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Daily Focus
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
BIBLE STUDY: "Praying Like Jesus"
Week # 2 Sharing Moment: "Was Jesus ever angry?"
When Jesus cleared the temple of the moneychangers and animal-sellers, He showed great emotion and anger (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; John 2:13-22). Jesus' emotion was described as "zeal" for God's house (John 2:17). His anger was pure and completely justified because at its root was concern for God's holiness and worship. Because these were at stake, Jesus took quick and decisive action. Another time Jesus showed anger was in the synagogue of Capernaum. When the Pharisees refused to answer Jesus' questions, "He looked around at them in anger, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts" (Mark 3:5).
This helps us to see the difference in passive and passion; I think so!
Week # 2 PRIVATE DEVOTIONS TIME: All Night Prayer (Luke 6:12)
"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Week # 2 NOTABLE PRAYERS: David (2 Samuel 7:8)
"Then went King David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that thou hast brought me hitherto?"
Week # 2 QUESTIONS:
1). Explain what kind of prayer King David prayed in (2 Samuel 7:18)?
King David was so grateful that God had looked beyond his fault and saw his need. God blessed him anyway because of His mercy. David had a grateful heart when he went before God to pray in solitary. He was humble. He prayed a thanksgiving prayer from a thankful heart. He was giving thanks to God for His mercy and grace.
2). In our Prayer Focus, pray a prayer that is the kind of prayer King David prayed in (2 Samuel 7:18.
Lord, my God, I am so thankful that You have called this nation to be holy. I am so grateful and my heart seeks You to praise You because I can live in a nation that do allow me to honor You. Please, Father, keep us in this place of acceptance of You and worshipping You. Father God, we do not deserve this, because of the state this country has gone too, but we thank You for Your grace and mercy. Father God, please bless our nation as we elect new leaders for our nation. Bless them to have clean hearts, and right spirit to do Your will. I acknowledge that it is my Lord Who will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world, AMEN.
3). Have you started a daily quiet time prayer, if not, why?
I started a daily quiet time a few years ago, but I still don't pray as I should. I don't spend enough time in God's presence as I should. Before I was finished with the last study I heard the Holy Spirit in my spirit say, "the next study is prayer." I truly believe God gave me this study because I need to pray more. I spend an hour in devotion every morning, but I still need to pray more. My daily quiet time with God is a blessing!
Week # 2 PRAYER FOCUS:
My prayer focus is to commune with God my Father in Heaven, to spend quality time with Him every chance I get.
Week # 2 PRAYER REQUEST:
Pray for our nation to elect leaders who fear God (Exodus 18:21)
Week # 2 APPLY IT: My Daily Quiet Time with God
I spend daily quiet time with God every day; I sing a song, I pray, I memorize a scripture for a month, I read my weekly reading assignment, I read a scripture that God has promised me, I do a spiritual goal, an ultimate goal, I speak positive words over my life, I read Psalm 23, I read the Lord' Prayer, and I read my daily devotions (seven books), and I meditate. This is my daily quiet time with God. I record this in my journal daily, and when I can't, I don't get stressed out, because I know God understand. I can actually say I don't miss my time with God. For me to miss it, it has to be an emergency. I still need to pray more. This time is not about me, but about spending quality time with my God.
Jesus called us to pray for the nation. Most people think of Jesus as gentle, meek, and lowly, and He is; a Good Shepherd carrying sheep on His shoulders
Week # 2 THOUGHT4TODAY:
As you pray, remind yourself how realistic it is to hope in Me, for I have reserved a place in heaven for you.
Word of Knowledge:
Stay on the high road with Me. Many voices clamor for your attention, trying to divert you to another path. But I have called you to walk ever so closely with Me, soaking in My Presence, living in My Peace. This is My unique design for you, planned before the world begin. I have called each of My children to a different path, distinctly designed for that one. Do not let anyone convince you that his path is the only right way. And be careful not to extol your path as superior to another's way. What I require of you is to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Me wherever I lead. Come into My Presence.
John 14:27; Ephesians 2:10; Micah 6:8
Reading Assignments……Book of Genesis Chapters 6-10
I am working on my reading assignment for this week; I finished last week.
