Trust In God Alone!

God provides richly with His many blessings. We can all completely trust God in all circumstances (Psalm 9:10; Psalm 33:21 13:5; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 21:7; Psalm 32:10; Psalm 33:21; Psalm 52:8; Psalm 143:8; Psalm 17:7; Psalm 36:7). Even during trials and other struggles, God can help us if we call on Him. Prayer releases our pressures in times of stress. Sincere faith and prayer directed toward God can change any situation. So pour out your hearts in honest prayer to God (Lamentations 2:19).

The Lord God rescues, cares for, and rewards people who trust in Him (Psalm 7:1; Psalm 16:1; Psalm 25:20; Psalm 26:1; Psalm 31:1-2, 4, 19; Psalm 34:22; Psalm 37:40; Psalm 86:2). Absolute strength is found in God alone and at all times. Psalm 62 teaches not to put our trust in people, status, or riches. Money, power, or prestige can never find you true relief. God is our Rock, Salvation, Defense, Glory and Refuge (Psalm 62:2, 7).  Importantly, God will work as we trust Him and let Him guide our way. So, reject foolishness, evil and sin, and pursue of God’s way of living (Psalm 31:19; Psalm 37:3, 5; Psalm 115:11). Only trusting God and working for Him brings true inner happiness (Psalm 62:12). 

1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. 2 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress where I will never be shaken. … 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. 6 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress where I will not be shaken. 7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my Refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. 8 O my people, trust in Him (God) at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our Refuge. Psalms 62:1-2, 5-8 (NLT).

Taking Time For God

23 With the crowd dispersed, He (Jesus) climbed the mountain so He could be by Himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Matthew 14:23 (The Message Bible) (see parallel passages at Mark 6:46 and Luke 5:16)

Jesus often took time away from the crowds and His busy schedule to pray to God the Father (e.g., see Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28). Seeking privacy with God was an important priority for Jesus. People were congregating to hear Jesus teach and to have their diseases healed. Despite the large crowds that often followed Him, Jesus often withdrew to quiet, solitary places to pray. Jesus made time in His schedule to be alone with God the Father to maintain His close spiritual union with God.

Many things demand our attention. Like Jesus, we should take time to withdraw to a quiet place to pray. Prayer time with God supports our spirits and provides strength to meet our daily tasks and struggles. We all need to spend time alone with God in prayer. Our strength comes from God alone, and we can only be empowered by spending time alone with God in prayer. Jesus relied on prayer. If Jesus needed to pray much, how much greater must our need for prayer. To increase your strength each day, get alone in prayer to God first!

Stop Complaining and Tell God!

1 The people fell to grumbling over their hard life. God heard. When He heard His anger flared; then fire blazed up and burned the outer boundaries of the camp. 2 The people cried out for help to Moses; Moses prayed to God and the fire died down. Numbers 11:1-2 (MSG)

The wilderness was a difficult time for the people of Israel as they headed to the Promised Land. The people often grumbled and complained about their hardships (Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 11:4; Numbers 14:2; Numbers 16:3; Numbers 20:3; Numbers 21:5). God had generously provided for the people’s needs during their wilderness journey. Yet, their complaints were driven by ungratefulness and lack of faith (See Philippians 2:14–15).  God heard the people’s complaints and His angered blazed. In His displeasure, God sent the fire of His judgment to consume some of the people. Fire is often a sign of God’s presence and judgment (e.g., Exodus 19:18; Deuteronomy 4:11; 1 Kings 18:38; Psalm 11:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Ezekiel 1:13; 2 Peter 3:12).

However, the people complained among themselves and not to God first! Yet, Moses took his problems to God, and God answered Moses’ complaints. Nothing is accomplished when we complain to one another about our problems.  But God can solve our problems if we will take our problems to Him. We all need to take our problems and everything else to God in prayer.  God has the answers to solve our problems! 

True Religion Is Both Inward and Outward

15 From now on, when you pray with your hands stretched out to heaven, I won’t look or listen. Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear, for your hands are those of murderers; they are covered with the blood of your innocent victims. 16 "Oh, wash yourselves! Be clean! Let me no longer see you doing all these wicked things; quit your evil ways. 17 Learn to do good, to be fair and to help the poor, the fatherless, and widows. 18 "Come, let’s talk this over!" says the Lord; "no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool! 19 If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich! 20 But if you keep on turning your backs and refusing to listen to me, you will be killed by your enemies; I, the Lord, have spoken." Isaiah 1:15-20 (The Living Bible).

The prophet Isaiah preached to an Israel that appeared to be religious people. They prayed, attended religious feasts, fasted, and offered sacrifices to God. These religious acts were prescribed by God and very important to Him. Yet, these same people perverted justice, oppressed the poor, turned from God to idols, and looked for military help other nations and not from God. God rejected their religious practices and worship to Him. Their worship was corrupt and filled religious hypocrisy, social injustice and un-confessed sin (Leviticus 19:13-17). Even worship, their worship to God was not from an obedient heart (see Proverbs 21:27; Psalms 40:6-8; Micah 6:6-8)!

As long as the people of Israel continued to sin, they isolated themselves from God. God did not abandon Israel, but their sins cut themselves off from Him. The prophet Isaiah encouraged the people to restore a meaningful relationship with God by genuinely repenting of their sins, turning wholeheartedly to God, obeying His Holy Bible, and regularly praying to Him (see also Psalm 140:13; 1 John 1:9).

God desires a sincere faith and devotion to Him from our whole hearts and not just shallow outward rituals (see Deuteronomy 10:12-16; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalm 51:16-19; Hosea 6:6). Our outward religion means nothing to God when they come from someone with wrong motives and a corrupt heart. God wants us to truly love Him, trust Him, and turn from our sin and evil; then He will be pleased with our outward religion acts of time, prayer, money, worship and service. The very prayers of the unrepentant sinners are rejected by God.

Scarlet or crimson is deep-red, and its stain is virtually impossible to remove from clothing and other fabrics. Like scarlet or crimson, the stain of sin is equally permanent, but God can remove all of sin's stain from our lives. God promises that if we are willing and obedient, He will forgive us and remove our most impossible stains of sins (Psalm 51:1-7). As our loving Heavenly Father, God offers a cleansing of the heart along with a life-changing grace, forgiveness and mercy. God (Father, Son – Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) stands ready to cleanse and forgive all who will turn to Him.

True religion has both an inward and an outward dimension:  genuine heart repentance and social justice. God wants everyone to genuinely turn away from sin, stop doing evil, and totally turn to His way. God’s way includes doing good, defending the fatherless, helping the widow, helping the poor and seeking justice (Isaiah 1:16–17, 21–23; Isaiah 3:13–15).
Many years after the prophet Isaiah, Jesus Christ preached the same sermon to the people. He instructed them to seek justice, mercy, and love (Matthew 23:1-36; see also 1 Corinthians 3:1-23; James 1:21–2:13). Like the prophet Isaiah, Jesus Christ calls us to obey God, be honest and authentic before God and with others, and have both an inward AND outward love for God and people.

God is gracious and forgiving, and He stands ready to cleanse us and to forgive us when we turn to Him. If we are willing to turn from our sins (repentance) and to continue to be obedient (confession), then God will shower us with His full blessings, riches and grace. To rebel and continue in sin brings certain and immediate judgment upon ourselves.
So, let us all let our religion be both inward from the heart and outward to loving actions for others!

Honest Prayer To God

9 Once, after they had eaten their meal in Shiloh, Hannah got up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair near the entrance to the Lord’s house. 10 Hannah was so sad that she cried and prayed to the Lord. 11 She made a promise, saying, “Lord All-Powerful, see how sad I am. Remember me and don’t forget me. If you will give me a son, I will give him back to you all his life, and no one will ever cut his hair with a razor.” 12 While Hannah kept praying, Eli watched her mouth. 13 She was praying in her heart so her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “Stop getting drunk! Throw away your wine!” 15 Hannah answered, “No, sir, I have not drunk any wine or beer. I am a deeply troubled woman, and I was telling the Lord about all my problems. 16 Don’t think I am an evil woman. I have been praying because I have many troubles and am very sad.” 17 Eli answered, “Go! I wish you well. May the God of Israel give you what you asked of him.” 18 Hannah said, “May I always please you.” When she left and ate something, she was not sad anymore. …  20 So Hannah became pregnant, and in time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “His name is Samuel because I asked the Lord for him.”…  24 When Samuel was old enough to eat, Hannah took him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh, …  27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer and gave him to me. 28 Now I give him back to the Lord. He will belong to the Lord all his life.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:9-18, 20, 24, 27-28 (NCV).

1 Hannah prayed: “The Lord has filled my heart with joy; I feel very strong in the Lord. I can laugh at my enemies; I am glad because you have helped me! 2 “There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no God but You; there is no Rock like our God. 3 “Don’t continue bragging, don’t speak proud words. The Lord is a God who knows everything, and He judges what people do. … 9 He protects those who are loyal to him, but evil people will be silenced in darkness. Power is not the key to success. 10 The Lord destroys His enemies; He will thunder in heaven against them. The Lord will judge all the earth. He will give power to His king and make His appointed king strong.” 1 Samuel 2:1-3, 9-10 (NCV), see also Mary’s praise song, the Magnificat, modeled after Hannah's prayer (Luke 1:46-55).
 

Hannah was a woman of faith and persistent in prayer.  Her prayer for a child showed selflessness as she asked for a son to dedicate completely for God’s service (1 Samuel 1:11). The name Hannah means “grace.”  She modeled devotion for God and complete obedience to Him. Hannah was passionate in worship and real in prayer. Instead of retaliating or giving up hope, Hannah prayed to God in her time of trouble and need. She brought her problems honestly before God and trusted in God’s grace (1 Samuel 1:11). Hannah knew that God is all-powerful and can take any circumstances and turn them completely around. She decided to leave her problem with God (1 Samuel 1:18). Even more, Hannah discovered that prayer opens the path for God to work (1 Samuel 1:19-20). God hears and answers our honest prayers to Him.  All the more, God's timing in answering our prayers is perfect. We can trust God’s timing and His will for our lives.

Hannah made a vow with God and promised God that she would give her son for God’s service if He answered her prayer for a child (1 Samuel 1:10–11). Hannah’s vow was not a "bargain" or "barter" with God. The principle of a vow to God is, “If God will do A, then I will do B” for God. Other examples of vows are found at Genesis 28:20-22; Leviticus 7:16; Leviticus 22:23; Numbers 21:2; Deuteronomy 12:11; and 2 Samuel 15:8. Ancient Israelites made vows conditional upon God granting their requests. However, vows were often abused. In fact, the Old Testament warns against making vows (see Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Proverbs 7:10-14; Proverbs 20:25; Jeremiah 44:25). Many people in the Bible made vows to God (e.g., 1 Samuel 14:24-28) and did not keep these vows (1 Samuel 19:6). Vows would go unfulfilled and never paid, moving God’s anger. So, the Old Testament states that not making a vow is better than backing out of one (Ecclesiastes 5:3-5). In the New Testament, Jesus warnings us not to make any vows, but simply to keep our word (Matthew 5:33-37; see also James 5:12). Hannah distinguished herself in that she carried out her vow to God (1 Samuel 1:24–28). God keeps His promises, and He expects us to do the same.

God honored Hannah’s prayers and faith. Hannah’s son was named Samuel which mean "heard by God" or "asked of God" because she asked for him from God (1 Samuel 1:20). When God answered Hannah’s prayer, she kept her promise to God and dedicated her son Samuel to God's service. Yet more, Hannah praised and thanked God for answering her prayer for a child. God is worthy of praise.

Hannah’s prayer is a good example to follow:  honestly tell God how you really feel and leave your problems with Him. Like Hannah, we should be confident of God's definitive control over the events and circumstances in our lives. God is all-knowing, perfect and in control (1 Samuel 2:4-10). We may also ask God to fulfill the requests and longings of our hearts. God provides for those who genuinely trust in Him.  So, ask God first and trust Him to provide! Always remember that God keeps His promises.

Deep Cleansing!

King David was one of the greatest men who ever lived. Yet, he made a few horrible mistakes in his lifetime.  He committed murder, adultery and lived a lie after his affair with Bathsheba.  David had an affair Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed a result of the affair.  Eventually, David’s friend and prophet, Nathan, confronted David about his sin.  Psalm 51 describes David’s heartfelt confession and sincere repentance to God for his sins.  David pled to God for mercy, forgiveness, and heart cleansing. God answered David’s cry for help by giving him deep heart cleansing from the inside out.

God can forgive any sin! Psalm 51 teaches us that we can always go to God and ask for His forgiveness. God can and will forgive your sin. Like David, we can ask God to give us a deep cleansing from within (Psalm 51:7) by cleansing our hearts and spirits. Good and godly lives can come only from a clean heart and spirit from God. So, ask God for a deep and thorough cleansing to create a pure heart and spirit within you.

Although God forgives our sins, God does not always remove the natural consequences of our sin.  Sadly, David's life and family suffered damages as a result of his sins (see 2 Samuel 12:1-23). Yet, God restored to David the joy and inner happiness of a right relationship with God after his plead for mercy and forgiveness.

1 God, be merciful to me because you are loving. Because you are always ready to be merciful, wipe out all my wrongs. 2 Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. 3 I know about my wrongs, and I can’t forget my sin. 4 You are the only one I have sinned against; I have done what you say is wrong. You are right when you speak and fair when you judge. 5 I was brought into this world in sin. In sin my mother gave birth to me. 6 You want me to be completely truthful, so teach me wisdom. 7 Take away my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you crushed be happy again. 9 Turn your face from my sins and wipe out all my guilt. 10 Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. 11 Do not send me away from You or take Your Holy Spirit away from me. 12 Give me back the joy of Your salvation. Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach Your ways to those who do wrong, and sinners will turn back to You. 14 God, save me from the guilt of murder, God of my salvation, and I will sing about your goodness. 15 Lord, let me speak so I may praise You. 16 You are not pleased by sacrifices, or I would give them. You don’t want burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin. 18 Do whatever good you wish for Jerusalem. Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will be pleased with right sacrifices and whole burnt offerings, and bulls will be offered on your altar.

