They All Praised

 

They All Praised

Genesis 24: ²² So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold, ²³ and said, “Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in your father’s house for us to lodge?”

 

²⁴ So she said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah’s son, whom she bore to Nahor.” ²⁵ Moreover she said to him, “We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge.”

 

²⁶ Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord. ²⁷ And he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” ²⁸ So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things.

 

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Abraham’s servant realized that Rebekah was the one who GOD led him to. He gave her gold from the Garden of Eden. I believe all gold came from there. She explained who she was related to.

 

My Observations:

• Rebekah was a strong woman who had a strong mother and grandmother.
• Rebekah got excited, but used wisdom and ran to her “mother’s household.”
• Abraham’s servant praised GOD for showing mercy to Abraham.

 

Rebekah was excited, Abraham’s servant was excited and soon the entire household would be excited. Milcah must have been a prominent figure in the community. She was Haran’s daughter. Haran was Abrahm’s brother who died. Rebekah mentioned Milcah in a way that she was the one who was known.

 

Abraham’s servant thanked GOD for showing him exactly what he was looking for. He wanted Abraham to get exactly what he asked for. He may not have know how important finding Rebekah was. GOD orchestrated the scenario where Abraham’s family would become involved. They seemed to be one of the few who worshipped GOD at the time.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail over whose household Rebekah belonged to?
• What did you do when GOD answered a prayer in your favor?
• Can you praise GOD for what HE has done and what HE will do in your life?

Respect Reminder

Respect Reminder

1 Peter 3: ⁷ In the same way you husbands must live with your wives with the proper understanding that they are more delicate than you. Treat them with respect, because they also will receive, together with you, God's gift of life. Do this so that nothing will interfere with your prayers.

 

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Name calling was my new found humor. I was able to tear down people by weaving a tapestry of insults together. But when I got married, I realized that maybe I needed to stop this.

 

• I found out there were many ways I could disrespect my wife.
• I had to consider that GOD was looking at what I said and did.
• I did not know that the answer to my prayers were based on my conduct.

 

Peter turns his advice to the husband. His advice was to use “respect” and “understanding” in order to have harmony, which leads to prayers being heard.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to use “understanding” to gain harmony.
• GOD wants me to use “respect” to gain HIS gift of life.
• GOD wants me to consider why my prayers may be hindered and make adjustments.

 

Arguments and disagreements happen in marriage. I mean, two people who come together with unresolved baggage will run into disagreements. BUT GOD desires understanding and respect to come to resolution.

 

HE listens to me more when I can demonstrate understanding and respect. The goal is for all to have GOD’s gift of life by revering HIM. I gladly trade in my insults for a controlled tongue.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer discuss “understanding “ and “respect?”
• Have you ever felt a person deserves to be disrespected?
• Will you consider using “understanding” and “respect” to gain GOD’s ear today?

Available Power

Available Power

James 5: ¹⁶ So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect. ¹⁷ Elijah was the same kind of person as we are. He prayed earnestly that there would be no rain, and no rain fell on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Once again he prayed, and the sky poured out its rain and the earth produced its crops.

 

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Thinking I was by myself, I came up with plans to address my problems. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I couldn’t even breathe deeply. I called a coworker over to my apartment. He asked questions that showed he was nervous about the situation too. I began to pray because I did not know what to do. Suddenly I felt better. I went to the doctor and they could not find out what was wrong.

 

• I was scared.
• I was in pain.
• I did not know how to “fix” this.

 

James says some difficult words to hear. “Confess your sins to one another.” He implies that some, not all, ailments could be manifested by sin. He provides a remedy, namely prayer.

 

My Observations:

• Confession of my sins relieves me of guilt that could cause me to lose sleep.
• Turning away from my sins enables me to rest better because my conscience is clear.
• Asking GOD to intervene when someone tells me about his or her sins, is more powerful than gossip.

 

Praying seems weak but is extremely powerful. I mean, when I humble myself before GOD, HE is willing to listen. HE knows when I am too proud or too hateful to place things before HIM correctly. HE also knows when I am forcing HIS hand to get “my” way. BUT GOD is merciful.

 

HE brings to mind the things I need to confess and gives me an opportunity to say, “I need help with this.” HE is willing to help me when I ask for help. HE is delighted when I tell others I need help in an area of my life. HE then surrounds me with the right people to guide me back to HIM. I am glad HE is willing to heal me and put me back on the right path.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention confession when he later talks about being healed?
• Do you believe in the power of prayer?
• Why don’t you get your way all the time?
• Wil you tap into the power of prayer by confessing and talking to GOD on someone else’s behalf today?

Unexpected Answer

Unexpected Answer

Hebrews 5: ⁷ In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. ⁸ But even though he was God's Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient. ⁹ When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him, ¹⁰ and God declared him to be high priest, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.

 

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“LORD please take this problem away” was my cry. I had just started following GOD’s ways and it seemed like my request went unheard. Eventually I stopped crying out because it seemed like things were just not going to change.

 

• I wanted “my” way.
• I wanted the problem to be solved the way I thought it should.
• I wanted a solution to “my” trial to be put in place where, when and how I thought it should.

 

Paul, the assumed author is revealed that even JESUS cried out, wanting something else to happen, but did not get that desire fulfilled. HE was willing to die, but did not want to go through the agony of death, nor be blamed for every sin. HE wanted to be saved from death. BUT GOD had another answer to HIS cry.

 

My Observations

• I don’t want to go through the pain and agony of life, BUT GOD allows it so I can do something greater
• I cry out to GOD to take away any pain that I or anyone I know may go through, BUT GOD understands why I need to go through pain versus going around it.
• I ask GOD to take away any trial, trouble or tribulation, BUT GOD has a purpose for anything I go through and it always ends up better than I expected.

 

Let me say out loud that growing up is hard! I mean, when I have to go through pain, I usually want to whine about it and tell a lot of people about the agony I am going through in hopes of comfort or sympathy. BUT GOD has a different plan that grows me up from being a child, spiritually.

 

HE takes me through the trial instead of me going around it. HE does something better… HE goes through the trial with me. JESUS went through pain, suffering and agony, just for you and me. HIS obedience “taught” HIM that the pain would be worth it because the bigger plan would save everyone. I am grateful that JESUS stayed the course, so maybe I should too.

 

Challenge

• What thing was “learned” as the writer puts it?
• Have you ever gone through a trial and realized you were better off because of it?
• Will you look to GOD and know HE has the best plan for you to grow your faith and to prosper you to HIS rewards today?

Reliance

 

Reliance

2 Corinthians 1: ⁸ We want to remind you, friends, of the trouble we had in the province of Asia. The burdens laid upon us were so great and so heavy that we gave up all hope of staying alive. ⁹ We felt that the death sentence had been passed on us. But this happened so that we should rely, not on ourselves, but only on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ From such terrible dangers of death he saved us, and will save us; and we have placed our hope in him that he will save us again, ¹¹ as you help us by means of your prayers for us. So it will be that the many prayers for us will be answered, and God will bless us; and many will raise their voices to him in thanksgiving for us.

 

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Huge tractor trailer trucks and speeding cars were the norm on this stretch of road. Our car was relatively new and we wanted to take it on a road trip. It was raining so I slowed down to just a little over the speed limit. I hit a large puddle and lost control of the car for a moment. We spun around in an almost complete circle, leaving us in perpendicular, blocking all lanes. No one hit us and we did not hit anything.

 

• This was nothing short of a miracle that we are still alive.
• When the danger hit, it seemed like there was nothing I could do but pray “Help LORD!”
• This deliverance has helped me remember where to put my reliance years after the incident.

 

Paul gives some startling news about the near death situations that happened on their trip. They had given up hope, BUT GOD saved them and showed HIS ability to protect when there seemed to be no way out.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to rely on HIS power, not mine.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS plan not mine.
• GOD wants me to wait on HIS time, HIS way and HIS will.

 

Relying on my skills or someone else’s is futile. I mean, whatever a human can do or say is useless compared to what GOD can and will do. All situations, no matter how bleak, must go before HIM. HE knows when death asks to have me and so far the answer has been “No!”

 

HE gives me another chance to speak about JESUS to at least one more person. HE also provides me with many people, who have face danger, to pray for me and I for them. I am glad HE listens to prayers of thanksgiving.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writers excitement for being alive?
• Who does the writer give credit to?
• Will you reduce your reliance on yourself and others today; and increase your reliance on GOD, who raises the dead?

Anything with Prayer

Amos 7: This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king’s share had been harvested and just as the late crops were coming up. ² When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, “Sovereign Lord, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!”

³ So the Lord relented.

“This will not happen,” the Lord said.

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When another problem popped up I sprang into action. I had been around some very smart and confident people who seemed to be able to “think” their way out of situations, so I put my brain to the test. When my plans failed horribly I then turned to GOD.

• Sometimes I think I can outsmart my situation.
• Sometimes I think I can out-plan my situation.
• Sometimes I think I can out-finance my situation.

“If I just had a little more money” or “If I just had another lesson” or “If I just had a better car, phone or suit” then, and I would fill in the blank to my desire. I would then start acting on my plan. While this seems quite harmless there is one missing important ingredient, namely GOD.

• GOD wants me to pray to HIM before I move forward.
• GOD wants me to believe HE listens to my prayers so I must have faith in HIS decisions.
• GOD wants me to cry out to HIM in any situation, knowing HE wants what is best for me.

Even the largest situation that could have affected many people was turned back because of prayer. GOD still hears prayer. HE is listening right now waiting on my cry. I love GOD’s patience with me!

“LORD, please bless the reader right now. Let them know YOU care by handling their most difficult situation right now! Forgive! amen.

• Do you have a large situation you are facing?
• Do you feel there is no way out?
• Can you cry to the LORD and ask HIM for forgiveness today?

Short and to the Point

Psalm 117: ¹ Praise the Lord, all you nations;
    extol him, all you peoples.
² For great is his love toward us,
    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord.

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Shocked at the brevity of this chapter the words stand out that much more.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM on a daily basis for this reduces complaints.
• GOD wants me to extol HIM for this helps me recognize HIS great love towards me and to see HIS endless faithfulness towards supporting me.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM to remove the thing that makes me not want to praise HIM.

Something blocks me from praising GOD sometimes. Whether it is a circumstance that I’m pouting at or a sin that I have just committed, there are times I just don’t feel like praising GOD. BUT GOD understands. HE is not arrogant or needy. HE knows that when I can wake up and praise HIM, my stony heart will melt to see HIM as HE is, full of love for me. Praise GOD for HIS mercy!

• Are you feeling lost?
• Do you feel like you cannot praise GOD because of your circumstance?
• Do you know HE understands and does not have pressured expectations of you?
• Will you flow like a river today and allow GOD to do HIS thing?
• Will you open your mouth today and praise GOD with audible words?

A Passionate Prayer

Psalm 69: ¹³ But I pray to you, Lord,
    in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
    answer me with your sure salvation.
¹⁴ Rescue me from the mire,
    do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
    from the deep waters.
¹⁵ Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
    or the depths swallow me up
    or the pit close its mouth over me.

¹⁶ Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;
    in your great mercy turn to me.
¹⁷ Do not hide your face from your servant;
    answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
¹⁸ Come near and rescue me;
    deliver me because of my foes.

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“LORD Help!” were the only words I could think of as my car began to skid. One moment I was driving steady the next my car began to wag and almost spun out of control. The car skidded through a red light of a usually busy street. No one hit us.

• Sometimes I am in immediate danger.
• Sometimes I need help right now!
• Sometimes I am in trouble and the situation is dire.

David was sick and tired of being sick and tired. At one time he was praised and at this moment he was being hunted for execution. I feel the same way at times. I chalk up life’s lessons as something to store up in my memory but there are times when trouble really seems to get heavier and hotter. What can I do?

• GOD says to me “In times of trouble call to ME and I will save you.”
• GOD says to me “No matter where you think you are I have MY arms open wide for you.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD.”

Some trials make me go into action and I put my hands into things GOD should be handling, but there are other times when I have no time to plan, grab on or fix my trouble. Only GOD can handle the situation and all I can do is say “GOD Help!.” Just like the Psalmist said, “GOD knows my folly and my guilt is not hidden from HIM.”  GOD’s grace is the focus in times of trouble.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel you are running out of time?
• Can you focus on GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you rely on GOD rather than your power?

A wonderful Prayer for You!

Psalm 20: ¹ May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
² May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion.
³ May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.
⁴ May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
⁵ May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

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What a delightful prayer! When I read this prayer I quickly realized that I need to align my thoughts to GOD’s. Any thought I have needs to be measured against HIS word and ways because they could be answered with positive or negative outcomes. I did realize something.

• GOD hears me when I am in distress and is planning something great for me.
• GOD sends help and grants support for me even when I don’t see it.
• GOD sees any sacrifice I have made, especially the ones no one else knows.
• GOD knows the desires of my heart even before I am aware of them and HE does not take them lightly, so HE makes strong plans for them to succeed.
• GOD gives victory and grants requests so this allows me to shout praise to HIM!

Fasting Prayer Belief

Ezra 8: ²¹ There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. ²² I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” ²³ So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

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Upon reading this I could not think of an example because the message was too powerful. There were too many elements that caught my eye.

Ezra declared a fast to humble the group.

            What I hear is I need to fast every now and then to see just how much I need GOD.

Ezra asked GOD for a safe journey, not only for himself but everyone who traveled with him.

