Monday, November 3, 2014

Prayer


General prayer for Relationships/ and the focus is for conflict between husband and wife


I am personalizing this prayer and please appropriate your situation.

        Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent God, the architect of all relationships, who care for us deeply we want to praise You and honor You because You alone are worthy of all our praises. Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ and placing a blessed hope in our hearts. Thank you because You know everything about us even before we speak to you.

        Just like a child talking to the earthly Father, we want to approach Your throne room of grace, fully acknowledging that You alone has the ability to scale the unscalable. Lord my relationship in general and with my spouse is so muddled up, and I do not even know where to begin with. More than changing my spouse, my humble petition would be that You would change me. Show me areas of weaknesses in my life that would need Divine attention, and speak to me through Your Word. Overwhelm me with Your love and compassion and I pray that I will not allow a wedge between the two of us. Lord, I am constantly reminded what You have joined together, let me nor my spouse take it for granted, nor will we try to separate because Your Word says,  6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder; Mat: 19:6.

        Almighty God, the Father, Your Word proclaims that all things work together for the good of those who love You, in Romans 8:28. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Even though it is beyond my comprehension, in the midst of my huge marital cross fire, I can trust that You are doing something good.

        Search my heart Oh! God, and show me areas of pride and weed out any areas that are not pleasing to You, and if I am the reason for my problem convict and confront me through the wonder working power of the Holy Spirit. Convict me of my sin, and cultivate Your humility so that I learn to openly confess my wrong doing, so I can be restored in my relationship with my spouse.

        Father I come to the conclusion, no matter how hard I try, and how well I can argue or reason out, I am incapable of changing my spouse. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and I refuse to usurp Your convicting power role in my spouses’ life. What part my spouse is responsible for in our conflict, change her or him for Your glory and honor.

       On my part I want to lay aside, all anger, wrath, dissension, bitterness and any offenses of the past. According to Your Word, love never keeps any record of wrongs; instead it always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Please remind me of this verse from the Book of Proverbs 19, 11 the discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is to his glory to pass over a transgression; so that I will understand it is to my glory to overlook an offence. I want to forgive my spouse of all the hurts that have been inflicted towards me whether intentional or accidental. I do not want to be ensnared by foolish discussions and arrogant disputes and waste my time on this earth because 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; 2 Tim:2:23.

       Lord, each time a dispute prolongs and I am resenting I am giving place for the evil one to take a place in my heart, and by this my communion and fellowship, and joy with You is decreased. Lord, place a pledge of protection around our household, so no place will be given to the enemy in the covenant my spouse and I have established with You. Show us that as a couple we are fighting one opponent who is a common enemy for all believers; and this enemy is Your enemy if we genuinely want to follow You. 

         Lord grant me wisdom from above which is able to discern my fleshly desires from truth. The wisdom from above is willing to yield and give me a sense of which battles are worth fighting for and which are not. Restore me and revive me Oh! Lord so we as a couple can live together again in agreement. Strengthen us as a result of this conflict, and draw us closer to Yourself, and with each other. Let, the seeds which are sown in our relationship, produce and yield a harvest of righteousness.

               Who can mend a broken Spirit? Who can bring healing and restoration apart from God who formed relationships in the Garden of Eden? Now to You Oh! Lord wisdom, dominion, power and majesty reigneth and grant me grace upon grace so that I may be able to comprehend Your wisdom and knowledge. 19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end; Amen.

References:
1. ESV Study Bible. English Standard Version. Crossway Bibles, Wheaton, Illinois: Publishing ministry of Good News publishers, 2008.
2. The Matthew Henry Study Bible. King James Version. Iowa falls: World Bible Publishers, Inc. 1990.

 

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Singing under the shadow of His wings!

Afflictions are but the shadow of His wings.
638 x 480 · 268 kB · jpeg
seeingjesus-heidi.blogspot.com
 
(George MacDonald, The Curate of Glaston)
 
The above pictorial illustration immediately tells the viewers the motherly instinct of the hen to protect its chicks!

We have an amazing God Who uses ordinary examples of life to illustrate huge points; like wings and feathers are often used in His Word for comfort to His people in times of turmoil, devastation and deep trouble. If someone is raised in a farm these words speaks volume. Little chicks when there is an alarm they fly quickly and find rest and protection under the wings of its mother hen. The warmth of the mother and the tender care of the mother comforts them and this is an amazing illustration for the tender loving care of our heavenly Father.  No other passage in the Bible can be this descriptive relating to the above picture of the protective instinct of the mother hen to God’s love for His children like Psalm 91. All of us who go through emotional roller coasters if we are believers in Christ we have a hope: the hope is still in spite of our situation and circumstances we can sing under the shadow of His wings!

1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

The above verses 1-8 of Psalm 91, shows the great truth in general: that is all those who live a life of communion with God are constantly safe under the protection of God, and therefore may preserve a holy serenity, quietness and security of their mind and emotions at all times. Trials and tribulations are part of the package of Christian life, but if we have the assurance that Jesus Christ is with us, then indeed we can sing under the shadow of His wings as according to Psalm 91. Holy Serenity, quietness, and security of the mind and emotions are possible even in these turbulent times.

The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid1.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Though one goes through trials and tribulations, when we know Jesus is by our side, sympathizing and empathizing with our situation our burdens are light. We know in Him these afflictions are made light and we know they are temporary. Though it is hurting when we are under the shadow of His wings, though we are crushed we are not perished. There is a huge contrast between a genuine believer when they goes through trials and a wicked man who has no hope.

An article supposedly reported in a national magazine, though not true, provides a penetrating parable picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in a national park, so the story goes, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a dead bird in the ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and gathered them under her wings. She could have flown to safety but refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze arrived and the heat singed her small body, the mother remained steadfast.

This may not be a true story, but we can imagine the protective instinct of mother hen, covering the chicks under her wings. The powerful image of a mother hen and her nurturing female image is related to God’s love for His own. The true story is the life of Jesus Christ on this planet earth and His dying love on the cross for humanity. So, what is said in Psalm 91, is very true because of the cross and we can sing under the protective shadow of His wings.

God’s mercy and grace are never ending when we are under the shadow of his wings, and that is only for those who want to make their home under His wings. Jesus in His earthly ministry used this illustration for Jerusalem which killed prophets and stoned them and gave an invitation with tremendous love to bring the people under the shadow of God’s wings.  37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matt: 23:37.

Let us look at a very bad scenario: A spouse always being angry with his or her better half for no real solid reason.  Bible has some pretty strong words against being angry without a reason. Anger is the response to a real or perceived attack, but it meets the challenge by pushing harder in return. The result is increased loneliness and a sense of futility. No one stands closer than the spouse, and very often our spouses become the object of our anger and hatred! Anger is an emotion, and if not rightly used this emotion becomes a demand for immediate vengeance. It is an evil desire to make someone pay for the emptiness, unfairness, and the cruelty of life. Anger says, “If I suffer, then you will suffer too. If I get kicked by life, then I will kick someone who is weaker and smaller in an attempt to bear the rage I feel toward the strong.”

Even if someone is caught in a marriage with a similar situation, the protective instinct of God for a genuine believer is available to guard and protect our emotions undamaged. The vulnerable person in marriage will be protected beneath the strong, tender wings of the Almighty God, and in the shadow of God’s wings one finds perfect loving protection. God is able to safely hold that person near His heart, freeing that person from fear of destruction, to love and serve Him with abandon delight.

22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

The shadow of God’s wings may be confined, cramped, and may be very dark than one expected, because it is very hard to see the horizon when one is in that shadow, because in our human nature we want to stretch our own wings and soar on our own strength. Now we can understand what the Psalmist meant by 1Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast; Ps: 57:1. Even if we feel our sufferings are bigger, life threatening some times, suffocating, and unbearable, God’s nurturing wings and grace are much bigger than this.

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall; Mal:4:2. This Word of God is very encouraging because God gives us shelter, guards us, and teaches us how to trust Him and be abandon to Him and Him alone. He even gives us the grace to sing in spite of the situation under the shadow of His wings!

Below is a Biblical narrative of singing under the shadow of His wings.

1Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. 20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
May the Spirit of God minister to us and may we find out in our lives that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

End notes:
www.biblestudytools.com › Psalms 76-150
Read Psalms 91 commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). Study the bible online using commentary on Psalms 91 and more!

Website References:
www.biblestudytools.com › Psalms 76-150
Read Psalms 91 commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). Study the bible online using commentary on Psalms 91 and more!
www.christnotes.org › … › Matthew Henry’s Commentary › Psalm
Bible commentary about Psalm 91 (Matthew Henry’s Commentary). ... Christ Notes > Bible Commentary > Matthew Henry’s Commentary > Psalm > Psalm 91. Matthew Henry ...
biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/psalms/91.htm
Bible > Matthew Henry's Commentary > Psalm 91 ... Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry Bible Hub ...

For further reading:

1. Millard J. Erickson. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House: 1983-85. 
2. R.T. Kendall. Understanding Theology, Developing a Healthy Church in the 21st Century. 1996.
3. Jay E. Adams. A Theology of Christian Counseling, More than Redemption. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979.
4. Louis Berkhof. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.
5.  Robert P Lightner. Handbook of Evangelical Theology, Historical, Biblical, and Contemporary Survey and Review. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1986.
6. Charles Ryrie. Basic Theology. Chicago: Moody Press, 1986, 1999.
7.  A. H. Strong. Systematic Theology. New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co, 1907.
8.  Wayne Grudem. Systematic Theology, An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
9. Steven W. Waterhouse. Not By Bread Alone, An Outlined Guide To Bible Doctrine. Amarillo: Westcliffe Press, 2007
10. John Theodore Muller, Th.D. Christian Dogmatics, A handbook of Doctrinal Theology for Pastors, Teachers, and Laymen.  St. Louis, Mo: Concordia Publishing House, 1934.  
11. Prayers To Move Your Mountains. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000.
12. John White. Parables, the Greatest Stories ever Told. Illinois: Inter varsity Press, 1988, 1999.
13. ESV Study Bible. English Standard Version. Crossway Bibles, Wheaton, Illinois: Publishing ministry of Good News publishers, 2008.
14. The Matthew Henry Study Bible. King James Version. Iowa falls: World Bible Publishers, Inc. 1990.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Panorama-life of Joseph (section D)


All the evil meant for Joseph turn to good by God
18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive; Gen: 50:18-20.
Joseph’s brothers were given a chance to repent from their evil ways and they were extremely sorry and repentant of the evil they had done in plotting and betraying Joseph. We find here that Joseph did not hold any resentment or grievances against his brothers but with grace stated that ‘what they meant for evil, God intended for good, to save many lives’. Joseph not only did hold anything against his brothers but assured them that he will provide for them so that they will not perish during the famine. This is again an awesome picture of our Lord Jesus Christ who was betrayed and was planned to do Him harm. The whole picture of the life of Jesus was pointing towards those who did evil, and for the lost humanity God intended to do good. God loved this world so much that He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die for the whole world in order to save the world from perishing. 
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? Rom: 11:12-15. The millennial blessings that will come upon the Jewish nation after they genuinely accept Jesus Christ are the fulfillment of this type and Paul is mentioning this in the Scriptures. Joseph from his betrayal at the hands of his brothers, to his exaltation and authority over the Egyptian empire; from his taking of a gentile bride, to his final reconciliation with his Jewish brothers; all is a glimpse from God of past, present and even future history!   
As parents we learn for Joseph’s story not to show favouritism towards one child, because it can have effects on other children as well as on the child to whom favouritism is showed.
Joseph’s story can be used how to flee from sexual temptation because God’s faithfulness is unfailing; Gen: 39:3, 5, 12, 21, 23; as the Lord was with Joseph He will be with us whoever who calls upon Him genuinely. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart; 2 Tim 2:22.
This story may be applicable to some of us where we are dealt unjustly and never understood, but God’s faithfulness in all situations are unchanging. Joseph showed mercy to his brothers who did unjustly and God of mercy requires mercy above all other sacrifices we may offer Him in our live; For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings, Hos: 6:6. Joseph’s story presents amazing insight into how God sovereignly works to overcome evil and bring about His plan.
There is a Divine and human element in every successful life and the trials and experiences we face are meant to prepare us for greater success. Faithfulness in little things are preparations for greater things and we really cannot control our situations but we can control how we react to situations. One who serves faithfully to God with supreme devotion will serve man faithfully and we see that in the life of Joseph. There will be different sorts of famine in our lives but, God in Christ has plenty to offer and His resources and grace for different situations never run dry.
What is the Gospel application through Joseph story?
Jesus came to this earth to suffer and die to save the world and He seeks us before we seek Him. It is important we come to the knowledge of our sin, and acknowledge that to Him, to have Him in our life. We should be genuinely sorry and remorse for the evil we have done and the desire to do the good deeds must follow. Jesus come to us and He is willing to abide with us, supply our needs to save us from the spiritual famine of worldliness. Salvation is for the whole world, our family, friends, neighbours and in a nut shell for all those who are lost. We are called to go forth as demonstrations of God’s Divine abundance and invite whom God brings in our path to accept Christ as Saviour.

End Notes:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_deadly_sins
The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, is a classification of vices ... such as jealousy (closely related to the sin of envy). ...
Topics: Killing Sin; ... vulnerability, and the possibility of deep pain and betrayal. And yet, human jealousy is unique in that it contains insecurity, ...
Bible study focused on the types of Jesus in the Old Testament character of Joseph. ... Jesus in the Life of… Joseph – The Suffering Servant . by I Gordon .

Website References:
1. What should we learn from the life of Joseph?
... as we learn from the account of Joseph’s life, by remaining faithful and accepting that God is ultimately in charge, we can be confident that God will reward ...
How many of life’s lessons have you ... Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were ... I produced a series called Lessons from Joseph.
What should we learn from the life of Jacob? ... What should we learn from the life of Joseph? What should we learn from the life of Elisha?
bibleseo.com/old-testament/joseph-bible-character-study
What can we learn about Joseph in the bible? ... Lessons learnt from Life of Joseph: God’s plans and purpose are greater and better than ours!
tafj.org/2009/12/24/lessons-from-the-life-of-joseph
Lessons From The Life Of Joseph. As we consider ... viewpoints are opportunities for us to learn from ... the life of Joseph, we will find our hearts ...
The Bible tells us that Joseph and Benjamin are the sons of Jacob's second ... However some new scientific evidence helps to support the case of a historical Joseph.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(son_of_Jacob)
For the New Testament Joseph, ... There have been many attempts to trace the story's redaction history ... In the Bible, Joseph discloses himself to his ...
Bible study focused on the types of Jesus in the Old ... So let’s look at some of the clearer pictures in Joseph’s life that have their fulfilment in the life ..

Book References:
1. Allender, Dan and Tremper Longman III. Intimate Allies. Carol Stream.: Tyndale House publishers, 1995.
2. Jay E. Adams. Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling, Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started.  New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002.
3.
Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.
4. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty. Introduction To Biblical Counseling, A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1994.
5.
Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203.

6. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Women of Destiny Bible. Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures, A Spirit Filled Life Bible. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982.
7. Allender, Dan and Tremper Longman III. Intimate Allies. Carol Stream: Tyndale House publishers, 1995; pgs, 301, 346.
8. Allender, Dan and Tremper Longman III. Intimate Allies. Carol Stream: Tyndale House publishers, 1995; pg331.
9. David A. Norris. Lasting Success; Quality Decisions, Relationships and Untamed Emotions. Ames, Iowa: Alpha Heartland Press, 2003.