Praying and Struggling with Choices

To find the answer He will take us by hand to lead the way!

Prayer is important and vital in these days no doubt! But how we pray for someone and pray for something must be what is the heart of God for them and for us and not what we choose or according to what that person may hold as the right way in dealing with any unexpected trial.
If our steps are truly ordered for us by God Himself, He will direct our prayers in that way that is pleasing to Him and address the specific request in a way that reaches the persons heart for God. We are reminded in Psalm 37: 23-24 that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand."
Certainly this speaks of the "good man" and the LORD is delighted in his way. That is the good man is choosing God's ways and God's thoughts! And it is the LORD Who upholds him with His hand. That is a close up and personal walk in prayer.

Was thinking of prayer this morning and praying for those who have churches and no services in a shut down environment. I was praying for those who have called on us in the last few days to check us. Thank you!
But I thought of those who have no changed heart in all this that is occurring in this land where last year we had people taking a knee to exploit a nation and its flag through sports for their own demands. We saw those hold up traffic in streets to voice opposition that looked more like war on society than a peaceful march! People do not get hurt in peaceful circumstances!
There was that which exalted sports, belittled the President of our country, exalted those claiming Global Warming and raising up teens to speak of something they know nothing about and that continual war of words. And for this new year, we find so many who appear to be experts on something that just appeared to kill. There is that struggle in making life altering decisions and there can be that struggle to pray the right way to hear God's answer for what we seek to know.

In struggling with prayer, where does one start to pray for something as our nation that is so loved by some and hated by so many more. For us, we were taught the Constitution of the United States. We pray what we know as taught from school and the importance of why it was created. In one nation under God would be there is a people who pay attention to what God speaks and to what God does! But there is a vast difference between knowing Him and only able to speak what we think we know.

As for those who live outside this nation, the struggle can still be experienced in how do I (normal) person reach an all-seeing and all-knowing God?
Relationship is how you get to know someone. Romans 5:8-10 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Yes, it was God who initiated that relationship. He extended His love toward us. It was by the very "gift " of His Son and it was His blood shed that marked that gifting toward us and it revealed a depth of love so profound that it is viewed every time we take a look at the Cross and take a deep breath of air. 
1 John 1:5-7 NKJV 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Having that light is seeing those with which we have fellowship with and who we, in the love of God,reach out to in the good time and in the time of the not so good time. It is God who revealed to us a forgiveness in that is always being extended toward us, and in that beckoning,we keep coming back to "relationship' where a routine is begun. It is an adventure with God and an expectancy that is ground shaking, and power motivated to give us strength, where His word produces in us more peace, more joy, and more abundant life. 

In this walk of seeking time with Him in word and prayer, we are reminded what a great salvation had appeared to man. It is a place to conform to the image of our Father and see Him as Jesus saw Him so many thousands of years ago. It is looking for His presence, guided by the Holy Spirit to do our part, but if we do not give time nor attention to that fellowship with Him, then absolutely nothing will happen!

So when a "trial", a "testing" or tribulation appears, one can certainly make their way to finding that last prayer that was prayed for Aunt Jane when she broke her ankle or Aunt Susan when she wanted to fly to South America but she was afraid of heights and had never flown before, might not be the right thing for say your neighbor next door!  And in this prayer time, we should expect to meet our Father and find His heart for this time now for who is on our heart now!
Prayer is finding the Father's heart for the "one" in a trial to causes the heart to pound, and the pulse to be felt in the brow of one's head.

In this hour, this scripture speaks loudly…… Revelation 19:8-10.....NKJV  9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God." 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." 

Do our words and worship exalt the Lord God or do they exalt something else altogether?

If we are all working together, just like the written word……”see that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!”

In the book of Revelation, we find that which involves some of the "church" but much has to do with Israel. Still it has to do with what is called "the Tribulation" time.

How many days before the tribulation begins? Is it still years off or does it begin tomorrow? Whatever the timing, still our heart is to be for God our Father and to His eternal glory. When we truly have the Holy Spirit residing in us, our words and worship are witnesses of who we follow, who we listen to, who we read about, and who we confess!  There is One true God and we are to follow Him and be obedient to all He asks us to do.

So when we seek to pray for another, will we ask Him what is His heart for say: Mike, Candace, Julie, Lisa, Randy, Duane or Sheree? Will we speak to Him about our heart's willingness to pray and to seek His plan for their life in this very hour where hostile actions are seen, rants are heard, and anything but truth seems to appear in the oddest places. Will we pray when earthquakes are growing, storms are increasing and viruses appear with many names?