Psalms 51:1-19 (NCV).

Real Christians

1 My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is Someone to plead for you before the Father. His Name is Jesus Christ, the One who is all that is good and who pleases God completely. 2 He is the One who took God’s wrath against our sins upon Himself and brought us into fellowship with God; and He is the forgiveness for our sins, and not only ours but all the world’s. 3 And how can we be sure that we belong to Him? By looking within ourselves: are we really trying to do what He wants us to? 4 Someone may say, "I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ." But if he (or she) doesn’t do what Christ tells him (or her) to, he (or she) is a liar. 5 But those who do what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether or not you are a Christian. 6 Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did. 1 John 2:1-6 (TLB).

The Apostle John offers everyone a wonderful hope.  If you have sinned, Jesus Christ can take away your sins. Jesus Christ is our Advocate, Mediator, and Defender as the Judge's Son (God the Father).  As the Son of God, Jesus Christ suffered our penalty deserved from the Holy Judge, God the Father, and became the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10). Jesus Christ stands before God as our Mediator because His death satisfied the wrath of God against sin and paid the death penalty for our sin. Thus, Jesus Christ removes our sin. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, purified, and righteous. As we turn and unite with Jesus Christ, we are safe and secure. So, turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins (see Romans 8:33-34; Hebrews 7:24-25). Absolutely no one is beyond forgiveness.

Once you are forgiven, Jesus Christ also wants you to live your life like Him!  True Christian faith results in loving behavior and obedient life for God (see also 1 John 3:23). Jesus Christ loved people and obeyed God.  To live today as Jesus Christ means to follow His example of complete obedience to God and loving service to people (see also Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34-35; John 15:13). Love can be defined as "selfless giving'' to others, including our enemies and persecutors (Matthew 5:43-48). Love is the identifying mark of a real Christian.

What Does God Look Like?

God continued, "But you may not see My face. No one can see Me and live."

Exodus 33:20 (The Message Bible).

God told Moses that no human can see Him and live (Exodus 33:20) and that is why no one knows what God looks like. In fact, God has no body because He is Spirit (John 4:24). Yet, the Holy Scriptures tell of many people who have had encounters with God although not directly.  For instance, Moses saw God’s “back” (Exodus 33:23). Isaiah saw God sitting on His throne high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1–8). And Ezekiel saw God “like that of a man” (Ezekiel 1:26) clothed in fire and brilliant light (Ezekiel 1:27-28) standing above a storm cloud resembling a chariot (Ezekiel 1:1–28). Nevertheless, God has outdone these limits by sending His Son, Jesus. Jesus is God in human form (John 1:14; John 14:8–9; Colossians 1:15). With Jesus, humankind witnessed the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9)! In fact, Jesus promises to reveal Himself all those who believe (John 14:21).

Confession and Happiness

Until I finally admitted (acknowledged) all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess them (my transgression, iniquity, rebellion) to the Lord." And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalms 32:5 (TLB).

True happiness, relief from guilt, and answered prayer come only when we ask God to forgive our sins. God’s blessings follow confession and forgiveness. King David discovered that forgiveness brings real happiness. He expressed the joy of forgiveness when God forgave him for the sins he had committed against Bathsheba and Uriah (see 2 Samuel 11 and 12). God responds to truthful confession and repentance with total forgiveness.

God wants to forgive all our sins. Forgiveness is a part of God’s nature (see Exodus 34:5-7; Psalms 78:38; Psalms 85:2; Psalms 130:4). However, God requires heartfelt confession and repentance of sin to Him as God (1 John 1:9). God promises to willingly forgives our wrongdoings and covers our sins (see also Romans 4:4-8) and restore our fellowship with Him.

Sometimes, God will press people hard until they confess their sins to Him. In fact, a person’s physical suffering, pain, and sickness are often related to sin, un-confessed wrongs, and God’s hand of discipline (see also Psalms 38:2; Psalms 39:10; Hebrews 12:1-11). A person’s physical health is absolutely related to his or her spiritual well-being to God (Psalms 32:3-4). When a person refuses to confess his or her sins, God must deal with such a person to bring repentance (Proverbs 28:13). Oftentimes, the longer a person waits to confess and repent, the more miserable he or she will be.  However, healing and hope come by openly confessing our wrongdoings and sins to God. God loves to forgive and cleanse sin!

Psalms 32, a wisdom psalm of confession and thanksgiving to God, encourages people to pray for forgiveness before it is too late. As a wisdom psalm, Psalm 32 provides a pattern in responding to God for confession: (1) recognize your sinfulness and tendency to do wrong; (2) realize that sin is a rebellion against God; (3) admit your sins to God; (4) trust in God's willingness to forgive; and (5) accept God’s forgiveness. See also Psalm 51, another repentant Psalm.

So, confess your sins daily to God!

Does God Listen To Prayers of Sinners?

"Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them (people of Judah and Israel), for I will not listen to them when they cry out to Me in distress."

Jeremiah 11:14 (NLT)

Does God listen to the prayers of sinners? The answer is yes and no. God promises to listen and answer the genuine prayer of a repentant sinner who seeks God’s forgiveness through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16-21; Romans 3:21-25; Romans 10:8-13). However, God’s ear turns away from those who purposely live in sin (see Jeremiah 11). 

In the Book of Jeremiah, the people of Judah not only had broken God’s Law (Jeremiah 11:2–8), but they even worshiped other gods (Jeremiah 11:9-10; see also Exodus 20:3-6). Therefore, Judah’s fellowship with God was broken so that He would not hear nor listen to their prayers (see also Psalm 66:18; John 9:31; James 4:3). 


God does not honor nor listen to people who continue to live sinful (Isaiah 56:11-12), ignore others’ needs (Isaiah 58:6–9), and disobey His Holy Word (Jeremiah 35:17).  Instead, people that continue in a life of sin stand in danger of God’s judgment and punishment (Zechariah 7:8–14). If people are unrepentant and continue in their sin, neither their prayers nor the prayers of others will prevent God's judgment (see Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 14:11). A person’s only hope is genuine repentance — sorrow for sin, turning from sin, and wholeheartedly turning to God.

Besides, God's blessings and favor come to people who are committed to Him as God and His Holy Bible. A heartfelt closeness and fellowship with God lead to answered prayer because God helps and answers the prayers of His faithful people (see Job 13:22; Job 14:14-15; Psalm 22:24-25; Psalm 91:15; Psalm 102:1- 2; Isaiah 58:9; Isaiah 65:24).  So, confess your sins and TURN TO GOD!

Make the Most of Your Day!

