HE edits my prayers

I PRAISE the LORD that the HOLY SPIRIT edits my prayers.

When I was 12 I came to JESUS and HE saved me.  A couple of years later at a summer camp I felt compelled to ask HIM to do whatever was necessary to make me all HE wanted me to be.  Just months later, though I was an A student, I began having trouble understanding in my classes.  It was discovered that I had a severe hearing loss and that is was getting worse. So, from age 15 on I was considered profoundly hearing impaired. Mockery and put downs that naturally resulted from my misunderstanding led me to isolate to a great degree other than church and women’s Bible study. 

I spent much time with GOD in HIS word through those years when my kids were at school. Meanwhile at 35 I got my 1^st hearing aids but I still missed a lot while conversing.  Yet, the LORD who loves to use foolish things (1 Corinthians 1:27) enabled me participate in women’s Bible studies and even teach hearing children and work as a counselor of kids at a Christian camp and go on prayer journeys to three countries overseas.

I praise the LORD for my hearing loss for I really believe my relationship with the LORD and understanding of HIS word that has taught me to trust HIM came from HIS taking away my hearing.  A couple years back I got a Cochlear implant so I hear so much more today.  But I would never trade those years alone with GOD.

After seeing GOD work in many situations in my life, in the lives of many in my family and friends, and throughout one Bible episode after another where what I would consider terrible situations the LORD used to do something REMARKABLY good. Just one example is the Crucifixion of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, without which we could not be saved.

Therefore, I have come to realize that the LORD with HIS great wisdom and foreknowledge of all things sees things vastly different than I do.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

MY thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And MY ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so MY ways are higher than your ways and MY thoughts higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Therefore, I have learned how limited I am in knowing what is best so consult the LORD even in how I should pray rather than go with my own ideas.  In this I obey HIS word.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek HIS will in (talk over with HIM) ALL you do (even prayer), and HE will show you which path to take.Do not be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT)

After talking with the LORD, sometimes I am given a go ahead, a word, direction or a verse that shows me how to pray. Other times there is a definite DO NOT pray that way, and still other times I get nothing, nothing at all even though I have asked.

It is at those times I most rejoice in the ONE who edits my prayers.

…the SPIRIT helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

We can make our own plans (according to what we think is right), but the Lord gives the right answer (Proverbs 16:1 NLT).

So

Commit your actions (including prayers) to the Lord, and your plans (prayers) will succeed (Proverbs 16:3 NLT).

And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us: And IF we know that HE hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM (1 John 5:14-15) 

Hugs

Sharon

Why doesn’t GOD answer?

Have you ever prayed and prayed, but nothing happens? Have you ever wondered why?

Of course, our prayer might not be GOD’s best for the situation so is not HIS will, or it could be not GOD’s timing for HE is lining other factors up before HE answers. But another issue has come apparent several times lately that I want to talk about.

Now there are famines from time to time but when there was a famine for 3 years running King David inquired of the LORD asking, “WHY?”

The LORD replied it was because of certain actions of King Saul the previous king toward a group of people. David sought out those people and asked them what he should do for them. Since their request was according to the practices of that day and GOD’s written word (Exodus 21:34), David agreed. When David made things right with those people, the LORD answered David’s prayers and the famine ended (see 2 Samuel 21).

This Old Testament incident illustrates a GOD principle about prayer. GOD will not answer prayer until sin is dealt with.

Psalm 66:18 If I REGARD iniquity in my heart the LORD will not hear me.

The Hebrew word for REGARD here is to look at/ focus on and resultant holding on to something. It doesn’t have to be something we consider big like stealing, lying or adultery.  The iniquity spoken of can be anything GOD has said not to do.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled (do not allow something to stir you up) believe in GOD and believe also in ME. John 14:27…Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid.