BIBLE STUDY: "Praying Like Jesus" Scripture Reading
Matthew 25:31-46
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
(Jesus was not passive when He made this statement, amen)
James 2:18
18 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
(This is telling us to act on our prayers and do not be passive; be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Pray like Jesus!)
Luke 5:16
16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
(We must withdraw and pray too, find a solitary place to talk to God.)
Luke 23:34
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
(In this scripture, Jesus was praying (interceding) for all of us. He prayed even while He was dying.)
Luke 6:12
12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
(Can we pray all night? Yes we can. I have done it, but it takes discipline, dedication, and mind set to do it.)
Luke 9:18
18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
(Jesus prayed when He was drawing by the Holy Spirit. We must obey when the Holy Spirit prompt us, amen.)
Luke 22:42, 44
"42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
(And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16) I am a witness to that! Amen.)
Monday, June 20, 2016
BIBLE STUDY: "Praying Like Jesus" This Week's Prayer
Praying Like Jesus………………
Friday, June 17, 2016
Bible Study: “Praying Like Jesus” Week # 2
PRAYER:
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I prize wisdom highly and exalt her; she will bring me to honor because I embrace her. She gives to my head a wreath of gracefulness; a crown of beauty and glory; Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are riches and honor; Jesus has been made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Hallelujah! Father God, we thank You for Christ, our Passover Lamb, who has been sacrificed to clear us of sin. You have delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son You love. Therefore we will honor You by praying like Him. Bless us to come into a place of thanksgiving and praise to You. Teach us to pray, Lord. Bless us with perseverance, and not to procrastinate when it comes to praying. We desire to pray like Jesus in all situations, in every circumstance, for every one the Holy Spirit led us to pray for. Bless us to gain a closer relationship with You through prayer as Jesus had. We are so honor to learn of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to have a powerful prayer life, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 2: Praying did not make Jesus passive.
Matthew 25:31-46; James 2:18; Luke 5:16; Luke 23:34; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18; Luke 22:42, 44
For some reason—maybe we assume a virtue of spirituality—we have been led to believe that once we pray we don't have to do anything. We think that devotion to God and human responsibility are mutually exclusive. Not so. Jesus was never passive, even though he prayed long and often, and neither should we be.
A minister nearing retirement purchased a small abandoned farm outside town. The house was in dire need of maintenance. The windows were broken. The paint peeled from the scorching summer sun. The roof leaked. The porch had a series of potholes. Weeds were plentiful. Debris and litter dotted the landscape. The fence was all but gone. On his weekly day off the minister worked on the farm. He was diligent. He did a little here, a little there. In an amazingly short period of time, this once dilapidated farm became a showpiece. Friends and townspeople were impressed with the minister's work. One day the minister's neighbor from town came to visit the country cottage. The awed city-dweller gawked at the garden growing out back, the newly restored house and barn, and the beautiful landscape of the farm. He said, "You and the Lord really did a marvelous work here." The minister looked up from his workbench, where he was building garden benches. He wiped the perspiration from his eyes. He thought for a moment, and then replied, "Yea, but you should have seen it when the Lord had it all to himself."
Jesus does not separate faith from action. Jesus prayed and He healed; He believed and He acted; He preached and He lived. Jesus warns against inactivity and passivity. The best example is found in his teaching about the final judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. "
Using the strongest possible terms, Jesus rejects a spirituality that is unconcerned about the tangible needs of people around us. People matter to God and their needs are important to God. As God's hands and feet in the world, he demands and expects us to pray for and minister to those people. To fail to do so damages the reputation of God in the world. As the old saying goes, we should "pray as though it all depended on God; act as though it all depended on us." Isn't this what James, the brother of Jesus commended? "Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works." (James 2:18)
Prayer is never an excuse for failing to act. Unfortunately, we often use prayer as a scapegoat for action. In fact, it sounds so spiritual to say that we will pray about it; but highly hypocritical to have the tools and resources to do something about it but not act. I once served with a man, when asked about a problem or seeking his direction or merely performing the job the church had called him to do, would often say, "I'll pray about it." One day in frustration, I said to him, "It is time to stop praying and start doing or otherwise you can start praying about a new job." Or, as one wife told her husband after about the thousandth time of him saying, "I'm aiming to do that," "It is time to pull the trigger." Because of what God has done for us—his action—should compel and motive us to act. Yes we should pray, but we should also act.