2 Devote yourselves (diligently, persistently, earnestly) to prayer (life), being watchful (alert mind, watchful) and thankful (thankful heart and attitude towards God). 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door (opportunities) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery (Good News also called Gospel) of Christ (Messiah), for which I am in chains (imprisoned). 4 Pray that I may proclaim it (the message of Christ) clearly, as I should. 5 Be (live, walk) wise in the way you act toward outsiders (non-Christians); make the most of (or seizing) every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation (speech) be always full of grace (gracious, kind), seasoned with salt (attractive, pleasant), so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV).

Are we making the most of our day?  Are you praying and talking to God daily?  Do you tell others of the wonderful news of Jesus Christ’s love and salvation available to them?  Or, do you spend your time in waste and depression?

The Apostle Paul encourages true believers of Jesus Christ to "devote" ourselves to persistent, persevering and patient prayer to God and not to grow weary or tired. Prayer requires a persevering drive, an alert mind, and a grateful heart. Our persistence and perseverance is a sign of our true faith that God answers our sincere prayers.  God is always present (omnipresent), listening and ready to help us (Hebrews 13:5). Nothing can be hidden from God and we can have no secrets from God. However, our faith should not die if God’s answers come slowly, for the delay may be God's way of working His perfect and best will in your lives.

Also, Christians are to take every opportunity God gives us to share the Good News about Jesus Christ to the world and to serve others. The entire focus of the Apostle Paul's life was to tell others about Jesus Christ and explaining His Good News of salvation. Paul encourages true Christians to be wise, pleasant, courteous, kind, and gracious as they tell others of Jesus Christ’s love and salvation for them.

So, pray-pray-pray! Only through prayer can believers keep alert to all trials as well as open doors and opportunities.  Finally, seize every opportunity to influence and tell the world of Jesus Christ’s love (Matthew 28:18-20). 

Forgive Others

3 If another believer (friend, brothers, fellow Christian) sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times (many times) a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord (Jesus, Master), “Show us how to increase our faith.” 6 The Lord (Jesus, Master) answered, “If you had faith even as small (tiny) as a mustard seed, you could say to this (large) mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you!” Luke 17:3-6 (NLT).

Do you love people?  Do you forgive others freely who repeatedly hurt you? Do you serve people faithfully? In Luke 17, Jesus challenged His apostles (also called disciples) to forgive and love others freely and repeatedly. Jesus’ apostles came to Him and asked Jesus to give them more or increasing faith to forgive others as if it takes great faith to do these deeds. The apostles' requests were honest because they wanted the necessary and essential faith for such love, forgiveness and service. But Jesus told the apostles they do not need more faith because the amount of faith is not as important as its genuineness.

Faith is a total and complete dependence on God and a humble readiness to obey His will. Even more, our faith must only be in our all-powerful and all-wise God and according to His Holy Bible (see also John 15:7; 1 John 5:14). God has unlimited power and strength, and everyone who trust in Him will see His mighty muscle. Jesus said to the apostles that if they had just a small seed of faith in our all-powerful God, they could say to a large tree, “Go jump in the lake,” and the tree would obey their words of faith. Like a tiny seed, a small amount of genuine faith in our almighty God will move large trees, tall mountains and any circumstance! Genuine faith in God brings major results that will uproot and destroy any hurdle.  As Jesus told His apostles, we do not need more faith because a tiny or small seed of faith in our God is enough. Even more, Jesus knew the apostles’ faith would increase as they walked in trusting obedience to God to love, forgive and serve others.

Love and Answered Prayer

7 If you remain (live, abide, stay) in Me and follow (obey) My teachings (words, commands), you can ask anything you want (desire), and it will be given to you. 8 You should produce much fruit and show that you are My followers (disciples), which brings glory to My Father. … 12 This is My command: Love each other as I have loved you. … 16 You did not choose Me; I chose (and appointed) you. And I gave you this work: to go and produce (lovely) fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in My Name. 17 This is My command: Love each other. John 15:7-8, 12, 16-17 (NCV).

A close union to Jesus Christ brings about answered prayer as well as joy and love (John 15:7, 11-12). A union with Jesus means to faithfully remain, stay, abide or live in Jesus. When we live and abide in Jesus, our prayers are effective and answered by God (John 15:7). To remain or abide in Jesus means to (1) live in close connection or communion with Him (2) live totally dependent upon Him as God; (3) live a life pleasing and acceptable to Him as Lord and Savior; (4) loving others sacrificially.

Jesus is the True Vine and believers are the branches or agent of God (John 15:1; see also John 14:13-14; John 16:23-26). As we stay closely connected to Jesus, believers as branches on the vine have life, receive nourishment, and produce good fruit (John 15:5). Sometimes as believers stay closely connected to Jesus God the Father will “prune” or trim away branches. God the Father is the Gardener and He cares for the branches. As the Gardeners, He will prune Jesus’ branches so the branches grow and produce even more good fruit. Believers bring God glory when they produce good and lasting fruit (John 15:2-4). Even more, this close union with Jesus leads to wholeheartedly loving God and loving others as Jesus commanded (John 13:34-35; John 15:17). Believers cannot gain this close union by their own efforts; this union is only made permanent through God’s Holy Spirit. But, the union does require believers to turn to God, away from sin and faithfully obey God (1 John 2:7-17).

John 15:12 summarizes the entire calling and course of believers of Jesus. Believers are called to love one another as Jesus loved by sacrificially giving His life for others. Love means giving sacrificially and unselfishly to others (John 3:16). Jesus sends His followers the Holy Spirit to live within their hearts to give His disciples the grace and guidance to live and love like Him (John 15:26) and conquer sin (Galatians 2:20).  Amazingly, King David – a descendent of Jesus – also lived and loved others just as Jesus described. David loved loyally, forgave others and even loved his enemies that tried to hurt him (see 1 Samuel 18; 2 Samuel 1). Other ways to give sacrificial love include: listening, helping, and encouraging others.  The key to answered prayer is love!

Prayer Really Works!

One day as we (Paul, Luke, Silas, and Timothy) were going down to the place of prayer, … A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns (of praise) to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive (and violent) earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” Acts 16:16, 22-31 (NLT).

Acts 16 describes the beginning of the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey.  With this journey, Paul was accompanied by Silas, Timothy and Luke.  Luke was a physician and also author of two New Testament books, the Gospel of Luke and Book of Acts. Their journey led the men to Philippi.  These men were going to pray when an evil spirit living inside a girl began to torment them. Paul eventually turned around and through the Spirit of Jesus commanded the evil spirit to leave the girl. The owners of the girl eventually had Paul and Silas arrested, stripped, severely beaten, and placed in stocks inside prison. Paul and Silas’ future as at Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 27:65) seemed hopeless.

