Tag Archive | prayer

Prayer Answered

Dec8

When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. When he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel.” But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brethren.” Then he left and went to another place. — Acts 12:11-17

I have always found this comical. Here is a group of Christians praying for Peter and when he shows up at the door they are so amazed that he is left standing at the door.

Is our prayer life like that? We pray but don’t expect to be answered? We pray and are amazed at the power of God? 

God is amazing and powerful! He can answer any prayer. Maybe we need to pray more with anticipation at how God will answer our prayers instead of expectation of whether He will answer. God will always answer so we shouldn’t be surprised but we should anticipate His answer to bring glory unto Himself.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Devout Man

Dec5

a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually.  — Acts 10:2

Hmm. What influence does a man have on his household?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Get Up And Go

Dec1

And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,  15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; — Acts 9:11, 15-18

It is the Lord Jesus who does the saving. Saul prayed. How many of us have been at dire straits and called out to the Lord in prayer? Jesus called on Ananias to go to see Saul. How many of us have heard the call of God to go and witness to others? Ananias obeyed Jesus and went to Saul. Ananias laid hands on Saul , but Jesus did the work. How many opportunities have we passed by not obeying God and going and sharing the gospel with somebody who needs it?

Jesus can do His work without us but isn’t it an honor and a privilege that He asks us to be a part of the salvation of others?

Can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Ananias had not obeyed the call or Paul had not prayed. You can make a difference in the life of others. Are you listening to the call of God?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

To Speak Or Not

Nov16

And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” — Acts 4:18-20

Do you ever think about what your response would be if confronted by the law and told not to share Jesus? Has Jesus made such an impression in your life that you are willing to risk imprisonment, ridicule, your very life? Is Jesus so alive in your life that you can’t stop speaking of what you have seen and heard?

If not, what needs to change about your walk with the Lord? Are you reading His Word, seeking Him through prayer, loving Him with ALL your heart, soul, mind, and strength and heeding His words in obedience?

Today is the day to make a change. Take time during worship to come face to face with where you are spiritually and humble yourself before the mighty God confessing, repenting and let the healing begin to bring you back into a right relationship with God so that you are effective for His glory.

God bless your worship today.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Has Salvation Changed You?

Nov10

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. — Acts 2:38-47

The Lord was adding to their number — those who were being saved. We need to realize that it is the Lord who saves.

What factors were involved in many being saved? Repentance, forgiveness and receiving of the Holy Spirit.  Lives changed.

Transformation happened: they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. This brought about awe as they witnessed the movement of God amongst themselves and the world. Many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Being one with Christ they had all things in common, cared for one another by meeting needs, were like minded, fellowshipped together and praised God together.

Could this be why God was adding saved ones to their numbers day by day?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Casting Lots

Nov5

Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us — beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. — Acts 1:21-26

I could imagine that “lots” could be “resumes”. What would have happened if Peter and the others had just drawn lots instead of praying and seeking God’s will? The reason I bring this up is that I have a concern regarding selection of Pastors to a church. So many leave God out of the equation because we already know what we are looking for. The applicant must have a Seminary Masters degree. He must be within a certain age group and other stipulations that puts God in a box. We, after all, know what is best for our congregation and community – right?

Yesterday, being election day in the USA, I wonder if God was consulted before voters went to the polls. Consulting the King of kings (Senator of senators, Pastor of pastors, etc.) should be our first step in deciding our leaders.

To God be the glory in seeking His desire, decision, choice and will. Pray.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Devoted to Prayer

Nov4

These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. — Acts 1:14

Jesus had just ascended to heaven. The disciples and women who followed Jesus met together to pray. Not just a quick prayer meeting but they devoted themselves to prayer. Devote: to concentrate, to dedicate. Their Master, their Hope had left them after He changed their lives.

Have you been there? Feeling hopeless as if Jesus was no longer in your life? You don’t see His hand at work or feel His presence? Every life endeavor seems more than you can handle? The joy and hope has been sucked from you, leaving you dry? When was the last time you had a heart to heart with Jesus? The last time you bowed down before Him and worshiped Him with no inhibitions, no agenda, just genuine, devoted prayer with the God of the universe?

The participants in this verse devoted themselves to prayer as a group. How often do you attend corporate prayer meetings? “These all with one mind” focused on Jesus brought them together to pray. I believe a church, family, group that prays together will be of like mind. There is only one Holy Spirit and prayer unites those who pray together. If more congregations devoted themselves to prayer there would be less disgruntled people in church. They would be of like mind.

Not only does prayer bring unity but it brings power to accomplish God’s plan for the church, the family, the individual, the group that gathers for God’s purpose. Without prayer our endeavors are weak and many times wasted. We need to go back to the basics of humble prayer and see the power that is there as Jesus answers those prayers.

Are you or will you become devoted?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Times and Epochs

Nov3

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” — Acts 1:7-8

Why are we so concerned with the when of God’s plan instead of just trusting that He has that under control? All we need to be concerned with is walking with Jesus and telling of our experiences on that journey. A deep walk (prayer, Bible study, worship, praise, thankfulness) brings open eyes to the Holy Spirit’s work. We then can tell what we have seen through the power of the Holy Spirit.

So let us focus on Jesus and let the when happen by God’s authority.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

The Light

Nov1

Out of the darkness
He transferred me
Into the light
Of His majesty

There in the Light
I long to be
Dwelling with Christ
For His glory

Basking in the Light
His radiance shines
Through me to others
For transformation divine

The Light came to darkness
So we could be saved
For the work of the Lord
Let it continue today

Keep the darkness at bay
As you travel today
Following His Word
And continue to pray

I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. — John 12:46

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; — 1 Peter 2:9

For so the Lord has commanded us,
‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles,
That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’” — Acts 13:47
to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ — Acts 26:18

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. — Matthew 5:16

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon