Pray With Faith

"Whatever you ask for
in prayer with faith,
you will receive.” Matt 21:22

Pray, pray, pray and pray some more. We must be persistent, trusting in God that He will work things out according to His will and in His time. God does indeed answer prayers. Sometimes, it takes a little longer than we would like. Sometimes, it takes a whole lot longer than we would like. But, He does answer them. The answers don't always come in the way that we would like, either. But, they come. God is good and "we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Rom 8:28

I do love Him. God is good, all of the time!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hosea 9 - Rejoice in the LORD

"Do not rejoice, Israel;
    do not be jubilant like the other nations.
For you have been unfaithful to your God;
    you love the wages of a prostitute    at every threshing floor." (Hosea 9:1 NIV)
It's not looking for Israel. Their celebration will turn to mourning because they have been unfaithful to their God. We have been unfaithful to our God.

So many out there seeking enjoyment in all the things that will eventually lead them to destruction. When will we turn to the LORD? When will we worship Him with our whole hearts and minds? When will we stop pursuing those things which only lead us to separation from God?

The LORD promises good to those who love Him (Rom 8:28). Why would we go on serving and loving other gods that do not love us, that can bring us no joy? "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 118) and "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4) Let us always keep our hearts and minds focused on the love of God through Christ Jesus that we might have reason to rejoice.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 33 - Good and Bad

The word that comes to Jeremiah in today's reading reminds me of a word that came to Isaiah (45:7 NIV)  "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things."

It is difficult for many people to understand that sometimes those bad things that happen to us, happen with God's knowledge and even approval. Sometimes, they have to happen for our good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty,
    for the Lord is good;    his love endures forever.” (Jer 33:11)

On a more personal note... I apologize for not being able to keep up with this daily study while on vacation. Vacations are very tiring for me... The traffic wears me down and it wears Howard out, as well. He is on his way back to work this morning; rather, than seeing a Dr. as he should. Before we left, he was not real excited about the fact that I insisted on pulling the bike trailer to camp in on our vacation, just in case one of the Harleys broke down. He had wanted to purchase or lease a motor home. It was fortunate that we pulled the toy hauler, as he got very sick on the way home and could not drive the bike any further. He did better once he got out of the sun and was able to drive the truck for me. God has a plan for everything. We would do well to listen to His urgings. I am hoping that God's plan includes selling the Adult Foster Care that Howard manages so when he does get sick, he has the time to take care of himself. We will see what it is that God purposes.

In the meantime, we give thanks to God that the trip was enjoyable (other than Howard not feeling up to par) and we all made it back safely.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 148 - Praise the LORD

I remember a poem I wrote when I was very young. It had to do with unity with all of God's creation. There are a few things that we have in common with all of His creation. For starters, the LORD created everything upon the earth and in the heavens above the earth. We are all God's creation. With creation, we bow down and praise the LORD!  With all of earthly creation and all the heavenly host, we praise the LORD!

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Don't forget this blog is to encourage you to read your Bible daily so read Psalm 148 - it is awesome... Also, Romans 8:18-25

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 148:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 14
2. Psalm 148:14 Horn here symbolizes strength.

Cross references:

1. Psalm 148:1 : Ps 33:2; 103:1
2. Psalm 148:1 : Ps 19:1; 69:34; 150:1
3. Psalm 148:2 : Ps 103:20
4. Psalm 148:2 : S 1Ki 22:19
5. Psalm 148:3 : S Ps 19:1
6. Psalm 148:4 : S Dt 10:14
7. Psalm 148:4 : S Ge 1:7
8. Psalm 148:5 : Ps 145:21
9. Psalm 148:5 : S Ps 147:15
10. Psalm 148:6 : Jer 31:35-36; 33:25
11. Psalm 148:7 : Ps 33:2
12. Psalm 148:7 : S Ge 1:21; Ps 74:13-14
13. Psalm 148:7 : S Dt 33:13
14. Psalm 148:8 : S Ex 9:18; S Jos 10:11
15. Psalm 148:8 : Job 37:11-12; S Ps 103:20; 147:15-18
16. Psalm 148:9 : Isa 44:23; 49:13; 55:12
17. Psalm 148:10 : Isa 43:20; Hos 2:18
18. Psalm 148:11 : S Ps 102:15
19. Psalm 148:13 : S Ps 113:2; 138:4
20. Psalm 148:13 : S Ps 145:5
21. Psalm 148:13 : S Ps 8:1
22. Psalm 148:14 : S 1Sa 2:1
23. Psalm 148:14 : S Ex 15:2; Ps 22:3
24. Psalm 148:14 : S Ps 145:10
25. Psalm 148:14 : S Dt 26:19