Despite this depressing situation, Paul and Silas spent the night singing and praising God in the Philippian jail as their fellow prisoners listened. The other prisoners and the guards definitely heard much about Jesus and His Good News of salvation through the hymns of Paul and Silas, as well as through their testimony of joy in the midst of suffering. While Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise, a massive and violent earthquake shook the prison’s foundations and all the doors immediately flew open, and the prisoners’ chains fell off. The massive earthquake is reminiscent of the great earthquake and the power of God at Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28:2-3). The earthquake, the loosing of the prisoners’ chains, and the resulting panic led the jailer to ask Paul and Silas about salvation. Paul and Silas’s faithfulness to God caused the jailer and his entire household to seek God found in Jesus Christ.  The jailer believed in the Lord Jesus and he was saved and filled with joy. 

This Scripture passage teaches that no matter what your circumstances, we should continue to be faithful and devoted to God with sincere prayer and songs of praise (see Psalm 42:8-10; Mark 9:23; Philippians 4:4-6). Surprisingly, while Peter was in jail he slept as the church prayed for his deliverance from jail (Acts 12:1-19) whereas Paul and Silas prayed and sang sings of worship to God while in jail. In both cases, prayer and faith in God were the keys to their freedom!  Prayer really does work.

New Hearts

“The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant (agreement) with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant (agreement) will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to My covenant (agreement), so I turned My back (turned away) on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant (agreement) I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put My laws (teaching) in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know Me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” Hebrews 8:8-12 (NLT).

This New Testament Scripture passage Hebrews 8:8-12 is a quotation of the Old Testament Scripture passage Jeremiah 31:31-34. The Prophet Jeremiah predicted God would replace the old covenant law between God and Israel with a new and better covenant of grace ─ Jesus’ offer to forgive our sins and reconcile us to God through His sacrificial death on the Cross (see also 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). With His sacrificial death on the Cross, Jesus established this new covenant between God and those who respond in faith.

In the Old Testament, God made a covenant or agreement with Abraham and promised to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan (later known as the land of Israel) and to multiply his children greatly (Genesis 15:18; Genesis 17:2-21). God repeated and expanded this covenant at Mount Sinai with the entire people of Israel (Exodus 19:1-8; Exodus 24:7-8; Exodus 34:27-28; Deuteronomy 4:13) and promised to be their God and commanding them to be obedient to Him. However, Israel often broke this covenant with God and they failed to keep the covenant (also called the Law) (see Exodus 32; Numbers 14:1-38; Jeremiah 11:10; Jeremiah 34:18; Malachi 2:8). The old covenant did not to change Israel’s inner weaknesses, inner hearts, or inner attitudes. 

So, God promised through the Old Testament prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel to provide a new covenant. This new covenant would change God’s people from the inside out by writing His covenant (Law) onto people hearts and minds by faith in Jesus through God’s Holy Spirit (see Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26, 27; Ezekiel 37:1-14; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18).  Thus, this new covenant would be based upon an inner, spiritual change.

Through God’s Holy Spirit, believers now have the power, strength and desire to obey God’s covenant law from within their hearts. The Holy Spirit gives believers of Jesus Christ new motivations and a willing heart to obey God (see Philippians 2:12-13). With new hearts, believers find joy in worshiping and serving God. Even more, the Holy Spirit reminds believers to obey God’s teaching and leads their moralities and desires to obey God with all their heart and mind.

This new covenant not only includes Israel but all people from every nation.  This new covenant is not written on stone tables like the old covenant but on our hearts and in our minds by God’s Holy Spirit. With the new covenant, God’s laws are placed in believer’s minds and on their hearts. Thus, believers have renewed hearts and minds, with God’s covenant as a central, internal motivation. A final feature of the new covenant is that God would forgive people’s sins and wickedness. A believer’s genuine faith in the sacrificial death of Jesus cleanses their hearts of sin and gives them a heart of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:13-15; Hebrews 10:14-18, 22; 1 John 1:7).

Turn Your Hearts To God

The Lord says, "Turn (and keep on coming) to Me now, while there is time. Give Me all your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, mourning (until every hindrance is removed). Let your remorse tear at your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered (slow to anger); He is full of kindness (loving-kindness) and anxious not to punish you. Who knows? Perhaps even yet He will decide to let you alone and give you a blessing instead of His terrible curse. Perhaps He will give you so much that you can offer your grain and wine to the Lord as before! Joel 2:12-14 (TLB).

This Scripture passage gives a clear description of repentance, “Turn to Me …. Give Me all your hearts.” God hates sin and evil (Psalm 45:7) because sin breaks His heart. He wants all people to turn to Him and away from their sins. God wants no one to fall into judgment and condemnation (2 Peter. 3:9).

For the Israelites during the time of the Prophet Joel, destruction would soon be upon them if they continued to sin. The Prophet Joel, whose name means “The Lord is God,” called on the people then and today to repent of their sins and turn to God. God is full of mercy, compassion and filled with unfailing love (see also Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:8; Jonah 4:2). He is freely willing to forgive if we turn to Him (Joel 2:13). God wants to love, care, and protect for His people and not punish them.

In the Old Testament, people tore their clothes as an outward sign of sorrow, grief, and mourning (e.g., Genesis 37:34; 2 Samuel 3:31; 2 Kings 19:1). However, this outward sign would be a meaningless and useless ritual, unless the heart is broken in true repentance, remorse and a broken heart over sin. The Prophet Joel told the people then and today that God does not want just an outward display of repentance and remorse for sin without true and wholehearted inward repentance (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 23:1-36). God through the Prophet Joel told the people He wanted genuine and wholehearted turning from sin and evil. In Hebrew, the heart is the center of thoughts, faith, and will.

Be sure your attitude towards God is correct, not just your outward actions.  With true and heartfelt turning to God, He will send an outpouring of His forgiveness and blessing. But this blessing and forgiveness would come only if we genuinely give up our sins. Moreover, true repentance leads to the only escape from God’s judgment and wrath. So, no one should be afraid to come to God in honesty and humility because He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and full of kindness. Moreover, God can bring blessings from the most tragic and traumatic situations (Roman 8:28–30) if we will only turn from our sins and trust Him.

Prayer Changes Things!

1 About that time King Herod Agrippa (the son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great) began to persecute some believers in the church. … 3 he also arrested Peter. … 4 Then he imprisoned him (Peter), placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly (fervently) for him. 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. … 9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. … 11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent His angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” 12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!” … 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. Acts 12:1-19 (NLT).

This Scripture passage proves that prayer changes things! King Herod Agrippa began persecuting the church. This Herod was the son of Aristobulus, nephew of Herod Antipas and grandson of Herod the Great.  Herod's planned to kill Peter. While imprisoned, Herod had Peter guarded by four squads of soldiers, thus making Peter’s escape humanly impossible. In Roman military procedure, four soldiers comprised a quaternion or squad. Thus, Herod had Peter under the charge of sixteen soldiers throughout the night.

The imprisonment of Peter did not discourage the church assembly. The believers prayed very earnestly and intensely for Peter's safety (see James 5:16). God answered the prayers of these believers, even as they prayed. God sent His holy angel to rescue Peter from jail. While sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two sturdy chains, guards standing just outside the door, God led Peter out of jail and reunited him with his praying friends.