In the words of John Wesley: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." Like Jesus, we should pray as though it all depended on God, but act responsibly and obediently as though it all depended on us.
Let's look at what passive really means:
I would say that being active refers to a personality that doesn't sit back and "go with the flow" but makes an effort to make things happen. Active people tend to be more outgoing, competitive, bold, aggressive, opinionated, and sometimes obnoxious or too frank. A passive personality is laid back and takes life as it comes, potentially lazy at the extreme, not aggressive when it comes to achieving certain goals or dealing with obstacles, and more interested in keeping the peace or the status quo than jumping into conflict or shaking things up. Jesus made things happen, but He was not an angry person. His prayer life was a strong passion He had to communicate with the Father. "Was Jesus ever angry?"
When Jesus cleared the temple of the moneychangers and animal-sellers, He showed great emotion and anger (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; John 2:13-22). Jesus' emotion was described as "zeal" for God's house (John 2:17). His anger was pure and completely justified because at its root was concern for God's holiness and worship. Because these were at stake, Jesus took quick and decisive action. Another time Jesus showed anger was in the synagogue of Capernaum. When the Pharisees refused to answer Jesus' questions, "He looked around at them in anger, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts" (Mark 3:5).
Many times, we think of anger as a selfish, destructive emotion that we should eradicate from our lives altogether. However, the fact that Jesus did sometimes become angry indicates that anger itself, as an emotion, is amoral. This is borne out elsewhere in the New Testament. (Ephesians 4:26) instructs us "in your anger do not sin" and not to let the sun go down on our anger. The command is not to "avoid anger" (or suppress it or ignore it) but to deal with it properly, in a timely manner. We note the following facts about Jesus' displays of anger:
1) His anger had the proper motivation. In other words, He was angry for the right reasons. Jesus' anger did not arise from petty arguments or personal slights against Him. There was no selfishness involved.
2) His anger had the proper focus. He was not angry at God or at the "weaknesses" of others. His anger targeted sinful behavior and true injustice.
3) His anger had the proper supplement. (Mark 3:5) says that His anger was attended by grief over the Pharisees' lack of faith. Jesus' anger stemmed from love for the Pharisees and concern for their spiritual condition. It had nothing to do with hatred or ill will.
4) His anger had the proper control. Jesus was never out of control, even in His wrath. The temple leaders did not like His cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:47), but He had done nothing sinful. He controlled His emotions; His emotions did not control Him.
5) His anger had the proper duration. He did not allow His anger to turn into bitterness; He did not hold grudges. He dealt with each situation properly, and He handled anger in good time.
6) His anger had the proper result. Jesus' anger had the inevitable consequence of godly action. Jesus' anger, as with all His emotions, was held in check by the Word of God; thus, Jesus' response was always to accomplish God's will.
When we get angry, too often we have improper control or an improper focus. We fail in one or more of the above points. This is the wrath of man, of which we are told "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:19-20). Jesus did not exhibit man's anger, but the righteous indignation of God. He prayed out of passion not passive. In our prayer life we should be active and praying when the Holy Spirit prompts us.
Week # 2 PRIVATE DEVOTIONS TIME: All Night Prayer (Luke 6:12)
"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Week # 2 NOTABLE PRAYERS: David (2 Samuel 7:18)
"Then went King David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that thou hast brought me hitherto?"
Week # 2 QUESTIONS:
1). Explain what kind of prayer King David prayed in (2 Samuel 7:18)?
2). In our Prayer Focus, pray a prayer that is the kind of prayer King David prayed in (2 Samuel 7:18.
3). Have you started a daily quiet time prayer, if not, why?
