Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (NKJV).
Last time, we looked at the importance of following the first clause of Joshua 1:8, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth," that it is crucial that we know what God's Word says.
Today, let's look at the second clause of Joshua 1:8, "but you shall meditate in it day and night." The Hebrew word for "meditate" is “hâgâh” (haw-gaw’), which means "to murmur (in pleasure); to ponder--imagine, meditate, mutter, roar, speak, study, talk, utter."
The list of synonyms in the definition for the Hebrew word "meditate" is reflected in the way the following versions state our Joshua 1:8b clause:
--"meditate on it" (TNIV)
--"think about what it says" (NIRV)
--"study it" (NCV)
--"recite it" (HCSB)
--"Ponder and meditate on it" (Message)
The second verse of the first chapter of the Book of Psalms says that "His [the blessed man's] delight is in the law of the LORD; and on His law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2, NIV, words added in brackets by author, for clarity). One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalm 119. While I encourage you to read that chapter at least once a month, let's look at four verses specific to our Joshua 1:8b clause. As you read them, ask yourself if you can honestly echo the words.
"I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways" (Psalm 119:15). "I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees" (v. 48). "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long" (v. 97). "My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises" (v. 148, NIV).
God wants us to read, study, memorize, recite, speak, pray, ponder, think about, meditate in and on His Word. When are we to do all that? According to Joshua 1:8, we should meditate on God's Word "day and night." Even when we're going about our daily business, God's Word should be coming to mind and on the tip of our tongue.
Even when we're asleep, if we have hidden God's Word in our heart, I believe God's Word continues to work in us. If "He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over [His people] will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:3-4, NIV, words in brackets added by author, for clarity), and since He is the Word (John 1:1), and since His Word is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12, NIV), it makes sense that the Word of God continues to work in us, even when we're asleep. Think about that--God's living, active, powerful Word works within your mind, heart, and spirit--day and night.
What this has to do with weight loss: When you think about your weight-loss journey, what do you think about? Make a conscious choice to pay attention to the thoughts that flit through your mind throughout the day (or stay for a while). If those thoughts tend to be negative, self-defeating, then you have some work to do, and God's Word can help you renew your mind. Give it a try. Remember, your thoughts become spoken words and actions and habits, so they're important.
Confession:
Because I love God's Word and because I want success in every area of my life, I read, memorize, study, meditate on, think about, speak and pray the powerful Word of God every day.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #119 [Success]
Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (NKJV).
Joshua 1:8 is the only place in the early English version of the Bible where the word "success" is found. I feel the Lord would have us look at this very important verse, once clause at a time. Today, we will focus on the first clause of Joshua 1:8, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth."
When God breathed "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth," did He mean that we shouldn't speak it? Of course not. Let's look at this clause in other Bible versions.
I frequent www.BibleGateway.com often, for the many versions of the Bible there, and because you can look at the same passage of scripture in up to 5 versions at a time. This is how some of those versions state the first clause of Joshua 1:8.
--"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips" (Today's NIV).
--"Never stop reading this Scroll of the Law" (NIRV).
--"Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings" (NCV).
--"This Book of the Law must not leave your mouth" (NLV).
--"This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth" (HCS).
--"Don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind" (Message).
--"Study this Book of Instruction continually" (NLT).
It is absolutely crucial that you know what is written in God's Word. Read it (and read it often), memorize it (and review it), study it (go after God's Word, as a scholar), get it down deep into your mind and heart and spirit (until you know that you know it), think it (let it renew your mind), and speak it (to yourself and to others). Those are the first 6 rungs of the Ladder of Success. Don't try to skip any of them, or you may fall off the ladder.
Take an honest look at your relationship with God's Word, especially in the quantity and quality of time you spend with it. Do you climb those 6 rungs quickly or sporadically, or perhaps you try to skip some of those rungs up the Ladder of Success. We'll look at more of this verse next time, and, eventually, we'll look at what "success" means. Right now, though, answer this soul-searching question, "How much do you want it?"
What this has to do with weight loss: Are you experiencing success in your weight-loss journey? If not, ask yourself, "How much do I want it?" An even more powerful question would be, "What steps am I willing to take to get to my goal?" The answers will come. When they do, move forward with courage.