            What I hear is I need to ask GOD for HIS protection of all those HE sends to me.

Ezra was ashamed to ask the king to protect them because of their belief in GOD’s deliverance.

            What I hear is belief takes faith and the acceptance of trouble or protection from GOD.

Ezra did what he said by fasting and praying and GOD answered their prayer.

            What I hear is believe and move forward because GOD is listening.

This is an amazing piece of history because GOD delivered a weak broken band of people, who were carrying valuable items, from thieves and enemies who could care less about them.  I imagine they didn’t sleep very well during this three day journey. I imagine they felt frightened yet driven to complete the task at hand.

Depending on GOD every step of the way must have felt pretty scary BUT GOD was faithful and protected them, not because they were sinless, but because HE is GOD.

• Are you about to go through a trial?
• Do you feel you are holding fast to your beliefs?
• Have you taken time to humble yourself by fasting and praying?
• Will you take the time to ask GOD for HIS protection of you, the people around you and your stuff?

Ask with sincerity

1 Chronicles 4: ¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

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Getting more stuff seems like such a greedy prayer to me, so I had to look at this prayer again and ponder it. Many people have told me “You have not because you ask not.” Others say “Just name it and claim it.” BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM.

• GOD was pleased when Solomon asked for wisdom.
• GOD was please when Moses asked for direction.
• GOD was pleased when the widow asked for her son to be brought back to life.

I have to ask myself “Why do I need more of what I’m asking for?” What will I do when I have an excess of whatever I get? I had a frank conversation with GOD to see if I could handle more money and the answer was “No” at the time.

I had a lot of it so I spent an exorbitant amount of time trying to protect it. In fact when someone asked for it I would quickly assess whether they “deserved” it or would they squander it on something pitiful.  My generosity diminished as fewer and fewer would meet my measure. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to be generous before I am wealthy so I can handle it when I am.
• GOD wants me to let HIM discern how someone will spend any money I give away.
• GOD wants me to be generous to those HE sends me and remove my worries about where money will come from.

When money is the focus of the prayer I am blinded to the greatness of GOD, but when GOD is the focus of prayer my eyes are opened to HIS power and wealth. HE is the one who gives in abundance as long as my motives are focused on HIM and my faith is not dependent on cash.

• Are you praying for more money?
• Have you ever wondered why you this prayer has not been answered?
• If you are praying for a larger title or more money, how will this benefit GOD’s kingdom?
• If you know how more stuff will benefit the kingdom can you start acting like it without the title or the cash?

GOD’s Blessings

2 Samuel 2:1 In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked.

The Lord said, “Go up.”

David asked, “Where shall I go?”

“To Hebron,” the Lord answered.

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⁴ Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.

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“How do you know GOD is talking to you?” many people have asked me. I can’t quite describe it, but it usually starts with my troubles, doubts fears and even desires.

• When I’m worried and see no way out GOD says to me “Have peace” and I calm down.
• When I’m troubled and disturbed GOD says to me “Rest besides still waters” and I relax.
• When I’m full of doubt and filled with fear GOD says to me “Have faith” and I let go of the unknown.

GOD speaks to me through reading and trying to understand HIM. Reading the Bible alone won’t do it. HE also speaks to me through people HE has put into my life. I’m not talking about some person who spontaneously appears rather HE places the right person at the right time, just when I need them.

GOD also speaks through circumstances HE places in my life. Whether they seem “bad” or “good,” GOD shows me HIS power and might on a daily basis.

• I know it’s GOD when HE tells me to do something that requires total faith in HIM.
• I know it’s GOD when HE tells me to do something that will grow HIS kingdom.
• I know it’s GOD when HE tells me to do something that aligns with the Bible.
• I know it’s GOD when HE tells me to do something that the HOLY SPIRIT inside me agrees with.

I could go on and on about the many “coincidences” that have happened in my life that only came from GOD. Examples like inadvertently turning down a street and seeing someone I was supposed to see or waking up while driving only to see I was safe or being catapulted to high ranks with an impoverished background, strengthen my faith in HIM all the more.

How do I know GOD is talking to me? I just do!

• Can you hear GOD?
• Is HE speaking to you today?
• Is HE asking you to trust in HIM fully and drop your fears, doubts and worries?
• Can you see HIM working in the middle of trials?
• Won’t you pursue learning about HIM today?

Do I really want what I want?

1 Samuel 8: ⁴ So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. ⁵ They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”

⁶ But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. ⁷ And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 

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With my first lottery ticket in hand, I waited anxiously to see the results. I prayed “Please, please, PLEASE let me win the lottery!” It was quite a memorable experience because each of my numbers was off by one or two.