For when we allow ourselves to be troubled it is because we do not TRUST GOD to be in control and able to do what HE said HE would do. HE promises to work all things for the benefit of those who love HIM (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18). And GOD has given us HIS Word to illustrate for us how HE does what HE says HE will do.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

By reading the Word of GOD we learn GOD’s ways are not our ways but always work for good (Isaiah 55:9-11). And we see that what initially appears as something horrible can actually be something of great value. Like when Joseph was sold as a slave and then unjustly put in prison. We see GOD was always in control. GOD allowed the wicked thoughts of sinful men to play out and GOD used their actions to prepare Joseph for a great work to save many alive and to give Joseph great honor (Genesis 50:20).

The iniquity (sin) we REGARD (focus on) can be anything from worry, fretting, demanding things be done my way (as I lean on my own understanding of what is needed (Proverbs 3:5-7), when I refuse to forgive, hold on to anger or anything I know is wrong I am regarding it more that I regard GOD.

Sometimes I must ask, “Is there something in me hindering the answer to my prayer?”  When I ask, HE shows me by giving me an inner awareness of what is hindering the answer to my prayers. If I am not hindering the answer GOD gives me peace that HE is at work behind the scenes, and I must wait to see what HE is doing.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us:

Hugs

Sharon

Where do your thoughts go?

What is the 1^st thing you think about when you think about GOD?  Or do you think about GOD?

What comes into our minds when we think about GOD is the most important thing about us.  There is not a wrong path taken, an error of doctrine, nor a sin committed that cannot be traced back to imperfect/ limited and low thoughts of GOD.

While wickedness speaks of doing wrong, ungodliness speaks of leaving GOD out of the equation/ not thinking about HIM or considering the LORD of Creation who made all things and the only one who understands the entire scope of all things.  When one is ungodly he does not think about GOD during his day nor check with HIM before making choices. 

As the Psalmist puts it, “GOD is not in ALL their thoughts” (Psalm 10:14), rather they walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts/ imaginations (Isaiah 65:2).

We are beginning the 2^nd week of the new year already and the choices we are making will determine our future.  So right choices are really important.  Who do you consult when making a choice? Do you go on what you think, ask friends, or search the internet?

GOD, HIMSELF commands us: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and LEAN not on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge (consult) HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

If we spend time with GOD in HIS word and in prayer we learn to distinguish HIS voice from all others.  If we are willing to do what HE says, we will be able to distinguish the truth from a lie (John 7:17). 

Remember GOD is not a man that HE should lie, if HE says something HE will do it (Numbers 23:19). The devil can only do what GOD allows (see Job chapters 1 and 2) so he cannot block our hearing GOD’s words. 

Therefore, since GOD says HE will direct us if we ask,(James 1:3-8) its a done deal.  So, ask GOD and go with how HE leads.

Hugs,

Sharon

Who do we ask?

When there is a need, where do we go? Who do we ask? To whom do we pray?

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON (from heaven to earth) that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 16:⁵ But now I (JESUS) go my way to HIM (GOD the FATHER of lights from whom all blessings flowJames 1:17) that sent ME.

John 16:²³ And in that day (when I go back to heaven) you shall ask ME (JESUS) NOTHING (not one thing). Verily, verily, I (JESUS) say to you, Whatsoever you shall ask the FATHER in MY name, HE will give it to you.

If the LORD JESUS CHRIST tells us NOT to pray to HIM asking anything but only go and ask of GOD the FATHER from whom all blessings flow, how much more should we NOT pray to anyone else. We have a direct line to the FATHER and HE wants us to come directly to HIM with our requests.

GOD the FATHER is the source of EVERY good and perfect gift (James 1:17), it is through the LORD JESUS CHRIST we have access to the throne of grace so we can ask (in MY name John 16:23) and it is the HOLY SPIRIT who leads is to pray (Galatians 3:18, Romans 8:14) helps us pray according to what is best, that is the will of GOD Romans 8:26-27).

Again, we see the Trinity at work- co laboring on our behalf. But we also see we are to go directly to our FATHER which is in heaven with our requests, just as JESUS taught HIS earthly disciples to do (Matthew 6:9).

Hugs

Sharon

Have you?

Sometimes when people are struggling with this or that, they get really annoyed with me when, trying to help, I ask, “Have you asked the LORD?”

