—the wedding of our nephew. Over two action packed days, we spent time connecting with family members and old friends to celebrate the marriage of a man and woman who loved Jesus and one another deeply. Standing under massive shade trees bordering a meadow dotted with wildflowers, we watched as our beaming nephew awaited his radiant bride. Although the surroundings were picturesque, what caught my attention most was the deep joy that permeated the wedding. It was clear that these two had been covered in prayer throughout their lives. Both sets of parents had prayed fervently for the Lord to lead their children to godly spouses who would complement them perfectly. Their marriage was starting on a firm foundation and the wedding celebration was evidence of God’s faithful provision.

Scanning the crowd during the reception, I marveled at the many meaningful connections there were between the guests. With so many godly and faithful people there, the overlaps in ministry and friendship were plentiful. I loved reconnecting with a mentor I hadn’t seen since college and was thrilled to meet people with common connections to friends and ministries I’d served with in the past. It was an amazing array of faith-filled people and felt like a foretaste of the great wedding feast prophesied by John in the Bible:

 “Then a voice came from the throne, saying: ‘Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!’ Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’” (Revelation 19:5-9, NIV)

If you’re unfamiliar with this passage, it’s describing the celebration that will occur after the final judgement: “God’s people are arrayed in fine linen, clean and white because Christ’s shed blood has washed away their sins. They are presented righteous and pure to their bridegroom, Christ. At the marriage supper, individual believers are guests, but collectively they are the bride.”* This links to many passages where Scripture uses a groom and his bride as a picture of God and His people in the Old Testament and Christ and the Church in the New Testament (most notably in Ephesians 5:22-32).

This brings me to an unlikely comparison– I felt the same deep joy that characterized my nephew’s wedding a few weeks later at the memorial service for my friend’s dad. Once again, people gathered to celebrate, only this time it was for the life of a man who met Jesus as a young dad and followed Him passionately for the next four and a half decades. Throughout the service, we heard stories about his love for the Lord and how it informed every aspect of his life in his home, his leisure time, and his career. A lump formed in my throat trying to sing the words to “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.” It was overwhelming to worship the God who had used this gifted, yet humble, man to love and serve so many. 

Sitting at the service surrounded by old friends once again made me think about the great wedding feast of the Lamb. I’ve learned to savor those sweet moments at weddings and funerals when we get to pause, reflect, and recognize God’s goodness. There was a deep fulfillment in celebrating with others who faithfully followed Jesus and who were intent on seeing His kingdom advance on earth. Over time I’ve discovered that a significant bond connects those who walk the narrow path that leads to life described in Matthew 7:13-14. 

I realized both events gave a glimpse of what’s ahead for all who call Jesus Lord and Savior. One day all believers will gather at the Feast of the Lamb to worship Jesus together. I can only imagine the many joy-filled reunions between old friends and family members that will take place.  After years of following Him, we’ll see Jesus face to face and revel in His glory and grace collectively. 

As I reflect on those recent celebrations, I can’t help but think of people attending who couldn’t fully comprehend or appreciate what was taking place because they didn’t know Jesus. They were unable to access the spiritual significance or marvel at God’s faithfulness like the rest of us. They couldn’t recognize the Lord’s amazing handiwork because they had no context for it. My heart should ache for them more than it does. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will prompt me to sow seeds of faith liberally in the lives of others in hopes that they recognize and receive God’s tremendous love. 

Kristian Stanfill’s song “Even So Come” paints an inspiring picture of waiting faithfully for our Bridegroom to return. As you listen, imagine the joyful reunion you’ll experience with Jesus one day, then go and share it with someone else so they can be a part of it too.

*Halley’s Bible Handbook, Zondervan, 2000, p. 958 

God is With Us in Our Anxiety

Ever noticed those tickers that scroll across the bottom of a TV screen on certain news channels? They provide a constant stream of information so that if we’re not worrying about the main news story, we can find another thing that will unsettle us instead. Unfortunately, I think my brain works in a similar way. Like a news channel, my mind seems to have several screens in view simultaneously, with thoughts in the forefront and a whole lot more that constantly scroll through the background. And the screens multiply as the holidays approach.

