Praise God for Answered Prayer!
1 Comment
What about when prayers seemingly go unheard? Try our online interactive life lesson “Why Doesn’t God Answer my Prayer?“
Praise God for Answered Prayer [2:53m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for October 30th, AM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.
“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart” Psalm 9:1
Praise should always follow answered prayer, just like the mist of earth’s gratitude rises when the sun of heaven’s love warms the ground. Has the Lord been gracious to you, and heard your voice as your earnestly pray? Then praise Him as long as you live! Don’t deny a song to Him who has answered your prayer and given you the desire of your heart.
To be silent over God’s mercies is to incur the guilt of ingratitude. It is to act as ungratefully as the nine lepers. After they were cured of their leprosy, they did not even bother to return to give thanks to the Lord who healed them. (Luke 17:11-19)
To forget to praise God is to refuse to benefit ourselves. Praise, like prayer, is one great means of growing our spiritual life. It helps to remove our burdens, to excite our hope, and to increase our faith. It is a healthy and invigorating exercise which quickens the pulse of the believer, and nerves us for fresh enterprises in our Master’s service.
To bless God for His mercy is also a way to benefit our fellow brothers and sisters: “My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.” (Psalm 34:2) Others who have been in similar circumstances will take comfort if we say, “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:3-4) Weak hearts will be strengthened, and weak souls will be revived as they listen to our “songs of deliverance.” Their doubts and fears will be assuaged, as we teach and encourage one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Then they too will “sing in the ways of the Lord” when they hear us praising His holy name.
Praise is the most heavenly of Christian duties. The angels do not pray, but they never cease to praise both day and night. And we the redeemed, clothed in white robes, with palm-branches in our hands, should never grow tired of singing the new song, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
Question: Has your prayer been answered lately? Please share it with us, or a story about how God has answered your prayer in the past.
About this Author: Charles Spurgeon
Religion Renewed
No Comments
Feel like your spiritual gifts aren’t being utilized? We need male mentors, especially those with experience with teens. But whether you have experience or not, please consider becoming an online mentor in your spare time!
Religion Renewed [2:43m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Please open your Bible and read John 2:1-11.
What’s the significance of Jesus’ miracle of turning water to wine? It’s easy to understand His healing miracles and multiplying bread and fishes to feed the multitudes. But why water to wine?
Was Jesus just showing off? I don’t think so. Let’s carefully consider the details of what happened at that famous wedding in Cana. The problem: The wedding guests are out of wine. (Clearly the party is getting late!) Jesus’ mother tells him about this (which would have been quite embarrassing to the wedding party) and he decides to do something about it.
Verse 6 carefully notes the type of jars Jesus instructed the servants to fill with water: “six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing”. Why is this important? Even though there would’ve been plenty of empty wine containers around he could have used Jesus instead instructed them to use the jars which were specifically intended for Jewish religious cleansing rituals! Imagine the indignity of the Jewish leaders: He’s desecrated their sacred jars! He had done nothing morally wrong or against God’s word, but he had, on purpose, offended their self-righteous religious traditions.
There’s other important messages that we could draw from Jesus’ water to wine miracle, but an important one is this: Jesus came to offer us not just new life, but life “to the full” (John 10:10). Jesus was never about religion for the sake of religion, and never wanted us to be constrained by trite ritual and dreary religious routine.
If your spiritual life seems trite and dreary lately, it could be time to re-read the gospels keeping an eye out for the scandal of Jesus’ ministry. We often miss the scandal because we’re so used to hearing it! You might also examine your church to identify the traditions that are honoring to God and inspiring to God’s people … and on the other hand any traditions that are merely legalistic religious jars, just begging to be emptied out and filled with fantastic new wine!
Question: Are there religious traditions in your life (or church) that have become mere rituals, and need to be renewed for the glory of God?
About this Author: Darren Hewer
[Thanks goes to pastor Bruxy Cavey of The Meeting House church whose writing inspired this devotional.]
The Package
No Comments
Having trouble trusting God lately? Sometimes talking to someone about it can help. Our mentors are available online to listen, confidentially.
Recently I got a package notice from the post office. Because I was not expecting a package, I thought, “Oh no, it’s probably a package from some company that I will not want, so I will have to go to the trouble of sending it back …”
Later that day a good friend mentioned to me that I should be getting something in the mail from him. Well, my attitude about the package waiting for me at the post office changed immediately because I now knew who had sent it! I was excited to see what it was, so I went expectantly to the post office as soon as I could. I was delighted to get a set of stainless steel pots for backpacking as a thank you from some friends I had recently taken on a backpacking trip! I fired off a thank you note that night.