However, when Peter arrived to tell his friends the good news, his friends did not believe. Rhoda was so surprised when Peter arrived at the door that she left him standing outside at the closed door. Peter’s fellow believers were amazed by God’s answered to their prayers (Acts 12:5). Evidently the believers did not believe God could answer in this miraculous way or so fast.

This escape was indeed a miracle of God because of the prayers of righteous saints (James 5:16). The earnest prayer of the church significantly affected the outcome of these events. In fact, Jesus taught us to always pray, even if our faith is weak. So pray often, pray persistently and pray with confidence to God! God is always in control. God answers the earnest prayers of His people (see Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:1-13; Luke 18:1-8; John 15:7; Acts 12:6-17; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:16; 1 John 3:22). Remember that nothing is too hard for God (see also Acts 4:27-31; Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27). God answers the prayers of those who diligently seek and do His will.

Faith and Forgiveness

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for (absolutely) anything (and everything, ranging from small to large), and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge (anger) against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins (transgressions, wrongdoing, trespasses), too.” Mark 11:22-25 (NLT).

Here, Jesus gives two additional teachings on prayer:  faith and forgiveness. First, Jesus tells us that we will receive what we ask for (see Matthew 7:7) if we pray with the complete faith in God. The second condition for answered prayer is forgiveness. Even though prayer is a most powerful resource, our prayers become ineffective and powerless when we hold a grudge, bitterness or hatred toward others (Matthew 6:13-14; Matthew 7:7; Matthew 17:20; Matthew 18:19; Luke 11:9; Luke 17:6). We must love and forgive (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-32; 1 Corinthians 13). Jesus teaches us that only when we genuinely and unconditionally forgive others can our most important prayer, that God forgive us, be answered (Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 6:12, 14-15; Luke 6:37; Luke 7:41-43, 47; Luke 11:4; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). Jesus teaches that if we refuse to forgive others, God will not forgive our sins and trespasses (see Matthews 6:15).

Even more, Jesus teaches that God in His omnipotence can do anything! All things are possible if you have wholehearted faith in God (Mark 9:23). God answer our prayers because of our complete faith, dependence and trust in Him as God and not positive mental thinking or attitude. Regardless of an enormous mountain, everything yields before the simple faith of God’s people. Other conditions to prayer must be met too for answered prayer: (1) you must also be a believer of Jesus Christ to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 20:19-21) and (2) praying for God’s will, purposes and desires and not our selfish, evil desires and interests (Mark 14:36).

Choose Joy, Prayer, and Thanksgiving!

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy (rejoice). Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind (gentle spirit, gracious). The Lord is coming soon (is near). Do not worry (be anxious, fret) about anything, but pray and ask (definite requests, petition) God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep (guard) your hearts and minds (as you live) in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NCV).

When the Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Philippians, he was in prison. The Book of Philippians is classified as the fourth of Paul’s Prison Letters. Yet, Paul wrote to the Philippian church members to tell them to always rejoice in the Lord. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is the result of peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1–2; see also Psalm 37).

Paul knew our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our unpleasant outward conditions. He knew that no matter what happened in life; Jesus Christ’s Spirit is always living with and within believers to help and comfort (John 14). Jesus Christ’s Spirit brings lasting joy and peace within us. He is always near to those who faithfully and wholeheartedly love Him as their Lord and Savior. 

Even more, Paul teaches believers to be gentle, unselfish and kind to everyone, even people that hurt us deeply. This mean we are not to seek revenge nor retaliate against those who mistreat and hurt us.  Paul's counsel is to turn our worries, anxiety and mistreatment into prayers to God. God is in control and He will judge all wrongs, abuse, and injustice (Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)!  Our God loves His people and cares about their needs. Therefore, God instructs His people to pray continually about everything and have faith in Him always (see Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 7:9-11; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Peter 5:7). Tell God your needs, and do not forget to thank Him for His answers. God will never fail you (see also Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15). So, give God ALL your worries!

Give (cast) all your worries (anxiety) and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) (see also Psalm 55:22).

Our Weapons of Godly Warfare

Be strong (strengthened by your union) in the Lord and in His mighty (great, vast) power. Put on all of God’s (full) armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies (schemes, strategies, tactics, tricks) of the devil. For we are not fighting (struggling, wrestle) against flesh-and-blood enemies (people on earth), but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (realms). Therefore, put on every piece of God’s (full) armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle (you have finished the whole fight) you will still be standing firm (stand your ground). Stand (strong) your ground (firm), putting on the belt of truth (buckled or tied around your waist) and the body armor (breastplate) of God’s righteousness (right living, integrity and morality on your chest). For shoes (your feet), put on (wear) the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared (stand strong). In addition to all of these (in every situation), hold (take) up the shield of faith to stop (extinguish, quench) the fiery (flaming, burning) arrows of the devil. Put on (accept God’s) salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (God’s Word). Pray in the Spirit at all times (always) and on every occasion (with all kinds of prayers, supplications, petitions and requests asking for everything you need). Stay alert and (always) be persistent (with all perseverance, intercession and never give up) in your prayers for all believers (God’s people, saints) everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT).

In our daily lives, we all face struggles and attacks from evil (see 1 Peter 5:8). God tells us the only way to fight back against evil is through faithfully depending on His strength, weapons, and power as our Commander in Chief. The Apostle Paul assures us that God's mighty weapons — constant prayer, faith (trust), truth, hope, love, God's Word, the Holy Spirit — are powerful and effective to defeat evil (see 2 Corinthians 10:1-6; Ephesians 6:13-18)! 

Our God is strong and mighty. Our strength comes from wholehearted union with God (Father, Son – Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) (read John 14, 15 and 16). God is the source of spiritual power. So use every piece of God’s weapons to resist and fight evil. God's Word is an essential weapon and the only offensive weapon. God blesses His Word found in the Holy Bible (Isaiah 55:8–11). Jesus Christ used this God’s Word in the wilderness to defeat evil attacks (see Matthew 4:4–10, Luke 4:1-13). God’s Word is living, powerful, effective, and instructive (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

In the same way, constant and daily prayer is necessary in this ongoing warfare (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Without prayer, God’s armor cannot achieve victory. Prayer keeps the lines of communication open with God, our Commander in Chief (see Joshua 5:13–15; Hebrews 2:10). As believers, we must keep in constant communication with God for directions and encouragement. Believers are to make prayer a way of life for themselves and for all believers everywhere. The Apostle Paul teaches that we are not to pray not just for ourselves but also for all saints (believers of Jesus Christ) because spiritual combat with evil is both an individual and corporate matter (James 5:16).

ASK (Ask, Seek, Knock) God First!

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking (searching), and you will find. Keep on knocking (reverently), and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks (searches), finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your (perfect) heavenly Father (certainly) give good gifts to those who ask Him. (So in everything) do to others (treat others) whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all (sums up, meaning, teaching) that is taught in the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:7-12 (NLT) see parallel reference at Luke 11:9-13.