Have you ever wondered WHY when GOD told someone HE will do something, many- like Moses (Exodus 33:14-15) and King David (2 Samuel 7:16, 25-29), turn right around and then pray to GOD and ask GOD to do that very thing HE had just promised to do?

Ezekiel explains it this way, Ezekiel 36:³⁶…For I, the Lord, have promised it, and I will do it. ³⁷ The Lord God says: “I am ready to hear Israel’s prayers for these blessings and to grant them their requests. Let them but ask…” (Living Bible).

Take for example the Promise GOD gives in Psalm 121:8 “The LORD shall preserve your going out and coming in (traveling around).

That Hebrew word translated preserve means to keep, tend, watch over, guard, protect and take care of.

That promise in Psalm 121:8 is why we pray for traveling mercies.

Have you asked the LORD something according to HIS word?  Then wait and look to see how HE will answer you.

Psalm 123:2 “…Our eyes wait upon the LORD our GOD, until HE has mercy on us.

So, call unto the LORD!

Hugs

Sharon

Who do you ask?

What do you do when you don’t know what to do?

The ark of GOD had been taken by the Philistines during a battle before Israel even had a king.  Really bad things happened in each town and the surrounding areas wherever the Philistines took it.  After 7 months they decided enough is enough.  Believing it was the GOD of Israel in the ark punishing them from taking HIM from HIS people, they determined to send it back to Israel. 

But to be sure it was the ark of the GOD of Israel and not just chance that brought on the horrible troubles, They set up a test by putting the ark on a new cart pulled by two never before yoked, nursing cows and took their calves away from them.  The cows naturally would not leave their calves.  Men followed behind the cart to see what happened.  The cows, used to grazing in fields, went straight on the road directly to Isreal.  Then never stopped until they crossed the border to Israel and then they swerved off the road into a field to graze.  Certain that the LORD GOD of Israel had done what had happened to them, the Philistine watchers went back home (read 1 Samuel chapter 5 and 6 for all the graphic details).

When the cart crossed over into Israel the cows stopped in a field and the Jews were excited. Some sacrificed the cows to the LORD using the cart as fire wood, as they rejoiced that the ark of GOD Presence was back with them. 

But out of curiosity some looked into the ark and were immediately struck dead.  The ark stayed near that place through all the reign of the Jews 1^st king Saul but when David became king he was determined to bring the ark of GOD to himself.  Many came with him and they put the ark on a cart and began the trip. But at one point they hit a bump, the cart tipped and Uzzah reached out and touched the ark to steady it and was struck dead.  The journey was ended.  David did not know what to do.  “And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord” 1 Samuel 7:2

After 20 years, David consulted the Word of GOD and learned what to do, 1 Chronicles 15:2 “…GOD has chosen the Levites to carry the ark of GOD…”  They went and got the ark GOD’s way and everything went smoothly.

The basic way to hear the LORD speak is to pray and open HIS word. It is written in Proverbs 3:5-7 to trust the LORD and talk to HIM about ALL things.  If we do that, HE promises to direct you but warns us not to lean on our own understanding but trust HIS promise to direct you even if what HE says isn’t the way we think it should be. 

So, yesterday when a gal told me about some difficulties she was having on her job and about being in a quandary as to what to do concerning the issues she was facing.  She sought my advice.  All I was nudged to counsel her was, “Go to the LORD and ask HIM what to do.  HE made you and I reminded her that HE alone knows HIS plans for her, and HIS plans are to help her not hurt her. 

Jeremiah 29:11 AMP For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Ephesians 2:10  For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD has beforehand ordained, that we should walk in them.

Excited, the gal texted me this morning to relate that after spending time asking the LORD specific questions, HE impressed on her the direction she needed to take.  She is confident and full of faith as only comes when we hear a word from the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY HIMSELF (Romans 10:17).

Our GOD is so faithful!  HIS Word can be trusted!  Are you consulting the LORD about all things?

Hugs

Sharon

Are you paying attention?

JESUS can say some pretty startling things. We believers in JESUS do not always understand the rhema (instructions and promises) that are impressed on our hearts. But we need to grab on to them anyway. Because GOD will explain them to us at the right time.

