Tag: Prayer

August 17th 2025: Ian Middlemist

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Psalm 3

            This is a Psalm of the morning. It is a Psalm of David, who was, by and large, a good king. But he wasn’t perfect. He did some things wrong. He was adulterous and even though he repented of this sin, there were things that came to pass in consequence of his wrong actions. His own son Absalom took it upon himself to get into such a position by deceit so that he could usurp authority in the nation. David did not correct Absalom properly and so, little by little, Absalom rose to prominence and power so that he brought civil war upon the land and David had to flee. David recognised that he had few amongst his number that could contest with Absalom’s army and so he fled, for the odds were stacked against him. But, following this Psalm, we learn that even though he was in such a dire situation, he was enabled to have a good night’s sleep! He awoke in praise to God, for He alone is Almighty.

[1] David in trouble.

            Sometimes people find themselves between a rock and a hard place. This is where David ended up. Some today may ask the question: how can troubles come to those who have put their trust in God, who are saved, and who are seeking to follow Him? We know surely whether we are young or old, in whatever circumstance, that believers face troubles. It may be in school, or in the workplace, or wherever you live and do your normal things. But Christians have additional troubles too, apart from the normal heartaches which are as a result of the fall. Christians can be left out of things, may not be free to share in the jokes told, and are separate on account of their walk with the Lord, and so face these additional irksome troubles. There is a tension because they are not part of this world’s order and ways even though they must mingle in the world. Troubles come in all sorts of ways. It may be through sickness, or on account of finances. It may be through ill health or advancing age. Now there are two kinds of troubles we can face.

[a] Troubles we bring upon ourselves.

[b] Troubles given to us.

David brought the trouble he faced upon himself. Absalom’s behaviour ought to have been challenged and corrected. Now when we put a foot wrong and commit sin, and then repent, even though our sins are all paid for by Christ, He does allow the consequences of our sinful actions to play out as chastisements upon us.

            Now there are troubles that we do not bring upon ourselves. If we face a difficulty, and if after examining our hearts we see nothing which needs repenting of, and we are suffering, then we must realise that even though this is not consequential from a sinful act, it is nevertheless given to us. We are, and always will be, under the sovereign hand of the Lord. This trouble is not a punishment from the Lord, although He may be using it to chastise or correct us, to sanctify us. We know that all sins are fully paid for by Christ. He was judged in our place. So there is no thought of condemnation or judgement at all. Troubles come to enable the Lord to bring us into conformity to His Son. These troubles are there to bring in growth. They are brought to us to bring in our spiritual growth. Whatever the difficulty may be, do remember that the Lord knows all about them. Even those internal struggles and troubles that cannot be spoken nor shared, know for sure that He understands and knows them truly. These difficulties and troubles are not to lead us to despair. They are not hopeless, they are not random, but are necessary for our spiritual growth.

            The process of growth is often hard. When I was young my mother dressed me! She used to say: ‘vest in pants, shirt in trousers’ to ensure I got everything tucked in properly! But now I can dress myself. I do not need my wife to come in and help. I do not struggle to get my socks on! I have grown. All of these troubles are designed by God to bring about growth. They lead us not to independency but to deeper dependence upon God.

[2] David at prayer.

            David is at prayer. When he wakes in the morning his first thing is to pray. He cries out ‘O Lord.’ What is the first thing we do when faced with trouble? We ought always to cry out to the Lord. In this modern age we tend to rely on our phones, or on ‘Google’ don’t we? As youngsters perhaps we called out ‘mum!’ or ‘dad!’ when in trouble and danger. We need to call out to the Lord as David did.

            Sometimes people act in a petulant manner and slam the door or blurt out in anger when faced with trouble. Some blame God for the situation, thinking (wrongly) they are beyond reproach and should not have to face this trouble. But as David experiences this trouble he is moved to prayer and he is brought to blessings! He discovers that in the place of true prayer he notes those things which God has done and is still doing.

[a] God is a shield, (v3).

            The first thing David observes in the place of prayer is that God is a shield to him. However great the trouble may be the Lord is David’s protector. Nothing can get to him save that which the Lord uses for his sanctification and growth. God is good and only does good. So He protects David but allows some things to come which will hone him and cause him to rely more upon the Lord.

            When I was in primary school we used to play a game of imaginary fighting. One would come up and pretend that he’d shot an arrow to me claiming it had met its mark, but I would reply ‘my chain mail has saved me!’ Undeterred my friend would say ‘I have a machine gun so you must be dead,’ and I would reply ‘but I am wearing armour plating.’ This game would soon escalate to ridiculous heights involving nuclear weapons and lasers, until it came to a point in which it was impossible to carry on when one of us would say ‘I have an infinite measure of protection and the ultimate weapon against all opponents’! There was no beating that! Now the point is that as Christians we do in fact have the ultimate protection against all opposition! God is truly our protector and nothing can get through Him! Nothing can harm you, and nothing can happen to you, except that which the Lord allows, and that for our ultimate good. Satan is not all powerful. He does have some power but he is defeated and defenceless against the Lord.

            We have trouble and difficulty. These are painful and they are real. But the Lord has the victory over all. He has made us secure as we are taken through such troubles and difficulties. This shield is all around you. There is no chink or gap. We may like to think of it as a ‘force field’ in modern thought, but it encompasses us all around. As a result we are enabled to move forward, to carry on, to live through these difficulties.

[b] God is the lifter up of our head (v3).

            David knows this truth in the place of prayer. We need to lift up our heads! We need to set our hearts and minds on the things above. Many hang their heads in shame when troubles come. Maybe they have lost money through no fault of their own. Perhaps they have been made redundant or other failures have reared their ugly heads. But in the place of prayer David knows that even if the kingdom is taken from him, even if none are with him, and even if there appears to be no hope, yet still the Lord is the lifter of his head.

[c] We are never far from God (v4).

            David mentions here ‘the holy hill.’ But he has had to flee from Jerusalem where the holy hill could be found! This was the place of sacrifice and worship. It had been settled in Jerusalem in the temple. But David recognises that it is not the literal site that is vital, but what it stands for in spiritual terms. David’s security does not lie in Jerusalem where the ‘holy hill’ was to be found, but in the Lord Himself and in that which the ‘holy hill’ showed forth – the death and resurrection of the Christ. So he was never far from God, even though he was no longer in Jerusalem.

[3] David at peace.

            David knew peace because the Lord was his shield. In verse 5 we see David can sleep. If we knew that many enemies were on the horizon I do not think we would hasten to sleep. But the Lord is such a shield to David that he can sleep and be at peace.

            Peace is linked to courage. A lack of courage is linked to those who do not know peace. So in his peace, David can now arise. Peace leads to an outward, onward march to glory. It leads us through the battlefield for God is our shield. In our long-term troubles we know we can move forward because the Lord has secured us, and He has given us all the love we need alongside His peace. David calls upon the Lord to bring about salvation for him. Are you sure that God has given you salvation? Are you sure that God is now with you? If not then maybe you have yet to really pray?

            We must rely totally on Him for safety, security, and courage, all of which we find in the place of prayer unto the Lord. In verse 2 the enemies taunt and bring doubts saying that there is no help or salvation from the Lord. But in verse 8 we read that salvation belongs to God. God is with us if we are His.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7).

Amen.

June 22nd 2025: Paul Daniel

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Philippians 4:4-8

How many of you are hot and bothered with the heat? It may be one of those weekends when you may not want to do anything because it is too hot. Have you ever been anxious about anything? Being anxious is a very human response to some situations. Anxiety can become intensive and lead to distress. Some form of stress is good for you, to push yourself for example when exercising. Anxiety and stress are very much part of our daily life.

The apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (v4). We can say that can be difficult. How can we rejoice when things that are beautiful are broken in this world? We read powerful words in Psalm 46. In times of trouble, if you were an Israelite what would life have been like? They had many difficulties, but they saw God at work: in the Flood God preserved His people, in slavery God rescued His people. Throughout the whole of history we see God is faithful to His people. He has a gospel. God has been faithful to His Word.

When you are concerned or worried about something we have the same God; He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Paul writes to the church in Philippi reminding them to stand firm, to be strong in the Lord. Throughout all of history God is faithful and in control.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (4:4). There were big distractions 2000 years ago. There were false teachers and plenty of things to distract God’s people. Paul says not to be distracted but to stand firm in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes, in Christian life, there are many things that distract us and unsettle us. They unsettle our mind and our walk with the Lord. One thing that unsettles people is God’s people! (opening 4 verses). Someone can say something that they shouldn’t say (James). How silly it is when Christians get into all sorts of tiffs and arguments. The Lord Jesus Christ died for us! Sometimes, we don’t hear what other people are saying and make assumptions.

Do you know what the smallest muscle in the human body is? It is the stapedius, a 1 mm tiny muscle inside your ear which controls volume levels. Just us the tongue is so important, this muscle is so important. As Christian brothers be unified, don’t mis-hear. Jesus Christ has come to unite us to Him and to one another.

We face Christian hardship, but Paul says not to be anxious, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (v6). Things can come our way unexpectedly. We may have unexpected troubles. There are difficulties in the Christian life. Some churches will promote a gospel that says if you’re a Christian everything will go well with you. No! Difficulties will come (Jesus – Parable of the Sower). The Christian life does not get easier, it can get more difficult. In our growth in godliness there is growth in our sensitivity to sin. It is different for all of us. We respond in different ways but Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (v4). He talks about being gentle and reasonable. There is a harshness in our world. But God sent His Son to forgive us of our sin, to cleanse as, to soft and our hearts and give us a hope that will never disappoint us, to give us a destination – heaven.

We are waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ to return. Before that glorious day, Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (v6). Here is a prayer, probably the most underutilised prayer of a Christian. When we pray we are being listened to in the throne room of heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ is interceding for us. We access God who is capable of the impossible. You have access to God. He can do the impossible because He raised Jesus Christ from the dead. As you are praying, present your requests with thanksgiving.

As you grow in grace, see how God has kept you and answered your prayers. He is faithful to His people and never forsakes them. When you pray it is a reminder of all God has done in your life and this helps you to rejoice. There is no Christian who has everything sorted. None of us are perfect. Yet, all of us can be rejoicing through what God has done so far in our lives. We are justified, reconciled, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, been given brothers and sisters in Christ. He says He will be with us. People can let us down, even those closest to you. But you have the Lord Jesus Christ who is closer than a brother.

What happens when you present your prayers with thanksgiving?  “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v7). This peace transcends all understanding. It’s a picture of being guarded. You have a Protector, a shield, strength. It is a picture of peace.

There are times when God takes you through difficulties and times when He takes you out of them. My encouragement is to keep going. In this world people expect everything to be fixed right now. My friends, we have a wonderful hope we are looking to. Sometimes we get distracted, but Paul says our attitude in the midst of difficulties should be, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”  (v8).

What is the Christian attitude meant to be? It should be deliberate.  All you have to do is come to the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him. The Christian attitude is meant to be deliberate, “If there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”  (v8b). We must actively seek ‘whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable.’

Sometimes, we do the opposite for example how much time do we spend on social media? It can be a window into coveting what everyone else has. If there is something that is not good for us, then stop. When we are aware of something that is not good for us, we need to stop. We have on-demand television. This can dull our senses. Are we aware of the things that drag us down? Paul says we must focus on what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely and commendable.

