SunilJack

Jesus gave a model of prayer in Matthew 6, because the disciples wanted to know how to really pray. The Lord's Prayer was not meant to be simply memorized and recited. It was meant to be to a guideline and outline on how to pray. … If our prayers are not filled with petitions for the Lord to be glorified in all the e we probably need to restructure our intercession.

….And the death of Jesus Christ is important because it secures forgiveness for all sins for a trusts in Jesus. He, that is Jesus died as a substitute for His people shedding His precious bearing God's wrath and being punished for their sins. And you know that defining momen secures salvation for humanity and the eventual defeat of satan occurred the day when Je and that's why we call that day "Good Friday"

Know Him John 14:17 says even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. Renewing mind into a theocentric mindset to see everything in a God centred way. I want to encourage you with the attributes of God because it will revolutionize your Christian life. Jeremiah 9:23 says, “Thus saith the LORD, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, ….” That's the most important things in our life. Not what our personal assets are, not how strong we are or how much clout or influence we may have in the community, and not how much wisdom we may claim to have. The most important thing about us is we need to boast in this fact that we know God. And everything else is ripple effect that emanates out of the knowledge of God. Apostle Paul ever striving to know more about God and more of Christ. He say's in Phil 3 verses 10 “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, _being made conformable unto his death._ …” And, you would say now, _wait a min Paul, you just told us two verses earlier that, you came to know God in saving faith, and now you say, well that I may know Him, you already know Him._ And what Paul is saying, _that was just entry-level knowledge. Like when you first were married, you know your wife, but after 20, 30, 50 years now you know her so much more closely and intimately._ And so, it is in our walk with God. I want to encourage you to know God, and to draw closer to God.

Silence can be a virtue. But sometimes, God gives us an opportunities to speak truth, and we must be careful not to neglect the opening to make a meaningful difference. … David was aware that once life is in the world is short and we must make the most of every opportunity. The purpose of life is not to rush or gain wealth, but rather to be committed to the Lord. However, if you read ahead to Psalm 40, you will see that God answered David's prayer which included a promise of the one true Deliverer. Remember, this life is short, so let your words make a difference for God.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. — Romans 8:37. David declared that Yahweh is his Shield and Defender. One can almost feel David's emotions shift as he ask God to deliver him and to strike down his enemies. David knew he was sinful, but he also knew deliverance would come only from the Lord. Are you facing an impossible situation? Surrender yourself to the Lord and pray that He will deliver you from the consequences of your sin. Only He can rescue you.

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt underqualified? You feel pressured to act, maybe people are watching, but you have no idea what to do. If you are a person of prayer, you may cry out to God. Elijah‘s prayer begins by emphasizing Yahweh's covenant name LORD. When you feel underqualified or all alone. At that moment, you must pray and watch and see what only God can do. It is only He who has the power to turn people's hearts back again.

Dreams are not something we talk about much in Christian circles. For Danniel and his friends, the deck was stacked against them. King Nebuchadnezzar‘s request to interpret his dream was humanly impossible, and the punishment was absurd. So Danniel and his friends prayed. Together they sought help from the “God of heaven.” God answered their prayer by revealing the mystery of the dream to Danniel in a vision. Danniel responded with a prayer of praise to Yahweh (v.20-23). His prayer begins by praising God for being eternal, omniscient, and all powerful (v.20) … Danniel recognizes that only God is the One capable to give revelation and wisdom by revealing “deep and hidden things” (vv.22).

Hezekiah is the underdog. Assyria is set on attacking the city of Judah. They have been ruthless with other cities they conquered, treating them like animals. They sent Hezekiah a letter mocking Yahweh: “do not let the God you depend on deceive you,” Inferring that they have defeated other countries and their gods did not save them.… Hezekiah rightly points out that those gods were “fashion by human hands.” …Hezekiah prayed that through God’s deliverance, all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the LORD God, even Thou only.” If God is for us, who can be against us?

Born into poverty, Walt Disney grew up to create what he envisioned as the “happiest place on earth.” We all love to read stories about men and women who overcome hardship and went on to bless others. Even more, we can be encouraged to know that God can even use difficult things in our lives for His purpose and glory. Jabez shows us that the name we are given or the circumstances we are born into do not define us or determine our destiny. What more matters is that God is Sovereign, and God is in control.

There is nothing quite like completing a huge project, whether it is home renovation or an all-day feast. The feeling of accomplishment is satisfying. That’s what Solomon and the Israelites experienced as they laid the last break at the Temple project. The altars were assembled in all the right places. The ark was positioned perfectly in the holy of holies. The only thing left was Solomon’s prayer of dedication to Yahweh. …Even though the temple was built by human hands, Yahweh it was the Chief Architect. Solomon’s prayer reminded that his people that all of them had sinned against God. The good news is that…

Aristotle is quoted as saying, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” However, better advice came from King Solomon, who wrote centuries earlier: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov.9:10) When Solomon was still at Gibeon, The Lord came to Solomon in a dream, saying, “Ask what I shall give thee:” .… Solomon did not ask for wealth or happy life but rather he gave a mature request in v.9 “Give thy servant a discerning heart.” Solomon was asking for the capacity to obey God‘s law and distinguish between right and wrong. He recognized that the best thing for him to do was to stay in step with the law of God. In return, God richly blessed him for humbling himself and seeking wisdom.

King David... knew that the life he leads would ultimately shape his legacy. It is no wonder than that in one of his final prayer he declares before the Lord that everything comes directly from God. Through David’s prayer, he teaches his son, his people, and us that God is beyond generous. The right response on our part is to be generous.David said that at the heart of generosity ought to be integrity and honesty. For him the motive dictated the motion. David concludes by getting to the heart of the matter which is ultimately a matter of the heart.