We are instructed, “Let these words sink down in your ears” (Luke 9:44). 

Are you paying attention to that still small voice? Remember that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY changes not (Malachi 3:6).

One of my rebels was out of state, we had not heard from him.  When one morning, before light, as I sat over a heater vent reading my Bible, a bit of a verse jumped out at me with clarity and emphasis.  “Do not fight this, for it is from ME.”  Although out of context and I had no clue as to what the LORD was referring to, I knew without a doubt, GOD was speaking to me concerning my rebel.  A few hours later, I found out what it was all about. I need only say, that rhema (a specific word for a specific situation) warning GOD gave me, prepared me for what lie ahead.

Some things GOD says can knock you upside down, or even smart like a slap on the face, until you remember the motive behind HIS words is to prepare and achieve for us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Once, I had become very discouraged concerning a promise GOD had given. I went to HIM bemoaning “how long?”  Like a slap in the face, the words came, “You have need of patience, that after having done the will of GOD you will receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36).  That slap refocused me.  It took my eyes off the problem and encouraged me as I turned to GOD’s Word. Remembering the scripture, “what GOD had promised HE was able also to perform” (Romans 4:20-21) brought me peace and filled me with joy.

Has GOD given you (rhema) instructions and/ or a promise? Peace and joy, (GOD’s rest) come as a direct result of believing/ trusting what GOD says and that in turn results in obedience (Hebrews 4:2,6).

Until we deliberately choose to turn to listen GOD, over the clatter of the world and taunts of the evil one, we will not be able to fully grasp what GOD is saying to us (2 Corinthians 3:16). This is a daily, sometimes moment by moment choice for me. Sometimes it comes automatically from spending time with the LORD in HIS word and prayer, but often it must be a deliberate choice to ask GOD what HE means and trust HIS word and instructions even when I do not understand (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Hug

Sharon

Without HIM

Someone text me concerning a difficult situation.  I cried out to GOD asking how to pray for that situation.  Going to the Word, I read, “I do not pray that YOU should take them out of the world, but that YOU would keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15) Wow, that was fast, now I had it, GOD had shown me how to pray for the situation. I was not to pray for the situation to change but that he would be kept from evil.  Peace settled over me.

One after another prayer requests come in.  Without knowing what GOD is doing in a situation, it is impossible for me to know how to pray unless I ask GOD what to pray for. 

Isaiah 45:11 states there is a sequence for effective prayer.  “(1st) Ask ME of things to come concerning my sons (a situation), (Then you can) command ME concerning the works of MY hands.” 

Ephesians 1:11 tells us that GOD has a purpose for all things and that HE works all things according to the counsel of HIS own will.  Therefore, when the LORD directs me in how to pray, it is because HE has a good plan and intends to answer that prayer to fulfill HIS purposes in the situation I am praying about.

“So MY Word which goes from MY mouth will not return to ME empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out MY plan well” (Isaiah 55:11 NLV).  And isn’t that what we want?

When we acknowledge HIM, by talking a situation over with GOD, HE really will direct us in what to do or pray IF we are willing accept HIS what HE says (James 1:5-8).  And HE who knows all things, knows how we will respond to HIS words even before we do.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (of what is needed), in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. Don’t be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Proverbs 16:1 the preparations of the heart belong to us. but the answer of the tongue comes from the LORD.

Proverbs 21:1 personalized:  As water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the LORD can turn your thoughts withersoever HE wants them to go.

One problem has lingered for long time.  A friend finally went to the doctor and was prescribed meds.  As I began to pray for her, I knew she was not supposed to put her trust in the meds for I knew I needed to pray that GOD activate the meds to bring her the healing, only HE can bring. 

As I followed HIS lead in prayer, the light came on when John 15:5 popped into mind. “You can do nothing without ME.” 

And then a second witness/ confirmation to HIS leading came, “Unless the LORD builds the house they labor in vain that build it. Unless the LORD guards the city that watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).  So, I knew that unless the LORD activated the meds and worked in that situation the healing would not come.

As I asked the LORD, GOD directed my thoughts in how to pray HE made it clear that HE had to be the ONE keeping the situation under control. By HIS reminding me that without HIM nothing works, I was filled with overflowing joy, peace and the assurance that GOD was already at work doing what was necessary!

I know these are simple truths, but I love them. I needed to be reminded of them and thought maybe, one of you might need the reminder too.

Love you, Hugs

Sharon

Apples and stars

Many things are hidden right under our noses, just waiting to be discovered.  As I cut an apple into wedges, for a snack, I thought, ‘well, I won’t see the star this time.’  Can you believe, I was an adult with children before I discovered there was a star in the center of every apple?  Why?  No one had ever told me it was there, and I was taught to cut an apple for wedges top to bottom for coring it, not across.  You will only see the star if you cut an apple across the middle.

It is the same in the Bible. Many things are hidden in the Bible and we must search for them like treasure.  GOD loves to reward our seeking. “It is the glory of GOD to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2).

I love it when I sit reading my Bible and a word or a phase seems to jump off the page speaking directly to something I’ve either prayed for or wondered about.  Previously I’d not seen those words and phrases in the same light for I was reading either with preconceived idea, because I was in too much of a hurry so rushed right past them or because the time was just not right (GOD works on a time schedule Acts 17:26-27).  Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of GOD is alive and powerful and speaks to us where we are at today.

I’ve learned to pray, “Open the eyes of my heart, LORD, and keep me from deception.”  GOD promises that if I call unto HIM that HE will show me great and mighty things that I know not!  (Jeremiah 33:3)  And GOD is not a man that HE should lie (Numbers 23:19)

So as you open up the good Book and seek to hear for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find..“ (Matthew 7:7).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

hugs

Sharon

Pay attention

“Hear instruction and pay attention to know understanding for I give you good teaching, forsake it not” (Proverbs 4:1-2).

Turning to those words in Proverbs 4:1-2, I laughed, for I knew GOD was answering my question, “must I stop reading so soon and write the warning YOU just gave me?”  Understanding came from Proverbs 4 that the LORD was prompting me to share a tidbit from 2 Chronicles 35 for it wasn’t just for me, I put down my bible and opened up my computer.

Just a little background is needed for you to catch the impact of what happened. Josiah became King of Judah when he was only 8 years old (2 Chronicles 34:1).  When Josiah was only 16, he began to earnestly seek the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, when he was 20, he began purging idol worship from Judah and Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 34:3.  HE did many good things and when he turned 26, Josiah required the Levites to repair the house of the LORD and they found GOD’s word as they worked.  When GOD’s word with its prophesies and warnings was read to Josiah, he tore his clothes in grief and sent to the prophets to inquire of the LORD about what should be done because of the sins of the people (2 Chronicles 34:21). It was at that time GOD gave Josiah the promise I wrote about yesterday (2 Chronicles 34:28).  He continued not just to seek the LORD but to lead the priests and Levites and all the people to seek the LORD and instituted a amazing Passover celebration when he was 36.  So, you can see young Josiah was a very good and godly king. 

When Josiah was 39 years old however, King Necho of Egypt went to war against Carchemish the king of Assyria and Josiah, king of Judah, came out against Necho.

Necho said to Josiah, “…I come not against you this day, but against the house wherein I have war.  GOD has commanded me… forbear from meddling with GOD, who is with me that HE does not destroy you.’ But Josiah would not turn…  he did not hearken to the word of Necho from the mouth of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 35:21-22) and young King Josiah was killed in battle.

I asked the LORD, “What am I to learn?”

Although we don’t understand it at all, we do find in Scripture GOD often did use wicked nations to punish others and some unsaved to give out GOD’s message (John 11:49-50).

I found what I was to learn from this story of Josiah and Necho is that regardless of who the one is speaking and warning or criticizing me, I need to listen carefully and check with the LORD and HIS word to see if there is any validity to what is said.

In this way I will obey 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22. ^“Quench not the SPIRIT (HE may be speaking to me through them).Despise not prophesyings (speaking forth a message).Prove (test) all things (Ask GOD about what is said and expect HIS to show you and check the word of GOD); hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Hugs

Sharon