Perhaps you've thought or said, in the past, "I prayed and asked God for [such and such], but I didn't get it." While there may be a different reason why God did not answer your prayer in the way or timing you wanted, one soul-searching reason is given in James 4:3, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (NIV). For example, if you are apt to be a spendthrift, if money tends to "burn a hole in your pocket," God may choose to postpone a "yes" answer to your prayer of additional money, until you get your spending habits under control. When God blesses us with wealth, He expects that a portion of the money be tithed and offerings given for His Kingdom work.
One of the best stories in the Bible about praying with the right motive is one we wouldn't think of in that way, at first. It's the story of the raising of Lazarus, one of Jesus' dearest friends. While I encourage you to read the entire story found in John 11:1-44, I'll focus on selected verses.
Some people say that one should not pray to be healed of a sickness, citing part of John 11:4, "...it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (NIV). Let's look at the entire verse (and in context). "When He heard [that Lazarus was sick], Jesus said, 'This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.'" Was Jesus confused? Lazarus died, after all. No, He wasn't confused. He knew that Lazarus would die, and what He was going to do. He waited two more days, after hearing that Lazarus was sick, just so no one would be able to say that Lazarus wasn't really dead. The sickness was not for God's glory, for sickness is a tool of Satan. The raising of Lazarus, the power that Jesus Christ demonstrated, to show that He has power over sin, sickness, and death--that was for God's glory.
I love how Jesus, once again, mentions the importance of faith, of believing Him. Martha, Lazarus' sister, reacts to Jesus' command to "Take away the stone" (verse 39) by stating the obvious, "But, Lord,...by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Jesus says to Martha something He says to each of us today, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
When the stone to Lazarus' tomb is rolled away, "Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me'" (verses 41-42). Then "Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!'" (verse 43). Did you ever wonder why Jesus used Lazarus' name? Jesus' words are so powerful that had He said, "Come out!" every dead body would have been resurrected!
What was Jesus' motive in praying for the resurrection of Lazarus? Was it because He loved Lazarus? We know He loved Lazarus, because verse 3 tells us that "the sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick.'" Yes, Jesus loved Lazarus, but that wasn't His motive for raising him from the dead.
Was Jesus' motive for raising Lazarus a response to Martha saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (verse 21)? No, that was not His motive, for Jesus even tells Martha, "Your brother will rise again" (verse 23).
Perhaps Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead because He was moved by Mary, who "fell at His feet...weeping" (verses 32-33). Verses 33 and 35 tell us that "He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled" and "Jesus wept." Jesus was moved with compassion, yes, but that was not His motive for raising Lazarus.
Jesus' motive for raising Lazarus was so that those who were present "would see the glory of God" (verse 40). That must be our motive when we pray, also. If our motive is greed, God will not hear and answer. If our motive is to try to manipulate God's provision, God will not hear and answer. If our motive is to try to merely find relief in our circumstances (for the sake of relief), God will not hear and answer. Our motive must be to bring honor and glory to His name.
When you pray, asking in faith and with the right motive, you "ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name" (I Chronicles 16:29, NIV), and you'll be able to echo the words of II Corinthians 1:20, "...Through [Christ] the 'Amen' is spoken by [me] to the glory of God" [Note: Words in brackets added by author, to clarify meaning.] Pray with the right motive, for the glory of God, for His name's sake, and your "Amen" ("so be it") will get an "Amen" answer from God ("So be it!").
What this has to do with weight loss: What is your motive for losing weight? Perhaps you want to live longer, have a better quality of life, be more active, alleviate pain in your body. Those are all valid motivations, but just think of the extra power and motivation if your number one motive would be to lose weight to bring honor and glory to God, and praying to that end. It's something to think about.
Confession:
I pray with praise and thanksgiving, in the Name of Jesus, and with the right motive--God's glory. When God answers my prayer, I tell others, giving Him all the glory.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #112 [Get prayers answered, 4th condition, Part I]
John 14:13 "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (NKJV).
Before we begin today's devotion, I want to tell you, dear reader, a few things. First of all, I want you to know how happy I am that you are on this journey with me. Second of all, I want you to know that I am on this journey, too. Do not think that I "have it all together," because I don't. I need to be reminded of these truths, just like you, and I need to allow my belief to influence my behavior.