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (v9). Paul follows Jesus. Be more like Jesus Christ. This will be better for our mind, better for our body, better for our soul, and better for our friends. How can we do this? The Holy Spirit helps us. We need to be obedient to the word of the law. Be under the word of God.

What is the answer, the response to a Christian life of hardship? Go and tell others what God has done for you. 2000 years ago many people had difficulties. They looked to Jesus. These words were written for them and for us.

Paul ends, “And the God of peace will be with you.” (v9b). God’s peace in an uncertain world. He gives His peace and we can ask for more. When you are anxious, when you are worried, when you are going through difficulties, remember the words of Jesus Christ, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).

March 2nd 2025: John Scanlon

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Luke 18:1-14

This parable touched me. As Jesus walked through the countryside, He often spoke to people in parables, word pictures.

In verse 9 Jesus warns us. This parable is aimed at people who trust in themselves. The Pharisees were very self-righteous people who distinguishing tassels on their robes, had thousands of rules and were very self-righteous in their ways. Self-righteousness was not just found in the Pharisees but also in many Christians who trust in themselves.

What is self-righteousness? It is something we all know well, a tendency to have too high an opinion of ourselves. The more we think about it, the more we realise that that thought is sin. Sin runs through the whole human race. We all have a desire to flatter ourselves, to look at ourselves in a good light. We see ourselves in a wonderful light, we think God sees us in the same way. Self-righteousness is another word for pride, for selfishness. It is a sin the Lord Jesus Christ warns us about in this parable. We cannot hide this sin from God, although we may hide it from one another. The Lord Jesus Christ came among us and took on the form of a servant. He had no form of flattery. His whole nature was flawless and pure, completely without self-centeredness. He warned us about this sin of self-importance.

In verses 10-12 Jesus condemns the Pharisee’s prayer. Here, two men are praying in a holy place. One is great at praying, very respectable, a model man. He is every man’s idea of what it means to be religious, a man of God. He is standing in a temple where everyone can see him. The prayer is not heard by God. Jews, when they pray, would look at the sky, often raising their hands. They may look to where they think God is. But this Pharisee’s prayer is nothing more than a recitation. You can almost hear the pomp. Five times he refers to ‘I.’ Other people are listening but God is not hearing his prayer. Why not? He has one glaring fault – he has no sense of sin (v11). Never make the mistake of comparing yourself to other people. The Pharisee has no sense of need, no profession of guilt, no sense of shame, no confession of sin. There is no cry for mercy, asking for grace or salvation. He is not standing there knowing that atonement has been made.

If this is the only kind of prayer you can offer, God will have no time for you. Jesus is contradicting every idea of religion. You cannot come to God with a long list of your own merits. This Pharisee is proud of his achievements and has a very low opinion of the tax collector. If you are pleased with yourself you are comparing yourself with others.

Jesus is saying, ‘Can you see what is missing in your life – a sense of God?’ We all fall short of the glory of God in every way. What Jesus does is condemn the Pharisee’s prayer and warns us, but he approves the prayer of the tax collector.

The tax collector would not even raise his eyes to heaven. Here is a man who is not good enough yet he goes home justified, declared righteous, just as if he had never sinned. This man prays, walks out of the temple and Jesus declares him righteous. He commends him to God. The prayer in verse 13 shows how to get right with God.

The prayer of the tax collector is quite short. He asked for himself, praying in a personal way. Then he asks formerly, afar off, when no one can see. He is so ashamed of himself. He asks for mercy. God is perfectly righteousness in punishing the sinner. God stands over him with a sword of righteous anger and this man asks for mercy. He asks for forgiveness because of a sacrifice. That is precisely how sinners come to God. He is beating his breast as he speaks. He is moved in the Spirit and he’s crushed. He sees God, he sees his sin and his only hope is God’s atoning grace and sacrifice. If only the world could learn from this lesson. There is no hope for anyone until they feel the weight of their sins, to know they are lost. Fall on the mercy of God. This is a person who was eternally justified. Salvation is of God alone. It is not of ourselves. Jesus warns us. He condemns the Pharisee’s prayer and approves the tax collector’s prayer. But He doesn’t end there.

In verse 14 we see Jesus underlines a vital living principle. This is the way of God, of the gospel. God deals with us on the principle of verse 14. On thar final day we will see that principle vindicated. Jesus came to earth, took on the form of a lowly servant. He was a sacrifice for the sins of man. If you want the mercy of God for yourself you must humble yourselves, pray and call out for mercy and forgiveness. Jesus has paid the price.

November 19th 2023: Dan King

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1 Peter 1:3-12

To watch this service, click on the link to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/7rskWC6jTGM?si=knyP-mDBCijpCY1N

There are many different types of authors in the Bible. Paul is the theologian, the smart one. He will write a bit, make his point, then he’ll lead into a crescendo into an even bigger point. Moses is a great storyteller. I really like Peter’s writing. He is a bit of a working-class man. When you try to read the Bible and unlock a passage, depending on who the author is, there is always a key that opens everything up. Here, it is 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” According to His great mercy – as long as we keep that in mind, reading the rest of the passage will make complete sense.

“To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” (v4). How does this inheritance come to you? Because of His great mercy. We think of 40, 50, 60, 70 years. We’ve got nothing in terms of what His plan is for us for eons to come. Beautiful. It is all kept in heaven by God’s power. In his great mercy, you are loved! God wants you. He lived, He died, He rose again, went through death for you. My days, you are loved! There is an inheritance for you.

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (verse 6-7). We live in a wilderness. As human beings, we were meant for a garden but we live in a wilderness. We are designed for things to go right, that’s why we get annoyed when things go wrong. It hurts. Looking at the big picture, I know of four wars going on in the world right now. In each of these places, what are our Christian brothers and sisters in these countries praying for? What are they hoping for? How are we praying for them and equipping them?

Currently, we live in trying economic times. There are political problems as well as social problems. What about internally? Within our families there is always something that isn’t quite right. There is always something in work, a way of doing things that always annoys you. Maybe it’s having a fall-out with your friends, even your church. We are all internally very sinful folk.

We can look at things in terms of what the world offers and what God offers. The world offers secularism – your identity makes you. The world encourages us to express ourselves, then everything will be joyous. We see that in all types of advertisements and marketing. God has given the world a bit of a shaking: Covid 19, Ukraine, different governments. We can come to church on Sunday and go to work on Monday morning feeling great after the sermon. Then, later in the day it becomes a hard day. As the week goes on it becomes harder. There is a different way to what the world offers. We don’t have to earn the respect of God. True Christianity is a gift given to you because you are loved.

The greatest outpouring of all is the beauty that comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy He looked at us and wanted us. He loves you. He came down in human form at Christmas, lived a perfectly sinless life and died for you because he loved you.

Here is a spiritual MOT for you:

  1. When was the last time we said thank you to God in prayer? He has helped us in the past. When a problem comes along we need to look up.
  2. When was the last time we sang when we are on our own? Give thanks for the fact He is God, for all His love for us.
  3. When was the last time we read our Bible? For so many, holding a bible means prison, even death. When was the last time we went actively reading the Bible? Start at Genesis, then move to reading John chapters 1 to 3.

When was the last time you met up with someone for coffee and a Bible study? We so easily go to other things that keep us entertained such as the TV or the Internet. God is high and sovereign over all. He wants you in everything. He loves you. It is amazing what God can offer you. He loves you so.

  • When do we pray? C. H. Spurgeon had an amazing quote, “I never pray for more than 5 minutes at a time, but I am never more than 5 minutes out of prayer.” What a place to get to with the Lord – continuous dialogue! What if, every time we had a problem, we turned to the Lord? If the Lord does not answer immediately, the world says He is not listening. He will answer in His time.

“So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7). If you are struggling with something today, you are not on your own. God understands, God loves you. Glorify Jesus by coming to Him. Hallelujah, what a saviour!

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,” (1 Peter 1:8). Yes!

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or timethe Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:10-12).

All of the Jewish texts in the Old Testament do not have the same knowledge as we do, the Saviour was coming. They tried to see what Jesus would be for them and what the Lord would provide. Those people are going to bless you. The people who had enough faith a saviour would come were right.

Jesus lived for you! He got to Easter. He died. Can you imagine the smell, the heat, the sounds, the jeers of watching our saviour die? Horrible! Yet, He went through that, He went through death, He created new life. All the sins we have done, He knows. He says, ‘come. There is room at my cross.’ There is room for His love. His grace is lavished upon you because He loves you so (Ephesians 1-2). In His great mercy. Hallelujah!

There was a time, when we first became a Christian, we couldn’t go five minutes without praying. The love of the Lord was real. Through baptisms we see how the Lord has worked. Stunning! You may wish you could go back to that point. But now you are further along. You have membership of a church. He is still looking after you, even before you were born. He knew you when you were saved. He knew you when you experienced love at your baptism. Think how many times the Lord has brought you through a situation, how He has loved you in the past, the present and the future. Just because we are going through times of despair, His love is still exactly the same – all-encompassing and all amazing.

We need a child-like joy. We need to remember all the beautiful things the Lord has done when we face those challenges.

August 6th 2023: 201st Morning Anniversary Service Gaius Douglas

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To watch this service, click on the link to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/WhS7A4EiySw

John 17:20-26

We have been brought here today to bring Him the glory and the praise. One day, we will see Him face to face and we will adore Him. Do you appreciate how blessed and privileged you are? If we know the Lord Jesus Christ we can rejoice in Him. This is a most wonderful chapter. The Bible is an amazing book. In 1 Timothy 2:5 we read, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

This morning, we are looking at the intercessory prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is the mediator, the go-between between God and man. He stands between two parties where there is a difference. He negotiates to try and reconcile both together. This is what the Lord Jesus Christ has done. We have a problem – sin. Since the garden of Eden, mankind has always had an issue with sin. It has separated man from God and God from man. We read in Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.”

The problem of sin stands between God’s relationship between you and me. Sin entered the world through man, death came. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world, stood in the gap between man and God, and put away sin being our sin and shame on Calvary’s cross.  “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21). As He died and was buried, our sins were buried with Him. He had no sin, so he was raised. We’re here because of the resurrecting Jesus Christ. He is risen! Hallelujah!

We have an invitation, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24). If you know and love the Lord Jesus Christ you have been passed from death to life, living in Jesus Christ. We have the Mediator who has made it possible for each of us to be saved. If you haven’t trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, Christ will say, ‘Depart from me’ on judgement day. You have no excuse to say you have not heard the invitation. Jesus Christ says He has died for us, laid down His life for us. You can rejoice in the fact of having everlasting life if you place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In John chapter 17 the Lord Jesus Christ, before going to Calvary’s cross, prayed for you and me. Remarkable! How much time do you spend praying? In our Bible study of Malachi we have learned we are priests. When we pray, we pray for each other. The work we are engaged in is all supported in prayer. Without prayer, there is no work, the words have little impact. The Lord Jesus Christ prayed. “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25). Do you know the Lord is interceding for each of us here? Do you appreciate it?

This morning we are going to look at the unity of believers in Christ and unity as a basis in the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The unity of believers in Christ

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.” (John 17:20). The Lord Jesus Christ emphasises how important it is to pray. He was speaking from a position where He Himself prayed. He prayed even though He was tired and weary (John 4). Sometimes, I can’t sleep. My mind is buzzing. It is a wonderful opportunity to spend time in prayer. When we come to Luke chapter 18, the Parable of the Persistent Widow, the Lord Jesus starts by saying, “Man ought always to pray and not lose heart.” It is a wonderful thing to pray and not lose heart, to put things into His hands and leave it there.

Jesus went into mountains and prayed. He was the Word who became flesh (John 1:1). He spoke the world into being, yet He still prayed. He knew He needed to pray to His Father. He enters heaven with prayer. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). We can come right into the presence of God and we can pray. Do you have prayer time with the Lord, communicating with him, spending time with him?

This prayer emphasises the interest the Lord Jesus Christ has for every believer. He has given eternal life for every believer (John 17:2 & 20). We will never die! Do you believe that? “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.” (John 10:27-30). The triple lock!

When we pray the devil trembles. Even the demons believe and tremble. When we pray Satan is scared. We are speaking to our God and Father, He is infusing His life into us. He is giving us the power to go out to serve Him. Jesus prays for those who will believe in Him, through His word. Without prayer, the word has very little meaning. We pray before and after we read, we pray with the word, we pray in the word. We pray together.

Unity as the basis in the gospel of preaching

“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:21). In Penuel Chapel, even though we are small in number, the wonderful thing is how people who come here love to speak about the Lord Jesus Christ. They do it because of the reality of Christ in their lives. If Christ is real in your life you will share about Him. Do you love speaking about the Lord?

Jesus Christ is the common denominator in the unity among the people of God from different parts of the world. We have something to talk about. When the Lord Jesus Christ was here, He always spoke about the father. He lifted up the father in His walk, He lifted up the father in his life, He lifted up the father in His prayer. How often we forget about Him. He lifted up his father’s name, He spent His time praying because it was His Father’s glory to hear His voice. He prayed in the midst of people. This unity in the gospel is based very much on prayer and the word of God. What a privilege that we are one in Christ.

The oneness with Christ surpasses all other relationships. We are heirs with Christ. Everything that belongs to Him belongs to you if you know Him. This is the depth of God’s love. He wants us to express that oneness in our lives. We are one in Christ. What a day of rejoicing that will be when we see Jesus, the one who has made me one with Him. We want others to know our saviour. The oneness that’s with him, is with us.

“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:11-12). Are you a child of God? If you are a child of God, you are one with Him. We have the Spirit of God in us which has bound us with Christ. Do we appreciate who we are in Christ? We are one with Christ therefore you are my brothers and sisters in Christ. I love you because you love Christ. He loves me. That’s all that matters.

All the apostles died for the name of the Lord. Our saviour gave His life a ransom for many, that you may live through Him. You are alive in the power of that endless life.  “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3). I’m heaven bound. My home is heaven. Where is your home? Heaven. Praise the Lord!

April 16th 2023: Jonny Raine

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To watch this service click on the link to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/coaSyWRjLXo

Ephesians 3:14-21

“Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery. He rose from the table; and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said: somewhat alarmed at his own temerity:

‘Please, sir, I want some more.’ The master was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale. He gazed in stupified astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds, and then clung for support to the copper. The assistants were paralysed with wonder; the boys with fear.

‘What!’ said the master at length, in a faint voice.
‘Please, sir,’ replied Oliver, ‘I want some more.’”

God is the complete opposite of those men who ran the workhouse. When we ask for more, He gives willingly gives over and over again. Where are we landing in the Bible? We are three quarters of the way through the Bible, in Ephesians, a letter written by Paul, who encountered Jesus when He was trying to kill Christians and close down the church. Jesus sent him on to tell others about Jesus. The church also recognised him and sent him on to tell people about Jesus. When other people became Christians through Paul telling them about Jesus, they then started churches. Paul then went on to other places, to tell other people about Jesus.

Paul would often write back to new churches which had been formed, to encourage them in the gospel, and to teach them how they are to be as God’s people. That is what he’s doing in the letter of Ephesians. So far in the book, he has told them how God has worked in eternity and in time to make them His own people, and how this results in a growing Christian life (chapter 1). In chapter 2 Paul is explaining how God has made Christians spiritually alive, even though we were previously dead in our sins. He is spiritually drawing each believer to each other. So, regardless of whether our background was Jewish or Gentile, we are made one together as a church in Jesus. When we normally create divisions, as human beings, the gospel – the good news of Jesus, breaks them down.

Just as Paul is about to tell them how he prays for them and what his prayer is for them, he interrupts himself and explains God’s plan to unite Jews and Gentiles, what it means to be God’s people. For us, whatever our background or ethnicity, the message is that we are welcome to come to God in Jesus. Paul then goes back to speak about the prayer he prays for his people, then he goes on to explain what it means to live a Christian life because of the change that has been brought to us.

Paul’s prayer shows how he prays in light of all God has done in Jesus. Quite simply, it is a prayer for more. Before we come to the prayer itself, we see the approach to prayer; we need more and more humility, “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 3:14). I don’t know if you’ve ever knelt when praying, it’s not a requirement in the Bible. Another posture, which is mentioned in the Bible, is to pray with your hands raised.

Paul points out God’s greatness, His high position. Recapping God’s greatness leads to humility. Paul is not demanding of God, rather he comes humbly submitting to God. He refers to God as his Father. We might have had negative experiences of an earthly father, but God is our perfect Father. We need more humility.

Paul essentially has three requests. If we are asking for more, we already have had some. These are things Christians can never get enough of. God’s supplies are endless. He can keep giving more and more of Himself, “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,” (Ephesians 3:16).

  1. More Power.

The power Christians have access to has already been a theme of the book, especially at the end of chapter 1. It’s the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. That’s the power that we have access to. Here the focus is first on how this power is brought to us – through the Holy Spirit. Every Christian has God’s Spirit living within them. He is co-equal with God the Father and the Son. He is the means by which God’s power is available to us. Because He lives within us, we have the power of God available to us.

“May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height,” (Ephesians 3:18). Paul speaks about how he might grasp the four dimensions: width, length, height and depth. This might refer to God’s love, but Paul leaves this thing of immense measurement unspecified – it might be the limitless of God’s power for us.

Why do we need such limitless power? In order to grasp the more of other things God has for us, we need the power of God for us to be able to do. In order to live the Christian life, we need the limitless power of God to do so, to live faithfully for Him. That power is made ours more and more.

  • More Closeness

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,” (Ephesians 3:17). That’s intimate language. The Spirit lives in our hearts. The Spirit and Christ are so united together in oneness; as the Spirit lives in us, so Christ lives in us. The fulness of the Father lives in us, Christ dwells in our hearts and the Spirit within us. This is something we already have as Christians. As Christians, we already have a closeness with God. We have been made one with the Father through what Jesus has done for us, as the Spirit unites us to Christ.

It’s something we can have more and more of. The closeness we have in God, through Christ, in the Spirit, grows and grows. Sometimes, as Christians, our faith fluctuates, but He is always giving more and more. We can pray we can have more and more.

  • More Love.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,” (Ephesians 3:17). The root and foundation of love is the beginning point of love. He loves us, so we can love Him. “To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19). This is a prayer that we would know this love that surpasses knowledge. We’ll never be able to explain the deepness of God’s love for us, but we can have more of it. Just as you think you might be able to understand the extent of God’s love, to begin to grasp it, you realise how vast and limitless His ocean of love for us is. God loves you.

When you realise He loved you even when you were sinful, you realise He loved you more. When you realise that He loved you even when you were an enemy of His and yet He still loved you, then you love Him more. When you realise that it cost Him the death of Son to show you the greatness of His love, you realise how much more He loves you.

When you realise that it took Jesus to take our sin upon Himself and endure the hell we deserved, you realise that He loved you more than you even realised before. When you realise that He holds you securely in His love and His love will not let you go, you realise that He loves you even more. When you realise He loves you despite your wavering faith and continued sin, you realise that He loves you more.

When we think we’ve grasped the fulness of God’s love, you realise something more of what God has done for you. He loves you more than you previously thought. As you see He loves you more, so you love Him more.

The result of this is more praise. When we realise all the ‘mores’ God has in store for us – more power, more closeness, more love for each one of us, we just have to tell Him how grateful we are, how much we love Him and appreciate what He has done for us. The final two verses are quite simply that, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Even in that overflow of praise, Paul can’t help but squeeze in whatever we think or imagine, God is bigger, God is more. Such is the awesome, infinite greatness of God who works in us, who has glory in His people, and in His Son, and whose glory continues from generation to generation, forever.

What difference does this actually make to us? What difference does this make if you’re not a Christian or if you’re not sure, or if you want to share something of this with people who aren’t Christians?

The question to ask is. ‘Is this the kind of God I would want to know?’ If I don’t know this God, is this the kind of God that I would want to know – a God who is generous, kind and ready to share all of His immense riches, all of His glory with His people, a God who empowers His people, a God who draws His people closer to Himself?

If that’s you and you’re not yet a Christian, or perhaps thinking about Him, you can come to Him today. He opens His arms to welcome you today, whatever our failings, whatever our sins, we bring them to Him. In Him we find complete and full forgiveness. In Him we are made His children so that we can call Him our Father. He has shown us His love in Jesus and He want to bring us all to Himself, to give us a life that we can then live for Him. If there is something you are not sure about, then why not start reading about Jesus’ life? Read about how He has revealed God to us. Come back to the church here. Keep coming back week by week and hear about the good news of Jesus.

If you are a Christian, no doubt you have a desire for more. We realise we don’t have it all.  So, we can pray for ourselves; we can ask God to give us more of Himself. As we come before Him humbly, we can ask Him to give us more power, more closeness and more love from Himself.

We can pray that for each other – that’s exactly what Paul is doing here, he is praying for other believers a long, long way away from him. He is praying that they would experience these ‘mores’ of God. As a church you can pray that for each other. You can pray for those who preach week by week. Even when we’re at the end of our capacity, He keeps on giving of Himself to us. He keeps giving out of His grace, out of His loving kindness to us. We keep leaning on Him, we keep looking to Him.

July 4th 2021: James Sibley

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Psalm 61

Have you ever had to cry out for help? May be as a child calling out for a parent, or calling for the emergency services? In Psalm 61 we see King David doing exactly that – crying for help. He wants more than help, he wants God to help him. What is David facing? He calling to God because his heart is faint. He is experiencing distance and disconnection with God. He is separated from God’s living presence. We are not told the context of this psalm. The previous Psalm 60 tells us exactly when this psalm took place, but not for this one. Context can be really helpful, but we can’t leave the psalms in that context; they have been taken and made into a hymn book for all nations. We should be able to pray them and sing them in our own lives. The Psalms are to be echoed and owned by ourselves.

Are we feeling like David in verses 1 and 2? Or have we felt that way before?

1Hear my cry, O God,
    listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you
    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I.

May be, you have felt this way when prayers seem to go unanswered, and God seems far away.
May be, you sin has left you distanced and disconnected? May be, you have drifted from God in lockdown – not a conscious rejection but drifted away? May be, you are worn out and fed up with life? Possibly you are approaching old age or experiencing grief or loss? You may be full of joy. But be prepared to hold on to Psalm 61 when the times get tough. We have hope for our hearts.

In the second half of verse 2 David expresses his sense of hopelessness, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” What David is saying is, ‘I can’t do this on my own. I’ve reached the end of my tether.’ When we see David’s sense of helplessness, it is ultimately the right way to feel in those situations. The solution is beyond our control. We need to reach out for help. David is crying out for, ‘the rock that is higher than I.’ He is saying, ‘Take me up, out of reach.’ This metaphorical imagery is a place of safety which only God can take him. If you are feeling desperate and helpless, it is freeing to realise and know it is time to stop struggling and cry out to the One who can help and will help. We need to recognise we are in trouble and look to the one who can help and will help. That is ultimately what repentance is, when we cry out, “God, I need you. Hear my cry. I need you.”

How does David expect God to meet his needs? What is he praying for? He looks for a rock (verse 2) and for refuge, a strong tower,“3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” A rock is a solid foundation, a place of security. In sin, struggles, affliction or loss, we need something to hold onto. We need a place of protection, a refuge from sin and suffering and the attacks of Satan. We all need to be rescued from our sins. God is our rescuer. In the Old Testament a rock is also an image of refreshment, (Israelites in the wilderness). When we think of a rock, think of God’s provision. David needs God to come to Him and sustain him.

David is also looking for God’s presence, “4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah” In the tabernacle, in the Holy of Holies. On the Ark of the Covenant were two cherubim on the Mercy Seat. David could be thinking of God’s presence on Earth. The wings are also imagery of God’s care – to provide shelter under His wings. David is thinking of a place he wanted to go, but couldn’t – the Holy of Holies.

What gets in the way of things as we walk through life? Sin. Sin separates us from God’s presence, His protection and His provision. In Jesus we find the One who brings God’s presence to us, who takes our sin away.

Verse 4 is the key to the psalm, “Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah.” David cries out for the presence of God, from saving from sin. This verse goes so well with John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John says God has come, the Word has become flesh. He is among us – a man, in Jesus Christ, dwelling among us. David cries out from the ends of the earth and now we see Jesus has come from the ends of the earth to meet us. Jesus knows our pain, our temptations. When we experience all the emotions of Psalm 61:1-2, we can see a Saviour who has come down to meet us in our place of need.

Verses 1-5 are a personal prayer of David which we can adopt.

1Hear my cry, O God,
    listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you
    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows;
    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

There is a change from verses 6-8. Verse 6 switches to David, the king, 6 “Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!” This may be praying for King David, but ultimately David is echoing what was said in 2 Samuel 7. When David and the people are praying, they are looking beyond David to the King who will come to walk our path that would take Him to the cross, where He would be made sin for us, but then three days later would rise again in power and glory. He appeared to all those witnesses and then ascended to heaven, where the psalm is now fulfilled, “7 May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!” We have someone who is there for us so we might know the protection and provision of God. We have the very presence of God in us, in the Holy Spirit.

Can we expect, because we have God’s presence, to have only good times? No. But we do have a sure foundation on which to build our lives. We see this Psalm play out in Romans 8:31-39,

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Here is a promise, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Christ Jesus has brought us His presence, His protection and His provision.

November 19th 2017: Ian Jones

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Ian Jones-November 17John 4:43-54: Jesus heals the Nobleman’s Son

We remember those in the Bible we hear a lot about – Abraham, Sarah, Ruth, yet we may forget about those we hear least about, like Elkanah and Malon. What about the nobleman here in John’s gospel? He is only mentioned in John’s gospel.

Jesus had been in Judea and left for Galilee, ‘he left Judea and departed again for Galilee.’ (John 4:3). There was growing opposition from the Pharisees. Jesus, however, didn’t take the normal route around Samaria but went through Samaria because He needed to meet with the woman at the well (John 4). Jesus spent two days here before He left (John 4:43).

Jesus went to Cana, Galilee (John 4:46). John reminds us this was the place whChrere Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding. This marked His great Galilean ministry, which lasted over 16 months. Matthew, Mark and Luke record this but John only records the feeding of the 5,000 and the healing of the nobleman’s son.

Who is this nobleman? He was called a nobleman because he served in the king’s palace. He has a son in Capernaum who was very sick. We expect a man of his position to have sought the very best medical help. However, his son’s sickness got gradually worse. He heard that Jesus was in Galilee and went to implore Him to heal his son, ‘When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to Him and asked Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.’ (John 4:47).

Straight away we have an important lesson. Why do so few people have no need of Christ? Why do so few read the Bible? If people have no need of Christ then hearing about Him will have no effect on their lives. If the nobleman didn’t have a sick son, he would have no interest in seeing Jesus. This is the way God works in his life. Hearing Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, perhaps the nobleman had heard reports of Jesus turning water into wine, or other reports of Jesus’ healing ministry. This gave him the reason to come to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Whatever our needs are in life today, none can be compared to our greatest need to come to Christ. The Lord may work in a physical or spiritual way to bring them to Christ. It’s wonderful to see how the Lord brings us to Christ and works in people’s lives, in the lives of people who had no interest in Christ, yet come to Him. This is what we pray for as a church, for others to come as we have come. As God’s word is preached people may be reminded of their true position – sinners before God – and have a need for their sins to be forgiven, to be restored in fellowship with Christ.

What is even more amazing about this nobleman is that nothing will stop him from coming to Christ. He has a sick son at the point of death yet he went to Christ and implored Him to come to heal his son. It doesn’t matter how far away you are when a loved one is dying, you will want to be with them. The noble man had servants of his own he could have sent to Jesus whilst he stayed at home with his son in those valuable moments. Yet he left his son to go to Jesus Christ, to implore him to heal his son who was at the point of death. The distance would have been about 25 miles and would have taken 4-6 hours travelling. It was a long journey for him, he might never see his son alive again. He would do everything possible to save his son.

Are we willing to do everything possible to bring others to the Lord Jesus Christ, to bring Christ to others? It is easy to sit back and relax. Here we find an encouragement. Are we coming to God in prayer about those who are facing a lost eternity? Are we praying that Christ would restore them and give them life as He has given life to us? The noble man went on that journey to bring Christ to his son. Are we seeking to bring Christ to others?

What did this noble man think about on the journey? He may have wondered what Jesus would say to his request. However, Jesus’ response was not what he wanted to hear, ‘So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”’ (John 4:48).  This would have been a shock to the nobleman. Jesus was not only speaking to him but also to the crowds. When a person comes to Jesus they do not always hear what they want to hear (like the rich young man who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life).

What does the nobleman do when he hears something he doesn’t want to hear? Does he go home? No, because he had a great need. He wasn’t going to give up lightly, ‘The official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”’ (John 4:49). Again Jesus’ response is not what he wants to hear, ‘Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.”’ (John 4:50). He had been asking Jesus to come and heal his son but the Lord Jesus says, ‘Go.’ This man only had faith that his son would only be made well if the Lord came to his home to heal him. He didn’t have the faith of the centurion.

The Lord does an amazing work – He gives the nobleman the faith so he trusts Christ at His word, ‘The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.’ (John 4:50). We can make excuses not to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the crowd was doing. They wanted proof but the Lord Jesus wanted them to believe first in Him rather than have miracles. What is holding us back from believing in the very word of God? God asks us to simply believe in Him, believe the word of God is true. The nobleman turned and went on his way home, when he was met by one of his servants who told him his son lived. What joy! What confirmation.

God creates a need for us to come to the Lord Jesus Christ. He gives us faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, as we walk in faith He gives us confirmation of what we believe. He establishes our faith. He strengthens us in various ways.

Jesus had it that the nobleman’s servant met him. That’s what God does as we walk by faith, as we go through various trials, he establishes us. The Lord doesn’t just leave us when we come to Him. There is confirmation. Twice the nobleman believed; initially, when the Lord told him to go, and again at the end, when he and all his household believed, ‘And he himself believed, and all his household.’ (John 4:53). This is important – the nobleman went on to tell others what had happened.

This was the second sign that Jesus did when he came out of Judea and into Galilee. Both miracles are very similar, they both have people who have great need and who show persistence leading to great faith.

Children’s Club – 29th September 2017

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We had a lovely time celebrating Harvest 🍓🥕🍂🌻 The children explored, with awe and wonder, the beautifully decorated chapel before singing and praying to God 🤔🙏🎵This was followed by painting cards before apple and blackberry picking 🎨🍏 Looking forward to all the exciting plans we have in the next few weeks, including a family fun afternoon on Saturday 21st October, 2 p.m. at Victoria Hall and our Light Party on Tuesday 31st at 5.00 p.m. 🎉🎈⭐🕯️😃

Morning Worship: 5th June 2016

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Norman ReesWorship was led by Norman Rees of Bethany Free Church, Clarbeston Road, Haverfordwest, who preached Genesis chapter 32. Jacob was a problematic person who God used. In this passage Jacob has left home after stealing his brother’s birth-right and is now returning after twenty years away, expecting to face his brother’s wrath.

Jacob was blessed by God, who made a covenant with him. He had settled down and wanted for nothing at all. Now the Lord has told Jacob to return to Canaan, to the land of his kindred. This must have been a huge shock. He was very fearful, his life was now being turned upside-down. Sometimes our life is like that; everything is going smoothly then out of the blue something happens and we may ask, “Why Lord?” This is to make us realise we cannot be independent of God.

As Jacob heads back he makes a plan of action. He sent messengers ahead who were met by Esau, who was coming to meet Jacob with 400 men. Jacob was greatly afraid. We can have distressing, perplexing news which can make us feel fearful. We become worried and concerned. Why is this happening? It is to strengthen our faith. It is easy to be a Christian when things are going well but then something happens to break the nest, to teach us to fly:

          “As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the Lord alone led him.” (Deuteronomy 32:11)

God breaks the nest of people so they may know God. Gidoen, Moses and Paul were all fearful. God brings us problems to send us to Him in prayer. When there are ripples in your life, there is action in your life. Come to God and rejoice in Him. Jacob had problems and he went to God in prayer. He went to the God who had blest him and now who is trying him. God knows when to allow the devil to attack you and when to take the devil off your back. Come to God in prayer.

How do you come to God in prayer? We come to a God who welcomes us, who knows the unworthiness of His children, but there is one who makes us worthy. The Lord Jesus Christ came from heaven in order that He might redeem us from condemnation, from Hell. The wrath of the Holy Father was poured on His head. We can never imagine His suffering. His righteousness has been given to us if we repent and give our lives to Him. Jacob is honest in his prayer to God. God knows our troubles but He wants us to tell Him, to voice our concerns and needs.

The best part of intercession Jacob receives is that God’s Word has come to Him. He knows there is a purpose to what is happening to Him. He is bringing God’s Word back to Him:

          “Remember the Word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in affliction, for Your Word has given me life.”
                                                                                           Psalm 119:49-50

What is your comfort in affliction? Where do you go when trouble comes? Go to the Word of God, to God Himself. Be honest with the Lord, tell Him what is on your heart. Do not allow the things of this world to cloud your mind. We have the promises of God, don’t forget the Word of God. If a fear drives you to God thank Him for that fear. Jacob had a cloud of darkness but it burst into blessings. Wait on God. Are you content with what God has given you? Commit your situation to God. Things may be taken from us, but never our Salvation. We have a hope in heaven. Whatever we go through God does it for the best. Trust in His Word, take everything to Him in prayer. Faith without works is dead. Prayer, faith and working for God go together. God is a good God. Glorify Him wherever He takes us.