King David‘s words and prayer thought his people, and us, that a proper perspective produces praise. ... In this powerful prayer, David proclaims that the Lord deserves praise because He is our eternal God. Who reigns with greatness and power. ... God created everything, and therefore, everything in heaven and in earth is His.... God’s creation displays His majesty, splendor, and power. David recognized Yahweh’s character and attributes and praised Him unashamedly until his last breath. He had a prayer perspective of God which produced praise, and his praise continues to echo today.

Scripture tells us that God closed Hannah‘s womb. But Hannah‘s desire became so strong that she promised that, if God would grant her a child, she would surrender him to Yahweh. God answered her plea. In response, she indeed dedicated Samuel to the LORD and hand him over to Eli the priest (1 Sam.1:5, 11, 28). We see that it was Yahweh, not Samuel, who has the ultimate foundation of heart joy and strength. For Hannah, there was no one like the Lord. Safety, comfort, and justice are found in him. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. - 1 Sam.2:2

When believers from all different races and ethnicities, ages and backgrounds are united, the world will begin to believe that Jesus is indeed the Christ....Jesus imagines that the unity among believers is as strong as the unity that is within the Trinity....Christ prayer for us was that we would be completely committed to being united with Jesus and one another on both sides of eternity. “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word; that they all maybe one;....” John.27:20-21

My prayers is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John.17:15. Jesus’ prayer reflects His deep desire for His disciples to overcome the principalities of this world by unifying together….As Jesus often does, He gives His life as an example of what a sanctified life looks like by going to the cross in fulfillment of His mission to the world. Living on mission on the world is a demanding and challenging task. One of the hardest part is simply identifying the tactics of the enemy uses to get us off track.... pray for God’s protection from the enemy.

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” V.1 Today’s text is the beginning of what is historically known as the High Priestly Prayer. Jesus prayed to His heavenly Father for Himself to be glorified. He is not praying from an egotistical disposition for meaningless praise. Rather, Christ’s prayer is for Him to be glorified so that He could glorify the Father (v. 1). Jesus is clear that His life, death, and resurrection are to make the Father known.

On the cross, Jesus was mostly silent. The excruciating pain He endured would have made it nearly impossible for Him to speak. Any utterance would have used the strength needed to pull himself up by His impaled hands and feet in order to take a breath. Therefore, the words Jesus spoke from the cross are significant. Among the seven expressions attributed to Jesus during His crucifixion, three were prayers to His heavenly Father.

After celebrating their Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples went to a garden called Gethsemane, which literally means “olive press.” The garden was located on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. Olives from the neighborhood were brought and crushed there producing oil for Jerusalem and the surrounding region. The name seems fitting since Jesus would be taken away from that garden. He would be crushed and His grace distributed not just to Jerusalem and the region, but to the whole world. … Because Jesus received our judgment, you and I are counted innocent of our sin. Jesus surrendered His life for us. We too, ought to surrender our lives for Him.

Jesus takes the opportunity of this miracle to call His disciples into a Teacher - student relationship with Him. He figuratively catches Peter in His net before commanding him to "catch men" for the Kingdom of God. Immediately, Peter, Andrew, James, and John leave their boats and nets behind and follow Him. They now understand that Jesus is more than capable of supplying their every need. We are to apply this lesson in our own lives. When Christ speaks, it is always about obedience to God's way of life. In this case, His teaching affected the disciples' livelihoods. Worship and work form major parts of our lives, too, and in both we must consistently maintain righteousness. Had Peter failed to obey Christ's command, he would have failed to experience both the miracle and the resulting blessing. No one serves God without being compensated for his service. When we serve, sacrifice, testify, or stand for Him, He will suitably reward our efforts. When God asks us to invest our time, effort, talent, or anything else, we must not resent the opportunity. No one pays dividends on an investment as abundantly as God does - "good measure, pressed down, and running over will be put into your bosom" (Luke 6:38).

The hymn book of the Bible is the book of Psalms, and the last psalm summarizes what God wants us to know about praise and worship. The Christian faith is a singing and praising faith. No other religion has praises and singing such as we have. Because we have the song of the Lord in our hearts. The Psalmist answers some important questions about praise in this psalm. Who is it that we praise? “Praise the Lord” (v.1)—not the church, not the preacher, but the Lord. Our problem is that we often don’t see the Lord. We look at gifts or lack of gift from God. We don’t really see Him. Let’s get beyond the gift to the Giver. Let’s get beyond the blessing to the Blesser. Let’s praise the Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord.” Paul said, “Again I will say, rejoice!” (.Phil.4:4). Where do we praise Him? Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament (v.1). What an interesting combination. When we praise God in church, it is just like the praise of the angels in heaven. In the sanctuary or wherever we are, let’s praise Him. Why do we praise him? Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! (v.2). We praise Him for what He is and for what He does. How do we praise him? With the sound of the trumpet etc., ...(vv.4,5). The Psalmist saying, get the whole orchestra together. Find every instrument you can, and let’s praise the Lord. We are commanded here to praise Him and to make a loud song to His glory. *******^******* All of nature is praising God today, but His people are prone to forget to praise Him. Ask yourself these praises question of Psalm 150 and then meditate on the Psalmist answers. You have much for which to give praise. Bring joy to God’s heart by praising Him. The end of the Book of Psalm.

