. The lesson for today is that we do not live for the world, but for Christ. The Scripture says, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Mt 6:24
. We live in a time when all too many people want to live like others in the world. We want what they have, we want to live the life they live, and we never consider whether the things we do are of God or not. Consider: what are the themes and language in the movies we watch?
. Thus it was in the days of the Maccabees. Some of the Hebrews departed from their God and sought the lifestyle of the Greeks. They accepted their gods and their lifestyle. When the Greeks brought an idol to the town of Modin and asked people to bow down, at least one man was willing. But the priest Mattathias refused setting an example of how we are to follow God even in the face of adversity.
. “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." (1 John 1:5-10)
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Chanukah - Day 2
Borrowed from Revelation 13 (with a few explanations)
. And I saw a beast (Antiochus Epiphanes ) coming out of the sea (the world of the Gentiles). He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard (Greece), but had feet like those of a bear (Persia) and a mouth like that of a lion (Babylon). The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound (2 Macc 5:5) , but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast (at least the Hellenistic Jews). Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast (he called himself Epiphanes) and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?"
. The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. (Josephus, Wars of the Jews V,9,4) He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them (conquering Jerusalem and desecrating the Temple). And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation (Egypt, Syria, Babylon and more). All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
. .He who has an ear, let him hear.
. .If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed.
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
. And I saw a beast (Antiochus Epiphanes ) coming out of the sea (the world of the Gentiles). He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard (Greece), but had feet like those of a bear (Persia) and a mouth like that of a lion (Babylon). The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound (2 Macc 5:5) , but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast (at least the Hellenistic Jews). Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast (he called himself Epiphanes) and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?"
. The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. (Josephus, Wars of the Jews V,9,4) He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them (conquering Jerusalem and desecrating the Temple). And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation (Egypt, Syria, Babylon and more). All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
. .He who has an ear, let him hear.
. .If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed.
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Chanukah - Day 1
. Chanukah is one of the fun times of the year when we celebrate a victory given by God so His people could worship freely. There are many lessons that come through the Chanukah story which are good for each of us to remember.
. One of the lessons of Chanukah is to be committed to God. We should never be ashamed of our faith, and we should never back down and reject our faith no matter the cost.
. Many people ask me if I am Jewish or if I am Christian. I could answer the question something like ths: "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God,smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5
. The follow up question to this is "If you are a Christian, why do you still celebrate Chanukah?" The answer is that I celebrate Chanukah because Jesus did. Take a look at John 10:22-30 (and you can read further)
. "Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying, 'How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.'"
. "Jesus answered, 'I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.'"
. I picture Jesus playing with the dreidle when he was young. His family celebrated Chanukah as he was growing up. And Jesus came to the Temple at the time of Chanukah and recognized the festival. Was Jesus the promised Messiah? Just as the Miracle of Lights was a display of God's power, the miracles brought by Jesus were a proof of His Lordship.
. Those who know Jesus follow Him. They hear His voice. He gives eternal life. This is the plan of God. Jesus is Immanuel.
John wrote in his first letter (1 John 2:7-17) this Chanukah thought:
. "Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.
. I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.
. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father.
. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.
. I write to you, young men, because you are strong,
. and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
. One of the lessons of Chanukah is to be committed to God. We should never be ashamed of our faith, and we should never back down and reject our faith no matter the cost.
. Many people ask me if I am Jewish or if I am Christian. I could answer the question something like ths: "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God,smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5
. The follow up question to this is "If you are a Christian, why do you still celebrate Chanukah?" The answer is that I celebrate Chanukah because Jesus did. Take a look at John 10:22-30 (and you can read further)
. "Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying, 'How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.'"
. "Jesus answered, 'I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.'"
. I picture Jesus playing with the dreidle when he was young. His family celebrated Chanukah as he was growing up. And Jesus came to the Temple at the time of Chanukah and recognized the festival. Was Jesus the promised Messiah? Just as the Miracle of Lights was a display of God's power, the miracles brought by Jesus were a proof of His Lordship.
. Those who know Jesus follow Him. They hear His voice. He gives eternal life. This is the plan of God. Jesus is Immanuel.
John wrote in his first letter (1 John 2:7-17) this Chanukah thought:
. "Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.
. I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.
. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father.
. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.
. I write to you, young men, because you are strong,
. and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Revealing Our Lord and Savior
This Fall we are using the book of Revelation to guide us on Wednesday Nights. The sessions have been very beneficial thus far. John writes, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Rev. 1:3)
Most of the studies I have done in Revelation have been on the Second Coming of Jesus … and what is going to happen “then,” and to those left behind. As you follow the scripture, there are lots of things that “happen” in Revelation. I could follow the same course, but I have the belief that God’s Word has something to say to me today… here and now. As I read through Revelation, I could not help but notice the songs sung and the poetry in the book. This book is also about Prayer and Worship and following God (and Him only!) This is where I have found a blessing. So I have followed that approach in my study and prayer.
As I read Revelation 1, the first thing that jumped out at me were the names and descriptions of Jesus. Most of them are in triplets, and some of them even amplify each other. Like for instance: In verse 5 Jesus is called 1) the Faithful Witness; 2) Firstborn from the Dead; 3) Ruler of Kings. Then the Bible says in that verse and the next: 1) He loves us; 2) He freed us from our sins; and 3) Made us to be a Kingdom and Priests. It is great how this ties together. Jesus was the Faithful Witness … because He loves us. 2) Because Jesus died on the cross and was firstborn of the dead, He freed us from our sins. 3) And as the Ruler of Kings He has the authority to make us a Kingdom of Priests.
Jesus is 1) Coming on the clouds; where 2) every eye will see Him (even those who pierced him); and 3) All people of earth will mourn because of Him. (Daniel 7:13-14; Mt. 24:30). He is the 1) Alpha and Omega; 2) the One who is, who was, and who is to come (the “I AM”); 3) the Almighty.
We come to an awesome Savior. One who is worthy of our worship. He is God incarnate who came to save us and give us life.
Most of the studies I have done in Revelation have been on the Second Coming of Jesus … and what is going to happen “then,” and to those left behind. As you follow the scripture, there are lots of things that “happen” in Revelation. I could follow the same course, but I have the belief that God’s Word has something to say to me today… here and now. As I read through Revelation, I could not help but notice the songs sung and the poetry in the book. This book is also about Prayer and Worship and following God (and Him only!) This is where I have found a blessing. So I have followed that approach in my study and prayer.
As I read Revelation 1, the first thing that jumped out at me were the names and descriptions of Jesus. Most of them are in triplets, and some of them even amplify each other. Like for instance: In verse 5 Jesus is called 1) the Faithful Witness; 2) Firstborn from the Dead; 3) Ruler of Kings. Then the Bible says in that verse and the next: 1) He loves us; 2) He freed us from our sins; and 3) Made us to be a Kingdom and Priests. It is great how this ties together. Jesus was the Faithful Witness … because He loves us. 2) Because Jesus died on the cross and was firstborn of the dead, He freed us from our sins. 3) And as the Ruler of Kings He has the authority to make us a Kingdom of Priests.
Jesus is 1) Coming on the clouds; where 2) every eye will see Him (even those who pierced him); and 3) All people of earth will mourn because of Him. (Daniel 7:13-14; Mt. 24:30). He is the 1) Alpha and Omega; 2) the One who is, who was, and who is to come (the “I AM”); 3) the Almighty.
We come to an awesome Savior. One who is worthy of our worship. He is God incarnate who came to save us and give us life.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Prayer - ἐρωτάω - Challenge
Sometimes we challenge things. Jesus’ disciples questioned why many things happened. There were the parables the disciple’s did not understand, and they questioned Jesus; There were situations they saw as they traveled, and they questioned Jesus. (Mk 4:10; Jn 9:2) Sometimes they thought that perhaps things were not in the best interest of Jesus and his band of disciples, like when a Canaanite woman came to him with a request. The disciples said, “send her away.” (Mt 15:23).
Sometimes there is some desperation to have something done. The disciples begged Jesus to heal Peter’s mother in law (Lk 4:38). The people of the Gerarenes begged Jesus to depart from them after they saw the demons go into the pigs. (lk 8:37)
Jesus challenged his disciples with questions: "Who do people say that I am?" (Mt 15:23; 16:13) He challenged them to do things (Lk 5:3)
In the world, we challenge each other, sometimes it is for the best, sometimes it is not. Sometimes it is because we don't understand, sometimes it is because we do not like what we understand. Sometimes it is just because we want something. Other times it is because we need something. The word There were the parables the disciple’s did not understand, and they questioned Jesus. The word ἐρωτάω is used often in our Bible.
The word ἐρωτάω is also used in Prayer. The rich man challenges God to send Lazarus to his house to warn his family about the consequences of not following God (Lk 16:27).