I don’t like to admit it, but fighting against feelings of anxiety is a regular struggle for me. And I know I’m not alone. Anxiety is rampant in our culture for people of all ages and stations in life. Even those who faithfully walk with the Lord often forget that Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with Us.” (Matthew 1:23)  Jesus assured His disciples, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

When I stop to remember this promise, it soothes my frayed nerves and reminds me to lay my worries at the feet of Jesus. Just knowing He is with me eases my racing mind and helps me to realign my focus on Him. If you struggle with anxiety like I do, then you might find reassurance from some of the passages below. Use them to realign your thoughts and to help you trade your anxiety for the true peace found only in Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7
“ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

A synonym for the word “cast” here is “transfer.” So, casting our anxiety before Jesus means we transfer the tangle of our worries from our minds to His hands. Regardless of how the circumstances unfold, we can trust Him because He cares for us.

Philippians 4:6-8
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Instead of expending mental energy worrying, we can direct it toward praying about the things that make us anxious. As we thank God for His faithfulness and trustworthiness, He fills us with an inexplicable peace that isn’t tied to our circumstances. That peace allows us to replace anxious thoughts with God’s truth. If you struggle with giving your anxious thoughts to the Lord, try writing them down on a piece of paper or in a prayer journal to stop spinning on them needlessly.

Romans 12:1-2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The world goads us toward worry and anxiety all day long. The best way to fight against this is to pray and ask God to renew your mind. Invite Him to cleanse your mind of worries, fears and fretting and to renew it with thankfulness, hope and peace. Make this a daily practice when those anxious feelings begin to tighten their grip on you.

2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Many things in this world distract us from the knowledge of God and the truth of His Word. The antidote is to pray and read God’s Word. Whenever I’m feeling anxious, critical or insecure, I stop and ask God to take my thoughts captive and to make them obedient to Him. If I can, I pray aloud using this verse and the previous one together, simply saying, “God, take my thoughts captive and renew my mind.” It’s amazing how quickly claiming the truth of Scripture in prayer shifts my focus away from anxious thoughts and towards the reassurance that God is with me.

Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

To be steadfast is to be resolute, firm or unwavering. When we keep our minds steadfastly focused on God and His trustworthiness, we can find peace in any and every circumstance.

For many of us, the holiday season includes a liberal dose of anxiety. But if we reflect on the Christmas story, we can find examples of people who trusted the Lord instead of fretting.  Take Jesus’ mother, Mary, for example. She praised God for choosing her to be the mother of the long-promised Messiah. Her status as an unwed, pregnant teen opened her to ridicule, judgement and shame. Yet because of her trust in God, she could say with confidence, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled…My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:38, 46b, 47) If anyone had cause to be anxious, it was Mary. Yet she trusted God, rejoiced at His goodness and welcomed the new direction her life would be taking. She knew God would be with her no matter what stressful circumstances she would encounter.

Thinking about Mary’s situation and her reaction to it humbles me. She not only accepted God’s plan, she welcomed it, celebrating her pregnancy instead of being anxious over it. Her example inspires me to trust God and give Him control of that ticker scrolling through my brain.  Let the significance of her trust in God sink in as you listen to “Be Born in Me” by Francesca Battistelli.

All Scriptures quoted from the New International Version.

Light of the World

The little condo wasn’t fancy, but it seemed to have everything we wanted: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small living room and a basic kitchen. It even had covered parking and was within walking distance of downtown. My husband and I were newly married and having fun setting up our home together. However, soon after moving in, we began to discover issues that hadn’t been apparent when we’d toured it with the rental agent. Some problems could be changed, but others were beyond our control. The one that bothered me most was the darkness. Surrounded by towering redwood trees, the condo never got direct sunlight. Over the months, this wore on me and I wanted to be away from home as much as possible.

It wasn’t until we moved a few years later that I realized how much I needed light in my surroundings. I’ll never forget unpacking boxes on the day we moved into our house. Feeling the sun warming my back as I worked in the kitchen filled me with a joyful contentment that I hadn’t experienced at home in quite a while.