“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song” (v.1). We have a tendency to want to sing the same songs in church, and there is nothing wrong with that. The psalmist isn’t telling us to buy a new hymnbook. It means we should have a new experience with the Lord so that we will have a new song of praise to give to Him. Every new valley that we go through, every new mountaintop we climb, every experience of life ought to be writing on our heart a new song of praise. When we face a difficulty, we have an opportunity to have a renewed faith and see God do new things. In verse 1 the Psalmist tells us to sing in the congregation. I enjoy congregational singing when people sing to the Lord (v.2). I am glad when God‘s people gather in a congregation of celebration, rejoicing in the goodness and the glory of the Lord. But he also tells us we should be joyful on our beds (v.5). This could be while we’re resting or recuperating from an illness. Perhaps you’re lying in bed right now, and you don’t feel well. Sing praises to the Lord upon your bed and worship Him. It is easy to sing in the congregation, not quite so easy to sing on our beds and difficult to sing on the battlefield. But if we sing, we will glorify the Lord, and we will grow. We will be happier and holier and more beautiful if we sing to the Lord (v.4). *******^******* God brings you through different experiences so you may learn new dimensions of His love and grace. What difficulty are you facing today? Don’t simply endure or waste it. Use it as an opportunity to find a new song of praise to God.

When we complain about the weather, we should remember that God is in control. God gave us a great Word of assurance in Psalm 148:8: “Fire and hail, snow and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling His word.” All of Psalm 148 tells us that the Word of God is in control. When He speaks in heaven, things happen on earth. In verses 1-6 the heavens praise the Lord. In verse 7-10 the earth praise the Lord. And in verses 11-14 all people, young and old, praise the Lord, including kings, princes, judges and ordinary people. Why? Because His work is creative. Verse 5 tells us He commanded, and they were created. He also has “established them forever” (v.6). God does not run the world by consensus but by decree. His Word is sufficient to guide our lives. *******^******* God’s Word creates, establishes and fulfills His will. The next time you find yourself in a storm, don’t complain; instead, surrender. Remember, the stormy wind as well as the calm wind fulfills the Word of God. Submit to God’s control and to His creative Word in your life.

I wonder if the Old Testament people of Israel realized how privileged they were. This is what the Psalmist addresses in today’s passage. He’s telling the Jewish people (verse 13) to praise the Lord because of all He has done for them. He gave peace in their borders. He fed them. He gave them His Word and His Law. He gave them land. God deposited with Israel the precious treasure of His Word. Notice what the psalmist says about the Word of God. Verse 15 tells that God’s Word runs. When God speaks, the Word goes out like a rapidly running messenger and accomplishes His purposes. God runs the universe by His Word. He decrease things, and they happen. God‘s Word also melts obstacles (v.18). God’s Word can melt the cold, hard heart. Are you facing an impossible situation? The Word of God can melt any bars or walls and opens to way for you. Finally, God‘s Word blesses (vv.19,20). Read the Word of God. It’s a great treasure that, when invested in your life, bears fruit. *******^******* God‘s Word runs and accomplishes His will. It melts and opens the way. And it blesses all who will receive it, obey it and trust it. God desires that you spend time daily appropriating the riches of His Word. Do you invest God’s Word in your life?

The God of the galaxy is also the God of the brokenhearted. That’s what David tells us in verses 3 and 4: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counted the number of the stars; He called them all by name.” The contrast we see in these two verse—between the heavens and the broken heart—ought to encourage us. God made the heavens. He spoke and it was done. His creations stood steadfast. The God who made the heavens is concerned about your broken heart. Others may not be concerned, but God is. He’s not so far away that He doesn’t know your heart is hurting. He’s not so great that He can’t stoop down to you when your pained, weeping and looking for help. Yes, the God of the heaven is the God of your heart. He knows all about you and thus He’s able to meet your every need. The God who controls the planets in their orbits is able to take the pieces of your broken heart and put them together again. He will heal your broken heart, provided you give Him all the pieces and yield to His tender love. “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is Infinite” (v.5). His love and understanding are limitless. His power is great. He can do What needs to be done. *******^******* The One who set the galaxies in motion is the same One who addresses your needs. There is no limit to God’s love. His understanding or His power. Perhaps you have a broken heart today. Give Him the pieces and let Him heal your heart.

“Happy is he who has God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” This tells us that God is all we need for today—and for tomorrow. When you know God, you have happiness, help and hope: happiness in walking with Him, help for the burdens of the day and hope for the concerns of the future. What more could you want? Who is the God of Jacob? He is the creator (v.6): Our God is great enough, wise enough and strong enough to create and sustain and run this universe and take care of our problems today. He is the judge (v.7). God knows when you have been wrongly criticized. Leave the judgment with Him. Don’t waste your time and energy trying to fight battles that only God can fight for you. He’s with all of His people, and He does what is right. He is the Father. Verse 7 offers a picture of the Father feeding the hungry. God’s Word always assures us of His provisions (Phil.4:9). He is the redeemer (vv.7,8). The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; … The Lord loves the righteous. He is the king (v.10). He is the God of Jacob. Jacob stumbled and made mistakes, but God remained his God. The eternal God is our refuge. *******^******* God is your greatest refuge. But He doesn’t simply shelter you; He provides for you and strengthens you. God of Jacob is your God. Call upon Him, and He will be your help, hope and happiness.

“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (vs.18). Isn’t that a great promise? It’s one you can put to work today. Let’s look at it more closely. First, God is near to those who are stumbling (v.14). You may have stumbled and fallen. Perhaps you just didn’t do what you should have. Maybe you stumbled in your job, and you are embarrassed and worried about it. Perhaps you have stumbled into sin. Second, God is near to those who carry burdens. Those who are bowed down with the weight of care and find rest if they will call upon Him. Third, God is near those who are hungry (v.15). Verse 16 shows how simple it is for God to answer prayer: “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” All God has to do is open His hand to meet our needs today. The problem is, we often don’t open our hearts and cry out to Him. Fourth, God is near to those who call upon Him. We have this great promise in verse 19: “He will fulfil the desires of those who fear Him; He also will hear the cry and will save them.” Finally, God is near to those who love Him (v.20). Follow the advice of James: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James.4:8). *******^******* God is not far from you. He’s waiting for you to take that first step, to cry out to Him and say, “Lord, I want to draw close to You. Here I am.” Have you stumble? Are you carrying a burden, or are you needy? He promises to be near to all those who call upon Him.

This Psalm has special meaning for me. Several years ago me and my friend were going in a bike, a car came in the wrong way and hit our Bike. We fell down. When I just turned back and saw, my head was just an inch away from the bus wheel, this is the verse that went through my mind: “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable” (v.3). Let’s praise God for His greatness. The psalmist says in verses 1 & 2, His greatness is eternal. We will spend all eternity praising the greatness of God. His greatness also is unsearchable. We can’t begin to measure it. We can’t know its depth, its height or its breadth. And the greatness of God is memorable. We must tell the next generation of the greatness of God (vv.4,5). Then the Psalmist praises the goodness of God (v.7). The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works (v.v.7,9). Verse 8 expounds the grace of the Lord: “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion”. Aren’t you grateful that He is slow to anger? All of this leads to the glory of the Lord (v.11). *******^******* As finite beings, we can scarcely comprehend God’s attributes. But we can certainly praise Him for who He is and what He has done in our lives. Thank God for saving you. Praise Him for His greatness, His goodness, His grace and His glory.

“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” (v.15). That’s the way David concludes Psalm 144. In the first half of the psalm, he cries out to God for help. In the last half, he sings praise to the Lord because of the help He gave him. Firstly, David’s personal joy in the Lord (vv.9,10). We can picture him lying down his sword, picking up his harp and composing a new song of praise and glorify God. We ought to have Personal joy in our hearts also. We have many reasons for praising God, but too often we remember only the sorrows of life and forget the blessings. Then there is a national Joy (v.10). David was the king, and when God delivered him, it was for the good of the nation. How we need national righteousness and national repentance to have national joy! Finally, there is family joy (v.12). What a joy it is in the home to praise the Lord and see family members growing in Him. *******^******* God’s people are to be joyful in expressing personal, national and family joy. Our joy is founded on what God does and who He is. Rejoice in the Lord today for all of His goodness, grace and mercy towards you in Christ Jesus.

Why should Almighty God pay attention to us? Who are we that we should receive His mercy? David asks these questions in verse 3. “LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!” What are we that God should pay any attention to us? Are we smart? I don’t think so. Are we strong? Some animals are much stronger than we are. Are we righteous? No, we have sinned against God. Are we faithful? Too often we disobey Him. From the human point of view, there is no reason why God should pay any attention to us. “Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadows that passeth away” (v.4). Compared to eternity, Our lives are just a puff of smoke. They appear and then they are gone. Why should God pay any attention to us? Because God, in all of His mercy and Grace, loves us. The Word David uses for God in this Psalm means Jehovah God, the God of the gracious covenant. He has made promises to us, and we can trust Him. David describes Him as “my Lovingkindness and my Fortress, my Hightower and my Deliverer, my Shield and One in whom I l take refuge” (v.2). This is a mystery too deep for us to explain, but it’s not too deep for us to experience. We may not understand why God should pay any attention to us, but we know that His Son came to be a servant for us. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for us, and now He lives in heaven, interceding for us. *******^******* God pays attention to you because He loves you and wants to be glorified through your life. Walk with Him and glorify Him with your life.

How should we pray when we are going to trouble? We find several requests in David’s prayer, and if we follow his example, God will lead us through our difficulties into blessing. First, he says, “Hear my prayer” (v.1) and “answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails!” (V.7). We don’t have to shout to God; we don’t how to argue with Him. We simply can come to Him and say, “Lord, hear me”. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Ps.34:15). Have you prayed to God about what worries you today? David’s second request is, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in thee do I trust” (v.8). Each morning David meditated on the Word of God, and God guided him. Have you taken time to read the Bible and let its Author speak to you? He will show you the way you ought to go. David’s next request is, “Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies” (v.9). God can do that if we are walking in the way He want us to walk. In verse 10 David asked for instruction and guidance. Oh, how willing He is to do this! Finally, David says, “Quicken me, O Lord for thy name sake!” (V.11). Why do we want God to bring us out of times of difficulty? Sure, we want relief, but we also should want Him to be glorified. We want Him to deliver as for His name’s sake, that He might receive all the glory. *******^******* Your spirit can begin to fail when you go through extended trials. Ask the Lord for help, and He will lead you through difficult times. Always stay open to the guidance and instructions of God’s Word. God will speak to you through Scripture as He leads you through your trial. Keep trusting Him, and He will accomplish what is best for you and what glorify Him.

David wrote this Psalm while hiding from soul in a cave, But he was full of distress. In his distress, he looked in four directions. First, David looked within (vv.1-3). He looked within and said, “Look, I am in trouble; I am complaining; I am overwhelmed.” Introspection sometimes can be good for you, but don’t spend too much time looking within, or you will get discouraged. Then David looked around, hoping to find help (v.4). Do you ever feel like that? Do you look around and say, “Nobody even cares—everyone is bearing his own burdens, and nobody wants to share mine”? Perhaps in the situation you should take time to bear other people’s burdens—then they might be interested in your concerns. After looking within and around and finding only discouragement, David looked up (v.5). And said, “God, you are going to hear my cry. You’re going to deliver me from my prosecutors; they are stronger than I am.” Finally, David looked ahead (v.7). After you have seen the glory of the blessing of the Lord, you can look ahead with confidence. *******^******* Perhaps you are in a cave of discouragement today. Your hope lies not within yourself or with your circumstances. Look to the Lord and obey His Word. Then look ahead with confidence, for God’s promises are sure and His Word is true.

One of the greatest privilege we have as children of God is prayer. Yet so often we take it for granted. As the gospel song goes, “O what piece we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!” In Psalm 141 David pictures prayer in a beautiful way that will help us appreciate it more (vv.1,2). The Jewish priest would go to the altar of incense in the holy place and offer a special incense that no one was allowed to duplicate. As the smoke of the incense rose from the altar, it was as though prayers going up to God. David was not in the temple; he was a king, not a priest. He may well have been out somewhere In the battlefield when he wrote this. But he says in v2, “I am going to lift up my hands to You as the evening sacrifice. My prayer is going to come to You as incense.” The incense at the altar was mixed together carefully; it was well prepared. Likewise, let’s mix our prayer carefully. Our prayers should contain adoration and confession to the Lord, petition, thanksgiving and submission to Him. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to ignite the altar of our souls. Do not pray from a cold heart (v.3,4). After we pray to the Lord, let’s make sure that our lips and heart do not sin. *******^******* Are your prayers a good mix rather than a series of petition? When you pray from the heart, you can’t help but praise God and thank Him for His grace and generosity. Make your prayers like fragment incense that brings joy to the heart of God.

King David was going through another battle. He needed deliverance from an attacking enemy (vv.1-4). David’s enemies had hidden snares to trap him. What do you do when you face the situation—when evil, violent, lying people are busy setting traps for you? Remember that God hears you (v.6). God also strengthens you (v.7). If you have to do battle against the enemy today, let God outfit you in the armour you need. Finally, God vindicate you. David prayed that God would vindicate him and that his enemies own sin would destroy them. David concluded by giving thanks to the Lord (vv.12,13). The battle over, he said, “One day I’m going to dwell in Thy presence, where there will be no more lying, slandering, battling, fighting or sinning.” We will enjoy the peace of God forever *******^******* If you are a believer, God has already delivered you from the penalty of sin. Today He works to deliver you from sins effect. Perhaps enemies are slandering your reputation. Call upon the Lord for help. He will hear you, strengthen you and vindicate you. Let him give, you the victory today.

The most important knowledge in the world is the knowledge of God. The second most important is the knowledge of yourself. To know God, we must know Jesus Christ as our Savior (John.17:3). In his prayer, David makes two basic requests that should also be our prayer. Our prayer should be that we want God to know us. This doesn’t mean we want God to get information about us; it means that we have nothing to hide from Him. God has a purpose for us to fulfil. He wants us to explore new territory and expand the horizons of our lives. Let God put you through the furnace to remove the dross from your life. Let Him prepare you for what He has planned for you. Our prayer also should be that we want God to guide us. We can’t flee from God or fight Him, so we might as well follow Him. Jeremiah said, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer.10:23). When we are willing to obey, God is more than willing to reveal His way to us. He guides us through His Word and through prayer. ... He also guides us through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, through circumstances and through His people. How glorious it is to have Christian friends with whom you can pray and to have a pastor who prays for you and ministers to you. *******^******* If you want God to know you and guide you, He will. You will know yourself better and know Him better. And then He will guide you and lead you in an everlasting way.

Many people are bothered by the problem of evil. They say, “If God is loving and good God, why does He allow evil? David did not ignore this problem, nor did he give in to it. Instead, he made a decision and take his stand with God. Only our God can permit evil and be able to overrule it to accomplish his purposes. As David confronted the problem of evil in the world, he did so in stages. Stage one: He evaluated (v.2). David looked at the wicked, violent, blasphemous, deceitful and rebellious crowd. He showed courage and honesty in thinking his stand against them. When we start asking ourselves, is it safe? Or, is it popular? We have moved away from biblical ethics and integrity. Stage two: He grieved (v.21). We also ought to grieve over sin. When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed, he sat and wept(Neh.1:4) (see Gen.6:6; Mk.3:5; Eph.4:30). Today, we need people who will sit down long enough to weep over sin. Stage three: He hated (vv.21,22). We could use a little more holy anger today. Edmund Burke it said, “All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Love and hate are not contradictory when dealing with Sin. Jesus showed both compassion towards sinners and hatred of sin. Stage four: He decided (v.19). David decided to separate himself from evil. We need to stand among sinners as the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but we need to have contact without contamination. Stage five, He trusted (v.19). We must leave vengeance with God; He will punish the wicked (Rom.12:19). Our job is to give ourselves to Him and do the work He wants us to do. *******^******* If you fail to make a decision, the world will make it for you. Take your stand with God and use David’s experiences as a guide for confronting the problem of evil. Determined to leave a holy life that honors the Lord.