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first three:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
Today, we will look at the fourth condition: 4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory. The word "glory" means "splendor, honor."
In Isaiah 43:7, God tells us why He made us: "...whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made" (NIV). God tells us Who He is, in Isaiah 42:8: "I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another..." (NIV) and, may I add, we'd better not, either! I have seen people unable to hold on to their healing (a major answer to prayer), because they failed to testify for God, to give Him all the glory, to tell others what God did for them. Giving God all the glory is very serious business.
Does it give God glory, when we call upon Him in difficult times? Absolutely. God urges, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15, NKJV). In Psalm 79:9, the psalmist Asaph prays, "Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake" (NIV). It brings God glory, when we call upon His Name. When He answers our prayer, He expects to receive all the glory.
What this has to do with weight loss: I've read many accounts of amazing weight loss, with a long list of goals met and victories experienced. I'll be honest, though, that when the author does not give God all the glory, I fear that he/she will end up as a re-gainer. Even for those who feel they've done all the work on their own, they haven't. It brings God glory to help us bring our bodies under submission. As we partner with God, He puts His Hand of blessing upon us. If we try to go it alone, however, and do not give Him the glory He deserves, He must withdraw His Hand of blessing. Trust me, Godpower is much better (and long lasting) than willpower.
Confession:
I pray in the Name of Jesus, with praise and thanksgiving, and without any unconfessed sin in my life. In difficult times, I call upon God, and He delivers me. That gives Him glory, and I attribute to Him all the glory, for setting me free.
Before we begin today's devotion, I want to tell you, dear reader, a few things. First of all, I want you to know how happy I am that you are on this journey with me. Second of all, I want you to know that I am on this journey, too. Do not think that I "have it all together," because I don't. I need to be reminded of these truths, just like you, and I need to allow my belief to influence my behavior.
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first three:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
Today, we will look at the fourth condition: 4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory. The word "glory" means "splendor, honor."
In Isaiah 43:7, God tells us why He made us: "...whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made" (NIV). God tells us Who He is, in Isaiah 42:8: "I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another..." (NIV) and, may I add, we'd better not, either! I have seen people unable to hold on to their healing (a major answer to prayer), because they failed to testify for God, to give Him all the glory, to tell others what God did for them. Giving God all the glory is very serious business.
Does it give God glory, when we call upon Him in difficult times? Absolutely. God urges, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15, NKJV). In Psalm 79:9, the psalmist Asaph prays, "Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake" (NIV). It brings God glory, when we call upon His Name. When He answers our prayer, He expects to receive all the glory.
What this has to do with weight loss: I've read many accounts of amazing weight loss, with a long list of goals met and victories experienced. I'll be honest, though, that when the author does not give God all the glory, I fear that he/she will end up as a re-gainer. Even for those who feel they've done all the work on their own, they haven't. It brings God glory to help us bring our bodies under submission. As we partner with God, He puts His Hand of blessing upon us. If we try to go it alone, however, and do not give Him the glory He deserves, He must withdraw His Hand of blessing. Trust me, Godpower is much better (and long lasting) than willpower.
Confession:
I pray in the Name of Jesus, with praise and thanksgiving, and without any unconfessed sin in my life. In difficult times, I call upon God, and He delivers me. That gives Him glory, and I attribute to Him all the glory, for setting me free.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #111 [Get prayers answered, Part IV]
Matthew 7:7a "Ask and it will be given to you..." (NIV).
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first two:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
Today, we will look at the third condition: 3) Pray without known sin in your life. While rejection of Jesus Christ, our Savior, is what keeps one out of heaven, God does hate sin. God hates sin, for what it does in the heart and life of even the believer. Sin keeps the believer from an intimate relationship with God, and God is all about relationship!
When Jesus was on the cross, He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46, NIV). Not only was that the prophetic fulfillment of Psalm 22:1, but we get a picture of how our Holy God reacts to sin. He turns away, because He must! Christ did not feel forsaken, in that He did not feel abandoned by His Father, to the painful death of crucifixion. He knew why He had to die, and certainly He laid down His life, willingly. At the very moment when all the sins of the entire world (past, present, and future) came upon our Savior, God turned His head, for He cannot look at sin.
If God refuses to look at sin, it makes perfect sense that He turns a deaf ear to sin. The psalmist said, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18, KJV). While the wording is plain, let's look at the Hebrew meanings of each of some of the key words in that verse.
regard: to see; advise self, approve, behold, consider, enjoy, experience, gaze, take heed, joyfully look on, be near, perceive, have regard for, have respect for, cause to see, let see, show self, spy, stare, think, view, visions.
iniquity: strict meaning=>nothingness; trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically=>an idol: affliction, evil, false, idol, mischief, mourning, naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain vanity, wickedness.
heart: used figuratively very widely for the feelings, will, and even the intellect.
hear: to hear intelligently (with implication of attention, obedience); consent, consider, discern, give ear, listen, make a proclamation, regard, show forth, make a sound.
If you have known (unconfessed) sin in your life, your prayer will never get past your lips. If you want God to hear your prayer and answer it, you must "stay current" with God. When you pray, you must confess any and every sin. When you know you've "blown it," confess it. Repent of it. Forgiveness is assured. Why carry a sin, when Jesus already carried it for you?
Intimacy with the Lord should be so important that we spend some time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to shine His searchlight into every corner and crevice of our heart. Our heart's cry should be, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).
Do you want the promise of Matthew 7:7 to apply to you and your prayers? Pray without unconfessed sin in your life. God will hear, for "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16, NIV). If you are in right standing with God, you are righteous, and God will hear your prayer.
What this has to do with weight loss: For most people, the sin of gluttony ushered in obesity. If you want your prayer to lose weight answered, confess and receive forgiveness for excessive eating, and, when tempted, look to the Lord for help and a way out of the temptation.
Confession:
I keep a clean slate with God, so that my relationship with Him is right, and I know He hears and will answer my prayer.
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first two:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
Today, we will look at the third condition: 3) Pray without known sin in your life. While rejection of Jesus Christ, our Savior, is what keeps one out of heaven, God does hate sin. God hates sin, for what it does in the heart and life of even the believer. Sin keeps the believer from an intimate relationship with God, and God is all about relationship!
When Jesus was on the cross, He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46, NIV). Not only was that the prophetic fulfillment of Psalm 22:1, but we get a picture of how our Holy God reacts to sin. He turns away, because He must! Christ did not feel forsaken, in that He did not feel abandoned by His Father, to the painful death of crucifixion. He knew why He had to die, and certainly He laid down His life, willingly. At the very moment when all the sins of the entire world (past, present, and future) came upon our Savior, God turned His head, for He cannot look at sin.
If God refuses to look at sin, it makes perfect sense that He turns a deaf ear to sin. The psalmist said, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18, KJV). While the wording is plain, let's look at the Hebrew meanings of each of some of the key words in that verse.
regard: to see; advise self, approve, behold, consider, enjoy, experience, gaze, take heed, joyfully look on, be near, perceive, have regard for, have respect for, cause to see, let see, show self, spy, stare, think, view, visions.
iniquity: strict meaning=>nothingness; trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically=>an idol: affliction, evil, false, idol, mischief, mourning, naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain vanity, wickedness.
heart: used figuratively very widely for the feelings, will, and even the intellect.
hear: to hear intelligently (with implication of attention, obedience); consent, consider, discern, give ear, listen, make a proclamation, regard, show forth, make a sound.
If you have known (unconfessed) sin in your life, your prayer will never get past your lips. If you want God to hear your prayer and answer it, you must "stay current" with God. When you pray, you must confess any and every sin. When you know you've "blown it," confess it. Repent of it. Forgiveness is assured. Why carry a sin, when Jesus already carried it for you?
Intimacy with the Lord should be so important that we spend some time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to shine His searchlight into every corner and crevice of our heart. Our heart's cry should be, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).
Do you want the promise of Matthew 7:7 to apply to you and your prayers? Pray without unconfessed sin in your life. God will hear, for "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16, NIV). If you are in right standing with God, you are righteous, and God will hear your prayer.
What this has to do with weight loss: For most people, the sin of gluttony ushered in obesity. If you want your prayer to lose weight answered, confess and receive forgiveness for excessive eating, and, when tempted, look to the Lord for help and a way out of the temptation.
Confession:
I keep a clean slate with God, so that my relationship with Him is right, and I know He hears and will answer my prayer.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thriving In a Season of Chastising, Part IV
This is my second post for today, but I wanted to continue with Beth Moore's study, "Thriving In a Season of Chastising, Part IV." Please look up each scripture reference, to get the maximum benefit and personal revelation.
To get through chastisement victoriously:
1) Do not take it lightly. Hebrews 12:5a
2) Do not lose heart over it. Hebrews 12:5b. Proverbs 3:11-12 Know that God disciplines those He delights in.
3) Humble yourself and receive it. God is drawn to humility. He esteems it. I Peter 5:6. It is a promise that if you will humble yourself before Him, under His mighty hand, He will pick you up in due time, when the process is complete.
4) Never lose sight of the ultimate goal of all chastisement, of what God is after. Hebrews 12:12-13. The ultimate goal of all chastisement is to heal you. He wants you to be healed. I love that even in all my stupidity, God works with me, to heal me. That thing that gets you into trouble needs healing. Every fault line is a broken place. When I keep doing something, something is broken and needs healing. Work with Him, and He will heal you.
What is the "lame thing"? What got broken? What broke it? Ask God. He will give you insight. He wants you to know, so you can be cured. Hebrews 12:11. Galatians 6:7-8. It is the natural law that "you reap what you sow." Know this, though. The only thing that can change how this "harvest" turns out is cooperating with God, with your knees down and your chin up.
The worst thing that ever happened can reap a harvest of righteousness. Cooperate with Him, and reap a harvest of peace and righteousness. I Corinthians 4:4. Your past may not be innocent, but your conscience can be clear, by going through it with God and letting His chastisement heal you.
To get through chastisement victoriously:
1) Do not take it lightly. Hebrews 12:5a
2) Do not lose heart over it. Hebrews 12:5b. Proverbs 3:11-12 Know that God disciplines those He delights in.
3) Humble yourself and receive it. God is drawn to humility. He esteems it. I Peter 5:6. It is a promise that if you will humble yourself before Him, under His mighty hand, He will pick you up in due time, when the process is complete.
4) Never lose sight of the ultimate goal of all chastisement, of what God is after. Hebrews 12:12-13. The ultimate goal of all chastisement is to heal you. He wants you to be healed. I love that even in all my stupidity, God works with me, to heal me. That thing that gets you into trouble needs healing. Every fault line is a broken place. When I keep doing something, something is broken and needs healing. Work with Him, and He will heal you.
What is the "lame thing"? What got broken? What broke it? Ask God. He will give you insight. He wants you to know, so you can be cured. Hebrews 12:11. Galatians 6:7-8. It is the natural law that "you reap what you sow." Know this, though. The only thing that can change how this "harvest" turns out is cooperating with God, with your knees down and your chin up.
The worst thing that ever happened can reap a harvest of righteousness. Cooperate with Him, and reap a harvest of peace and righteousness. I Corinthians 4:4. Your past may not be innocent, but your conscience can be clear, by going through it with God and letting His chastisement heal you.
Life Plan Devotion #110 [praise praying]
Psalm 63:4 "I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your Name I will lift up my hands" (NIV).
Last time, we began looking at the second of 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, to pray with praise and thanksgiving. The first basic condition to getting your prayers answered is to pray in the Name of Jesus. Today, let's continue to look at praise praying.
II Chronicles 20 is a wonderful chapter and an excellent example of praise praying. In verses 13, 15, 17-18, 20-22, Jehoshaphat has just been told that the armies of three nations are coming to do battle with him and all Judah. "And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their children and their wives. [Zechariah's son] said, 'Hearken, all Judah, you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude: for the battle is not yours, but God's. You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.' And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping Him. And they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, 'Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe and remain steadfast to His prophets and you shall prosper.' When he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise Him in their holy [priestly] garments as they went out before the army, saying, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever!' And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the [armies] who had come against Judah, and they were slaughtered" [Amplified].
Do you see that praise was the weapon? This is an account of a physical confrontation but with a spiritual weapon. When the spiritual meets the physical, the spiritual rules, always wins. Jehosphaphat knew the importance of being led forth in praise and thanksgiving. We would do well to follow his example.
Psalm 100:4 instructs us to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name" [NIV]. If you pray with praise and thanksgiving, your prayer will lift like incense to the very Throne of God!
Whatever is going on in your life today, consider Philippians 4:6, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns" (Message).
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey can be full of battles, just like all of life. Ultimately, "the battle is not yours, but God's." Stand firm, praise Him, and watch Him do battle for you against an enemy who does not want you to win, even in matters of weight. You may lose some skirmishes, but, with God's help, you will win the war.
Confession:
When I pray, I will enter Heaven's gate with thanksgiving and God's court with praise. I will offer to God my sacrifice of praise, not only for what God is doing in my life but for who He is. Because God inhabits praise, my prayers lift as incense to my Father.
Last time, we began looking at the second of 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, to pray with praise and thanksgiving. The first basic condition to getting your prayers answered is to pray in the Name of Jesus. Today, let's continue to look at praise praying.
II Chronicles 20 is a wonderful chapter and an excellent example of praise praying. In verses 13, 15, 17-18, 20-22, Jehoshaphat has just been told that the armies of three nations are coming to do battle with him and all Judah. "And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their children and their wives. [Zechariah's son] said, 'Hearken, all Judah, you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude: for the battle is not yours, but God's. You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.' And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping Him. And they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, 'Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe and remain steadfast to His prophets and you shall prosper.' When he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise Him in their holy [priestly] garments as they went out before the army, saying, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever!' And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the [armies] who had come against Judah, and they were slaughtered" [Amplified].
Do you see that praise was the weapon? This is an account of a physical confrontation but with a spiritual weapon. When the spiritual meets the physical, the spiritual rules, always wins. Jehosphaphat knew the importance of being led forth in praise and thanksgiving. We would do well to follow his example.
Psalm 100:4 instructs us to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name" [NIV]. If you pray with praise and thanksgiving, your prayer will lift like incense to the very Throne of God!
Whatever is going on in your life today, consider Philippians 4:6, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns" (Message).
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey can be full of battles, just like all of life. Ultimately, "the battle is not yours, but God's." Stand firm, praise Him, and watch Him do battle for you against an enemy who does not want you to win, even in matters of weight. You may lose some skirmishes, but, with God's help, you will win the war.
Confession:
When I pray, I will enter Heaven's gate with thanksgiving and God's court with praise. I will offer to God my sacrifice of praise, not only for what God is doing in my life but for who He is. Because God inhabits praise, my prayers lift as incense to my Father.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #109 [Getting your prayers answered, Part II]
Matthew 7:7 "Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need" (Message).
Last time, we looked at the first of 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, to pray in the Name of Jesus. Today, we will begin to look at the second condition: 2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
In my ladies' Bible Study group, we've been studying the Old Testament wilderness Tabernacle, the place where God's presence dwelt during the wilderness wanderings of the children of Israel. Every part of the Tabernacle, from the eastern gate to the Holy of Holies, is a shadow of Jesus and redemption.
We learned that God directed where the 12 tribes of Israel would be encamped, around the Tabernacle. The tribe of Judah camped just outside the eastern gate (the only entrance) to the Tabernacle. The name Judah means "praise."
It is interesting to look at some of the Hebrew and Greek words for "praise" (used in the Bible) and the definitions.
yâdâh (yaw-daw’) Hebrew: to hold out the hand; to revere or worship with extended hands; give thanks.
hilûwl (hil-lool’) Hebrew: a sense of rejoicing; a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest.
tehillâh (teh-hil-law’) Hebrew: laudation; a hymn.
tôwdâh (to-daw’) Hebrew: adoration; a choir of worshipers; confession; sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving.
bârak (baw-rak’) Hebrew: to kneel; to bless God as an act of adoration.
hâlal (haw-lal’) Hebrew: to be clear; to shine; to celebrate.
zâmar (zaw-mar’) Hebrew: to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument; to make music, accompanied by the voice; to celebrate in song and music; sing forth praises, psalms.
shebach (sheb-akh’) Hebrew: to adore.
aininĕsis (ah’-ee-nes-is) Greek: the act of praising; a thank offering.
ainĕō (ahee-neh’-o) Greek: to praise God.
dŏxa (dox-ah) Greek: glory, dignity, glorious, honour, praise, worship.
ĕpainĕō (ep-ahee-neh’-o) Greek: to applaud, commend, laud, praise.
humnĕō (hoom-neh’-o) Greek: to celebrate God in song.
As you can see, there are many ways to praise God. Let's look at what the Word has to say about praise:
Hebrews 13:15 [Amplified] "Through Him, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name." Everything we say should be glorifying to God. It's something we should do all the time. That's a challenge!
Psalm 22:3 [KJV] "Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." Where does God live/dwell/inhabit? In the praises of His people, so if you want to be sure that God meets you when you pray, just begin by praising Him.
What this has to do with weight loss: When the weight-loss journey gets intense, take some time to praise and thank God for how He has blessed your journey so far, and look to Him for more blessings to come.
Confession:
When I pray, I will offer to God my sacrifice of praise, not only for what God is doing in my life but for who He is. Because God inhabits praise, I know that God is truly present when I praise and worship Him in prayer.
Last time, we looked at the first of 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, to pray in the Name of Jesus. Today, we will begin to look at the second condition: 2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
In my ladies' Bible Study group, we've been studying the Old Testament wilderness Tabernacle, the place where God's presence dwelt during the wilderness wanderings of the children of Israel. Every part of the Tabernacle, from the eastern gate to the Holy of Holies, is a shadow of Jesus and redemption.
We learned that God directed where the 12 tribes of Israel would be encamped, around the Tabernacle. The tribe of Judah camped just outside the eastern gate (the only entrance) to the Tabernacle. The name Judah means "praise."
It is interesting to look at some of the Hebrew and Greek words for "praise" (used in the Bible) and the definitions.
yâdâh (yaw-daw’) Hebrew: to hold out the hand; to revere or worship with extended hands; give thanks.
hilûwl (hil-lool’) Hebrew: a sense of rejoicing; a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest.
tehillâh (teh-hil-law’) Hebrew: laudation; a hymn.
tôwdâh (to-daw’) Hebrew: adoration; a choir of worshipers; confession; sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving.
bârak (baw-rak’) Hebrew: to kneel; to bless God as an act of adoration.
hâlal (haw-lal’) Hebrew: to be clear; to shine; to celebrate.
zâmar (zaw-mar’) Hebrew: to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument; to make music, accompanied by the voice; to celebrate in song and music; sing forth praises, psalms.
shebach (sheb-akh’) Hebrew: to adore.
aininĕsis (ah’-ee-nes-is) Greek: the act of praising; a thank offering.
ainĕō (ahee-neh’-o) Greek: to praise God.
dŏxa (dox-ah) Greek: glory, dignity, glorious, honour, praise, worship.
ĕpainĕō (ep-ahee-neh’-o) Greek: to applaud, commend, laud, praise.
humnĕō (hoom-neh’-o) Greek: to celebrate God in song.
As you can see, there are many ways to praise God. Let's look at what the Word has to say about praise:
Hebrews 13:15 [Amplified] "Through Him, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name." Everything we say should be glorifying to God. It's something we should do all the time. That's a challenge!
Psalm 22:3 [KJV] "Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." Where does God live/dwell/inhabit? In the praises of His people, so if you want to be sure that God meets you when you pray, just begin by praising Him.
What this has to do with weight loss: When the weight-loss journey gets intense, take some time to praise and thank God for how He has blessed your journey so far, and look to Him for more blessings to come.
Confession:
When I pray, I will offer to God my sacrifice of praise, not only for what God is doing in my life but for who He is. Because God inhabits praise, I know that God is truly present when I praise and worship Him in prayer.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #108 [How to get your prayers answered]
Matthew 7:7a "Ask, and it shall be given you..." [KJV].
Last time, we looked at the 4 principles of asking:
1) Ask as if you expect to get it, which is faith.
2) Ask someone who has the authority to give it to you, which is praying in the name of Jesus.
3) Ask in a way that is clear and specific, which is praying with a clear intention.
4) Ask repeatedly, which is praying with persistence.
