God’s Word Says….
Acts 14:1-3 (AMP)

1 NOW AT Iconium [also Paul and Barnabas] went into the Jewish synagogue together and spoke with such power that a great number both of Jews and of Greeks believed (became Christians);
2 But the unbelieving Jews [who rejected their message] aroused the Gentiles and embittered their minds against the brethren.
3 So [Paul and Barnabas] stayed on there for a long time, speaking freely and fearlessly and boldly in the Lord, Who continued to bear testimony to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be performed by their hands.

My Thoughts…..

Throughout so much of the New Testament we find evidence that when one is ‘filled with the Spirit of God’ miracles and wondrous works for God occur. In this passage today, we know that Paul and Barnabas were ‘filled with the Spirit’ because they spoke with such boldness that both Jews and Gentiles were saved. We must know that only God can save someone. God, through His Holy Spirit, spoke so boldly through these men that souls were saved. Also, what followed is always evident when the Holy Spirit is actively at work – old Satan does his very best to rise up through his little army and provide enough opposition, that God’s workers will flee the scene. Just look at our churches today, many are divided because Satan was allowed onto the scene through weak ‘Christians’ who started arguments over very silly stuff (the color of the church walls or carpet; or the pastor didn’t speak to me today so ….). These disgruntled (Satan led) believers then act just like the Jews in verse 2, they embitter the minds of the brethren, until a faction arises, and before you know it, the church is just like the world with its fights and separation. Praise God for His pastors and workers who follow the example of Paul and Barnabas in verse 3, for they knew that God had a work to accomplish through them, so they continued on in their efforts with God’s help. I heard a preacher say that he was staying put until God redirects him to go elsewhere. Basically, when we are ministering in God’s name and for His glory to accomplish His will, nothing will disrupt that flow until He moves you to another place to do the same. When the work is for our Father, then nothing should offend us, or discourage us, because it’s not about us!

Challenge……

Friends, I believe that, like me, you will discern from this passage that God will use us, if we are faithful to His Word and His ministry. I believe you will also see that like Paul and Barnabas, we may have to move on to other ministry opportunities, when He directs. While I am not promoting moving from one church to another frequently, I believe that we need to be careful to listen to God’s voice and obey Him. Further down in verse 6 of chapter 14, we are told that ‘Paul and Barnabas became aware of the situation’, in other words, God opened their eyes and their understanding at the appropriate time when He wanted them to move along. Further, we know that when these men moved on, they very quickly got busy/resumed their ministry in their new location. If God moves us, it will not be to hide out in some large church and not be involved. We are to always be about the Master’s work. What’s your situation today friend? I believe that we each know personal situations where this lesson can, or has been applied in today’s environment. If faithful workers are no longer faithful workers, we need to minister to them and encourage them and pray God’s hand upon them. Don’t just let them sit and sour in the temptations of old Satan.

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, there is so much work to be done in the towns in which we live, so many lost souls that will die and go to Hell, unless we, Your faithful witnesses, allow Your Holy Spirit to infill us and work through us to do Your will. Please be actively dealing in our hearts, so that like Paul and Barnabas, we may gain a deep desire to witness to our lost family members, our friends, our coworkers, our neighbors and yes, even to the one that might sit next to us in church. People need the Lord! Please use me, and please use my fellow Christians, to fulfill the needs of the people, for it’s in the precious name of Jesus that I ask all this and seek Your favor, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

God’s Word Says….

The Amplified Bible: Acts 13:45–48

45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, filled with envy and jealousy they contradicted what was said by Paul and talked abusively [reviling and slandering him].
46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out plainly and boldly, saying, It was necessary that God’s message [concerning salvation through Christ] should be spoken to you first. But since you thrust it from you, you pass this judgment on yourselves that you are unworthy of eternal life and out of your own mouth you will be judged. [Now] behold, we turn to the Gentiles (the heathen).
47 For so the Lord has charged us, saying, I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles (the heathen), that you may bring [eternal] salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth. [Isa. 49:6.]
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified (praised and gave thanks for) the Word of God; and as many as were destined (appointed and ordained) to eternal life believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Jesus as the Christ and their Savior).

My Thoughts…..

In another part of scripture we are told that God’s Word will not be returned void. In other words, when your preacher, who is used by God, speaks the Word this week, and hopefully you will be present, his efforts will not be a waste of his time and that of God’s. When God has a message, it will be proclaimed. Now, pay attention to verse 46 and notice where Paul and Barnabas told the Jews that since they rejected the Word, they will now take it to the Gentiles (the unsaved non-Jews). This is very much aligned with God’s Word in other places where we are told that God’s Spirit will only deal with us for a time. In other words, you can only reject Him so much. Now reflect to your own scenario friend, and imagine for a moment that God is speaking to you through the preaching of His Word, or through another witness, and although you are touched by God to accept Him as Lord of your life, yet you decide to turn away and wait until later.

Challenge……

Now place yourself at the foot of the cross, and explain to God why He should allow you into heaven, because you never did get the opportunity again on earth to invite Him into to your life. Brother Ed, this is totally scare tactics, you might be saying. But friend, with all the love in my heart, I want to clearly say to you that this is a very sad reality for many. In reading this devotional today, you are being encouraged once again by God to seek Him, because your worldly spirit would never lead you to meditate on the things of Christ. Pay attention to what God is saying in His Word today. Don’t reject Him again today, friend. Jesus loved you enough that He willingly died on a cruel cross, in pain and agony that could have been avoided, yet He did it in love for you. Let this be the day that you show your appreciation for what was done, in love, for you on Calvary. Let this be the day that you accept the Word of God and His only Son. It would deeply sadden me to know that at the foot of the cross, you are told “away from me, for I do not know you”. I am longing to hear the words “welcome home child of mine, enter into my kingdom and sit with me, let’s talk for a few hundred years!” Choose today who you will serve – where you will spend eternity. Don’t put it off, please?

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I know that You are perfect and that You alone make no mistakes. I therefore feel like You led me to this passage so that I might share Your Word with someone that You will lead to read and meditate on this today! Please tender their hearts, and as they read, please speak clearly to them so that they may make a decision today to accept You, Your love and Your sacrifice, in return for the assurance of their salvation and their ultimate destination in heaven with you! As You have led me to write this, please also lead the readers to receive the Word and act appropriately upon it, for it’s in Your precious name that I pray, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

God’s Word Says….

Acts 13:26–29 (The Message)

My Thoughts…..

I have heard a number of reports on survey results that indicate only a very small portion of church goers have personally accepted the love of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for their sins. In the church world we call it ‘saved’. This is frightening to imagine, because many pastors actually preach the need for salvation every week. Frightening, because it shows how good we are at pointing fingers to the attendee behind us, knowing within our hearts that we have been attending church for so long, there could be no way that the message of salvation could possibly be God speaking to our heart. Friends, I have heard this said in so many ways, but the best illustration is: I can park my lawn mower in my carport every night, but the next morning it still is a lawnmower and not a car. You can visit a church, like it and attend every week, but attendance nor participation while attending will save you. Salvation is not one of those things that saturates our body anytime we enter the church doors. God provided it as a gift to us, because of the sacrifice He made at Calvary when He allowed His precious Son, Jesus, to be crucified for our sin. Further, Jesus arose from the dead (as we celebrate this Easter time) and sits at the right hand of the Father (God) interceding (praying) for us.

Challenge……

When the message of salvation is taught or preached, it is important that you evaluate yourself as to whether there was ever a time in your life that you knowingly asked Jesus for forgiveness of your years of sin and acting ugly with others. You must then invite Jesus to take control of your life and guide you appropriately each day into a better way, following His written Word, the Bible. It is only then that you are saved Brother. It is only then that you qualify in not just ‘passing the buck’, but sincerely praying for the Brother or Sister behind, or beside you so that they too might be saved. As this passage indicates, salvation is for us – you and I, let’s get self straight first, then perhaps we can pray for a friend or neighbor to also receive Christ.

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, please forgive us for our pettiness and selfishness in believing that we can accomplish a right relationship with You on our own. Your Word is clear, and we are reminded so many times, especially during this Easter season, that there is only ONE WAY to salvation, and that is through personal acceptance of the gift You freely (but sacrificially) gave for us on Calvary. Thank You for that day back in 1976 when You got my attention and I personally made the decision to accept You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for being by my side each and every day, for watching over me, for guiding me and protecting me. Lord, I have specific love ones who need You and need to make this decision. Please tender their hearts today. I also pray for those who attend church every week, but have not yet personally accepted You as Lord. Please tender their hearts this week, if it is not too late. Thank You Lord for loving us enough to save us!

God’s Word Says…..

Acts 13:22–23 (AMP)

And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully. Of this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior [in the person of Jesus], according to His promise.

My Thoughts….

Way too often we (Christians) worry about what we could possibly say to someone who wants to know about the Lord. Sermons are prepared every week to tell us about the Lord in our church services. I believe you will note from these few verses in Acts, that a key component that must be involved in every effective sermon preached and/or heard by us, or in every effective witness that we give for the Lord, is simply that the Word of God must be used, repeated or expounded upon. I’m sure that Paul could have shared many fishing stories, or imprisonment stories or even persecution stories that he may have been involved in before he was converted and had his name changed from Saul to Paul. But he didn’t, he took the people gathered in that synagogue deep into the Word of God and allowed God to speak to the hearts of the hearers through His Word. In another part of scripture, Hebrews 4:12, we are told that the Word is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, and it will penetrate soul and spirit and judge thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Challenge….

Remember friend, that when we use the Word of God, He speaks to the hearer, versus when we try to use our thoughts and ideas, we tend to personally judge and impress upon the hearer our sinful ideas and ideals. Don’t forget, one (God’s Word) will penetrate the soul, spirit and heart, while the other (our personal ideas and agendas) will give reason to question our compliance and obedience with our own ideals. We want our hearers to follow God, not us. Accept His proven Word, not our weak and sinful ways. Let’s learn to let go, and instead let God do His mighty work of reaching hearts. Only He can truly do that!

Prayer….

Lord Jesus, You went to the ultimate extremes to show Your love for mankind, and to pave the way for us to get to Your Father and to heaven. We deserve no credit for that, and we definitely have done nothing to enhance that. Please remind us of this when we are tempted to brag on ourselves, or offer our weak, sinful ideas to an unsaved person. It’s all about You Jesus, please help us to teach, preach and/or witness using Your Word, Your ideals, Your teachings, Your commands and most importantly Your love for us. I acknowledge that only You can touch the hearts and souls of mankind. Oh that I may allow You to do that through my witness, and not allow self to kick in on my effort. Use me oh Lord to do Your will, so that those that I come into contact with will see and hear Jesus, not this man who is weakened by the sin of this world. Please use this humble devotional to also tender the hearts of other believes that may meditate on this today.

God’s Word Says…. 

Acts 13:2-4 (GNT)

2 While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to do the work to which I have called them.”
3 They fasted and prayed, placed their hands on them, and sent them off.
4 Having been sent by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went to Seleucia and sailed from there to the island of Cyprus.

My Thoughts: 

In this passage we see where prophets and teachers were serving the church at Antioch, and while serving and fasting (going without food for the sole purpose of seeking God above everything else and seeking a more intimate relationship with Him) this group received a word from the Holy Spirit, that two of their own, Barnabas and Saul were to be set apart (taken from other cares that might hinder them) to do the work that the Holy Spirit has in store for them. Christ’s ministers are to be employed in Christ’s work, and, under the Spirit’s guidance, to act for the glory of God the Father. This requires 100% dedication, with no distractions or known devices that might cause them to stumble or not be totally emptied of self and this world. For it is only when the Spirit has total control, will a servant be totally led and directed by Him. We will see more of the evidence of this as we read on in Acts.

Challenge: 

So how does this apply to those of us who are not ‘ministers/preachers/pastors’, right? I’m glad that you asked, friend! Throughout the New Testament we are taught to ‘go out into the world and preach the gospel’, many of you meditating with me on this have taken on teaching jobs in Sunday/Sabbath School. Are you not sharing the Word of God with your students? Should we not be emptied of self and this world, so that we might be filled with God’s Holy Spirit, who will lead us into all truth and therefore teach more wisely and Godly? Is it really just our ministers/preachers/pastors affected by this call, or is it any child of God that shares the name of Jesus? I would dare say that God would have each of us so filled with His Holy Spirit that we would be totally led by Him in word and deed, so that the world may be dumbfounded, and therefore surrender to the call of the Father on their lives. Please pray for your church leader today, but let us also pray that God might be able to better use us (a much larger army), by emptying ourselves of this world, and then seeking a fresh filling of God’s Holy Spirit so that we may do a more dynamic work for our Lord and Savior.

Prayer: 

Father, too often we stand in front of folk, or perhaps sit to counsel a friend in a ‘Godly’ manner, yet we are so filled with self desires and worldly practices, Please forgive us for mixing Your divine, holy will for our lives, with the sin and mockery of this world. I am reminded that this is an image of trying to mix oil and water – it just doesn’t happen. Please forgive me. Please begin a new work in me of what it truly means to totally filter my input, so that my output might be nothing but Jesus. I believe that this is the only way we will impact this world, so please begin with me. Touch the hearts of all who might read this devotional, and are ready to commit themselves to being a more impactful witness. Please especially touch the hearts of my pastors, elders, deacons, teachers and workers of my church, and also church leaders in other parts of my city and county, that they too might humble themselves, seek Your face and diligently and sincerely pray, so that You might work in our midst to win our townships to the Lord. For this is our greatest mission. All this I ask in Your most holy and loving name, AMEN!