So, it’s no surprise when Scripture tells us that the source of all light is God: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5, NIV)

The theme of light and darkness threads throughout the Bible, starting in Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:1-4, NIV)

John’s gospel opens by describing God’s choice to send His son to earth: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4, NIV) Jesus took this a step further by making a bold statement followed by a promise: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our savior, He gives us joyful contentment. God’s light not only shines on us with His blessings, it also shines through us. Jesus explains this in the Sermon on the Mount when He says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

As followers of Jesus, we are conduits of His light to a world that is mired in spiritual darkness. We are like sacred solar panels, basking in God’s love, grace, and power. Once we soak it in, we’re called to pass it on to others who need it too. Most of them just don’t know it yet.

When we moved to our home many years ago, I began praying that God would use us as lights in our neighborhood. Over time, that prayer has grown in its scope to include any place where my family encounters other people: school, work, sports teams, community events, volunteer commitments, social gatherings, etc. As I pray, I often envision what a gathering of people looks like from a spiritual perspective. I picture myself with the light of Christ glowing from within me. At those times, I can choose to keep the light to myself or to let it shine so that it can bless others.

Imagine a sunset over the ocean. The rays of light affect everything they touch so that the glow of the sun shines on the water and reflects off the wet sand, creating vibrant hues and stunning scenery. In the same way, the warmth and light of the Lord’s love impacts everyone who encounters it. He intends for it to spread from one individual to another. God’s love changes people and colors the atmosphere around us with His grace and peace.

If you’ve never thought about it before, start inviting God to let His light shine through you. Pray that He’ll give you spiritual eyes whenever you encounter other people. Ask Him to give you the strength and courage to shine brightly when you’re the only Christian at a gathering. Pray that He’ll connect you with other believers so you can radiate the warmth of God’s love together. Draw strength and confidence from Christ’s light within you and let it bless others wherever you go.

Christy Nockels’ song “Life Light Up” made a significant impact on my understanding of being a light to the world. Listen to it and let the lyrics become your prayer today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNZ6L6qGR7s

Josh Wilson’s song “Pushing Back the Dark” gave me the courage to ask God to shine His light through me. Listen to the lyrics if you need a little inspiration too.

Lysa TerKeurst, Finding I Am: How Jesus Fully Satisfies the Cry of Your Heart, Lifeway Press, 2016.

Offloading Your Christmas Baggage

I remember the first time my husband and I traveled with our eldest son as a baby. He was only ten months old, but required so much gear that we had to rent a cart at the airport to carry it all. I’ll never forget seeing him perched in his car seat atop a mountain of luggage. Wrangling and monitoring our baggage throughout the day’s travel took a lot of effort. Once we arrived at our destination, fitting the stroller, backpack, diaper bag, portable crib, and suitcases into the rental car’s tiny trunk was another challenge.

Baggage is unwieldy. It takes up a lot of space and makes traveling cumbersome, especially when it is oversized. And yet, most of us carry invisible baggage with us all the time—unresolved issues, emotional pain, insecurity, control issues, fears, and brokenness, to name a few. And somehow, at Christmas time, that baggage gets unpacked at some of the worst moments.

As much as we love it, the Christmas season is filled with stress for many people. Perhaps when I say that you’re envisioning to do lists that include decorating, shopping, cooking, entertaining, traveling, and attending events. But underneath these surface stressors lurk deeper issues. Some of us dread the awkward or painful interactions we’ll have with people in relationships that are strained. Others will feel the sting of being alone when it seems everyone else has somewhere to go and someone to celebrate with. Others will feel anxious about meeting hidden expectations of family, friends, co-workers, or clients. Some will struggle as they are the sole followers of Jesus gathering with others who really don’t care about the true meaning of Christmas. Others won’t be able to enjoy the festivities because all they can see is the empty place at the table where a loved one used to sit.

Whatever baggage we carry, it seems to get heavier and larger during the Christmas season. Hard relationships become magnified and often eclipse the purpose of the holidays. The enemy loves nothing more than stealing our joy as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. So, here are a few thoughts on how to stop him in his tracks by not letting your baggage get the best of you.

-Label Your Baggage: When something triggers a negative emotion, take a moment to stop and figure out where things went wrong. Take stock of the baggage you usually carry. Being aware of what tends to hurt you or what throws you into a tailspin can help you to head it off before you’ve spiraled too far. Spend some time praying about the things you struggle with, especially before you’re entering a situation that you know might be challenging. “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” (Psalm 68:19, NIV)

-Give Grace to Others with Baggage: We all have it, but not everyone wants to acknowledge it. And sometimes our baggage doesn’t fit well with the baggage of others– sort of like trying to cram too much luggage into a small trunk doesn’t work very well. We can’t fix other people or force them to deal with their issues, but we can do our part to show them God’s love and grace. Sometimes this means being flexible, sometimes it means biting your tongue when you want to lash out, sometimes it means offering a word of affirmation even when you’re annoyed. When you encounter people with a lot of baggage, do what you can in the moment to ease their burden without compromising your own emotional health. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV)

-Lean into God: Often prayer and Scripture reading are the first things we abandon during this busy season. Yet, when we make the time to draw near to God and to let His Word realign our hearts and renew our minds, we’re off-loading our baggage onto Him instead of letting it weigh us down. When we take time to let Him fill us with His love, strength and wisdom, we’ll have so much more to give others. Spending time in God’s presence refreshes us. It enables us to be less likely to get our feelings hurt, helps us to stop nursing personal grudges, and allows us to give an RSVP of “no” to our personal pity parties. When we start our day with a vertical focus, we’re more equipped to make a horizontal impact on those we encounter. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2, NIV)

It took many years before we could travel lighter with our two boys. I’ll never forget the first time we walked briskly through the airport with each of us wheeling our own bag. My husband looked at me with a triumphant grin and declared, “This is awesome!”

It feels good to travel light, but it does take effort and forethought to make it happen. God is ready and willing to help offload our baggage. He wants us to entrust it to Him.  He also provides wise and godly friends, family members, and counselors to help us along the way. All we need to do is ask. “Trust in him at all times, you people;  pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8, NIV)

May your days be merry and bright… and may all your Christmas baggage be light.

Click on the link and enjoy some Christmas cheer with Sidewalk Prophets and Francesca Battistelli singing “White Christmas” (without my creative lyric change!)

 

Thoroughly Equipped

I remember the first time my family went to the snow when our kids were very young. Taking a toddler and a pre-schooler on a trip to Tahoe in the dead of winter wasn’t something we could have done without significant advance preparation. Not wanting to invest a lot of funds in gear our boys would outgrow quickly, we devoted our energy to borrowing anything friends would lend us: mittens, boots, jackets, snow suits, socks, long underwear, hats, goggles, and sleds (of course). We knew that forgetting just one of these items would have put a damper on enjoying outdoor activities in the frigid conditions. We had to be thoroughly equipped to create a positive experience. Forgetting even one mitten or boot would have ruined the whole adventure.

In much the same way, God knows that we need to be thoroughly equipped to carry out His will. His Word promises us He’ll give us everything we need for spiritual impact: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

Just as my husband and I did the work to provide our boys with the gear they needed for the snow, God does all that’s required to equip us for every good work. He doesn’t miss a single detail. Our responsibility is to study His Word so that we can put on the spiritual equipment He’s prepared for us there. We simply receive what He provides and allow His Spirit to work through us. Scripture reminds us of this several times:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3, NIV)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV)

Beth Moore explains, “We are equipped and made capable by Scripture even for good works that don’t necessitate sharing the Word. Scripture is just as strategic for equipping the man or woman of God who works in government, stays home with the kids, or fixes car engines. That’s the power of it. The Word of God works wherever the person of God works.” (p. 142)

None of us is exempt from being used by God, no matter what station in life we hold. Looking back over my past, I can see how the Lord used me whenever I made myself available to Him. From college onward, I recognize God’s handiwork–sometimes it was through my actions and quiet influence, other times it was through my words. Each season of my life has afforded new ways to impact others with God’s love and truth. The opportunities to be used by Him have changed with every chapter, but they’ve never ceased.

