May 2012

Thursday, May 17

Dear Friends,

In Matthew chapter 6 we read the famous pattern Jesus gave His disciples and us to follow in our prayer life. Verses 5, 6 and 7 caught my attention. They begin with the words "When you pray…" 

"When you pray…" this phrase points to the fact that the topic Jesus is using—prayer in a person's life—should be a regular practice in the life of a disciple, a believer, a Christian. 

I can already think the undertone of Jesus' teaching here: "Oh by the way disciples, this is what you do when you pray—because you and I know that what I am about to talk to you about is supposed to be happening as part of a regular practice in your life—so I'm going to teach you what and how to do it so you can be successful in this."

Wow! When I read this scripture, I couldn't read past the first three words. Wow, I get it! Jesus is counting on us practicing what He taught us. He is expecting us to fulfill this specific role of prayer in our lives. He is depending on us taking this thing serious and make it an essential part of our lifestyle.

Friend, our praying tells God we are dependent on Him. We are saying to Him: Lord, I am unable to perform without Your ability. I am relying totally on Your resources, Lord. I completely depend on Your Help and Your guidance in my life, Lord.

Let's embrace prayer as an essential part of our daily lives!

Have a wonder-filled day!

Tuesday, May 15

Dear Friends,

One of the assignments the Lord gave me in 2011 was to deepen the roots of prayer in my life. His assignment to me has not changed. Thus the reason why the topics of Betsy's Nuggets have been about prayer for the last several months. I hope it' s helping some of you!

Today we will read an excerpt from one of the great men of prayer, E. M. Bounds. On his book The Weapon of Prayer  he writes:

"'For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, it it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the Word and prayer.' I Timothy 4:4-5

The Word of God is inseparably linked with prayer. The two are joined together, twins from birth and twins through life. 

The apostle Paul understood this principle. He asked, he coveted, he pleaded in an impassioned way for the  help of all God's saints. He knew that in the supernatural realm as elsewhere, in union there is strength; that the consecration and aggregation of faith, desire, and prayer increased the volume of spiritual force until it became overwhelming and irresistible in its power. Units of prayer combined, like drops of water, make an ocean the defies resistance (Emphasis added)."

Friends, your prayers have the same potential of creating a spiritual force irresistible in its power that will defy the resistance of the evil one in your life and the life of your loved ones. But you must believe and become expectant to see God's Hand at work in your midst.

Have a glorious day in Him!

Betsy

Thursday, May 10

Dear Friends,

One of the things that I have noticed, as I read the Pauline epistles, is that the apostle Paul relied heavily on the power of prayer, not just for the church at large but, for his own personal life.

In Romans 15:30 he asks the church to  "strive together with [him] in prayers to God for [him]". He is asking them to make great effort and fight vigorously in prayer with him and for him.

In 2 Corinthians 1:11 he reminds the church that "[they] are also helping together in prayer for [him]". In other words Paul is letting the church know that through their prayers they are actually assisting him and sharing in the work  that he is trying to accomplish.

In Philippians 1:19 Paul has total assurance that the prayer the church is offering for him will provide the answer he needs. He very confidently says: "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ."

And lastly, in Philemon we read a powerful statement written by Paul while he is in prison. Again with all assurance of heart that the people's prayers would be effective and powerful in bringing out the needed answer. Paul writes: "Having confidence in your obedience…knowing that you will do even more than I say...also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you." Philemon 1:22-23

Friend, next time someone says to you, "Can I pray for you?", don't hesitate to say, "Yes!" Do as Paul did, he knew people's prayers were key to his success!

Have a very fulfilled day!

Tuesday, May 8

Dear Friends,

What ails you today? Turn to the Lord in prayer.

Do what King Hezekiah did when he was confronted with something that was much bigger than him.  He turned to the LORD in prayer and sought the Hand of the Mighty One of Israel.  And then he breathed encouragement and strength to the people with these words:

"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for the the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:

With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

As we continue reading in this chapter verses 21 and 22 tell us that God saved Hezekiah and the people of Israel from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria.

And Friend, the same will happen for you in your time of difficulty. 

What ails you? Turn to the Lord in prayer and seek  help from His mighty Hand….He is very pleased when He is asked to be involved the affairs of men. Do it and see for yourself. 

Be fulfilled today!

Betsy

Tuesday, May 1

Dear Friends,

Let's take a moment of Selah this morning— a moment to pause and think, a moment to stop and listen— but today I would say, let's just take a minute of your day to read and ponder what we are reading.

Today's selection comes from Psalm 36:5-12

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animal alike.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

You feed them from the abundance of Your own house, and You let them drink from the river of Your pleasures.

For You are the fountain of life—the giver of life—Your light lets us enjoy life. In Your light we see light.

Continue to show Your mercy to those who know You and Your righteousness to those with right motives and honest hearts.

Let not the foot of pride to overtake me and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away." 

Versions used: New Living Translation, Amplified Bible and God's Word Translation

Friend, may the meditation of God's Word be a breath of life for you today!

Lovingly,

Betsy