Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who have devoted themselves to raising their children in the best responsible ways they know how. We’re not perfect moms, but we’ve done our best to raise our children. Our husbands can support and encourage us when we are exhausted or sidetracked by anxious thoughts. Our children will become our next generation of workers, caregivers, and leaders. They need our guidance and love. So it’s worthwhile to be an excellent mom to those children.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Trust In God
“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”— John 5:8
Like many others, the impotent man had been waiting for a wonder to be performed and a sign to be given. Wearily did he watch the pool, but no angel came, or came not for him; yet, thinking it to be his only chance, he waited still and knew not that there was One near him whose word could heal him in a moment.
Many are in the same plight: they are waiting for some singular emotion, remarkable impression, or celestial vision; they wait in vain and watch for nought. Even supposing that, in a few cases, remarkable signs are seen, yet these are rare, and no man has a right to look for them in his own case; no man especially who feels his inability to avail himself of the moving of the water even if it came.
It is a somber reflection that tens of thousands are now waiting in the use of means, ordinances, vows, and resolutions and have so waited time out of mind, in vain, utterly in vain. Meanwhile, these poor souls forget the present Saviour, who bids them to look unto him and be saved. He could heal them at once, but they prefer to wait for an angel and a wonder.
To trust Him is the sure way to every blessing, and he is worthy of the most implicit confidence, but unbelief makes them prefer the cold porches of Bethesda to the warm bosom of his love.
O that the Lord may turn his eye upon the multitudes who are in this case tonight; may he forgive the slights which they put upon his divine power, and call them by that sweet constraining voice, to rise from the bed of despair, and in the energy of faith take up their bed and walk.
O Lord, hear our prayer for all such at this calm hour of sunset, and ere the day breaketh may they look and live.
Courteous reader, is there anything in this portion for you?
Hello everyone, yesterday morning, we read the evening devotional by Spurgeon, which was updated by Alistair Begg. Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers,” wrote devotionals in the late 18th century that still apply to us as Christians living in the 21st century. Spurgeon’s words have brought my courage up a notch. I can be bold for Him knowing that God is my Captain. This Friday, I hope your heart is encouraged by Spurgeon’s devotional. The paragraph emphasized in italic were words of encouragement to my soul.
Fight the Lord’s Battle
“And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD’S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.”— 1 Samuel 18:17
The Christians are involved in a continual war, with Jesus Christ as the Captain of their salvation. He has said, “Behold! I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
Listen to the battle of cries! We may feel that we are losing the battle, and unless the Lord Jesus lifts his sword, we know not what may become of the church of God in our time, but let us be courageous and bold. Now let the people of God stand fast in their ranks, and let no man’s heart fail him.
Seldom has there been a time like this as biblical Christianity trembles on the brink of capitulation and empty religion routine? We need a bold voice and a solid hand to preach and publish the old Gospel for which martyrs bled, and confessors died.
The Saviour is, by his Spirit, still on earth; let this cheer us. He is ever in the midst of the fight, so the battle is not doubtful. And as the conflict rages, what a sweet satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, in his office as our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for his people!
Turn your anxious gaze from the battle below, enshrouded in smoke, the faithful fight in garments rolled in blood. And lift your eyes above where the Saviour lives and pleads, for a while He intercedes, the cause of God is safe.
Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all depends upon Him.
Based on the Saviour’s atoning sacrifice and the strength of the Holy Spirit’s power, we charge you who love Jesus to fight bravely in this holy war, for truth and righteousness, for the kingdom and crown.
Onward! The battle is not yours but God’s, and you will hear Him say, “Well done, brave warrior, well done!”
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!
His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Lyric by Helen Howarth Lemmel
How was your week, my friend? My husband and I are reading the book of Isaiah presently. I recited Titus chapters 1-2 in good order and struggled with chapter 3. Today I peeked at least 7 times in my Bible when unsure.
Resources
Morning and Evening by Charles H. Spurgeon. Revised and updated by Alistair Begg
Over the years, I’ve used different Bible reading plans, and most plans start with the book of Genesis and end with the book of Revelation. Simple layout that gives you a daily portion to read. Some years, I’ve read between 5-10 chapters a day, depending on my goals for that year. On a few occasions, I had lowered my pace to study an entire book, taking notes and using a commentary.
Planning an entire year of prayer can be achieved using an author’s book on prayer. I prefer to let the Holy Spirit guide me as I read the Bible. When I was a new believer, I wanted to learn how to pray to Jesus, and the first church I attended had an old library with fewer books. One was on prayer, and I learned a few essential elements that have helped me out.
So how do you pray to an Almighty God? How long should you pray? Guess what? Jesus’s disciples asked similar questions.
Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him,
"Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." Luke 11:1
Reverence Prayer
Jesus prayed alone with the Father. After a long day of ministering to the poor, sick, blind, and mute and teaching his own disciples. Jesus, in his human flesh, was exhausted, but he always ended his day by finding a quiet place to pray to the Father. Are we not to follow his example as Christians? In not doing so, we’ll undoubtedly open the door to sinful and doubtful thoughts and actions that aren’t reflected in our Redeemer. In fact, my lazy-unfaithful-attitude created a mountain of doubts in my heart. Not a pleasant place to be.
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6
My encouraging words for those with toddlers at home, or you’re homeschooling a bunch of children, or has a long day at work; you will be exhausted at the end of the day. Pray before going to bed, in the morning with your kids, or in your car on your way to work. In your tiredness, you must find 5 minutes alone with Him. Do it! You will benefit from it.
In His Steps
Follow Jesus’ example and learn how to pray effectively. You can see this in the Lord’s Prayer below; Adoration (v.9-10); confession (11-13); Thanksgiving( not mentioned here); Supplication (v.14-15).
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:7-15
I’ve always kept my prayers simple by praying over scripture because my mind tends to wander off with business. Praying over the Psalms guides my soul to revere God. Praying aloud focuses my mind on the moment. Praying with ACTS gives directions. I’ve also prayed with a Puritan’s prayer for inspiration. Find a way that works best for you. Every moment you spend alone in prayer with Jesus, you will know his will for you and be filled with peace, joy, and a renewed mind.
I’ve journaled my reading, bible study, and prayers. This week I’m sharing a prayer that uses the model ACTS dated Jan 14, 2020.
Psalm 57
Adoration: I will sing praises to you among the nations. Your STEADFAST LOVE is excellent to the heavens, Your FAITHFULNESS to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your GLORY be over all the earth!
Confessions: O Father, I’m selfish at heart. I want comfort, liberty, security, and anything that can comfort my mind and body. But what about my soul, Lord? I seek to be nearer you. Teach your servant gently to pray sincerely and with the power of the Holy Spirit. Your will be done. To learn and understand your word so I may teach others of your great news: the gospel.
Thanksgiving: I thank you for your word that I can read it every day, study it every day, pray, and fellowship with believers every day.
Supplication: Oh, my heart yearns for the fellowship of believers to increase. O that my son( younger son unsaved) be called by your grace. I see a clear sign of an impossible prayer to do your will here if it is meant to be. Open the possibility of staying here by providing a cheap home or a call to NB.
Faithful Prayer
Our prayers are a testimony of our personal relationship with Christ. You cannot be strong in your faith and endure trials if you’re not in prayer. How do we pray to an Almighty God and Jesus Christ, our Savior? By being more like Mary at the feet of Jesus and having a less busy mind-set. A childlike believer praying to the Father in adoration, thanksgiving, confession, and supplication pleased Him. His love endures forever.
Philemon's Love and Faith
4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
Weekly Reading
My goal for April is to recite Titus’s entire book and continue praying alone with God. What is your goal for this month? How is your PrayingOverScripture helped you so far? Let’s go pray!
As I embark on this new journey of sharing my Prayers Over Scripture, I invite you to join me if you want to gain confidence, be exhorted through prayer and be encouraged through His word. It’s good to develop a habit of constant prayer in whatever season of life we’re presently facing.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-21
Many Christians have admitted they struggled with their prayer life. This shouldn’t surprise us when our churches and family have adopted cultural trends that don’t reflect God’s character (Hebrews 1:8-12). When we desire to be somewhere else besides being at Jesus’ feet. If so, we must have repentance, knowing that we’re forgiven and return to His guidance through His word.
Being Doubtful
I have a few things to admit. First, for many years, I’ve doubted I could efficiently express my thoughts in words that would be readable to my audience. English is my second language, and I’m not talented in writing or speaking it, but my heart for other believers is more significant than my fear of ridiculing. Even with these weaknesses, I cannot let them plague my mind with implausible excuses. It won’t profit anyone.
Second, sharing my prayers on a blog will leave me vulnerable to comments or criticism. Let this platform be a peaceful one.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Encourage One Another
I’m a retired mom at home who wants to encourage others by simply sharing my prayers, my reading, and what I’m memorizing. This blog is not about apologetics or doctrine or a how-to study your bible. There are many excellent and well-written blogs already on those topics.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Who redeemed us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a people for good works. Titus 3: 11-14
My prayer is a reflection of the scriptures I’m reading and memorizing. To make my prayers as genuine as possible, I’ve recorded them on my phone, then will write them down and omit any personal prayers.
What if You Have Kids?
If you have little kids at home, you can still pray. Find a time and spot that works for you. This is where the importance of consistency with your kids can be practical, and you will come to respect your quiet time with God. I sincerely hope this will bring us closer through praying over his word.
PrayingOverScripture 