Resolutions PM#0522

PM#0522

Resolutions

Heb 3:13

Resolutions, Resolution.  When New Years comes, we think we have to make resolutions.  While resolutions may or not be a good thing, depending on what they are, perhaps we should take time to ask the Lord to help us draw closer to Him in the coming year. 

When we draw closer to the Lord, it will give us a new perspective on life.  There is a song that has a phrase, old things are past away, new things are here to stay.  One of the new things may be wanting to find ways to help those who have a need.    Another might be to pray for others.  All of these show God’s Love is working in your life, give opportunity to encourage others.  See Heb 3:13.

So, as a New Year approaches, take time to ask the Lord to help you grow closer to Him.  Here is a simple prayer to consider:  Father, help me to grow closer to you this next year. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection questions:

What happens if we do not make a resolution?

Why is it important to ask the Lord’s help?

As we draw closer to the Lord—how does that affect the work of God’s Love in our life?

PM#0521 Immanuel Is 7 vs14

PM#0521

Immanuel (Emmanuel)

Is 7:14

During the Christmas season, we hear the phrase ‘God with us’.  It is from Isaiah 7 vs 14 referring to the name Immanuel, which is often interpreted as ‘God with us’.

The name Immanuel carries even more significance. The letters of Hebrew words have meaning and looking at meanings of the letters of Immanuel.

We find that the letters used in the name Immanuel refer to a Strong Leader who is Jesus Christ, who came to earth for us through the mighty knowledge and insight of God  and secured life for us, by dying for us at Calvary.  It was the greatest action of love that has ever been seen. Not only is God with us, but He has secured life for us through His Son, Jesus!

All we have to do is to believe in Him.

Now when you hear the name Immanuel, remember it speaks of why Christ came to earth.  He wants us to believe in Him, and when we do, truly God is with us.

Tears, Grief, Deep Pain

PM#0520

Tears, Grief, Deep Pain

Matt 2:18, Heb 4:16, Ps 56:8

There are times when grief like billows roll;

At these times no tongue can express the deep pain of heart;

Nor can words can wipe the tears away.

When these times come, our emotions are so ragged,

that we do not know where to turn, or even turn to God.

Still we must remember there is one, who sees those tears--God.

Though we may not see Him, His is present bottling up all those tears,

--your tears and my tears.

Can we ever pray?  When we are so stunned and numb—

Perhaps maybe just a few broken words but that is all.

God understands, so go ahead and ask Him for His help.

It truly is a time of need, and God’s Word says to come to Him.

Consider this prayer:  Father, I do not understand what is going on.  I ask you help.  Be near and help me.  Thank you, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0519 Expectations, Prayer, and God's Word

PM#0519

Expectations, Prayer, and God’s Word

I John 5:14-15

What are your expectations when you pray?  You may have a quick answer, but do stop for a moment and think.  Many people when they pray ask God for something.  They get discouraged when answers are slow in coming or do not come.

When we look at God’s word in I John 5:14-15, we find that God listens and answers prayer when we ask according to His Will.  God’s will is found in God’s Word.

Now ask yourself, have you taken time to get to know God’s Word, and let it help you with your prayers?  Perhaps we should take time to learn God’s Word and let it help us with our prayers.  When we do that, God’s Word will guide us as we pray and you will see more answers to prayer.

Consider this prayer:  Father, help me to learn your word, and may it help me as I pray.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection questions:

Have you ever considered why God’s Word is given to us to help us in our praying?  Take a moment and share your thoughts on this question.

Why would the use of God’s word in our prayers help us see answers to prayer?

PM#0518 Hurt,Pain, and Woundedness

PM#0518

Hurt, Pain, and Woundedness

Where there is hurt and pain, it is hard to have a teachable spirit; one that can listen to others and build relationships.   Sometimes that hurt and pain is suppressed.  Hurt and pain cause woundedness.  When woundedness is present, we may hide behind it protectively, because our pride was hurt and it seeks to protect itself.  During these times, those actions of protectiveness sometimes use justification of what we did, to protect the hurt.  

What we do not take into account is that these actions hurt our relationship with others and Jesus. 

What can we do?  Most importantly, we will need God’s help and we can ask for that help through humility and prayer. 

Consider this prayer—Father, help me to give the pain and hurt that I have to you.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: Do you have hidden pain?—some may say not, but in reality it is possible that there are things that have happened that are suppressed or just long forgotten about that have hurt you.  Has time healed the wound of that hurt?—most likely not.  Are you aware of who is the healer?  It is possible that He can heal a deep deep hurt?—That person is Jesus.  If you have experience healing of a very deep hurt—consider taking a moment and share your experience.  It may encourage someone else.

PM#0517 Difficult times and Thanksgiving Heb 13 vs 5

PM#0517

Difficult Times and Thanksgiving

Heb 13:5

In difficult times—when issues come up—how do we turn around and give thanks???  That is a good question for most of us.  Peter was faced with the reality of angry waves when he got out of the boat and sank.  His only hope was Jesus—and he cried out to Jesus who was there for him.

The important question is, when these very difficult issues exist, how can we genuinely give thanks to God? 

Look at Hebrews 13:5 which says “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  No matter how difficult the circumstance that we face, God has said He will never leave us.  I for one can find a way to be thankful for that promise.

Here is a simple prayer to consider with times are difficult:  Father, thank you for your promise that you will not leave me and will be with me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection:

There is a song:

Just keep your eyes on Jesus,

As Peter learned to do,

When he walked that stormy sea of Galilee.

Though satan’s darts are hurled,

Just keep your eyes on Him,

And He will guide you all the way.

Writer:  Lewis Turner

What storms have you faced recently?

What would have happened to Peter if he did not look to Jesus?

Look at Heb 13:5 and share how that verse can encourage us in a storm.

PM#0516 Encouraging Others?

Heb 3:13

How well do you know your acquaintances?  If you have worked with them, maybe you know something about them, but are you really interested in learning about them?

That is only a question you can answer, but consider this—How can we encourage someone if we don’t not know anything about?

The Bible says in Heb 3:13 to encourage one another.  Also, that verse says the encouragement should be daily.

Now how do we start encouraging others when we have not be reaching out and encouraging them?  It will take some help—help that comes from God.  A good place to start is to ask God’s help to encourage others.  He will help you if you genuinely want His help.

Take time and consider this prayer—“Father, help me to listen to my friend and encourage Him your way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.