Later that evening I had a thought … In life there are many unexpected packages. Some I like and others I don’t. I have come to realize that no matter what comes, God is in control.
Even in moments of bewilderment or despair in the past, when I would have loved to have written, “RETURN TO SENDER”, I have survived and even come to a point of anticipating the future because I chose to focus on the Sender, and on the knowledge that God does love me and really does know and care about my life’s circumstances. Sometimes I have doubted but in those moments I always come back to the cross as the ultimate proof of God’s love. Jesus died for me, he proved his love. The words of Romans 8:28 are profound: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”
What are the packages you hold today? Can you trust that God does have a plan? The nation of Israel was dealing with the reality of being in captivity, and in Jeremiah 29:11 God reassures them by saying, “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
Questions: Can you trust him? What about writing Him a thank you note?
About this Author: Mike Woodard
Help That’s Really Help
2 Comments
Chat online with your fellow brothers and sisters to encourage one-another in our faith: Join our daily online chats!
Help That's Really Help [3:16m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” Galatians 6:1, NLT
Because I am so good at it, and because it is so wrong and yet so easy to do, I talk a lot about all the subtle ways we sit in judgment over one another. As I do this, I am often asked about how we hold each other accountable to the truth if we are not supposed to judge. This verse is what that’s all about, but even this verse is often misconstrued into judging someone without any attempt to really do what it says. Let me show you what I mean:
Dear brothers and sisters … if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should be happy about your relative godliness, because you haven’t fallen like this person has.
Dear brothers and sisters … if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should find out as many details as you can about what this person is up to so you can make it a matter of prayer with all your mutual friends.
Dear brothers and sisters … if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should ostracize that person from your fellowship.
Dear brothers and sisters … if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should avoid bringing anything up about it at all.
No, it says to restore that person, humbly and gently, and that means getting involved personally, and it means sharing you own life and your own vulnerabilities. Which might look something like this:
You go to that person and tell them what they are doing is wrong. Use scripture, not your opinion. Perhaps ask them to read a portion that applies to their situation and talk about what they think it means. Tell them of your own struggles with sin, what your hardest battle is at the moment, and how they might be able to help you. Ask them if they want help and make yourself available to help them be accountable. Help them get help from someone more qualified if it’s beyond you. Tell them that you love them and they can’t shake you whatever they do. Tell them that you are sticking by them regardless, so that if they decide to sin again, they are dragging you in with them.
And do be careful, because no one is so godly that they are beyond falling into the same temptation as well, and knowing this is what will keep you humble, and not judgmental, as you seek to help.
Question: Is there someone you know who needs godly guidance? How can you approach them in a way that will be winsome to their understanding while still honoring to God?
About this Author: John Fischer
The One and Only
No Comments
An interactive Bible study can help you focus your eyes more specifically on God and help you appreciate His glory … try one today!
The One and Only [2:32m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Two of our three daughters were born in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We lived in the North Zone, separated from our doctor’s office and hospital by a tunnel-pierced mountain range. During Denalyn’s many months of pregnancy, we made the drive often.
We didn’t complain. Signs of life do a samba on every street corner. Copacabana and her bathers. Ipanema and her coffee bars. Gavea and her glamour. We never begrudged the South Zone forays. But they sure did bewilder me. I kept getting lost. I’m directionally challenged anyway, prone to take a wrong turn between the bedroom and the bathroom. Complicate my disorientation with randomly mapped three-hundred-year-old streets, and I don’t stand a chance.
I had one salvation. Jesus. Literally, Jesus. The Christ the Redeemer statue. The figure stands guard over the city, one hundred twenty-five feet tall with an arm span of nearly a hundred feet. More than a thousand tons of reinforced steel. The head alone measures ten feet from chin to scalp. Perched a mile and a half above sea level on Corcovado Mountain, the elevated Jesus is always visible. Especially to those who are looking for it. Since I was often lost, I was often looking. As a sailor seeks land, I searched for the statue, peering between the phone lines and rooftops for the familiar face. Find him and find my bearings.
John 3:16 offers you an identical promise. The verse elevates Christ to thin-air loftiness, crowning him with the most regal of titles: “One and Only Son.”
Do what I did in Rio. Seek him out. Lift up your eyes, and set your sights on Jesus. No passing glances or occasional glimpses. Enroll in his school. Make him your polestar, your point of reference. Search the crowded streets and shadow-casting roofs until you spot his face, and then set your sights on him.
You’ll find more than a hospital.
You’ll find the Only One and Only.
From 3:16, the Numbers of Hope
Copyright 2007, Max Lucado
Used by permission
Question: Where do your eyes turn when you need guidance?
About this Author: Max Lucado
Principles of Prosperity
2 Comments
Need prayer? We’re always here to pray with you. Please contact us and let us know your prayer requests!
Principles of Prosperity [2:33m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:10-13
Remember the truth that God owns it all? When we have a firm grasp of this concept and apply it to our thinking and handling of money, we will have mastered the first principle of prosperity. If we realize that everything we see in our world is His, then we will begin to realize that we literally own nothing; we are merely stewards handling the wealth of our Master. As money managers, we must understand that we do not have the right to dictate how it is to be spent or invested; only God does. He is still in control, and He wants to have the final word in the matter.
The second principle of prosperity is that God wants His resources used in a way that glorifies Him. Not only does He own it all and have the right to tell us how to manage it, but He also expects us to obey. Our obedience in money matters brings Him glory. The Lord wants us to keep this in mind as we put His resources into circulation to accomplish His work, to meet basic needs, and to provide enjoyment.
So, for the New Year, ask God these three questions: How much do You want to be designated for Your work? What proportion should go to meet my basic needs and the needs of others? How much do You want me to utilize to enjoy life?
When we accept that God owns it all, that we are His money managers, and that our resources are to be used to glorify Him, then we will be satisfied with His choices for how to use the money we have. How satisfied are you?
Question: How satisfied are you, in life in general, and more specifically with your spiritual life & walk with God?
About this Author: Charles Stanley
Walking with Integrity
No Comments
If you feel like you’d like someone to walk with you in your walk with God, keeping you accountable in your integrity with kindness and genuine concern, please feel free to confidentially contact an online mentor today.
Walking in Integrity [1:51m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9
Have you noticed how your stomach turns into knots when you tell a lie?
We are dishonest for a lot of reasons: we fear how we might appear, what others might think, and how it might impact us. But, when it comes right down to it, we usually lie because we think it will make things “better.” We see an advantage in the lie.
But this proverb shows two practical advantages that always come with the truth.
1) Security — Without integrity we feel like we’re walking on Jell-O, never quite sure if it will hold us up or when it will let us down.
But the truth is always rock solid, and that brings us security and peace of mind. When you tell the truth you never have to worry about remembering to whom you told what lie. Just think of how much less complicated life would be!
2) Peace of Mind — You’re going to be found out in the end anyway! So, you may as well tell the truth as soon as possible. Then you’re not always looking over your shoulder.
To paraphrase Rick Warren, “He who lacks integrity in the beginning will eventually be exposed in the end.”
There is a tough question in all of this. Is there a lie you’ve been torturing yourself to keep covered? I encourage you to do what may be the bravest thing you’ve ever done: ask God for the courage and strength to tell the truth.
Point to ponder: Telling the truth brings security and peace of mind.
Verse: “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)
What will you do about it: Come clean. If you’ve been living a lie, ask God for the courage to start living the truth. Trust him for the outcome and begin living honestly.
Prayer: Ask God to stop you from lying. Ask him to convict you whenever you begin to tell half-truths or outright lies.
About this Author: Tom Holladay
The Promises and the Promiser
1 Comment
Need encouragement during a rough time? A reminder of God’s promises? Sometimes exploring God’s Word, through our interactive life lessons like the “Discover Your God” series, can help!
The Promises and the Promiser [2:37m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for July 27th, AM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.
“Exceeding great and precious promises.” 2 Peter 1:4, KJV
If you would like to put into practice the preciousness of God’s promises, and enjoy them personally, meditate on them. God’s promises are like grapes in a wine-press: If you tread on them the juice will flow. Thinking over God’s holy words will often lead to their fulfillment in your own life. While you ponder them, the blessing you seek will often come to you in ways you don’t even expect. Many Christians who have thirsted for God’s promises have found the divine favor which they ensure gently comforting into their soul and causing great rejoicing in their hearts.