Certain things of routine have changed here in this nation we call America and call home. But the same God who desired this nation to be a place where His name would be lifted up has come to know a place where humanism has taken over. In a nation built for His glory by men who sought God in prayer and in truth, we find many trying to change what He purposed for this nation of many but still one in Him.
Will we repent of sins, repent of those things so contrary to His ways and His thoughts to become that man or woman to pray in His name that which is given to us through the words of Jesus?

If struggling to understand this time and this hour, you might pray this:

Father, in Jesus’ name, we thank You for filling us with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that we may walk worthy of You Lord, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You. 

Thank You today for those past and present relationships. We have learned from those who oppose us and from those who are for us. You taught us to recognize and understand our strengths and weaknesses. You have given us discernment and spiritual understanding. We enter Your gates with thanksgiving in our hearts!

We thank you for good friends, a great family and good health but we pray for those who have lost dear family members to a virus that no one can see with the naked eye without the help of a microscope. We know this did not surprise You or Your Son Jesus. We pray for those who have lost a spouse, a child, or sibling to be armed with Your love, and to know Your goodness in the midst of a dark storm of adversity and change. May they see that what was a normal routine can be turned into time with God to hear You speak. For Lord we know it is in those times of trial and testing will be what we choose to make of it, and is that moment when You should be first of whom we seek. You have not given us the spirit of fear, but you have given us power, love and a sound mind. 

You have not left us orphans. YOU have given us Your Holy Spirit to comfort us in trials and tribulations. You have given us Your word to strengthen our hearts in time of trial when the "suddeness" of what is normal for life moves to engaging in warfare to live and not die! Psalm 118:16-17 speaks The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the LORD.

We thank You for those we pray for today as they are made in Your image. We pray and ask in Jesus' name what You have for each of them. We pray that they would know You above all else and that You will be pleased as we seek to know more of Your heart for them. Today, we pray according to 1 Corinthians 15:33 that they would not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." We know from this that evil companionship's will corrupt and deprave good manners, morals and character. We pray that as You reach out to them, they will reach back for You.

We ask for their eyes to opened to see what You have before them. May they know the total surrender and submitting to You means a place of refuge in peace and love where self-interest is not seen. We know from Your word that submitting to You is resisting the devil and every evil ploy of the enemy.

We pray for those listed today and believe them to lead in places You have called them to lead. May they discover the Promises You have for their lives and speak them to these people in their dreams tonight and every night. Father, we pray for each of these dear ones and expect balance in their lives that is met in them both spiritually, physically, socially, financially and mentally . May they be the spiritually motivated people who reside in truth, unified in their faith in God through the shed blood of Jesus and not by manipulation!

We believe them to be those who are those who walk in truth & give other’s the God kind of love always!  In this love of God, we believe them to be the head and not the tail, to be above and not beneath. May they rise in knowing the truth that prevails when spoken with faith in their heart to see those mountains move out of their way. We expect their walk by faith will be an adventure of life like no other they have ever had. We believe their hearts to be encouraged and their love will spill over as they bring much glory to You our Father of glory. Be blessed forever our God of glory. Your truth prevails now for each made in Your image. Amen and Amen. 

For each of you who must make a decision for life, who may live in America or elsewhere, still a struggle may be evident in your life. With all the chaos in this world, the only sound life that can be found is in Jesus. It is a life that is refreshing, ....but it only comes when we repent of our sins and receive Jesus as Lord. If there is no repentance, then there is no refreshing to be had ever. 

In the daily walk with God, peace should rule our hearts. That comes when we read and apply God's word to our lives, to situations and to our prayer time with Him. Manipulation should not appear in making a connection with God our Father. To manipulate with many tears but not have your heart in it, is not an expectant heart to receive anything from God Who is in heaven. Knowing our Father through Jesus goes beyond any traditional religion and it will always go further and deeper into that of God, for it involves those who will with selfless desires move toward Him who hears from heaven. If you struggle today in prayer, and in making the right decision, ask in His name that which comes in the authority of Christ and will glorify Him. In this the Father is glorified and Jesus is honored and you will find peace that lasts you forever!

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup

https://youtu.be/0yqfqSPWSy8

Visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching 

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New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

Distributing His Peace

https://youtu.be/Kpaw1gXrGBY

Visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

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Trial Upon Trial

That Tsunami Wave

Matthew 24:11-13 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

That “endures” is hupomeno ( hoop—ahm—en—oh. This has the meaning to hold ones’ ground in conflict, bear up against adversity, hold out under stress, stand firm and to persevere under pressure, waiting calmly and courageously.