Prayer is essential for a healthy and successful life, like the air we breathe. By its nature, prayer is talking with God.  God promises to answer all our genuine prayer needs (Matthew 7:8); including everything we need for spiritual success for His glory. But prayer is more than just asking; prayer also includes confession, love, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God.

With prayer, do not bargain with God but be direct and ask Him for what you need. Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of persistent prayer to God (see also Luke 18:1). The three words “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” suggest persistent, continually and frequent prayer. People often give up after a few halfhearted prayers and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God and His perfect will takes faith and persistence.  The term faith reflects at least two ideas: trust (reliance upon God) and belief (confirmation of God’s truths).

Do not give up on God or your prayers.  Continue to seek and ask God for your needs and His perfect will.  As this Scripture passage teaches, God gives His people good things that they need. God is not selfish or tightfisted, but loving, caring and understanding.  God is full of goodness, mercy and love every day (2 Chronicles 20:20-21).

ASK (Ask, Seek, Knock) God First!

What Does Amen Mean?

Amen is a translation of a Hebrew word meaning reliable, sure, valid, true and faithful. Also, Amen is sometimes translated “so be it” or “may it be so.” The word Amen may confirm what already is, or it may indicate a hope for something desired. Amen is similarly used at the end of biblical songs, hymns, and prayers. In Jewish prayer, “Amen” comes at the end as an affirmative (or “yes”) response to a statement.

Used as an oath, “Amen” is a promise of truth (see Isaiah 65:16). The Prophet Isaiah speaks of God as the God of Amen (Truth), meaning that He speaks the truth, carries out His word, and remains eternally true. In the New Testament, Jesus is given the title “the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness” (Revelation 3:14).  Jesus is eternally true and reliable. Jesus is the Truth (John 8:32; John 14:6). The Apostle Paul ended some of his letters with “Amen” (see 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:18).

Amen!

Trust God’s Will and Care 

Yet how quickly they (people of Israel) forgot what He (God) had done (God’s works and mercy)! They wouldn’t wait for His counsel (advice, plans)! In the wilderness their desires (cravings, greed, or lusts) ran wild, testing (tempting) God’s patience in that dry wasteland. So He (God) gave them what they (people of Israel) asked for, but He sent a plague (wasting disease, leanness into their souls, or empty heart) along with it. Psalm 106:13-15 (NLT).

In the desert, Israel became discontented and inpatient with God’s provisions (e.g., see Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2-3; Exodus 17:1-3; Numbers 14:26-45; Numbers 21:4-9).  God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage and pain, but they soon forgot His mercy and ignored His advice.  The psalm writer recalls numerous times when Israel disobeyed the Lord after He delivered them from Egypt (Psalm 106:7–46). God gave the people manna (heavenly bread), and they lusted for meat. Even more, the people of Israel criticized their leaders and worshiped a golden idol.  The people of Israel did not trust God nor wait for God to work according to His will and plan.  Instead, the people only cared about pleasing themselves (self-gratification) and angered God with their insistent demands. The people did not want God’s best for them, and they refused to trust God's care and provision. Even though God had been faithful to Israel (Psalm 105), Israel was often unfaithful and disobedient toward God. So, God gave the people exactly what they asked for, but along with their request came leanness into their soul, i.e., dissatisfaction, bitterness and an empty heart (see Exodus 32:35; Numbers 11). After eating of the quails (meat) for a full month, the food became “loathsome” to them (Numbers 11:20). 

Psalm 106 teaches that when people make demands on God that are not in harmony with His will nor plan, He may grant their demands or requests to their sorrow, and send “leanness into their souls or an empty heart.” Let us all trust in God’s care, timing, and provision for our lives.  Even more, let us trust God’s perfect will. God knows what is best for us and in our best interest.  Like Jesus, be patient, trust and do God’s will first (see Matthew 26:36-46).  God always provides our needs if we only trust Him first! 

Seeking God

This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: "Seek (come to) Me (the LORD God) and live; . . . . Seek (come to) the LORD and live . . . . Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy (be gracious) . . . . But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:4-24 (NIV). 

In this chapter, the Prophet Amos mourns for Israel because they believed that their wealth and religious ritual made them secure. The Prophet Amos tells Israel the one sure cure for a world that is sick and dying in sin — "Seek (come to) the LORD and live." Sin destroys, but true happiness and security come only in God.  Moreover, this Scripture passages teaches that any society that mistreats the poor, helpless, and needy will be destroyed by God’s judgment. God wants true justice to flow like a vast river (Amos 5:24). Those who oppose justice will be swept away. 

Even more, this Scripture passage teaches that God dislikes false and insincere worship by people who simply go through the motions.  Instead, God wants our sincere and wholehearted love for Him (Deuteronomy 4:29-30; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 22:34-40) that yields obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23; John 14:15).  True repentance and faith can repair a damaged life and avoid God’s judgment made by sin.  However, God desires our authentic and continual loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness to Him as the One True God (Amos 4:4; Amos 5:25; Habakkuk 2:4).  So, let everyone seek the LORD God with all our hearts and souls and live!

True Happiness

Finally, all of you should be of one mind (in agreement, harmony or agreeable). Sympathize with (understand) each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted (kind, compassionate or kindhearted), and keep a humble attitude (spirit). Don’t repay evil for evil (wrong for wrong). Don’t retaliate (retaliation) with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil (say nothing evil nor harmful) and your lips from telling lies (dishonest speech). Turn away from evil and do good. Search for (look or seek) peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right (righteous), and His ears are open (attentive) to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NLT), see parallel reference at Psalm 34:12-16. 

Here, the Apostle Peter emphasizes the relationship between our good conduct and God’s blessing by quoting from Psalm 34:12-16, see also 1 Peter 2:3; Hebrews 12:14). God expects all people, but especially followers of Jesus Christ, to love and be kind to others (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; John 13:35). Jesus teaches us to love one another and to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). In God's Kingdom, revenge and insult are NEVER right!  Instead, God instructs His people to love our enemies, purse peace with others and quietly trust in God as the Lord of all (Leviticus 19:18). God always rights all wrongs!  

If you are good to people, God will be good and bless you. In other words, when you bless others, God will bless you! By blessing and loving others, we receive our blessings from God. God sees the good people do and listens to their prayers. But God is against those who do evil. 

A person, who wants a truly happy life filled with all God’s blessings, must first turn away from evil in word, will, and actions. This kind of person can be happy because God’s eyes are on such a person for protection and God’s ear is open to their prayers. Like Psalm 34, this Scripture passage focuses on turning from sin --- sins of speech (James 3:2-18), lies, evil, retaliation (Leviticus 19:18) and temptation --- and doing good to others. We do good to others by pursing peace, harmony, courtesy, love, compassion, mercy, and humility. 

If you have trouble living a life of good for God, ask God’s Holy Spirit to change and mold you into the person God wants you to be. God’s Holy Spirit changes a person from the inside to mold you into a person for God's use.