We’re headed into the home stretch of studying 2 Timothy so it’s time to take stock of what we’ve been learning. “If we get to the end of this study with a good look over our shoulder at the journeys of Paul and Timothy but no clear gaze ahead at the path we’re called to walk with equal tenacity, we will have missed the mission in 2 Timothy’s message. We—common people with common problems–get to carry on the uncommon legacies of Paul and Timothy. To do so deliberately will be to do so most effectively.” (p. 133)

It’s time to pray about how we’ll let this study change us. If we walk away with more head knowledge but no real plan to act on what we’ve learned, we’ll have missed the point. So I’ll ask a few questions to help you clarify your thoughts: How is God stirring in you as you study 2 Timothy? What are you learning about how to turn your vertical focus into a horizontal impact? If you’ve been following Jesus for a while, can you look back and see how God has equipped you previously? Is there anywhere new you sense Him calling you to step outside of your comfort zone? These may be scary questions to answer, but don’t let them intimidate you. Remember that God is trustworthy and He has good things in store for you. All you have to do is let Him equip you. He’s already prepared everything, you just need to tell Him you’re available to receive it.

“Do Everything” by Steven Curtis Chapman gives some good encouragement on this topic. Click on the link to enjoy the song.

Beth Moore, Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy, Lifeway Press, 2016.

Intentional Influence

Throughout her workbook Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy Beth Moore emphasizes that “we may not all be called to teach but we are all called to be profoundly effective communicators of the gospel…Every Christian is gifted for influence. We’re all holding class whether or not we are intentional. In life and online, we are actively teaching how to speak, love, relate, fight, hate, encourage, discourage, build up, and tear down in the name of Jesus.” (pages 94 & 106)

 Paul says it a little differently, but the sentiment is the same: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth….  Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:16 & 22, NIV)

Some of us get inspired and energized reading these words, others become intimidated or overwhelmed.  For those who don’t consider themselves effective communicators or powerful influencers, it’s tempting to skip over a passage like this and assume it doesn’t have personal application. And yet, the truth is that every follower of Jesus has ample opportunities to teach people about the gospel (and not always with words).

So how, exactly, do those of us who struggle with fear about teaching others and sharing the gospel apply these verses to our lives? While I’m not an expert, I’ll offer two suggestions I’ve learned over the years.

1) Don’t Underestimate the Power of Prayer

If you’re serious about applying this message to your life, the most important thing you can do at the start of your day is to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you. Ask Him to help you be sensitive to His prompting and to show you people who may be open and ready to hear the gospel. Ask Him to show you when you need to slow down so that you can listen and care for someone who may need to feel God’s love. Ask Him to use you to bless others so that you can further His kingdom and bring Him glory.

In other words, don’t rely on your own strength and wits. Tap into God’s wisdom and let Him lead you in your interactions with others. The natural outflow of pursing God with a pure heart will be a life that shows evidence of His presence and impacts others.

People you encounter may only be interested in hearing the gospel after they see evidence of something different in your life. They may only be able to receive truth little by little, so pray for discernment about when and how much to share. Ask God to equip you to handle the Word correctly, both in how you behave and what you say. Stop trying harder on your own and invite God to use you daily as a conduit of His love and grace in the lives of others.

2) Stop Compartmentalizing

Many of us unintentionally change who we are based on our environment. We have different versions of ourselves for Bible study, work, school, the gym, clubs and organizations we belong to, our families, our friends, and the businesses we patronize. Depending on where we are, we usually focus on specific people that we think are worth our time and influence. We also disregard or marginalize many of those we encounter daily. Stop and think for a moment. If a person was seeking God, would they see evidence of His presence in your life? Is there anything that would draw them to ask you about Him?

Rather than compartmentalizing others, we can pray to see people with spiritual eyes. We need to be reminded that every person we encounter is someone who God loves and values. We can be intentional about showing them they matter. Whether they notice or not, we’ll know that treating others well pleases God. And over the long haul, it may also open doors for more meaningful conversations with those who are hungry for truth.

If you find this topic challenging, rest assured that you’re in good company. Listen to “God Help Me” by Plumb and make it your prayer today.

Beth Moore, Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy, Lifeway Press, 2016.