So in essence this word has the meaning to stand in activity that is energetic resistance to defeat that appears as the calm and the brave indeed!

Today the pressures seem to mount daily. If one would keep in touch with the news, one would find their daily existence will be interrupted by an attack of a vengeful virus, their mind will be bombarded by economic pressures and down-turns of the markets, there will be seen persecutions in how you worship God and what truth you believe the Bible to hold as that standard in a decaying culture and society! There are social pressures: you find no one liked the last posting you placed just before bed last night. And the family pressures mount in how many children you might have and what activities that they are tied to weekly outside of all their school activities that takes up much more time than seems available in a twenty-four hour period of time. 

There seems to be this mounting tsunami wave that grows higher and wider to come into your seemingly quiet neighborhood and find you are very much wet and bothered without leaving the sanctuary of your bedroom but find quickly that you are exhausted beyond measure and oh, so tired at the barrage of activity that mounts to take you down into the sewer system and out of sight! YIKES!

If we know scripture then we know these things will only mount further into more pressures on your health, your wealth ( if you have any) and a bad tsunami hit against your family, your children  and your home. Pressures build but we have an answer. 

Philippians 4:8-  to think on that which is true and noble not fantasy…

Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy ----meditate on these things.

You do not need those networks that make up news as you go kind of news. No, you require that which is truth inside and out. YOU need the truth to make those decisive answers in regard to all the upheaval and chaos that appears in the streets, your local grocery market and on television commercials!

Proverbs 25:19 instructs us, "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint." Faithfulness always indicates a person who deals truthfully; he can be trusted. Yet, dealing with unfaithful people is usually painful because one never knows whether they will come through. 

Thus, our evaluation of ourselves comes down to this question: How can God trust us if we are not striving to be honest now? For you and I must be trusting in God and faithful to continue in this walk with Him. We are to be found with Him and speak as He would speak.

Find a noteworthy news that gives details that are accurate and not made up for that which affects you and yours! But even more important, find those scriptures that detail where you want to go today and tomorrow into your future with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2 sets a standard: “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Christian maturity is revealed by how we behave in everyday life, particularly under pressure.

1.    How do we act in the car in traffic that outnumbers the lanes on the highway we travel or how do we act at the grocery store when we cannot find the item we require and the lines are back up to the bathroom area of the store?

2.   As businessmen, do we pad the expense account? How do we act on our own in the little things? Are we honest in all financial matters?

3.   How do we treat other people? That’s where the real Christ is evidenced in our lives!

4.   What do we do in our homes away from the church folk?  It’s not how we act in the church that counts so much; anyone can act really nice there!

We sometimes forget that God is not only at church, He’s everywhere. He sees the corners of our heart that we’d rather not have Him (or anyone else) see. He sees what goes on behind our closed doors. He is the only one who can help us overcome the pressures of this world, the devil, and our flesh.

The Bible says that we must discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). 

Discipline, by definition, means going against my feelings. I may not feel like exercising, but if I’m disciplined, I do it anyway. I may feel like spending money impulsively, but if I’m disciplined, I go against my feelings because I have decided to live by a budget. And we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves!

Paul wrote Timothy this: 1 Timothy 4:6-7 NKJV If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, & exercise yourself toward godliness.

Getting down to the nitty-gritty of everyday life, can at times be difficult in keeping our minds on the Lord. WHAT we watch for hours will have an effect on our thinking!  The devil is always trying to divert us to think carnal thoughts instead of keeping our thoughts in subjection to the Word of God. 

How can we be free of worry and anxiety? We must deliberately change our thoughts. We must look to the Lord and ask Him to free us of our fears, and then we must think on things that bring peace. Philippians 4:8……. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”

Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

The Lord not only wants us to know His peace, but also He wants us to distribute His peace. The body of Christ needs healing and needs those who sow seeds of peace instead of discord. If we want peace in our churches and homes, then we must be the ones who are the peacemakers. If we obey the Lord and walk in His light, His peace will come to our entire family. “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children”

Peace is one of the most beautiful treasures that we inherit from our Lord. Money cannot buy HIS PEACE! BUT it is free to all who will come unto Him.

1.   We can have His peace even in the midst of our wrestling match with the enemy. Even when Satan sends His biggest giants our way, we can like David, stand firm in the fact that the God we serve is greater by far than anything else in the universe. Praise God!