You did not choose Me, but I (Jesus Christ) chose you and appointed you to go and bear (produce lasting) fruit--fruit that will last (remain). Then (God) the Father will give you whatever you ask (using) in My Name. This is My command: Love each other. John 15:16-17 (NIV), see also Galatians 5:22-23.

Prayer of Jabez

There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez (sorrow maker) because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed (cried out or called) to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand (enlarge) my territory (border)! Please be with me in all that I do (let Your hand be with me), and keep me from all trouble (harm or evil) and pain!” And God granted him his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NLT).

1 Chronicles provides a history of Israel to the returning Jews from Babylonian exile.  The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles gives the genealogy of Israel starting with Adam.  In this genealogy is a short historical note on Jabez. Jabez was a descendent of the tribe of Judah.  He is most remembered for his simple prayer request to God found at 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

The Chronicler explains the origin of Jabez’s name. Jabez sounds like a Hebrew word meaning “pain” or “distress” and it literally means “he afflicts, gives pain.” Jabez received this name from his mother because she had such a hard and painful time at his birth (Genesis 3:16). However, Jabez was more honorable and distinguished than any of his brothers. Even more, Jabez’s prayer to God changed the outcome of his life. 

The prayer of Jabez acknowledges God as the true center of his life and Lord of his work, possessions, and body. Jabez’s prayer begins with (1) a plea for God’s wonderful blessings, (2) help with all his work ("enlarge my territory''), (3) God’s Presence to be with him in all he did, and (4) God’s personal protection from evil, hurt, tragedy, pain, and harm. He prayed precisely for God’s protection from harm and to keep him safe from all evil that may come his way. Jabez’s last request might also mean to keep him away from evil. God heard Jabez’s prayer and granted Jabez’s request.

Answered Prayer

I (David) will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly (continually) speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless (discouraged and humble) take heart (be glad). Come, (glorify or magnify) let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His Name together. I prayed to (cried out, inquired and sought) the Lord, and He answered (heard) me. He freed (delivered) me from all my fears. Those who look to Him (God) for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed (cried out to the Lord), and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the Angel of the Lord (God’s Presence) is a guard (encamps around); He surrounds and defends all who fear (worship and reverence) Him (God). Taste and see that the Lord is good (and kind). Oh, the joys of those (blessed) who take refuge in Him (God)!  Fear the Lord, you His godly people (saints), for those who fear (revere and worship) Him (God) will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in (seek and reverence) the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me (David), and I will teach you to fear (and trust) the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous (a desire to see many good days)? Then keep (or watch) your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil (and sin) and (spend your time to) do good. Search for (seek) peace, and work to (purse) maintain it. The eyes of the Lord (intently) watch over those who do right (righteous); His ears are open (attentive and gives attention) to their cries for help. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil; He will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues (saves) them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted (broken); He rescues those whose spirits are crushed (humble and thoroughly repentant for their sins). The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue (delivers) each time. For the Lord protects (keeps) the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned (found guilty). Psalms 34:1-22 (NLT).

Psalms 34 is wisdom psalm filled with praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 34:1-7) that celebrates God’s care and protection of the godly (those who trust God) (Psalms 34:7; see also Exodus 14:19-20).  This psalm encourages everyone to seek God and place themselves under the protection of God’s angel (God’s Presence) (Psalms 34:8-14). God pays attention to those who call on and cry out to Him in prayer. The apostle Peter in the New Testament quotes Psalms 34:12-16 in his instructions for peaceful living (1 Peter 3:10-12).

Wisdom contains three main ingredients: “fearing the Lord” (Psalms 34:11), doing good (Psalm 34:14), and rejecting or fleeing evil (Psalm 34:13). God shows His concern for the wise by answering their prayers and rescuing them from their troubles (Psalm 34:15, 17-20), but He destroys the wicked and evil (Psalm 34:16, 21).  The godly might experience suffering and pain.  However, God promises He will deliver and save the godly while ultimately the wicked and evil will perish (Psalm 1:6; Psalm 34:15-16).

“Fear of the Lord” is a phrase frequently found in the Old Testament. However, this phrase does not necessarily mean we should be frightened of the Lord. “Fear of the Lord” gradually became a standard phrase for a good and healthy relationship with God. A good relationship with God begins with a reverent sense that God is all powerful and righteous. “Fear of the Lord” includes reverence, dependence, and respect for God that leads to a life of wisdom (Psalms 34:9-13; Psalm 51:17 see also Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10). Even more, “fear of the Lord” leads to a deep sense of security in an all-powerful, all-wise and all-knowing God. 

Blessings From God

 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you and protect (guard, keep and watch) you. May the Lord smile on you (make His face shine on you, show you His kindness) and be gracious to (gift, kind, giving favor, have mercy on) you. May the Lord show you His favor (lift up His approving countenances on you, God look you full in the face, watch over you, look with favor on you, or turn His face toward you) and give you His peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in My Name, I Myself will bless them” (put or place My Name on them). Numbers 6:22-27 (NLT).

Another famous prayer from Numbers is the blessings of Numbers 6:24-26. This blessing is still used today in Jewish and Christian services to seek God’s divine blessing. Through the centuries, worshipers have found peace and comfort in this brief, simple yet profound prayer in Numbers 6:24-26.

This famous prayer sought health, wealth, fertility, and protection from God. This prayer is repeated in the language of Psalm 67:1, Psalm 121:3-8; Psalm 140:4; and Psalm 141:9 and similar to Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17. These heartfelt prayers are still good models for prayer and for the blessings that God’s people can seek for themselves and others. The entire prayer emphasizes the Lord God as the true Source of all good things (e.g., food, water, health, children, and protection from enemies).

The prayer calls upon the Lord’s blessing by repeating His Name in each request. The repeating of God’s name reminds God’s people of His interest and involvement in their daily lives as the true Source of their blessings. This prayer was one way of asking for God's divine favor, peace, and wholeness to rest upon others. All God’s people need His grace, mercy, and compassion in this world (see also Psalm 31:16; Psalm 80:3, 7, 19).

Call On God!

This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it--the Lord is His Name: Call to Me (the Lord God) and I will answer you and tell (and show) you great and unsearchable things you do not know (and understand). Jeremiah 33:2-3 (NIV).

The Prophet Jeremiah urged the people to call out to God (Father, Son - Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit).  God hears and answers our humble, genuine and wholehearted cries for His help. He will show us great and mighty things. In fact, God promised the Prophet Jeremiah that he only needed to call upon to God for help and God would answer him (see also Psalm 145:18; Isaiah 58:9; Matthew 7:7). 

God can be trusted and He is ready to answer our prayers. However, we must call out to God with all our heart and totally rely on Him for His assistance. God could take care of our needs without our prayers. However, our prayers to God acknowledge that He alone is God and our true Help. Without God’s help, our efforts will fail. 

When we pray, we must repent and humble ourselves before our loving God.  As Creator, God is our real Source of wisdom, power, and strength (James 1:5-8). Rely and depend on the living God. God’s grace is all we need to survive (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 4:13).