Prayer: The Gate

We all have something.  Some baggage, rock around you neck, monkey on your back…whatever…We all have something we fight.

Good news, the weapons of our warfare are spiritual. With God all things are possible and we can overcome.  We are not defenseless.  God is our defense and our deliverance now!

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen

Chronicles 21:27 And the LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back in its sheath.

In the 21st Chapter of Chronicles, David (the king who pulled the tribes together) wanted to count everyone.  It was a census.  For some reason, God didn’t want a census.  David counted anyway, except for the tribe of Levi and Benjamin.  But God was still angry about it and in verse 7 he was so displeased he “struck” Israel. 

David could have done nothing, but it wasn’t his nature.  He goes to God and asks forgiveness.  It is an interesting story.  He buys a threshing floor at full price, grain at full price and makes things right with God.  He doesn’t want people to suffer because of what he has done.  He is a king and yet is not too proud to ask forgiveness and do what is needed.

Father, forgive me for my sins.  Let no one suffer because of my actions or deeds.  Let me be a blessing.  Let me lead with wisdom.

I read in the paper about a group called Thirteen Grandmothers.  They are speakers and travel the world talking about prayer and peace.  I talk about prayer and strengthening your spirit.  So I was anxious to read about them.

It turns out one obtained an audience with the Pope in Rome, but when she demanded an apology for the treatment of the American Indians 200 years ago, the Pope canceled the meeting.

It is time to get over it.  While you are carrying a grudge, they are out dancing.  I think we should all be out dancing, especially waltzing as it is such a graceful dance. 

Walking in grace involves forgiveness.  Walking in grace is being filled with love and compassion, not resentment and anger.

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

So go out today letting go of any past anger and resentment.  Walk in God’s grace, moving forward with your life.

Merciful God, I confess that I have criticised people rather than praying for them. I have condemned them on hearsay and passed judgement without considering my own transgressions.  Forgive me.

Let me walk in grace today.   Grace that is not earned, but given by you. Let me bring hope and mercy to others by my actions.  May they know I am a child of God by the love I share. Let me pray for those in need.  The joy of the LORD is my strength.   When I am in a place joy and gratitude, there is no room for intolerance and hatred.  Keep me close and humble Father.  Amen

In the movie the African Queen, a spinster missionary, Rose, and a drunk, Charlie Allnut, navigate the Ulanga River in a dilapidated boat. Charlie tells Rose his weaknesses are simply human nature. Her response is, “Nature, Mr Allnut, is what we are put here to rise above”.

Pray today for all who choose to rise above. Rise above drinking, drugs, gluttony, over-spending, lying, gambling…whatever it is in each of our individual human natures that we must lay down on the alter and allow Jesus to heals us and remove this thing.

Paul talks in Romans about how difficult it is to change our nature by our willpower. We are spirit and flesh, and I take comfort reading about his struggles as I can completely understand.

Romans 7:19 “For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish.”

God transforms us. He forgives us and heals us. He sent his son to redeem us. Thanks be to God.

I always say that Redemption is the big idea.  It is true.  As a believer you are redeemed from the curse of the law.  Your redeemer has come.  It just doesn’t get any better than that.

In our daily spiritual walk, Forgiveness is what it is all about.  I even go along thinking I have no one to forgive nor do I need to be forgiven for anything. After all I have been a stellar person. (LOL)  But then some little thing triggers a memory of a hurtful word or deed and I realize there is much I need to release and forgive and that I too have said or done things that require forgiveness.

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions.(Mark 11:25)

Be blessed and make it a fun weekend.