There is no higher occupation than the contemplation and the worship of God. David says, “My God knows everything; I can’t fool Him. My God is everywhere; I can’t flee from Him. My God can do anything; I can’t fight Him. What should I do? We find His answers in versus 23 and 24. This is one of the most penetrating prayer found in the Bible. If we can’t fool God, flee from Him or fight Him, the only thing for us to do is surrender to Him—in awe, reverence and worship. Notice the psalmist’s request: “Search me, oh God, I know my heart.” God knows our hearts. He knows us from top to bottom, inside out. But we don’t know our own hearts. Jeremiah said in 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Only God can know it. Deep learning: The Hebrew word for search used in verse 23 means to dig in a mine and find ore. “Search me, O God; I am like a mine. I am deep, but dig out the potential that is in me. Dig out all the treasure you have put into me, even before I was born.” It also means to explore the land. How broad and wide are the horizons of possibility in life. “Search me, O God; bring out of me all that is there for your glory.” Then David says in v.24, “Try me, and know my thoughts.” Try means to test metal in the furnace. That’s why we suffer sometimes. “See if there is any weekend away in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Here, then, three penetrating request: search me, try me and lead me. Are you asking God to lead you in His will today? If you do, He will bring out of the mine of your life treasures that will glorify His name. *******^******* Can you echo David’s prayer? If not, perhaps you need to surrender to God’s will or ask Him to forgive some sin in your life. Remember, He knows you intimately. Ask Him for the grace to stand up to His scrutiny.

Yesterday, we learned that God’s thoughts are Personal and precious. They are full of His purposes and care. Today let’s consider three additional characteristics of God’s thoughts. # God’s thoughts are practical. Paul was living to do one thing—finish his course (see Acts:20:24). As we run the race of life, following God’s thoughts leads to fulfilment, courage and the strength to continue. # God’s thoughts are vast and inexhaustible (v.17). How great is the “some of them.” His thoughts just keep growing. People who don’t want to do the will of God live their life in a little bucket of water. But when we accept His will for our lives, we launch out on an ocean of possibility. If you want to be a stagnant Christian, reject the will of God. You will not grow, and you will miss what He has for you. He wants to do great things in your life. God said to Abraham, “You walk before Me and do My will, and I am going to give you horizons like you’ve never seen before.” # Gods thoughts are unfailing (v.18). He works out His plans even while we sleep. Adam went to sleep, and God gave him a wife. Abraham went to sleep, and God worked out His covenant to him. God already has revealed things about our daily living to us by His Spirit in the Scriptures. *******^******* Are you discouraged by events in your life or wary of the days routine? Think God’s thoughts by reading His Word and obey His thoughts by doing His work. He will work in your life. He will open horizons of blessing and help you along your pilgrimage.

A.W Tozer used to say, “The only real world is the Bible world.” Nothing is more unsure than the world, for it is passing away. But the will and Word of God will abide forever (see Mark 13:31). As we consider the character of God’s thoughts, we will want to do His will. God’s thoughts are personal (v.17). They concern you and me. He makes the individual and then plans for him. He knows all about us. Paradoxically, the sovereignty of God is the basis for our freedom. If He were not on the throne, this world would be run by chance. But the psalmist tells us that life is not a gamble. God put your substance together and ordained your genetics structure (vv.13,14). We must use what He has given for us for His glory. And our obedience to His will reaches beyond this life, for our future is wrapped up in God’s plan for us (Jr.29:11). God’s thoughts are precious (v.17). Precious means “weighty, valuable.” His thoughts toward us are unique, Taylor-made, and that makes them valuable. When we accept God’s plan for us and exercise believing faith, then He can work out His perfect will in our lives. Remember, His thoughts are deep (Ps.92:5); they are higher than ours (Is.55:8). *******^******* God’s thoughts about you are more than mere “thoughts.” They include His purposes and His care. As you meditate on His thoughts, renew your commitment to know and do His will for your life.

Since the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, more than 21 million babies have been killed. These verses are an amazing statement about conception, growth and birth. When a baby is aborted, what really happens? First, a miracle is interrupted. Fearfully means “I am trembling with astonishment. By thinking about birth, David also was contemplating God’s attributes. The world has cheapened sex, conception and birth to the point that it treats pregnancy as a nuisance, not a miracle. God made us and has covered (protected) us. The baby in the womb is covered by God. Let’s not turn the womb into a tomb! Second, a real person is murdered. Today, medical science calls the fetus a P.O.C (a product of conception)—a mass of tissues or a collection of cells. But God calls it a human being, and we had better be careful how we treat the child. Third, a divine law is broken (Exo.20:13). Dr Gleason Archer, commenting on Exodus 21:22-25, says that if a fight occurred and it resulted in a baby being born dead, then the assailant had to pay with his life. God protected the unborn by His Law. But today it is legal to kill them. God gives and takes life—not man. And even greater tragedy awaits us in this country. Abortion leads to infanticide, which leads to mercy killing. In some parts of the world, voluntary euthanasia is legal. Got people need to take a strong stand to protect the miracle of human life. *******^******* God loves children and wants to protect them. Rejoice in the miracle of birth and protect the sanctity of the womb and the lives of unborn babies.

The greatest evidence of God’s power is human birth. When the baby is born, there is promise, potential and excitement. David considered babies to be a miracle from the hand of God. Eugene Peterson has said, “In the presence of birth we don’t calculate, we marvel.” As we ponder this truths, what should be our response? # We worship God. The word fearfully means “I am shuddering with astonishment; I am trembling with awe (v.14). # We show confidence in God. What we are is God’s gift to us. What we do with our lives is our gift to Him. He accepts us as we are. ... Never be discouraged by what you don’t have. Having confidence in God about your life brings eager expectation. # We obey God. The more we glorify God, the more we enjoy Him. We can take the miracle of life He gave us and wreck it, or we can present our bodies to the Lord as a living sacrifice. *******^******** To leave God out of your life is simply to exist, not really to live. Jesus died that you might be saved from your sins and one day go to heaven. But while you’re here on earth, God wants you to fulfil all that He has built into you. Worship Him, place your confidence in Him and obey Him.

“I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (v.14). The psalmist is talking about the miracle of conception and birth. It’s an amazing story (vv.13,14). Someone defined a baby as something that gets you up at night and gets you down during the day. That may be true, but so are the words of poet Carl Sandberg; “A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.” When we contemplate human birth, our first response ought to be reverence. The God of the galaxies is the God who is concerned about the colour of the baby’s hair and the genetic structure of yet unborn child. We ought to bow in the reverence before God and worship Him, because each individual child is a part of His handiwork. We don’t understand why some children are born handicapped or exceptional in some areas. But God knows. Our next response should be confidence. We can trust God because He made us as we are. He knew all about each of us before we were born. Finally we should respond with obedience. We can take what God has given us and use it for His glory. Invest what you do have to serve Him, instead of searching for something which you don’t have. *******^******* When you contemplate the miracle of birth, praise God. As you respond in reverence, confidence and obedience, determined to be a good steward with the personal resources and talents He gave you. Good stewardship honors God.

Years ago, A. W. Tozer wrote, “The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him” God is much greater than we are, and our thoughts of Him must be great thoughts. David thoughts of God in this psalm center on His omnipresence. As we read his words, we can answer three simple questions. Can we flee from God? The Psalmist says NO. Height and depth will not enable us to run away from God. Life has its ups and downs. God is there when we are up, and He’s there when we are down (vv.9,10). Who would flee from God? Those who are afraid of Him. Among those in the Bible who tried to flee Him are Adam and Eve, Jonah and Judas Iscariot. No true believer would ever try to run away from God. As believers, we have fled to God. And we are hiding in Him. What are the blessings of fleeing to God? If you have problems, difficulties and sin, run to God. The Lord’s presence kept Paul going during difficult times. Like the Apostle, we need to discover that no matter how difficult it situation is, the Lord is with us. When we hide in the Lord, we receive courage, encouragement, comfort and strength for the battle. Respond to God’s invitation: “Come to Me, and I will give you rest” (Matt.11:28). Hide in the Lord. He is the only place of safety and satisfaction. *******^******* God‘s Omnipresence is a blessing to those who hide in Him. Perhaps you have tried to run from the Lord. Return to Him; He is always ready to receive you when you’ve gone astray. Whatever difficulties you may be facing, don’t hide from life—hide in the Lord. He will give you strength to fight the battle.

Have you ever tried to run away from God? Don’t try; it can’t be done (read.vv.7-10). No matter where we go in the will of God, He is there. Why should we flee from God? Why should we try to find height or depth, east or west, darkness or light? (vv.11,12). Sometimes I’ve found myself in dark places and have wondered, “Does God knows?” He indeed knows. If we sin, we go out into the darkness, but God sees us. And sometime when we are walking with the Lord, we still find ourselves in darkness. But that darkness is as light to God. God is everywhere and sees everything. Rather than flee from Him, we should flee to Him. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps.46:1). Nothing can separate us from the love of God—neither height nor depth, east nor west, darkness nor light (Rom.8:38,39). *******^******* God promises to “never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb.14:5). The next time you go through dark days, remember that God knows your problems and needs. You may take refuge in Him; He will see you through.

Psalm 139 is a short course in theology, the science of God. In the first six verses the Psalmist says, “God knows everything; don’t try to fool Him.” “O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known me” (v.1). In these first six versus we find 13 personal opinions. God knows us personally. Few people can recognise us in a crowd, but God does. With Him there are no crowds, only individuals. At times you may feel lonely And say, “Nobody knows me. Nobody cares about me.” But you know one thing, “God knows you intimately. Personally. He knows your every action and thought” (v.2). He also knows your words (v.4). The psalmist is saying, He’s behind me. He’s before me. He’s laid His hand upon me. He is sovereign. What should be our response to this? Simple. “Praise the Lord!” I am glad that my Father in heaven understands me personally and intimately and that His hand is upon me. This doesn’t make me afraid; it gives me confidence. What an encouragement to know that our Father in heaven knows all about us—where we are and what we’re doing. When the child of God is walking in the will of God, he has the confidence that his Father in heaven is caring for him and knows his every need. *******^******* God has a through knowledge of you. That gives you all the more reason to pray honestly to the Lord and walk uprightly before Him. His knowledge of you ought to encourage you and make a confident. Thank Him that His intimate knowledge of you leads to His complete care for you.

“Oh LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me”. - Ps.139:1 Psalm 139 was written by a man who had right thoughts about God that made a difference. He lived with confidence, security and fulfilment. He submitted to God. This Psalm focuses on four great attributes of God: 1) His knowledge of all things, 2) His presence everywhere, 3) His power in the formation of man, and 4) His holiness, which destroys evil man and searches the believers heart. #1 God knows everything (vv.1-6). Theologians call this God’s Omniscience. God knows your personal. He knows you intimately, including your action and your thoughts. He knows you sovereignly. #2 God is everywhere (vv.7-12). You cannot flee from Him. This is a beautiful description of His Omnipresence. You cannot hide even in darkness. God is in all places at all times (v.11). #3 God can do anything (vv.13-18). He is Omnipotent. David says the greatest marvel of all is human birth or power in the formation of man. God can make life. He gives each baby the genetic structure He want him or her to have. If you leave God out of your life, you will never fulfil what you were born for. #4 God can guide your life (vv.19-24). You dare not fight against Him. His Holiness, which destroys evil man and searches the heart of a believer. David said he was going to serve God—a decision that led to dedication (vv.23-24). When we put the whole psalm together, we discover a man who knows God. You, too, can know God through Jesus Christ (John.14:9; 17:3). *******^******* God knows everything about you. Be open and honest with Him, and He can lead and bless you. Strive to do His will. God made you and wants to fulfil in your life that for which He made you.

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me” (v.8). God has a purpose for each of our lives. We are not numbers in the computer; He knows all names. In fact, He has number all the hairs on our heads (Matt.10:30). God knows our needs today. We are His personal concern, the work of His hands. When does God perfect that which concerns us? When can we expect Him to work in our lives? First when we praise and worship Him (v.1,2). When we take time to worship and praise God, He can perfect that which consensus. But if we go our own way, we lose that special blessing from God. God also perfect that which concerns us when we pray to Him (v.3). It doesn’t say God will change the outside circumstances. Instead, He will change On the inside like how God changed the psalmist on the inside. When we worship and cry out to the Lord, He can work on our behalf. Finally, God perfect that which concerns us when we glorify Him (v.4,5). Praising Him to others should be a natural part of our conversation. *******^******* The God of the universe desires to work personally in your life. When you worship the Lord by praying to Him, glorifying Him, witnessing for Him and submitting to Him, He works on your behalf. If you need a reviving blessing today, turn to Him. He will give it.

One test of your spiritual condition is whether or not you really have a song. Psalm 137 tells us about people who lost their song. They lost it because they lost their sanctity—they repeatedly sinned against the Lord. Here’s the record in vv.1-3, the Babylonians taunting the Jews to sing a song, a song of Zion. The Jews responded, “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” (V.4). It can be done. They were there because of their disobedience, and they had lost their song. But even in a foreign land, we can have a song to the Lord. Jesus came down to earth from heaven, and He had a song. In fact, the night on which He was betrayed, He sang a song of Zion in the upper room (Matt.26:30). When you’re not walking with the Lord, you lost your song and start living on memories (vv.5a,6c). Are you living on memories, or are you daily receiving blessings from the Lord? In versus 7 to 9 we find the Jews looking for revenge. But as Christians, we must think first of forgiveness. *******^******* If you are without your song, living on memories and looking for revenge, you are not walking closely with the Lord. Your first task is to get that song back by confessing your sins to the Lord. God will restore the joy of your salvation.

Israel is only nation for which we have complete history. We know how it started, how it grew, where it is today and where it will be for the rest of history—thanks for the Word of God. In Psalm 136 the psalmist reviewed Israel’s history. As he looked, he saw the mercy of God. He performed three marvellous ministries for the Israelites: He brought them out; He brought them through; and He brought them in. God wants to care for us in the same way today. God brought Israel out of the slavery and the bondage of Egypt (vv.10-12). That’s redemption. He then brought them through the Red Sea and the wilderness. Finally, He brought them into the Promised Land. The old generation died off in their unbelief, but the new generation entered in with great glory and power and claimed their inheritance. God wants to do this for us today. He wants us to free from our sin’s slavery. He wants to bring us through the deep water and wilderness experience of life, that He might bring us into the inheritance that He has for us. Our history is already complete with God. *******^******* Today you might be facing some seemingly impossible situation in your life. Trust God to open the way for you. Let Him bring you out of your bondage and through your difficulty and bring you into your inheritance.

Psalm 136 magnifies the mercy of God. Every verse ends with the refrain, “For His mercy endures forever.” Mercy and Grace got together. God, in His grace, gives me what I don’t deserve, and God, in His mercy, does not give me what I do deserve. His mercy endures forever, and our response should be thanksgiving and praise. Praise the Lord for His wonders (v.4). “His name shall be called Wonderful” (aisa.9:6). Jesus Christ said and did wonderful things. When God touches a life, it becomes filled with wonders. Praise God for His wisdom (v.5). The God who created the universe has the wisdom to run it, and He has the wisdom you need for your life. “If anyone of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James.1:5). He’ll guide you. Praise Him for His works (v.6). Let worship God today because of His wonders. Let’s seek His guidance because of His wisdom. Let’s enjoy all that He gives to us through His manyfold creation. *******^******* You would not be saved were it not for God’s Grace and Mercy. Never take those two gifts for granted. Take time to devote and Praise Him for what He done/does in your life,

Some things in the bible are so important that God repeats them. The last versus in Psalm 135 parallel Psalm 115. Those two psalms describes the dead idols of other nations. Here we see the folly of idolatry—worshipping silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. But that’s going on today, isn’t it? Many people worship the works of their hands. How do you know what you are worshipping? The thing you work for, sacrifice for and live for is your god. For some people, its money. For others, its positions. With still others, its ambition of people. The psalmist shows us how foolish this is. Idols have mouths, yet they can’t make promises. But our God speaks to us, and He gives us promises in His Word. Idols have eyes, but they cannot see. They offer no protection. But “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” (Ps.34:15). Gods eyes are watching us every moment of the day. He never goes to sleep. He cares for His children. Idols have ears, but they cannot hear your prayers. If you talk to an idol, you are talking to yourself. But God’s ears are open to our cries. He says, “Call unto Me, and I will answer you” (Jer.33:3). The saddest thing about idolatry is that we become like the god we worship (v.18). But if we worship the true and living God, we become like Him. We are transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. *******^******* Be careful what you worship. Satan wants you to substitute many idols for the Lord. Place no gods before Him; worship Him only. Today, get rid of any idols (social media, things that you love the most than God etc.,) that might prevent your worship of the Lord.