2.   We no longer have to base our confidence in ourselves! Instead, we can rely on Him, the Rock of our Salvation. If David had tried to stand against Goliath in his own strength, he would have been completely destroyed. But David knew who was with him and he knew that he had overcome because “greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world”

3.   1 John 4:4 NKJV  You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

If  you remember the story of Pharaoh, he had the Hebrew nation to build his store cities…that is he had them build that which is filled not just what he desired, but what he thought he needed! Our heart is to filled with all the treasure that is Jesus Christ the Word! (can find this in Revelation 19:11-16)

By the power of the HOLY SPIRIT we all can be victorious in our everyday lives. We can overcome the devil and our flesh. We can be ministers of peace and reconciliation on this earth, and walk in perfect communion with God. We can be free from pressure by learning to yield to the Lord and resisting the devil (James 4:7).  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil & he will flee from you.

1.   The Bible says that the devil will flee with his pressure. How do we resist the devil?

2.    By speaking the word of the Lord over our situation. For example, if we are being pressured with fearful thoughts, we should quote scriptures that speak of victory over fear.

Today you and I have victory over fear: James 4:7-10 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up.   

Freedom from Oppression is submitting to God. In confessing God’s Word we come to His rule in truth that is righteous.

CONFESSIONS:   For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Father, You have warned me in Your word not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 O God, as You increase my belief, teach me also what not to believe.

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. Isaiah 54:14

 Any strength or action is to come from God that makes for peace. By any coercion, or compulsion will force one to be led into the place of oppression to be intimidated & harassed. 

Father, thank You for showing us that we are to be patient and enjoy friendships without a " culture pushing vanity on parade before us".  Now may the Lord direct our hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ Jesus.

May I live according to the Lord’s purpose for my life  and not try to change to fit that mold of any culture for that only can be an opening of a door to possible dangers

 Thank you Lord God for purifying my heart by faith. (Acts 1:5,9) How I thank You that a lack of faith will never nullify Your faithfulness. (Rom.3:3) If I am faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot disown Yourself. (2 Timothy 2:13) 

Father, Your Word says that faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ Jesus. (Romans 10:17) Cause me to continue to listen to Your word! Without Your Word, my faith will never grow.

For I know pressures will mount, but You are with me. You will never leave me nor will You forsake me. Thank You for walking me through the trial upon trial, I have the victory in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

But I Say to You Who Hear

https://youtu.be/Wvwb6EwRMWE

Visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching 

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New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

The Spiritual Recognition

https://youtu.be/TUXIHPJt7z8

Visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

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I'm Always Going to Love You Like the First Time I Thought of You

God says, " I'm always going to love you like the first time I thought of you."
Never going to change, I am always the same. Still going to look over you, cherish you, spend every moment thinking of MY Plans for you. No, I'm never going to stop My loving you, never stop My caring for you till I come, you are always on My mind.


Hebrews 13:6-8........
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"

7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. NIV

The Son of God, who came with a mission to set captives free, to bring healing to the brokenhearted, to open the prison doors of those who are bound, to comfort, to console, to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 62:1-3)

He loves us with an everlasting love.....

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5......  13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 

2 Thessalonians 3:1....3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. NKJV

Whatever the trial or tribulation, He is always loving, always caring, and always remembering His thoughts towards us. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Hold fast to that which is taught you and give you the hope by His Word. May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our Father God, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace comfort your heart and establish you in every good word and work. May His word run swiftly and be glorified with you and in you. Today, you are delivered from the unreasonable and wicked man. You have faithful by your side. Yes, the Lord Who is Faithful, will establish you and guard you from the evil one. May the Lord direct your heart today into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

For it was in the  intricate delicacy that our God created us to be, it is He who did it in secret. According to Psalm 139:13-16....it is the Lord our God who knitted us together in our mother's wombs. Our frame was not hidden from God when He made us in that secret place. God was the great weaver who weaved a delicate design together so we would look like He desired for each of us to look. In His image we were made to live in this day and time!  In all of this wonderful secret time of creating each of us, it was then that God ordained all the days for you, for me, for everyone ever born....yes, ...........it was written in His book before one of them came to be about you or me.

As He looks over His plan for you or me, ................famous, maybe only to God our Father. Known by many, maybe not, but it is He Who planned for you and for me.

Vital to His plan for this day and hour, yes!

Take your stand, put on the full armor of God! In the evil day, stand your ground. Stand firm with the belt of His truth buckled around your waist and with the breastplate of righteousness in place, have your feet shod with the Gospel of peace. You take your shield of faith and extinguish those flaming arrows of the evil one. Put on that helmet and pray! (Eph 6:13-20)

You are mighty, and you stand with Faithful by your side. Run the course set for you and know He spoke these words this day October 26, 2014.............I'm always going to love you like the first time I thought of you!

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at (http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV)