Do God Hear Your Prayers

                                                       When The Door Slams

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.   Deuteronomy 8:3-5 NIV 

        As the people of Israel journeyed through the barren wilderness strewn with rocks and sand, we can hardly blame them for worrying about what they would eat, drink, or wear while confined to such a bleak location. Gathering enough food for an entire nation in a land without set-aside fields for agriculture, irrigation, or pasture became a daily struggle for existence. How would such a large people survive forty hours, let alone forty years, in such a hostile wilderness?

        While the Israelites surely considered the wilderness the last place they wanted to be, the Lord wasted no time using it for a good purpose. The wilderness was the place to learn complete dependence on God. It is almost counterintuitive for us to read this. Why in the world would God remove their reliable food supply in order to demonstrate that they needed more than bread in order to survive?

        In part,  Lord used a difficult situation to teach His people complete and total dependence. They could not do anything clever or innovative enough to provide for themselves. Their only way out was prayer, and their only resource was God's timely help. Did God hear their prayers? Would God provide? It took a difficult journey through the wilderness to find out. 

        Think about this: Most of us have more blessings than we can count, yet we can still find reasons to complain about the minor frustrations of everyday life. To do so, of course, is not only shortsighted, but it is also a serious roadblock on the path to spiritual abundance. So the next time you are tempted to complain about the inevitable frustrations of everyday living, don't do it. Make it a practice to count your blessings, nor your hardships.    

     Thanksgiving: You raised up Pharaoh for this purpose, that You might show him Your power and that Your name might be proclaimed through all the earth (Exodus 9:16).

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                                Never Rest Ministries

        

Do You Want To Be Made Well

                                                       When The Door Slams

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.         James 5:16 NIV

  

        Jesus once asked a man if he wanted to be made well, and perhaps we should consider this question for ourselves in light of today's verse. Do you want to be set free from anger, lust, greed, or just selfishness? Do you want to experience the freedom and abundant life that Jesus promised us? We can probably tread water on our own for a while, but we may never experience a true breakthrough until we humbly ask a fellow believer to pray for us as we fully confess our sins to them.

        James seems to anticipate our potential objections: What if I open up my deepest, darkest secrets to someone and they can't help me? Do I want to risk exposing my self to a fellow Christian if it is not going to do me any good? 

        James assures us that wisely choosing a righteous believer to pray for us will bring the healing we desire for our shortcomings. Whether you feel weak or stuck with a particular issue in your life, consider who you can approach for prayer. 

        Your life may not turn around until you openly confess your sin and receive prayer. Do you want to be made well? Then it is time to stop hiding your secret sins and relying on yourself. We may only find true freedom when we finally confess our sins to each other.

        Think about this: Sometimes the Lord God makes Himself known in obvious ways, but more often His guidance is subtle. So we must be quiet to hear His voice. If you are serious about discovering God's plan for your life-or rediscovering it-start spending quite time with the Lord God every day. Ask Him for direction. Pray for clarity. And be watchful for the Lord signs. The more time you spend with the Lord the sooner the answers will come.

        Petition: No one who waits for You will be ashamed, But those who are treacherous without cause will be ashamed. Show me Your ways, O Lord, Teach me Your paths; Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation, And my hope is in You all day long (Psalm 25:3-5). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                        Never Rest Ministries        

             

"Self" Will Not Fade Away If We Deny It

                                                     When The Door Slams

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].   Galatians 5:16 AMP  

        Discipline, intentional action, and accountability are all good things that can help us overcome our sinful desires and shortcomings. We won't live as faithful disciples by accident. However, Paul shares the heart of the Gospel with us-the driving force in our lives that both unites us with God and empowers us to live in holiness. 

        The only way we will definitively and consistently overcome sin is to yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit as our guide. we will begin to recognize the power of our own desires and, most importantly, our powerlessness in overcoming them.

        The "self" will not fade away if we deny it. Our cravings are too powerful. Our senses of self-preservation and enjoyment are too appealing. We can only educate ourselves so much in the consequences of sin. At a certain point, we need a more powerful guide to show us the right way forward and to redirect our desires with the presence and power of God. 

        The only way to overcome sin is to stop fighting it. We won't be shaped into God's people by what we deny, but rather by whom we yield to and who guides us. By yielding our wills to God, we will find new cravings for the presence of God and we will discover along the way that all days are not created equal. Some days are bright and cheery while others days are dark and difficult. 

        Think about this: Even some of the most faithful Christians are, at times, surround by occasional bouts of discouragement and doubt. But even when we feel far removed from God, God is never far removed from us. The LORD is always with us, always willing to calm the storms of life. The LORD is always willing to replace our doubts with comfort and assurance.

 Renewal: Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).                                                                                                                                                                                              Petition: May I watch carefully how I walk, not as the unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. May I not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17).                          

 Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness. 

                                                    Never Rest Ministries 

As God Renews Our Minds

                                                       When The Door Slams

"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."                                                              Isaiah 42:6-7 NIV 

        Perhaps we all know quite well that God has made us righteous and freed us from sin's power, but perhaps it's harder to consider what's next. Are we freed from sin only for our own benefit? Today's passage from Isaiah says that we have been freed in order to liberate others from bondage, both spiritual and physical. If this calling strikes you as intimidating, or if you simply don't know where to start, there is good news for you. 

        God holds you and shapes you. The life of God is taking hold in your life and reshaping your heart, desires, and thoughts. As God brings liberation into your life, you will start to share it with others. You will even begin to recognize the opportunities to share that light with those who are blind or to bring freedom to those who are trapped. 

        As God renews our minds, He also take us by the hand, guiding us forward in His calling. Perhaps the thing holding most of us back is doubt that God is reaching out to us. Are you open to God's renewal and guidance? Are you too distracted? Do you need to set aside time to allow God's renewal to take hold in your life? 

        Think about this: The Bible promises this: Tough times are temporary but God's love is always. God's love lasts forever. So what does that means to me? Just this: from time to time, everybody faces tough times, and so will you. And when tough times arrive, God will always stand ready to protect you and heal you. 

        Psalm 147:3 says, "God heals the brokenhearted" but it do not say that God heals them instantly. So if you are facing tough times, face them with God by your side. If you find yourself in any kind of trouble, pray about it and ask God for help. And be patient. God will work things out, just as He has promised, but God will do it in His own way and in His own time.

        Confession: No temptation has overtaken me except what is common to man. And God is faithful, who will not let me be tempted beyond what I am able, but with the temptation will also provide a way out, so that I may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).   

                                                Temptation is not sin.

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                        Never Rest Ministries                                 

When We Fail, Trouble is Surely Coming

                                                     When The Door Slams

The LORD your God is with you, The Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."                                                                           Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

        When we fail, and we surely will fail, we may go through a season of the Lord's discipline or rebuke. Perhaps we dread such seasons. Perhaps we even fear being cut off or losing the Lord's favor forever. Could we ever sin so grievously or repeatedly that God would ever turn us away?

        It is understandable as these fears may be, a season of discipline is always intended to lead us to restoration with God. In fact, if God just let us go our own way or spared us the consequences of our disobedience, we could argue that God is not all that concerned about us. What parent would not reach out in discipline to a beloved child with any goal for restoration? God's rebuke is the ultimate sing that He is truly for us, and He is primarily concerned with our comfort. 

        And even if we pass through a season of discipline or distance from God, it is never intended to last forever, God want's to rejoice over us with singing and joy. We are His beloved people, the source of His joy and the focus of His song. However, anything that we trust more than God will not last, especially in a time of trouble that shakes our foundations.

        Think about this: If there exists even one person--alive or dead--against whom you hold bitter feelings, it's time to forgive. Or, if you are embittered against yourself for some past mistake or shortcoming, it's finally time to forgive yourself and move on. Hateful, bitterness, and regret are not part of God's plan for your life. Forgiveness is.        

        Placing our trust completely in God does not guarantee smooth sailing. In fact, the need for God to act as a fortress suggests  that we should expect conflict. Trouble is surely coming, and the question is whether we are truly waiting to pass through a season of failure and discipline only to discover that God will remains with us and never let us go.               

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                    Never Rest Ministries 

What Is God Expecting Of You

                                                     When The door Slams

"The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be ask.                                          Luke 12:47-48 

        

        The more of God we experience, the more He expects of us. It's always been that way. Moses had the glory of the burning bush and was expected to set his people free. Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus and was expected to bring the Gospel to the world. Peter had the joy of three years at Jesus' side and was expected to lead the Church in the face of great persecution in a period of incredible expansion.

        There is no doubt that this is true. As a matter of fact, one of the barriers to greater spiritual life is knowing that God's call bring joy. But why. Why are we not free to just enjoy the glory of knowing God without the burden of service? Let's brake it down. 

        First, growing in God is not only about us. It is also about God's glory in the world. It is not about us. It is about God. 

        Second, growing in God prepares us to participate in His great work in the world. Surely our relationship with God is precious. But God wants everyone to know that joy and He has chosen us as His representatives. 

        Third, growing in God strengthens us for the inevitable challenges we face. We know God, and we know He will strengthen, sustain, stay with and love us. 

        Finally, God is good to us. We are created to live for a greater purpose. We cannot fulfill that destiny or know that satisfaction with a great mission. What is God expecting of you?

        Think about this: God has a plan for this world and for your world. It is a plan that God understands perfectly, a plan that can bring you untold joy now and throughout eternity. But the LORD won't force His plan upon you. He has given you free will, the ability to make choices on your own. The totality of those choices will determine how well you fulfill God's calling.

        If you are serious about discovering God's plan for your life-or rediscovering it-start spending quite time with the LORD God every day. Ask the LORD for direction. Pray for clarity. And be watchful for His signs. The more time you spend with the LORD God, the sooner the answers will come. You are not an accident. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman.

         Renewal: I will not let sin reign in my mortal body that I should obey its lusts. Nor will I present the members of my body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but I will present myself to God as one who is alive from the dead and my members as instruments of righteousness to God (Romans 6:12-13).

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                    Never Rest Ministries       

                

        

   

           

If God Do Not Change Us, WE Can't Change

                                                       When The Door Slams 

And we all. who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.                                                                                                              2 Corinthians 3:18

        Paul outlined the process of a great transformation in 2 Corinthians 3:18. Passing through a great challenge changes us. Peter, the coward of the courtyard, became the lion of Pentecost. Paul, the persecutor, became the great champion of the faith. David, the shepherd boy became Israel's greatest king. Moses, who ran for his life, faced down Pharaoh and delivered his people. 

        First, we encounter God with "unveiled faces." All pretense, self-righteousness, and pride are stripped away. We see ourselves clearly and know who and what we are-sinners in need of a Savior, weaklings in need of great strength, and fools in need of great wisdom.

        Second, we "observe the Lord's glory." Like Moses, we are transformed by confronting the glory of God. We grasp the true majesty and infinite wonder of our Savior and His love. We are humbled and overwhelmed in His presence.

        Third, all this "comes from the Lord." We can't do any of it! No matter how hard we try, how disciplined, rule-keeping, or religious we are, we remain shameful sinners. We only wash the outside of the cup (Matthew 23:25-26). If God do not change us, we can't change.

        Fourth, we are "transformed into His image." Our destiny is to be like Jesus!

        Finally, we are transformed "with ever-increasing glory." Transformation is a process, not and event. We keep changing and will never, even experience all the transformation or glory we long for or His intends. 

        Think about this: Are you a person in a hurry? If so, you may be in for a few disappointments. Why? Because life has a way of unfolding according to the Lord God  timetable, not yours. That's why life requires patience, and lots of it. 

        In Lamentations 3:25 reminds us that, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him" (NKJV). But for most of us. waiting is difficult because we are in such a hurry for things to happen. We are fallible beings who seek solutions to our problems today, not tomorrow. Yet God may have others plans. 

        The next time you find your patience tested to the limit, slow down, take a deep breath, and relax. Sometimes life can't be hurried; during those times, patience is indeed a priceless gift  from the Lord God.

Affirmation: Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, that through Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39).

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                    Never Rest Ministries