The Character of a Praying Person

 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded." James 4:8

Read: James 4-5

The true person of prayer spends time with God, not just for a few minutes in the morning or before a meal, but throughout the entire day. Such a person starts his morning greeting God and carries that conversation through every moment of the day, then closes the day with a heart of thankfulness and a departing sweet "Goodnight" to God.

Such a person seeks refuge in God when things get tough.

"But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." Psalm 3:3

He believes God will take care of him.

"I lade me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me." Psalm 3:5

A praying person honestly assesses himself before God.

"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah." Psalm 4:5

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" II Corinthians 13:5

 He realizes that he may not always get what he asks for, but he will receive what is best for him, and this will lead him to praise God. 

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

Such a person develops a deep and sincere attitude of gratitude that reaches to the very depths of his being.

“Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” II Corinthians 9:11

Praise and thanksgiving lead to a heart of joy and peace, even in the toughest of situations.

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:25

Because of his continual fellowship with God, his countenance and his impact on those around him will bring God glory, even when undergoing tribulation.

“And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him [Stephen], saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15

How has your prayer life been lately? Is it showing, not necessarily by the answers, but by who you are for having spent time with God?

For further study, read: I Samuel 30; Psalm 56.

To God be all glory and honor and praise! Amen and Amen. 

"But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation." Psalm 69:13.

Job: I Stand Accused

And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity?..." Job 7:21

Read Job 3, 7, and 41.

Do you ever feel as though nothing you do is ever good in the eyes of others? Have you felt the burden of being accused or judged to the point where you come to believe yourself unredeemable?

For a few years in my life, I felt as though everything was my fault. My mantra had become: "I exist; therefore, it is my fault." If the car broke down. It was somehow my fault. If a storm hit and blew down trees. It was my fault. If an animal died that I had nothing to do with. Yes, again, it was my fault.

Okay, yes. Those were lies. Totally screwed up ones. And if it wasn't for the grace of God and the love He showed me through His Word, I would never have overcome those thoughts. By the reading of His Word and much prayer, through the witness of those who knew God's love and were willing to share it, I discovered that these thoughts, these accusations were not truth.

How did I get to the point of thinking that way? The same way Job did. The accusations of others. "If you hadn't done that, this wouldn't have happened." "If you hadn't said such and such, I'd never have done such and such." "If you could only see how you screwed up, then you'd realize this was your fault."

None of us are without sin. Not a single person has never done anything wrong or never made some mistake or never inadvertently evoked another to react negatively. Fact is, we are all in need of God's grace and mercy.

From Adam to the Apostle Paul, from Eve to Priscilla, God used broken and sinful men and women to do His will. Sometimes He worked His will around and through their sins, sometimes through their well-meaning, well-intended words and actions, and sometimes because they were truly led by God to do a specific thing. The point isn't who was more righteous than the other. The point is none of us are good or capable of doing anything good without God's hand working in it.

Without God's grace, we would be guilty of all. But God didn't leave us in the dust. He didn't leave us without a way out of the hole we dug ourselves into with our sin. He sent a Savior. He made a way for us to be good and without blame despite ourselves. 

When Jesus Christ came, He intentionally set His path to the cross. Read the Gospels, and you will see someone who purposefully called out the religious leaders of the time, antagonizing them while telling them the truth, so that they would ultimately kill Him. 

And while that seems cruel, it was necessary. When He hung on the cross, He said, 

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) 

Do you see? On that cross, He forgave you and me before we even knew it was our sin that put Him there. It was for our sin that He died, paying the price we could never pay to cover the debt of all our wrongdoings.

But because Jesus was perfect (He was God after all), death had no hold on Him. He arose from the grave, becoming the first to resurrect from the dead and go to Heaven. He made it possible for us to not only receive forgiveness for our sins, but also spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

Job, no doubt, began to believe the accusations made against him. In fact, I'm quite certain he knew he could never be justified before God. He said, 

"...but how should man be just with God?" (Job 9:2)

The answer and freedom from sin isn't found in the guilt. We can't be justified before God by our own works. 

"If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse." (Job 9:20)

Despite the accusations of his friends, Job began to encourage himself in the Lord, acknowledging also his sinful nature, as well as the perfection and sovereignty of God. Pondering these things, I believe, gave Job strength. He began to see his friends' deceit. 

