SOMEONE ELSE’S PRAYER!

 

Monday, August 3, 2026

 

SOMEONE ELSE’S PRAYER!

 

Acts 9:10-11

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

 

          How much of what God is doing TO and THROUGH me is a result of the prayers of someone else? If every action has a re-action, then every prayer stirs the cosmos! Paul prayed and Ananias was the answer.

 

          How much of my loss is part of someone else’s gain? If I am a child of God, how is God going to answer two opposing prayers at the same time? Well, God is an expert at multi-tasking. He doesn’t sweat the details.

 

          God’s actions may seem confusing, but His character and nature are firmly fixed. All things “work together for good” for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (see Romans 8:28).

 

Ps 4:8

8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

 

Lord, when my plans are frustrated, I may be the answer to someone else’s prayer. Yet I know that all things will work out for good because you love me. AMEN

 

THESE TANTRUM TIMES!

 

Sunday, August 2, 2026

 

THESE TANTRUM TIMES!

 

2 Tim 3:1-2

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves…

 

          Have you ever witnessed a child throwing a tantrum in a grocery store? Mother has brought him or her along to buy necessities, and the child sees only toys and candy. Peace is possible only when every whim is immediately satisfied. Throwing themselves to the floor they begin to kick and scream because of the insufferable injustice they feel. As a witness, you want to intervene with swift and thorough retribution. Perhaps this is how God feels when we act like spoiled children. Many are “gonna get it when we get home!”

 

          In second Peter chapter two, Peter refers to those who enjoy rioting. He says they have “eyes full of idolatry” and they cannot cease from sin. They beguile unstable souls. Their hearts are well trained to sin, and their mouths are full of cursing. This reads like the morning news!

 

          God invites us to “reason together” (Isaiah 1:18) and promises us rewards for reasonable thinking and wise action.

 

Isa 1:18

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

 

Dear Lord, let not my requests become demands. Let me approach you with a clear understanding of who you are and who I am not. AMEN

 

THE LORD OF ALL MY NEED!

 

Saturday, August 1, 2026

 

THE LORD OF ALL MY NEED!

 

Summer, although still very hot in our corner of the world, is winding down. Soon the sounds of school children will echo from the school yards. Already shelves are stocked with notebooks, pens, pencils and all the debris necessary for education.

 

Ps 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 

When I need peace – he makes me lie down in green pastures beside still waters. I think this is modern man’s greatest and most elusive need.

 

When I am week – he restores my soul [renews my strength]. Even young people are consuming popular “energy drinks” at an amazing rate but I have peace like a river.

 

When I am afraid – he walks with me through my darkest valleys. He protects me with his rod and guides me with his staff. My foot doesn’t stumble though the way is narrow and rough. When enemies and predators roar, he sets me inside a perimeter of safety and prepares a quiet dinner in the midst of it.

 

When I am troubled and frustrated – he anoints my head with oil protecting me from the burning of the sun and from the annoying flies and worries that buzz my head.

 

When I fear a lack of supplies – my cup, my portion, he fills to overflowing. I am given more than enough, sometimes through miraculous means.

 

When I think of my future – I realize that his goodness and mercy have led me all the way and I rest upon the promise that I will be welcomed into the House of the Lord where I have an eternal home.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for being my shepherd. Nothing will approach me today for which you are not prepared. I will rest in you today. AMEN