Week # 2 PRAYER FOCUS:
Week # 2 PRAYER REQUEST:
Pray for our nation to elect leaders who fear God (Exodus 18:21)
Week # 2 APPLY IT: A Daily Quiet Time with God
Week # 2 THOUGHT4TODAY:
Reading Assignments……Book of Genesis Chapters 6-10
BIBLE STUDY: "Praying Like Jesus" Week # 1
Word of Knowledge:
I am involved in each moment of your life. I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though most of it may feel haphazard. Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always seem to be unraveling around the edges. Expect to find trouble in this day. At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection. Stay conscious of Me as you go through this day, remember that I never leave your side. Let My Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through whatever must be endured. As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me. Thus the Light of My Presence shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch. To My child
Psalm 18:30; Isaiah 41:13; Psalm 36:9
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
BIBLE STUDY: "Praying Like Jesus" Week # 1
Scripture Sharing………..
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
John 14:13-14
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 16:23-24
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Week # 1 Praying Like Jesus………………
These lessons get better as we go. There are so much to learn about Jesus and His prayer life. Our reading assignment is the book of Genesis because it's the beginning of all things. Prayer is a beginning in our relationship with God. God through Jesus' life encourages us to pray always. Jesus left a legacy for us concerning our relationship with the Father through prayer. Praying is talking to God, meditating on His Word, worshipping Him through songs and praises, and much more; also, its trusting God in whom He is. Adam trusted God and communicated with Him in the cool of the day every day (Genesis 3:8) Amen. I had to learn to pray, talk with God any time I felt the need to talk to my Father. That is praying! Jesus practiced that all the time. Praying like Jesus is talking with the Father in a relationship. Talking, but listen is a must in our prayer life.
PRIVATE DEVOTION TIME:
Morning Devotions (Mark 1:35-38)
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.
37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.
38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth."
Jesus found time to get alone with His Father and worship Him in prayer. This one is a morning time with the Father. There is also morning times, evening times, or just talking in your ever day routine time, amen. Praying like Jesus means, finding time to be alone with God just as He intended from the beginning in Genesis 3:8. If you want to have a prayer life like Jesu, you must get into the presence of God, the divine presence Genesis 28:15; this is a comfort for all children of God, all creation as well. We need private devotion time with the Lord. Plan a time to spend with your Father in heaven daily, amen.
This Week's NOTABLE PRAYERS:
Abraham (Genesis 18:23)
And the Lord said, because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. 22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord. 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 26 And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: 28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
Read this week's notable prayer.
QUESTIONS:
1). Our notable prayer for this week says, "Abraham did what before he prayed?" (vv. 22, 23) Explain.
He entered into a (solitary place), he drew near to God, and talked with God as he interceded for others.
2). How did Abraham demonstrate his relationship with God?
Abraham demonstrated his relationship with God by staying before God in a solitary place, and by his faith in God. He believed and trusted God enough to pray to Him.
3). What is a solitary place?
A solitary place is a place that one chooses to spend time alone with God; Moses, Elijah and David gives us testimonies of their times of solitude with God. Moses was on the back side of the desert when God spoke to him through the burning bush; David was out in the field watching sheep and writing Psalms; Elijah discovered God tends to whisper, as he was at the entrance of a cave. Those who walk with God will tell you, God does not ordinarily shout to make Himself known.
PRAYER FOCUS:
To be in God's presence to pray with a grateful heart
APPLY IT: Daily Quiet Time with God
Father God, hear my prayers and let my cry come before You in Jesus' name. Father God, I honor my time with You each morning; I am praying that my time with You will extend to evenings and nightly as well in Jesus' name. During my daily quiet time with You I will not turn on the TV, listen to music, or communicate with anyone but You. Help this to be so each day I live, because I want to pray like Your Son Jesus prayed. Holy Spirit, teach me to pray, and please pray through me to my Father in Heaven. During my quiet time I will read Your Word, read a personal devotion, sing a song, memorize a scripture, focus on spiritual goals, ultimate goals, and speak positive things into my life, AMEN.
This can be early in the morning, mid-day, evening, and late night, your choice. Choose a time to spend with the Lord daily.
Prayer request today:
Pray that we would recognize that government is appointed by God and thereby designed to accomplish His purposes. (Romans 13:1) "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
THOUGHT4TODAY:
"If you have never had any distractions you don't know how to pray" (by Thomas Merton)
Over and over again Jesus communicated the effectiveness of prayer.
Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
John 14:13-14
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 16:23-24
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
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Casting All Your Care Upon Him
1 Peter 5:7