Sing Praises
Author: pleadinginprayer
Obey the Authority
I think this part of God’s will is often considered the same thing as suffering. Government overreach can be difficult to navigate. However, God tells us that we are to obey the government. The reason is to keep foolish people silent. Those who hate God want to silence those who seek to honor God. If we live appropriately, we will silence the critics. They will have nothing to say against us.
This can be hard to do, but is worth the effort. Those of us who have trusted in Jesus Christ have help from God to obey. He gives the strength needed to do what is right.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing authority to punish the evil. Please help us to obey the authority even when it is hard. Please help us to remember that You have a purpose for our obedience. We need Your strength to obey.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Be Still
Suffering
This is a part of God’s will that most of us don’t like. God tells us that there will be trials (James 1:2). He also gives reasons why those trials will come. James 1 tells us that trials are for the sake of perfecting us. In 1 Peter 4:12-17, we are told that we will “rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” Suffering as a believer has a purpose. That purpose points back to Jesus Christ.
When suffering comes, watch for God’s hand to be at work. Please remember if we have trusted in Christ we will see the beauty of His glory when we spend eternity with Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for having the greater good in mind. Please help us to look to You in our suffering. We need Your help to remember that eternity is our ultimate goal.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Our Fortress
Be Filled
Too many times we want details about God’s will. What job should I have? Whom should I marry? What car should I buy? The Bible doesn’t go into the detail we tend to want. God does give us principles to use when asking those questions. One of the principles is to be filled with the Spirit. When a person trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. The verb in this passage is passive. This isn’t something we do – although we can fight against the Holy Spirit’s work. Our passage today tells us that we need to walk in wisdom understanding God’s will.
This is one passage out of many that gives principles to follow when looking for God’s will. We need to keep searching Scripture to understand what God wants for our lives. Our decisions need to be driven by the work of the Holy Spirit, not our selfish desires. God’s way is always better.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us direction about Your will. Please help us to allow the work of the Holy Spirit so we can be wise. We need Your help.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Refuge and Strength
God’s Will Be Done
In Jesus’ example prayer “Your will be done” follows “God’s kingdom come”. The two statements are tied together. One of the first things about God’s will is that He wants everyone to repent. Modern pride contradicts the need for repentance. However, God is very patient and gives many chances for us to join His kingdom.
For those who don’t know what that is about, I’d like to share a couple of resources. Here is a video from Christianity Explored that gives a broad overview of what Christianity is. They have a study that takes you through the gospel of Mark (you can find churches that go through the study with you). This study focuses on who Jesus is. https://www.christianityexplored.us/what-is-christianity/
This video that tells you about the gospel by sharing the good news and bad news.
There are so many opportunities to learn about Who God is. I pray that you learn the truth if you do not already know.
Dear Heavenly Father, please work in the hearts of those who have not reached repentance. Please help those of us who have to share the truth with others. Please guide our conversations.
I pray this in Jesus name.
God is so good.
Oil of Gladness
Proper Freedom
As I continue to write about the Kingdom of God, I have to talk about freedom. I am very thankful to live in the United States where I have great freedom. However, I have watched over the years as Americans – many times even Christians, take advantage of that freedom.
Today’s verse reminds us that we are not to use that freedom “for the flesh”. Our freedom is supposed to be used to serve others. We will need God’s help to use our freedom correctly.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminders in Your Word of how to use the freedom You give. Please help us to seek opportunities to serve others.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Pleading in Prayer 