There are 7 basic conditions to answered prayer. Today, we will look at the first condition: 1) Pray in the Name of Jesus. In John 14:13-14, Jesus says, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (NIV). Praying in the Name of Jesus is more than just tacking on "in Jesus' Name" at the end of your prayers.
What is Jesus' Name? Isaiah prophesied about Jesus, when he said, "Unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, NIV). In my searching of the Scriptures, I have found 103 names of Jesus, from A-W, in many books from Genesis to Revelation.
What is so special about Jesus' name? "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11, NIV).
When I taught high school, I was astounded at how few young people really understood the importance of one's name. Your name is who you are, and it's what you make of it! Every name has a meaning, and in times past, parents chose the name of their new baby very carefully, as it was very often a type of prophecy as to who that baby would become, character wise.
How often do you hear the name of God or Jesus Christ spoken in a flippant or profane manner? No doubt it takes a "Damascus Road experience" (read the account of Saul's conversion in Acts chapter 9) to appreciate the Name of Jesus. Demons tremble at the sound of that Name, and all Heaven stands at attention when you mention that Name--Jesus.
Meditate on the Name of Jesus. Look at the names of Jesus used in God's Word, until you get an understanding of Who He IS. How will you know when you get that "understanding"? If you can speak at all, you will echo the words of David, when he proclaimed, "Let all the earth fear [revere and worship Him]; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him" (Psalm 33:8, Amplified).
What this has to do with weight loss: If you are a believer, God calls you "the elect of God, holy and beloved" (Colossians 3:12, NKJV). You are His beloved. You are much loved, which is what "beloved" means. Have no doubt that He wants the very best for you, including a healthy body, and He has given you the powerful Name of Jesus in which to pray to the Father. Speak The Name in awe, and pray it wisely.
Confession:
The Name of Jesus is awesome and powerful, just as is He! When I pray, I pray in the Name of Jesus, as directed by Jesus and in accordance with God's Word, and I am assured that He will do what I ask, for His glory.
Last time, we looked at the 4 principles of asking:
1) Ask as if you expect to get it, which is faith.
2) Ask someone who has the authority to give it to you, which is praying in the name of Jesus.
3) Ask in a way that is clear and specific, which is praying with a clear intention.
4) Ask repeatedly, which is praying with persistence.
There are 7 basic conditions to answered prayer. Today, we will look at the first condition: 1) Pray in the Name of Jesus. In John 14:13-14, Jesus says, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (NIV). Praying in the Name of Jesus is more than just tacking on "in Jesus' Name" at the end of your prayers.
What is Jesus' Name? Isaiah prophesied about Jesus, when he said, "Unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, NIV). In my searching of the Scriptures, I have found 103 names of Jesus, from A-W, in many books from Genesis to Revelation.
What is so special about Jesus' name? "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11, NIV).
When I taught high school, I was astounded at how few young people really understood the importance of one's name. Your name is who you are, and it's what you make of it! Every name has a meaning, and in times past, parents chose the name of their new baby very carefully, as it was very often a type of prophecy as to who that baby would become, character wise.
How often do you hear the name of God or Jesus Christ spoken in a flippant or profane manner? No doubt it takes a "Damascus Road experience" (read the account of Saul's conversion in Acts chapter 9) to appreciate the Name of Jesus. Demons tremble at the sound of that Name, and all Heaven stands at attention when you mention that Name--Jesus.
Meditate on the Name of Jesus. Look at the names of Jesus used in God's Word, until you get an understanding of Who He IS. How will you know when you get that "understanding"? If you can speak at all, you will echo the words of David, when he proclaimed, "Let all the earth fear [revere and worship Him]; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him" (Psalm 33:8, Amplified).
What this has to do with weight loss: If you are a believer, God calls you "the elect of God, holy and beloved" (Colossians 3:12, NKJV). You are His beloved. You are much loved, which is what "beloved" means. Have no doubt that He wants the very best for you, including a healthy body, and He has given you the powerful Name of Jesus in which to pray to the Father. Speak The Name in awe, and pray it wisely.
Confession:
The Name of Jesus is awesome and powerful, just as is He! When I pray, I pray in the Name of Jesus, as directed by Jesus and in accordance with God's Word, and I am assured that He will do what I ask, for His glory.
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