Besides meditating on God’s promises, seek to receive them as being the very words of God. Say to yourself, “If I were dealing with a mere human being’s promise, I would need to carefully weigh the ability and the character of the person who promised me. But with the promises of God, even though the greatness of the promise itself may stagger me, my eye must instead be fixated on the greatness of the Promiser.” That will comfort you and give you confidence in His words.
My friend, it is God Almighty who has made these promises. God, who cannot lie, who speaks His promises to you: That “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) His Word is as true as His own existence. God is unchangeable and He has not changed anything which has come out of His mouth, and never called back one single word. He lacks no power, for this is the God that made the heavens and the earth. And He can never lack wisdom, because He in his infinite understanding He knows when it is best to give and when better to take away.
Therefore, seeing that it is the word of a God true, unchangeable, powerful, and so incomparably wise, I will and must believe His promises. If we meditate on His promises, and consider the Promiser, we will experience their sweetness and fulfillment.
Question: Which of God’s promises will you take hold of today and claim for yourself, believing it in wholeheartedly?
About this Author: Charles Spurgeon
The Challenge to End Well
2 Comments
If you’re looking for a new way to serve God (from the comfort of your own hope) that will have an amazing impact, consider volunteer opportunities online with TruthMedia!
The Challenge to End Well [2:24m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10
What is true in track and field is equally true in life: how we end the race is more important than how we begin. God does not take new believers straight to heaven upon salvation. Instead, He leaves us here on earth and gives each of us a ministry to carry out with Christ’s all - sufficient power.
God has specifically designed a place of service to fit our personality, gifts, and abilities. He also equips and strengthens us to be able to meet the challenges of that call. The believer’s responsibility is to obey with joy.
Too many Christians approach ministry with stingy hearts, investing as few hours as possible so that they can return to work or personal pursuits. Corporations do not own us; neither do we belong to ourselves. We are adopted sons and daughters of the Father God, and as such, we honor Him first.
Show me a man who works ten hours a day and thinks he doesn’t have time to assist the Lord’s work, and I’ll show you a man who is wasting ten good hours he could be using to serve clients and coworkers for Jesus. Service does not have to be “religious” or take place in the church. Don’t try to separate spirituality from day - to - day reality - truly satisfying ministry can happen anywhere, when we first take the time to be alone with God.
If people were here only to work a job, pay bills, and have a few laughs, no one would ever enjoy long - term fulfillment. But believers find peace and joy in serving God every day according to His call. That is the only way to end well.
Question: In what way(s) would you like to “end well” as we come to the close of this year?
About this Author: Charles Stanley
24-Hour Faith
No Comments
24-Hour Faith [3:21m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
John 20:29
‘There is no question that there is an unseen world. The problem is, how far is it from midtown and how late is it open?’– Woody Allen
Christians believe there is an unseen world that in some ways is more real than the one we see. Not that the one we see isn’t real, but the unseen world sometimes is thought of as being more important because of its permanence. The unseen one will last forever; this one is temporary, and yet for now, this temporary one is our reality.
That’s why I like Woody Allen’s question about how far the unseen world is from us and how late it stays open. In other words: How accessible is this unseen world? I think he may be on to something. As the saying goes: Some Christians are so heavenly minded, they’re of no earthly good.
The Gospel is all about caring for the real human needs of people, not just about getting them into heaven.
Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, “Well, goodbye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well,” but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all – it is dead and useless. (James 2:17)
Jesus Christ brought the Good News of the Kingdom of heaven to earth, but he didn’t just touch down for a momentary appearance. Sometimes we forget he carried on a ministry here for three years. He connected with and did something about the suffering needs of the sick, dying, and mentally ill. Faith in action brings two worlds together.
The reality of heaven doesn’t make earth less real or less important. If our longing for heaven and focus on eternity is disengaging us from earth, we should probably check and see if we have the right heaven. If we have the right heaven, the opposite should happen. The more committed we are to heaven (the more we get an eternal perspective on life), the more deeply we will be committed to this life and those around us. Heaven brings meaning to earth, not an escape. It brings dignity to every human being, a reason for our existence and a desire to want to connect everyone to God.
When Jesus came, one of the first things he did was announce that the Good News of the Kingdom of heaven had come. Heaven is at hand. Let’s live in such a way as to show people like Mr. Allen that the unseen world is right around the corner, and what’s more, it stays open all night.
Question: Have you observed anyone whose faith didn’t seem to make a difference in their lives? How did that make you feel?
About this Author: John Fischer