"But ye are forgers of lies, ..." (Job 13:4).

These thoughts build in momentum, and soon Job declares, 

"...let come on me what will.... He also shall be my salvation:" (Job 13:13-16).

Our salvation does come from God. The only task we are given is to believe. To believe that through Jesus Christ forgiveness is found, redemption is made, and we become justified before God--not by our works, but by Christ's. All praise and glory be to Him.

What is your relationship with God? Have you ever come to the point where you knew there was nothing you could do to save yourself? Have you ever reached the point where you've handed your life over to God, because you realized you made a mess of it? Do you now rejoice in the freedom God has given you?

For further study: Romans 5-10.

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:... (Job 19:25-26)

Man of Prayer

 "Draw night to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:8

A.W. Tozer was a man of prayer. He wrote on such subjects as knowing God, worshiping God, living a crucified life, and so on. He was known to spend much time praying, lying prostrate on the floor. As a part of his regular devotional life, he read hymnals, claiming the hymns of old were a necessary part of growing in our relationship with God. 

Photo by Samuel Martins on Unsplash

The apostle James gives the attributes of a person of prayer. Such a person doesn't depend on written prayers in a prayer book to religiously read. He doesn't pray at set time, reading down a grocery list of names and prayer requests. Such a person has a relationship with God from which he prayers.

Prayer is a conversation with God and much more. Prayer, when done with an attitude of truly seeking the presence of God, deepens our knowledge and understanding of God. If lacking this experience, James tells us a person simply needs to ask God for it, but to do so believing God will provide.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:6-8

The phrase "double minded" comes from the Greek word 'dipsychos', which means wavering, uncertain, doubting. It signifies that the person is divided, two-spirited, and vacillating in opinion or purpose.  

Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden. What a privilege. The apostles often spoke of their prayer life. If you look at their epistles, you'll find their prayers included thanksgiving, praise...essentially the element of worship.

I enjoy spending time alone with my husband. He is my favorite person to be with. Part of my pleasure is telling him how much I appreciate and love him, and hearing him say the same. Sometimes our times are filled with discussion on our dreams, our family, our work, and those things that make up our day. The time is special and I find myself growing closer and understanding him better each day because of these conversations.

Time with God results in the same, a deeper knowledge of God, a deeper appreciation of fellowship with Him and a keener desire to obey and please Him. That's when a person knows he has spent time in true prayer.

However, often people pray with their mind on one thing, while their words run their grocery list of names and prayer requests before God. The prayer isn't said in faith because they are simply going through the motions their habit of prayer dictates. That's not to say you shouldn't have a habit of praying. Rather, that it not be a religious habit, done without any real consideration of who one is praying to.

Prayer is about a person's relationship with God. The focus of a person's prayer needs to be on that relationship, deepening it, enjoying it, growing in the knowledge and understanding of God. That relationship is beautiful, powerful, more fulfilling than any other relationship, and it begins with true prayer.

"But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou are my help and my deliverer: make no tarrying, O my God." Psalm 40:17

"The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." Psalm 34:15 

Short Story: Arnoldo

 Arnoldo

“They gain their wealth at the hands of the poor!” the bald man dressed in a monk’s habit shouted from a wooden crate in the main street of Brescia. “The Romish Church has no right to own property.”

With one voice, the crowd revealed their reverence of him, but Theresa stood by the door of her father’s blacksmith shop pondering his sanity. Did not this man realize he was inciting his own death?

Her fist tightened around the scroll handed to her by the monk’s disciple. She was playing the fool now. Would she be killed for bearing a message?

“He studied in France,” a passerby whispered as he bumped Theresa’s shoulder.

She draped her scarf over her head and across her face.

“He claims the Church does not have the right to rule as a kingdom,” another whispered in return.

Theresa ducked under a farmer’s canopy and slipped past another.

“The sacraments the Church practices are not as written in Scripture!” The man, lifted a book in his hand. “Convert and be baptized again!”

“Arnoldo!” Theresa hissed as she drew up behind him. “I have a message.”

The monk stepped down from the crate and pulled on his beard. “What is it?”

“A message.” Theresa pressed the scroll into his hand. “You must leave. The count-bishop is preparing his coaches. He plans to take you to the Pope.”