In the Bible most of the ἐρωτάω prayers are uttered by Jesus (Jn 14:16; 16:23, 26; 17:9, 15, 20). The ἐρωτάω prayer of Jesus is a strong prayer, because there is a strong need. It is a challenge (appeal) to meet the need.
And our God who is faithful, indeed meets the need. We can pray the ἐρωτάω also, and God hears.
Sometimes there is some desperation to have something done. The disciples begged Jesus to heal Peter’s mother in law (Lk 4:38). The people of the Gerarenes begged Jesus to depart from them after they saw the demons go into the pigs. (lk 8:37)
Jesus challenged his disciples with questions: "Who do people say that I am?" (Mt 15:23; 16:13) He challenged them to do things (Lk 5:3)
In the world, we challenge each other, sometimes it is for the best, sometimes it is not. Sometimes it is because we don't understand, sometimes it is because we do not like what we understand. Sometimes it is just because we want something. Other times it is because we need something. The word There were the parables the disciple’s did not understand, and they questioned Jesus. The word ἐρωτάω is used often in our Bible.
The word ἐρωτάω is also used in Prayer. The rich man challenges God to send Lazarus to his house to warn his family about the consequences of not following God (Lk 16:27).
In the Bible most of the ἐρωτάω prayers are uttered by Jesus (Jn 14:16; 16:23, 26; 17:9, 15, 20). The ἐρωτάω prayer of Jesus is a strong prayer, because there is a strong need. It is a challenge (appeal) to meet the need.
And our God who is faithful, indeed meets the need. We can pray the ἐρωτάω also, and God hears.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Prayer - ἐντυγχάνω - Hitting the Mark
ἐντυγχάνω – entygchanō
In 1307, Herman Gessler, a newly appointed Austrian Vogt raised a pole in the village square of Burglen and demanded that all the local townspeople bow before it. A man named William Tell passed by without bowing and was arrested. William Tell had a reputation as an expert marksman with the crossbow, so he was challenged to shoot an apple off the head of his son, Walter. William Tell accepted the challenge, loaded his crossbow, and with one shot, hit the mark and split the apple which had been placed on the head of his son. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGZM3Kf1yw)
The pray of entygchanō is the prayer of “hitting the mark.” Paul would say, “I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.” (1 Cor 9:26). Our prayers should be specific, well aimed, so we can hit the mark.
This pattern of prayer begins with God. That is the best place to learn about prayer. We see the pattern of ἐντυγχάνω prayer in Jesus Christ who is our High Priest.
“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
The Priest is an intercessor for common people. In the Old Testament the Priest offers sacrifices for Dedication, Fellowship, and Sin offerings to help man build a relationship with God. If we come to a Priest and ask what kind of offering they will advise, the best they can do for us is only surface deep, and that does not always do what is necessary.
Christ, however is our faithful High Priest who knows us even as we are known. It was Christ who created us (Col 1:16), and who knows our frame and personality (Ps 139:13). Christ knows our ways (John 4:17-18) and our thoughts. As Christ intercedes for us, He prays exactly for those things we need. He knows the problems we face, the solutions we need, the gifts we are given and the ministry to which we are supposed to be involved. He knows every weakness and how it needs healing. He forgives our sins and can restore us. Christ is the perfect High Priest.
“Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Ro 8:34-35
The Holy Spirit, likewise prays for us. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” (Ro 8:26-27) The Gospel of John tells us the Spirit is our Comforter (John 15:26); Teacher (John 14:26); Protector (John 14:16-18); and Convictor (John 16:8-10).
This is the pattern of “hitting the mark” as we pray. It is knowing people and solutions; it is seeking God to really know people and situations as well as the will of God. Elijah “appealed to God against Israel: ‘Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me’ ? And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Ro 11:2-6)
Entygchanō Prayer begins with concern for people, and knowing them and their needs. This prayer includes seeking the face of God so we will know all situations; and concludes with praying specifically for people so we know when the prayer is answered and the target is obtained.
In 1307, Herman Gessler, a newly appointed Austrian Vogt raised a pole in the village square of Burglen and demanded that all the local townspeople bow before it. A man named William Tell passed by without bowing and was arrested. William Tell had a reputation as an expert marksman with the crossbow, so he was challenged to shoot an apple off the head of his son, Walter. William Tell accepted the challenge, loaded his crossbow, and with one shot, hit the mark and split the apple which had been placed on the head of his son. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGZM3Kf1yw)
The pray of entygchanō is the prayer of “hitting the mark.” Paul would say, “I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.” (1 Cor 9:26). Our prayers should be specific, well aimed, so we can hit the mark.