Years later, on a mission’s trip to another country, I sat worried over all of the money I had earned. I was quite wealthy so my thoughts of worked piled up. The man I sat across from only had a hut, some cows and a lemon tree. He was at peace and I was discontented. I got what I prayed for.

• Sometimes I pray for something that is not good for me.
• Sometimes I want my way instead of wanting what GOD wants for me.
• Sometimes I beg GOD to allow me to touch the fire.

Looking back on my tears of desire I realize some of my disappointments were really silly and some were against GOD’s ways. I pouted when I couldn’t fulfill my lustful desires and I pouted when others seemed to be able to. Little did I know that GOD was protecting me.

• GOD wants me to look at HIM as my provider.
• GOD wants me to see HIS treasure as something to seek after.
• GOD wants me to desire HIM and HIS ways over any material gain I could ever receive on this planet.

The Israelites sought power, fame and wealth. Deep down I wanted these as well, but when I received them I found the top of the mountain I dreamt of didn’t have green lush pastures rather dead grass filled with fear, anxiety and lack of compassion. I had to become cold, callous and driven to remain at the top.

GOD wants me to listen to HIM and be compassionate to all, dropping my prejudices toward groups and providing GOD’s love where needed.

• Are you asking for something GOD doesn’t want you to have?
• Do you think you would be better off spiritually if you received the thing you ask for?
• Won’t you let go of “that” thing and let GOD provide for you?
• Can you operate under the assumption that if GOD wants you to have something, nothing can stop you from getting it?

Keeping my side of the promise

1 Samuel 1: ¹⁰ In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. ¹¹ And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

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¹⁹ Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. ²⁰ So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

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 ²⁷ I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. ²⁸ So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

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“LORD, if you would just grant me this [insert wish] I will never do this again!” were my empty words on many occasions. This usually meant I was pulled over for speeding or doing something else I shouldn’t have been doing. GOD has actually granted my “wish” at that time and not so soon afterwards, I found myself doing “that” thing again.

• When I want my way I call out to GOD with an empty prayer.
• When I want to get out of facing the consequences I call out to GOD with an empty prayer.
• When I want my sin to be overlooked instead of forgiven I call out to GOD with an empty prayer.

I have made empty promises to GOD and HE doesn’t take them lightly. HE looks at a vow as a word chipped in stone. If I break my word then HE has consequences for me.

• GOD made promises to me regarding salvation so HE takes promises seriously.
• GOD made promises to me regarding protection so HE takes promises seriously.
• GOD made promises to me regarding life so HE takes promises seriously.

If I act wishy washy in regards to my promises to HIM why should I expect HIM to believe my prayer isn’t just a selfish cry for more stuff or more power. GOD would rather I not promise than to state a promise I never intended to keep. GOD hates manipulation but loves when I keep a promise to HIM.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD or someone else?
• Do you think GOD will listen to you if you have no intention of keeping your promise?
• Won’t you try adjusting your prayer to include a vow to GOD you will keep?
• Won’t you keep your promise once GOD has blessed you with your desire?

GOD gives hope

Judges 2: ¹⁸ Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them.

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Staring out the windshield, my mind pleaded with the bus driver to move a little faster. It was cold and the bus was late so I could miss my connection. I could see the other bus loading passengers as our bus crept sluggishly to the stop.

I ran out waving my arms and hands to no avail. My friend and I had missed the bus and we had to stand there shivering for an eternity! A car horn blew at us. One of the teacher’s saw us and gave us a ride all the way to school. (You could do that back then). She rescued us at the right time!

• Sometimes things look bleak and I lose hope.
• Sometimes things look impossible and I lose hope.
• Sometimes the word passes me by and I lose hope.

There have been many situations in which it “seemed” like there was no hope. After whatever expectation I set in my mind wasn’t met, I would desire to sit in the corner balled up like a baby. Just when I lose hope GOD does something different.

• When I stop fretting I can open my eyes to who GOD delivered to rescue me.
• When I stop pouting I can open my eyes to see who GOD sent to help me.
• When I stop feeling sorry for myself I can open my eyes to see GOD at work on HIS masterful plan.

Troubling situations never feel good. They cause me to groan and moan like the best of them. BUT GOD has delivered me from so many troubling situations, I can hardly count them. HE leads me besides still waters. HE restores my soul.

• Are you worried about your situation?
• Do you find yourself in the same cycle of worry and deliverance?
• Can you break the cycle and put your trust in GOD for good?
• Won’t you tell someone about HIS deliverance?