Confession:
Because I want success in every area of my life, I read, memorize, study, meditate on, think about, and speak the powerful Word of God every day.
Joshua 1:8 is the only place in the early English version of the Bible where the word "success" is found. I feel the Lord would have us look at this very important verse, once clause at a time. Today, we will focus on the first clause of Joshua 1:8, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth."
When God breathed "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth," did He mean that we shouldn't speak it? Of course not. Let's look at this clause in other Bible versions.
I frequent www.BibleGateway.com often, for the many versions of the Bible there, and because you can look at the same passage of scripture in up to 5 versions at a time. This is how some of those versions state the first clause of Joshua 1:8.
--"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips" (Today's NIV).
--"Never stop reading this Scroll of the Law" (NIRV).
--"Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings" (NCV).
--"This Book of the Law must not leave your mouth" (NLV).
--"This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth" (HCS).
--"Don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind" (Message).
--"Study this Book of Instruction continually" (NLT).
It is absolutely crucial that you know what is written in God's Word. Read it (and read it often), memorize it (and review it), study it (go after God's Word, as a scholar), get it down deep into your mind and heart and spirit (until you know that you know it), think it (let it renew your mind), and speak it (to yourself and to others). Those are the first 6 rungs of the Ladder of Success. Don't try to skip any of them, or you may fall off the ladder.
Take an honest look at your relationship with God's Word, especially in the quantity and quality of time you spend with it. Do you climb those 6 rungs quickly or sporadically, or perhaps you try to skip some of those rungs up the Ladder of Success. We'll look at more of this verse next time, and, eventually, we'll look at what "success" means. Right now, though, answer this soul-searching question, "How much do you want it?"
What this has to do with weight loss: Are you experiencing success in your weight-loss journey? If not, ask yourself, "How much do I want it?" An even more powerful question would be, "What steps am I willing to take to get to my goal?" The answers will come. When they do, move forward with courage.
Confession:
Because I want success in every area of my life, I read, memorize, study, meditate on, think about, and speak the powerful Word of God every day.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #118 [Get prayers answered, 7th condition, Part II]
Mark 9:23 "...If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (NKJV).
The seventh and final basic condition to answered prayer is: Pray in faith, believing. You can meet the other conditions (pray in the Name of Jesus; pray with praise and thanksgiving; pray without known--unconfessed--sin in your life; pray with the right motive, God's glory; pray from the place of right relationship; pray according to the Word of God), but if you do not pray in faith, believing, you will not see the answer to your prayer. The answer will be an automatic "no."
You know, surely, that "without faith it is impossible to please [God]..." (Hebrews 11:6a, KJV, proper noun inserted for pronoun by author, for clarity). For many believers, however, their faith is merely wishful thinking. They may pray, "Please, God..." but really do not believe that God will "come through" for them. That may be due to a misunderstanding of what faith means, or it may be due to a misunderstanding of who God is.
Jesus talked much about faith. In the future, Lord willing, we will look at many of His instructive words about faith, for great and precious promises are housed therein. Today, let's listen to our Lord, as He shows us, with His words, that blessings (miracles, even) are bestowed according to our faith.
--"Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you..." (Matthew 8:13, NKJV).
--"Your faith has made you well" (Matthew 9:22, NKJV).
--"According to your faith will it be done to you" (Matthew 9:29, NIV).
Some believers think they just don't have the faith needed to see God answer their prayers. I lovingly respond with, "That's baloney!" I am confident in that, because Romans 12:3 mentions "the measure of faith God has given you" (NIV). Notice that God gives each of us "the measure of faith," not a measure of faith. Each believer has the same measure of faith; it's up to each believer to increase his/her faith. We increase our faith each time we stretch our faith to believe God's Word and pray in faith, believing.
Jesus assures you that "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" and "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24, NIV). In yesterday's devotion, I asked you if you "believe when you see" or if you "see when you believe." Faith believes the answer is "here" when the prayer is spoken. The difference is faith, and faith makes all the difference!
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey can be full of wishful thinking. How often have you thought or said, "I wish I could lose weight faster," "I wish this stall would break," or "I wish I was at goal weight already"? Wishful thinking carries no power with it. Indeed, there is a foundation of sadness, discontentment, or even anger beneath it. However, if you line yourself up with the Word of God and the basic conditions to answered prayer, and pray for God to partner with you, to help you lose weight, break that stall, and reach goal weight, for His glory and your health, and believe in your heart that He is who He says He is (Almighty God, with nothing too hard for Him) and can do what He says He can do (even the impossible), and receive His "yes" answer right in the midst of the unchanged present, God is pleased to say "So be it."
Confession:
When I pray, I make sure I am in right standing with God (confessing known sin in my life) and in right relationship with others (by practicing forgiveness). When I pray, I praise God for who He is, and I thank Him for all He has done, is doing, and will do for me. When I pray, I pray God's Word for my situation and request, asking from a heart motivated to give God all the glory. When I pray, I pray in faith, believing I receive the answer right then, knowing in my heart that, in Jesus' Name, it is done!
The seventh and final basic condition to answered prayer is: Pray in faith, believing. You can meet the other conditions (pray in the Name of Jesus; pray with praise and thanksgiving; pray without known--unconfessed--sin in your life; pray with the right motive, God's glory; pray from the place of right relationship; pray according to the Word of God), but if you do not pray in faith, believing, you will not see the answer to your prayer. The answer will be an automatic "no."
You know, surely, that "without faith it is impossible to please [God]..." (Hebrews 11:6a, KJV, proper noun inserted for pronoun by author, for clarity). For many believers, however, their faith is merely wishful thinking. They may pray, "Please, God..." but really do not believe that God will "come through" for them. That may be due to a misunderstanding of what faith means, or it may be due to a misunderstanding of who God is.
Jesus talked much about faith. In the future, Lord willing, we will look at many of His instructive words about faith, for great and precious promises are housed therein. Today, let's listen to our Lord, as He shows us, with His words, that blessings (miracles, even) are bestowed according to our faith.
--"Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you..." (Matthew 8:13, NKJV).
--"Your faith has made you well" (Matthew 9:22, NKJV).
--"According to your faith will it be done to you" (Matthew 9:29, NIV).
Some believers think they just don't have the faith needed to see God answer their prayers. I lovingly respond with, "That's baloney!" I am confident in that, because Romans 12:3 mentions "the measure of faith God has given you" (NIV). Notice that God gives each of us "the measure of faith," not a measure of faith. Each believer has the same measure of faith; it's up to each believer to increase his/her faith. We increase our faith each time we stretch our faith to believe God's Word and pray in faith, believing.
Jesus assures you that "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" and "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24, NIV). In yesterday's devotion, I asked you if you "believe when you see" or if you "see when you believe." Faith believes the answer is "here" when the prayer is spoken. The difference is faith, and faith makes all the difference!
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey can be full of wishful thinking. How often have you thought or said, "I wish I could lose weight faster," "I wish this stall would break," or "I wish I was at goal weight already"? Wishful thinking carries no power with it. Indeed, there is a foundation of sadness, discontentment, or even anger beneath it. However, if you line yourself up with the Word of God and the basic conditions to answered prayer, and pray for God to partner with you, to help you lose weight, break that stall, and reach goal weight, for His glory and your health, and believe in your heart that He is who He says He is (Almighty God, with nothing too hard for Him) and can do what He says He can do (even the impossible), and receive His "yes" answer right in the midst of the unchanged present, God is pleased to say "So be it."
Confession:
When I pray, I make sure I am in right standing with God (confessing known sin in my life) and in right relationship with others (by practicing forgiveness). When I pray, I praise God for who He is, and I thank Him for all He has done, is doing, and will do for me. When I pray, I pray God's Word for my situation and request, asking from a heart motivated to give God all the glory. When I pray, I pray in faith, believing I receive the answer right then, knowing in my heart that, in Jesus' Name, it is done!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #117 [Get prayers answered, 7th condition, Part I]
Mark 9:23 "...If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (NKJV).
We have looked at 6 of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, God's glory.
5) Pray from the place of right relationship.
6) Pray according to the Word of God.
Today and tomorrow, we will look at the final condition to answered prayer: 7) Pray in faith, believing. While each condition we've looked at is important, without praying in faith, you can meet all the other conditions and still not see the answer to your prayer.
Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (KJV). Let's look at the Greek word and definition for each of the main words in this verse. The Greek word for "faith" is pistis. Not only does it mean "reliance upon Christ for salvation," but it means "conviction of the truthfulness of God; constancy in profession of Gospel truth; assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity." The Greek word for "substance" is hupŏstasis (hoop-os’-tas-is), and it means "concrete essence or abstract assurance: confidence, confident, person, substance." The Greek word for "hoped" is ĕlpizō (el-pid’-zo), and it means "expect." The Greek word for "evidence" is ĕlĕgehŏs (el’-eng-khos), and it means "proof, conviction." The Greek word for "seen" is blĕpō (blep’-o), and it means "to look at: behold, perceive, see."
Think of the most recent prayer you prayed, asking God for something. Think about how you worded that prayer. Think about how you felt, when you prayed. Think about the thoughts you had, after you prayed. With the Greek definitions in mind, for the main words, read my personalized version of Hebrews 11:1 ("Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"): Conviction of the truthfulness of God is the concrete essence or abstract assurance of what I expect, the proof of what I don't yet see.
Based on your most recent asking-prayer experience, which of the following applies to you? Think about each question, and be honest with yourself. Do you believe when you see? or Do you see when you believe? There is a difference, and the difference makes all the difference in asking prayer.
What this has to do with weight loss: What is the proof that you are doing well on your weight-loss journey? Is it the number on the scale or tape measure, how your clothes fit, what the mirror shows, or what others say to/about you? What if none of those things were in any way positive? Would you still believe that "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it" (Philippians 1:6, NKJV)?
Confession: When I pray, I pray in faith, the conviction of the truthfulness of God, and I will receive what I expect to receive.
We have looked at 6 of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, God's glory.
5) Pray from the place of right relationship.
6) Pray according to the Word of God.
Today and tomorrow, we will look at the final condition to answered prayer: 7) Pray in faith, believing. While each condition we've looked at is important, without praying in faith, you can meet all the other conditions and still not see the answer to your prayer.
Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (KJV). Let's look at the Greek word and definition for each of the main words in this verse. The Greek word for "faith" is pistis. Not only does it mean "reliance upon Christ for salvation," but it means "conviction of the truthfulness of God; constancy in profession of Gospel truth; assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity." The Greek word for "substance" is hupŏstasis (hoop-os’-tas-is), and it means "concrete essence or abstract assurance: confidence, confident, person, substance." The Greek word for "hoped" is ĕlpizō (el-pid’-zo), and it means "expect." The Greek word for "evidence" is ĕlĕgehŏs (el’-eng-khos), and it means "proof, conviction." The Greek word for "seen" is blĕpō (blep’-o), and it means "to look at: behold, perceive, see."
Think of the most recent prayer you prayed, asking God for something. Think about how you worded that prayer. Think about how you felt, when you prayed. Think about the thoughts you had, after you prayed. With the Greek definitions in mind, for the main words, read my personalized version of Hebrews 11:1 ("Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"): Conviction of the truthfulness of God is the concrete essence or abstract assurance of what I expect, the proof of what I don't yet see.
Based on your most recent asking-prayer experience, which of the following applies to you? Think about each question, and be honest with yourself. Do you believe when you see? or Do you see when you believe? There is a difference, and the difference makes all the difference in asking prayer.
What this has to do with weight loss: What is the proof that you are doing well on your weight-loss journey? Is it the number on the scale or tape measure, how your clothes fit, what the mirror shows, or what others say to/about you? What if none of those things were in any way positive? Would you still believe that "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it" (Philippians 1:6, NKJV)?
Confession: When I pray, I pray in faith, the conviction of the truthfulness of God, and I will receive what I expect to receive.
Life Plan Devotion #116 [Get prayers answered, 6th condition]
Psalm 119:65 "Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD" (NIV).
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first five:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory.
5) Pray from the place of right relationship.
Today, we will look at the sixth condition to answered prayer: 6) Pray according to the Word of God. If you want an absolute "Yes!" to your prayer, pray a promise or precedence from God's Word. When you back up your petition with God's "quick and powerful Word" (Hebrews 4:12, KJV), God is obligated to hear and answer.