This pattern of prayer begins with God. That is the best place to learn about prayer. We see the pattern of ἐντυγχάνω prayer in Jesus Christ who is our High Priest.
“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
The Priest is an intercessor for common people. In the Old Testament the Priest offers sacrifices for Dedication, Fellowship, and Sin offerings to help man build a relationship with God. If we come to a Priest and ask what kind of offering they will advise, the best they can do for us is only surface deep, and that does not always do what is necessary.
Christ, however is our faithful High Priest who knows us even as we are known. It was Christ who created us (Col 1:16), and who knows our frame and personality (Ps 139:13). Christ knows our ways (John 4:17-18) and our thoughts. As Christ intercedes for us, He prays exactly for those things we need. He knows the problems we face, the solutions we need, the gifts we are given and the ministry to which we are supposed to be involved. He knows every weakness and how it needs healing. He forgives our sins and can restore us. Christ is the perfect High Priest.
“Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Ro 8:34-35
The Holy Spirit, likewise prays for us. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” (Ro 8:26-27) The Gospel of John tells us the Spirit is our Comforter (John 15:26); Teacher (John 14:26); Protector (John 14:16-18); and Convictor (John 16:8-10).
This is the pattern of “hitting the mark” as we pray. It is knowing people and solutions; it is seeking God to really know people and situations as well as the will of God. Elijah “appealed to God against Israel: ‘Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me’ ? And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Ro 11:2-6)
Entygchanō Prayer begins with concern for people, and knowing them and their needs. This prayer includes seeking the face of God so we will know all situations; and concludes with praying specifically for people so we know when the prayer is answered and the target is obtained.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Prayer - αἰτέω - Begging
αἰτέω – aiteō
1SA 2:7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
1SA 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.
"For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; upon them he has set the world.
1SA 2:9 He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
Aiteō is the prayer of Begging. Out of an inner need, a desire or a requirement, we beg God for something. This is not a simple asking, but it is more. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Mt 7:7-12
People beg for many things out of desperation. Zechariah begged for a table so he could name his son John (Lk 1:63). James and John (Mk 10:35) and their mother (Mk 10:35) begged Jesus to seat them on his right and left. The multitude begged Pilate for Barabbas (Mt 27:20); and Joseph of Aramathea begged Pilate for the body of Jesus (Mt 27:58). The warden in Philippi begged for a light to see if the prisoners escaped (Ac 16:29). Paul begged that Christians might be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Col. 1:9)
PS 72:12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.
PS 72:13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.
The lame man at the Temple begged for money – and the Lord gave him legs to walk on. (Ac 3:2) God is able to do immeasurably more than all we beg for or imagine. (Eph 3:20) The Lord wants us to pray out of need just like the beggar.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:2-6)
JAS 4:2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
There are some wonderful prayer promises in the Gospel of John. Note the Promises and the Conditions:
John 14:13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
John 14:14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
John 15:16 ... I … appointed you to go and bear fruit … the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:23 ... I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:26-27 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (See 1 Jn 3:22; 5:14-16)
MK 11:22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
1SA 2:7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
1SA 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.
"For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; upon them he has set the world.
1SA 2:9 He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
Aiteō is the prayer of Begging. Out of an inner need, a desire or a requirement, we beg God for something. This is not a simple asking, but it is more. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Mt 7:7-12
People beg for many things out of desperation. Zechariah begged for a table so he could name his son John (Lk 1:63). James and John (Mk 10:35) and their mother (Mk 10:35) begged Jesus to seat them on his right and left. The multitude begged Pilate for Barabbas (Mt 27:20); and Joseph of Aramathea begged Pilate for the body of Jesus (Mt 27:58). The warden in Philippi begged for a light to see if the prisoners escaped (Ac 16:29). Paul begged that Christians might be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Col. 1:9)
PS 72:12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.
PS 72:13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.
The lame man at the Temple begged for money – and the Lord gave him legs to walk on. (Ac 3:2) God is able to do immeasurably more than all we beg for or imagine. (Eph 3:20) The Lord wants us to pray out of need just like the beggar.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:2-6)
JAS 4:2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
There are some wonderful prayer promises in the Gospel of John. Note the Promises and the Conditions:
John 14:13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
John 14:14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
John 15:16 ... I … appointed you to go and bear fruit … the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:23 ... I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:26-27 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (See 1 Jn 3:22; 5:14-16)
MK 11:22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
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