The clop-clop of prancing hooves on cobblestone and the anxious neighing of high-strung horses rose above the crowd’s murmurs. Arnoldo looked across the market. “I see you are right. That is his impressive vehicle now, is it not?”

“Yes. Please, come with me.” Theresa turned and lifted her skirts. “I know a way to the Alps where he will not dare follow . . . not in a coach.”

“But to run . . .”

“To run is to save your life and perhaps give you opportunity to share the truth with many more.”

Her words seemed to convince him for he grabbed her elbow and waved her on. They weaved through the merchant canopies that lined the street. These hovered over her as a net sent by Satan to capture them. She pressed her hand against her throbbing chest and ducked under another tent.

“There he runs!” The count-bishop barked.

“Down here.” Theresa gestured to a stairwell.

“Follow them!” Pounding boots drew close. The monk breathed heavily at her side as he maneuvered the crumbling steps.

“We’ve not far.” She gripped his elbow and led him down a dark corridor. For years her family had used this passage to escape the attacks of the Lombards on their city. Now, Lord willing, it would provide a way of escape for Arnoldo.

Footsteps echoed against the stone walls, riding on the cool of the passage. Theresa shivered and urged the monk forward to what appeared to be a dead end.

“We’ve nowhere to go.” He panted.

She ran her hand along the wall until she felt the familiar star-shaped stone and pressed it. A quiet creaking announced the slow movement of the wall. Earthy air slipped through and surrounded them. She pushed the monk into the black corridor and glanced back before following him.

The bishop’s men had not yet reached the head of the corridor. She tugged on a heavy cord and the wall moved back into place. If God be with them, the men would not see the wall move.

“It’s so dark.”

“Ssh.” She grabbed the monk’s hand and lifted her other hand to the cold wall beside her. Sliding her foot to the edge of the wall, she inched along it.

For a hundred feet she shuffled, holding Arnoldo’s hand with her left and running her right along the wall. Around a turn and a light the size of a pinhead shone at the end. “You’ll need to get on your hands and knees. The ceiling lowers before we reach the exit.”

A whiff of onion and body odor floated by as the rough wool of the monk’s garb rubbed against her hand. She bent down beside him. “Grab my foot, and I’ll guide you.”

They crawled one after the other for several feet while the light grew until blue sky could be seen through a hole the size of a bear’s waist.

The monk’s heavy breathing echoed through the narrow passageway.

Theresa clenched her teeth and glanced back. Lord willing, he would make it.

The grit of the floor pressed into Theresa’s hands, and her knees bled against her skirt. She held her breath as she peered out through the hole. If the things went as planned, her brother, Joseph, would be waiting with horses.

“Pst!”

She turned and saw her brother holding two bays. “The bishop’s men have come through the city gates. We must hurry.”

Theresa pointed to the scroll in the monk’s hand. “That is a letter of introduction. My father has a friend in Zurich with whom you will stay. My brother will take you as far as the Liechenstein. There you will be given further directions.”

“God be with you.” The monk bowed his head to her.

“And you.”

Shouts rode upon the wind.

“The guards are coming.” Joseph helped the monk onto the smaller bay. “Theresa, go back.”

She dove into the hole and held her breath as she listened to the thunder of horses’ hooves fade. God of mercy, help them. Keep them safe.

The sun began to set before Theresa made her way back down the dark tunnel. By the time she left the corridors, darkness had engulfed the town of Brescia. She stepped out into the street, pulling her hood over her head and around her face.

“Theresa!” a man hissed.

She rushed to the voice. “Father.”

He took her hands and pulled her into a dark building. “Did he get away? Did Joseph make it?”

“Yes.”

He nodded and looked across the alley. “He was Brescia’s hope, you know.” He ran his hand through his thinning hair. “Heaven beheld Italia’s tears and sent us Arnoldo. God be praised.”

“Jacob.”

Theresa slipped behind her father. She didn’t recognize the voice. Who could it be?

“Eugenius, what is the word?” Her father drew his arm around her and placed her beside him. “This is my daughter. She led Arnoldo to Joseph.”

The tall man with dark robes and a hood that hid his face nodded to her. “My pigeon brought word they made it to Liechenstein.” He rested a hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “They’re safe and Joseph will return in the morrow.”

Theresa felt her father’s arm relax, though her own body trembled with fatigue.

“God be praised,” her father replied and led her to a chair.

Tears rolled down her face as she sat. God had spared them. By God’s grace, Arnoldo would continue to speak of the freedom found in Christ. Perhaps she had not been such a fool to help him after all.
_________________________

Arnoldo continued to preach the True Gospel of the free gift of salvation. He later returned to Rome, convincing many of their freedom, but when he retired to Tuscany, he was seized. Taken to Rome, he was condemned by the Pope who had him crucified and burned, and his ashes thrown into the Tiber.

While it may appear as though the clergy won, Arnoldo’s followers continued his message of preaching the True Gospel of Christ. Unlike those clergy who did not believe that one is saved by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Arnoldo now finds his rest in Heaven, with other martyrs of the faith.
____________________________

Food for Thought

1. How does one get saved? Read Romans 10:9-13.
2. Does the Bible warn us of those who teach false doctrine? Read Paul's epistle to the Galatians; I Timothy 4:1-5; II Timothy 3:1-9; II Peter 2.
3. If you lived in a time and a place where you could be killed for sharing God's true Gospel, would you have the courage to do so? Read Philippians 1.

II Corinthians 10:5 — Confessions

 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,” II Corinthians 10:5

Today's Reading: I Corinthians 10; Psalm 91

Confessions: I struggle with my imagination. I’m not a creator of worry like some people, true. However, when it comes to what I think others think of me, I’m totally guilty. 

There is rarely a time when I don’t come away from a conversation, or stretch of fellowship time, that I don’t second guess something (if not everything) that I said. Usually not because I doubt the validity of what I said. Rather, because I doubt the acceptance by the people hearing what I said. In fact, more often than not, I find myself tossing and turning on my bed reviewing every word spoken, every facial expression, every comment…until finally, I give it up to God. 

I never used to be like that. I used to have a conversation and rarely worry about how another would take it. Not anymore. Is it a consequence of a society that has gone to the extreme over offenses? Perhaps some of that. Is it because I have been told some many times that people hate me or hate what I say or told me that I am such a terrible unlikable person? Yup, that has a lot to do with it. But irregardless of how people have reacted to me, I have to take full responsibility for my own thoughts. 

I cannot read minds. So, when I imagine what others are saying or going to say or think, I’m probably lying to myself. Certainly, I am not speaking truth in my heart. And, in fact, shamefully thinking evil (well, not right thinking at any rate) of the very people I’m accusing of thinking evil of me!

So therein lies the crux of the matter. When I think about what others think, I’m not right thinking.

That doesn’t excuse me when I do bring offense and am aware of the other person's reaction. But let's be real here: offenses will come.

“Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Matthew 18:7

Here’s another thought: when we take offense, or give offense, we are exalting that ‘offense’ above God. If we know God, and we know His Word, we’ll know that He controls all things. And because of that, we are safe in His hands when we submit to Him.

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165

To worry or take offense means we’re not trusting God’s control over the situation, over how a person responds to us, over evil spoken or done to us.

So, better I let go of those worries. Better I cast out those imaginations. Better I bring those thoughts into captivity that would cause me to doubt God’s control over the outcome of my conversations.

While keeping my mouth shut in most circumstances would solve a lot of problems, better I lean into God and let His Holy Spirit guide my words. Then I must trust that whatever the outcome is, He’s got me.

What about you? Does your imagination run off with you and hold you captive? In those moments, is it possible for you to school your thoughts to focus on trusting God--on His promises, protection, and provision?

For further reading, consider Jeremiah and how God helps him deal with the situations he faced. Read Jeremiah 15:10-21; 16:1-17:18; 29:11-13.

“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. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Job: Words Matter

 "Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?" Job 5:1

Have you ever had someone come up to you and tell you that God told him something about you? Has anyone ever turned to you and professed great wisdom that you should obey or wise counsel that you must adhere to? 

Have you ever been the one to urge another to listen to your warning, to change the path they are taking, to listen to you declare the wickedness you see in their lives?

I squeeze my eyes shut in shame at these last questions, because quite honestly, been there done that.

Job's friends claimed to have great spiritual insight. For whatever reason, they believed that if they could convince Job of his sin, everything would be all right. 

I mean, really. Has that ever worked? Well, I do think when the prophet Nathan approached David about his sin with Bathsheba, it worked. David did take it to heart and changed. But then, David actually knew he'd sinned. Nathan wasn't telling him anything he didn't already know. 

And what I find interesting here is that Eliphaz seemed to believe there was no one who would help Job. Did he really think that Job was so far gone that any person of faith wouldn't reach out to help him? So....what does that say about Eliphaz?

To be kind, I do think it possible that Eliphaz genuinely wanted to help Job. But for the hidden things of his heart. We are complex people and Eliphaz is no different than us. Rarely do we have singular motives. In fact, often we deceive ourselves into believing we are singularly motivated for good. Only to discover later, that we were not.

Wisdom tells us to hold our tongue. Only the Holy Spirit can do a true work of conviction. That's part of His job description (John 16:7-12). Yes, there are times when our words are used by the Holy Spirit to convict...but there again, the work is that of the Holy Spirit not us.

The prophet Nathan went to David under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I'm not thinking that Eliphaz went to Job under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Although, I do believe God used Eliphaz's words to prove Job.

I've been mulling over the following verses: 

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:17-18)

Perhaps in Eliphaz' mind he was doing just this: loving Job by telling him he had sinned. But I'm not thinking his words actually bear this out. I think that Eliphaz bore a grudge against Job and was taking this occasion to try to convict Job of the perceived sin. 

I know I've mentioned this in a previous post, but I think it bears reviewing. Two things we should be conscious of before we confront another person: 

1. Our Motive
2. Our Love (or lack thereof)

A true person of faith will not speak in such a situation unless he's confident the words would be of the Holy Spirit. How can you know? Search your own heart before you speak and be sure you are truly speaking out of a great love and sincere desire to help that person, not out of a secret grudge or hidden desire to avenge, or out of petty jealousy and a desire to lord it over another. 

Often, when the words you speak come truly from God, healing and restoration occurs.

But not always. 

While we need to take care our words and actions are in line with God's leading, we cannot be held responsible for how another reacts to us. Words once spoken can never be taken back, but we have no idea how God, in His infinite grace, mercy and judgment, will use even the wrong words we say. For this, I am truly thankful.

God's wonderful and beautiful grace upon grace covers all.

...the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. (Job 42:7-8)

God's Sovereignty over All

 "Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem." Ezra 1:5

Sent into captivity, the Israelites suffered a great deal at the hand of the Babylonians and the Assyrians. But God's plan did not falter. The Israelites sinned against God, which led them to their current predicament, yet God's ultimate will prevailed.

Time and time again, you read in Scripture how man disobeyed God, suffered the consequences, then God made everything work out according to His purposes. In the Old Testament, the disobediences did not prevent Jesus Christ from coming and suffering, dying, being buried, and raised again for our salvation. In the New Testament, disobedience did not keep the Gospel from being spread throughout the known world.

And the neat thing: God uses the most unusual characters to bring about His will. 

Take Cyrus, King of Persia, a gentile king who conquered Babylon. According to his own words the "LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth;" (Ezra 1:2). 

He ruled all of what is now Turkey and northern Greece, part of what is now Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, probably some of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and maybe into Pakistan. He also ruled all of what is now Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Libya, and quite likely had great influence in what is now Bulgaria and Macedonia.

That's quite a territory, even by today's standards, especially when you consider the diversity of people located in those regions. I confess, I find this astounding and a sure sign of God's hand moving the leaders of nations. 

But the greatest take away I have, when I ponder all that happened to Israel, is that I cannot thwart God's ultimate plan. I can't stop His judgments, and I can't stop His acts of mercy. I can't keep Him from holiness, and I can't keep Him from extending grace. 

And quite frankly, that causes me to sigh with relief. Because, if the salvation of the world or the judgment of the world relied on whether I obeyed or disobeyed, whether I chose the right thing at the right time—if the future outcome of even one person's life depended upon me, we'd be doomed. I'm not wise enough, knowledgeable enough, righteous enough, smart enough, anything enough for that responsibility. 

Yes, I'm not denying that my actions have consequences. I'm not denying that I'll miss out on some blessings if I disobey God. But I am ever so grateful that all of eternity does not rest on my shoulders.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23