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (NKJV). It is the Word of God that produces faith, the faith that makes prayer dynamic.
Is there a "rock" in front of you? Hear what the LORD declares, "Is not my word like fire...and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29, NIV). Find out what God's Word has to say about your situation, pray that Word, claiming it with absolute faith, and you will see that "rock" crumble!
Paul reminds us that "everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4, NIV). That hope is far from an "I hope it will happen." The Greek word for "hope" is ĕlpis (elpece'), which means "anticipation, expectation, confidence." When your hope is centered in God's Word, you are confident when you pray, and you expect and anticipate that the answer will manifest.
What is your level of commitment to praying God's Word? The psalmist says, "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises" (Psalm 119:147-148, NIV).
Each of us has experienced someone making a promise and not following through or saying something that was, in actuality, a lie. Meditate on the fact and give thanks that "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19, NIV). Praise God that He does what He says, and He fulfills every promise.
Beloved, read the Book, know the Book, believe the Book, act on the Book, and pray the Book! Listen to the God-breathed words and echo what the psalmist prayed so long ago, "You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise" (Psalm 119:57-58, NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: How often, when referring to your weight-loss journey, do you say, "I hope __________"? Do you know what God's Word has to say about food, health, patience, endurance, etc.? Find a verse to stand on, for your weight-loss journey, meditate on it, claim it, pray it, and watch God fulfill it in your life and body.
Confession:
I search God's Word for what He has to say about my situation, and when I pray, I pray the powerful Word of God, confident that God, who never lies, is true to His Word, and His Word will be fulfilled in my circumstances.
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first five:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory.
5) Pray from the place of right relationship.
Today, we will look at the sixth condition to answered prayer: 6) Pray according to the Word of God. If you want an absolute "Yes!" to your prayer, pray a promise or precedence from God's Word. When you back up your petition with God's "quick and powerful Word" (Hebrews 4:12, KJV), God is obligated to hear and answer.
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (NKJV). It is the Word of God that produces faith, the faith that makes prayer dynamic.
Is there a "rock" in front of you? Hear what the LORD declares, "Is not my word like fire...and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29, NIV). Find out what God's Word has to say about your situation, pray that Word, claiming it with absolute faith, and you will see that "rock" crumble!
Paul reminds us that "everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4, NIV). That hope is far from an "I hope it will happen." The Greek word for "hope" is ĕlpis (elpece'), which means "anticipation, expectation, confidence." When your hope is centered in God's Word, you are confident when you pray, and you expect and anticipate that the answer will manifest.
What is your level of commitment to praying God's Word? The psalmist says, "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises" (Psalm 119:147-148, NIV).
Each of us has experienced someone making a promise and not following through or saying something that was, in actuality, a lie. Meditate on the fact and give thanks that "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19, NIV). Praise God that He does what He says, and He fulfills every promise.
Beloved, read the Book, know the Book, believe the Book, act on the Book, and pray the Book! Listen to the God-breathed words and echo what the psalmist prayed so long ago, "You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise" (Psalm 119:57-58, NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: How often, when referring to your weight-loss journey, do you say, "I hope __________"? Do you know what God's Word has to say about food, health, patience, endurance, etc.? Find a verse to stand on, for your weight-loss journey, meditate on it, claim it, pray it, and watch God fulfill it in your life and body.
Confession:
I search God's Word for what He has to say about my situation, and when I pray, I pray the powerful Word of God, confident that God, who never lies, is true to His Word, and His Word will be fulfilled in my circumstances.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #115 [Get prayers answered, 5th condition, Part II]
Mark 11:25 "Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop" (Amplified).
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first four, and today, we will finish looking at the fifth condition to answered prayer:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory.
5) Pray from the place of right relationship.
In Devotion #114, we looked at Mark 11:25, which implies that if one chooses to continue praying, rather than forgive, his/her prayer will be ineffective.
Notice that nothing in God's Word says to forgive only those who deserve forgiveness. Why is that? The reason is that if it had been included in God's Word, none of us would qualify for God's forgiveness. Celebrate the fact that even though each of us is unworthy of God's forgiveness, we can say with the psalmist, "You are kind and forgiving, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You" (Psalm 86:5, NIV).
In the New Testament, there are 27 references to "forgive as we forgive." Jesus, in His teaching on prayer, taught us to pray, "Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us [who has offended us or done us wrong]..." (Luke 11:4, Amplified). Outside of salvation, God forgives us in direct proportion to how much we forgive others. I don't know about you, but I have so many faults and failings that I need and want forgiveness! Therefore, no matter how hard it may be, at times, I know I must forgive others.
Jesus taught by example, even to His dying breath. While on the cross, suffering in agony, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34, Amplified). Even when we feel that the person who hurt us terribly knew exactly what he/she was doing/saying, according to Jesus, he/she didn't really know.
In I Peter chapter 3, a chapter which addresses right relationship in marriage, verse 7 specifically states what will happen if a husband fails to "live considerately" with his wife, "honoring" her, etc. Husbands should tend their relationship with their spouse "in order that [their] prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively]" (Amplified). The same is true for the wife, in relation to her husband.
It is so easy to allow time to pass and wounds to fester. It is not worth it, though. As fellow believers in Christ, we are told to "Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God's grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it" (Hebrews 12:15, Amplified). Unresolved relationship issues, especially those involving unforgiveness, will cause your prayers to go unanswered, trouble increases to torment, and others are affected in ever-increasing negative ways.
If the Holy Spirit is nudging you, make the choice to forgive (yes, it is a decision, not a feeling/emotion). Pray just as Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive [him/her/them]..." (Luke 23:34, Amplified, with author's addition of pronouns in brackets). Then "let it drop (leave it, let it go)" (Mark 11:25, Amplified).
What this has to do with weight loss: We know that stress raises our cortisol level, which can increase belly fat. If you are carrying unforgiveness in your heart, it adds to your stress. One of the best things you can do, to add to your spiritual, physical and relational health is to forgive, keeping a clean slate with others.
Confession;
I want to be confident that my prayers are heard and my requests granted, so I tend to my relationship with others and I am quick to forgive, just as God has forgiven me.
Note: If you experience continued unresolved relational issues, please contact a pastor, counselor, or therapist.
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first four, and today, we will finish looking at the fifth condition to answered prayer:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory.
5) Pray from the place of right relationship.
In Devotion #114, we looked at Mark 11:25, which implies that if one chooses to continue praying, rather than forgive, his/her prayer will be ineffective.
Notice that nothing in God's Word says to forgive only those who deserve forgiveness. Why is that? The reason is that if it had been included in God's Word, none of us would qualify for God's forgiveness. Celebrate the fact that even though each of us is unworthy of God's forgiveness, we can say with the psalmist, "You are kind and forgiving, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You" (Psalm 86:5, NIV).
In the New Testament, there are 27 references to "forgive as we forgive." Jesus, in His teaching on prayer, taught us to pray, "Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us [who has offended us or done us wrong]..." (Luke 11:4, Amplified). Outside of salvation, God forgives us in direct proportion to how much we forgive others. I don't know about you, but I have so many faults and failings that I need and want forgiveness! Therefore, no matter how hard it may be, at times, I know I must forgive others.
Jesus taught by example, even to His dying breath. While on the cross, suffering in agony, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34, Amplified). Even when we feel that the person who hurt us terribly knew exactly what he/she was doing/saying, according to Jesus, he/she didn't really know.
In I Peter chapter 3, a chapter which addresses right relationship in marriage, verse 7 specifically states what will happen if a husband fails to "live considerately" with his wife, "honoring" her, etc. Husbands should tend their relationship with their spouse "in order that [their] prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively]" (Amplified). The same is true for the wife, in relation to her husband.
It is so easy to allow time to pass and wounds to fester. It is not worth it, though. As fellow believers in Christ, we are told to "Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God's grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it" (Hebrews 12:15, Amplified). Unresolved relationship issues, especially those involving unforgiveness, will cause your prayers to go unanswered, trouble increases to torment, and others are affected in ever-increasing negative ways.
If the Holy Spirit is nudging you, make the choice to forgive (yes, it is a decision, not a feeling/emotion). Pray just as Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive [him/her/them]..." (Luke 23:34, Amplified, with author's addition of pronouns in brackets). Then "let it drop (leave it, let it go)" (Mark 11:25, Amplified).
What this has to do with weight loss: We know that stress raises our cortisol level, which can increase belly fat. If you are carrying unforgiveness in your heart, it adds to your stress. One of the best things you can do, to add to your spiritual, physical and relational health is to forgive, keeping a clean slate with others.
Confession;
I want to be confident that my prayers are heard and my requests granted, so I tend to my relationship with others and I am quick to forgive, just as God has forgiven me.
Note: If you experience continued unresolved relational issues, please contact a pastor, counselor, or therapist.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #114 [Get prayers answered, 5th condition, Part I]
Mark 11:24 "...Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]" (Amplified).
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first four:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory.
Today and tomorrow, we will look at the fifth condition: 5) Pray from the place of right relationship. Take some time to examine your relationship with your spouse, child(ren), parent(s), coworker(s), boss, church family, etc.
In thinking about each of those people and your relationship with them, did you feel a "check" in your spirit? Don't be surprised, because "the heart knows its own bitterness..." (Proverbs 14:10, NKJV).
If nothing comes up for you, just to be sure all your relationships are "right," ask a trusted friend or your spouse to help you discern any relationship that needs tending. In the story of the conversion of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-25), Peter confronts Simon and, with discernment, says, "...your heart is not right in the sight of God. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness, and bound by iniquity" (Acts 8:21, 23, NKJV).
One cannot discuss the importance of right relationships to answered prayer without broaching the topic of forgiveness.
Did you know you can grieve the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4:30 admonishes the believer with, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God's own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin)" (Amplified).
Instead of grieving the Holy Spirit, we are to "Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Read our key verse (at the top) once again. The verse that follows (Mark 11:25) says, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop" (Amplified). The implication is that if you choose to continue praying rather than forgive, your prayer will be ineffective.
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey brings up much more than the need to release weight. After weight-loss surgery, especially, emotions are on edge, and if there are relationship issues pre-op, they will be magnified post-op. Seek help, and learn to forgive. If you don't, you will struggle, eventually, to release the weight or maintain the weight loss.
Confession:
I want to be confident that my prayers are heard and my requests granted, so I tend to my relationship with others. I want God's forgiveness for myself, so I am quick to forgive others.
Of the 7 basic conditions to answered prayer, we have looked at the first four:
1) Pray in the Name of Jesus.
2) Pray with praise and thanksgiving.
3) Pray without known (unconfessed) sin in your life.
4) Pray with the right motive, which is God's glory.
Today and tomorrow, we will look at the fifth condition: 5) Pray from the place of right relationship. Take some time to examine your relationship with your spouse, child(ren), parent(s), coworker(s), boss, church family, etc.
In thinking about each of those people and your relationship with them, did you feel a "check" in your spirit? Don't be surprised, because "the heart knows its own bitterness..." (Proverbs 14:10, NKJV).
If nothing comes up for you, just to be sure all your relationships are "right," ask a trusted friend or your spouse to help you discern any relationship that needs tending. In the story of the conversion of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-25), Peter confronts Simon and, with discernment, says, "...your heart is not right in the sight of God. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness, and bound by iniquity" (Acts 8:21, 23, NKJV).
One cannot discuss the importance of right relationships to answered prayer without broaching the topic of forgiveness.
Did you know you can grieve the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4:30 admonishes the believer with, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God's own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin)" (Amplified).
Instead of grieving the Holy Spirit, we are to "Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Read our key verse (at the top) once again. The verse that follows (Mark 11:25) says, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop" (Amplified). The implication is that if you choose to continue praying rather than forgive, your prayer will be ineffective.
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey brings up much more than the need to release weight. After weight-loss surgery, especially, emotions are on edge, and if there are relationship issues pre-op, they will be magnified post-op. Seek help, and learn to forgive. If you don't, you will struggle, eventually, to release the weight or maintain the weight loss.
Confession:
I want to be confident that my prayers are heard and my requests granted, so I tend to my relationship with others. I want God's forgiveness for myself, so I am quick to forgive others.
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