God’s Word Says: 

Acts 12:12–15 (GNB)

Aware of his situation, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outside door, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer it. She recognized Peter’s voice and was so happy that she ran back in without opening the door, and announced that Peter was standing outside. “You are mad!” they told her. But she insisted that it was true. So they answered, “It is his angel.”

My Thoughts: 

At the home of Mary, many people were gathered and were praying. Now, although not said, I am convinced that at the top of their prayer list was, that their friend and co-worker in the Lord, Peter might be released from prison. I believe that is very logical to assume that. In the following verses we read about the unbelief and astonishment by the group when Peter shows up at the door. Unfortunately this is how many of us pray, and this is very indicative of what we might do if our prayers were answered immediately. As mentioned in an earlier devotional, we are to ‘cry out’ or pray in earnest, or pray in desperation for the item(s) that is at the top of our prayer list, or heaviest on our minds. Give it our top priority.

Challenge: 

Consider what your immediate response would be if you got up off your knees, praying as I indicated/recommended, and standing in front of you was the answer to your prayer? If you faint, that would be a natural reaction to shock, but friend, we must have enough faith in our prayers that we would quickly break out in praise and worship to our Lord, the very One to whom we were praying for the very matter that was corrected. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1). So friends, let us pray believing and convinced that God listens to His children praying; He was the power to “Do ALL Things”; and that He will answer our prayers, if it is His will, or if He determines that answering our prayer would bring glory to Himself and not harm us. Let’s be anxiously watching for the answer to our prayers and be totally ready for a time of praise because of the answers! Even as Christians, we are undeserving of such love and blessings, so let us always be careful to praise God for His miraculous touch and response to our prayers.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, You have carefully placed in Your Word example after example of how You miraculously answered prayer. I know that You are still God, You are the same today as You were yesterday and throughout the Bible accounts, so please strengthen my faith so that when I pray, I will always pray expecting, so much so that when I pray I will be thinking about the glorious praise and worship service to follow! Lord you are so amazing, and so good to me and Your children. Thank You, thank You, thank You, for loving us enough to hear our prayers and fulfill our expectant hearts. We ask so much, but praise to Your wonderful name, You give even more than we ask or deserve! I love You Lord, for it is in Your most precious and wonderful name that I pray! Amen!

God’s Word: 

Nehemiah 1:4–5 (GNB)

When I heard all this, I sat down and wept. For several days I mourned and did not eat. I prayed to God, “LORD God of Heaven! You are great, and we stand in fear of you. You faithfully keep your covenant with those who love you and do what you command

My Thoughts: 

Nehemiah, although comfortable and content where he was at in the king’s castle, yet he was very concerned, deeply distressed, and wanted desperately for God to relieve the distress that his fellow citizens were encountering – as he heard from brothers who had just returned from Judah. Most important of all, he was not just willing to feel sorry about he fellow citizens, instead he did a lot more – His heart was so impacted by the news he received that he went several days without food, mourning and constantly praying to God out of deep concern for the people that he dearly loved.

Challenge: 

Friends, today we have much deeper, and way more personal concerns that are affecting our families, our churches, our cities. When last have we done like Nehemiah?  When last have we inquired about the state of our church – the needs, concerns and issues that are impacting the ministry? And your family, when last have you been concerned enough about the physical and spiritual needs of each family member that you ‘cried out’ to Jesus for a divine touch, and healing of the bitterness, pride, selfishness and anger that separate so many families? Just yesterday I heard from two friends about deep wounds within families that have placed a wedge between father and son, and in another case between two brothers. Think about this friends, these are not just acquaintances, or fellow citizens, these are close, blood relatives! Within each of our own personal families we have members who are just like these two cases mentioned. If you don’t, please pray for my family or another friend’s family that you know fit this description. Friends, we will not see God work through these kinds of messes – this kind of selfish ‘SIN’. We must drop down these walls and bare ourselves of these offenses, so that God’s Holy Spirit will have the liberty to work through us to reach other family members who might also be struggling, or perhaps a friend who desperately needs our help and prayers over their family’s separation from God. I am convinced that God will not use us when we have so much to clear up with Him ourselves. He is a holy and righteous God and He will not work through vessels that are burdened with sin and discord. Our family members are dying and going to Hell, while we sit back in our pride and allow Satan to work out his evil plans in our lives. How can we possibly witness to a fellow worker, or friend, when God is not invited to cleanse our own hearts? It just can’t happen friend, they will see straight through your pretense.

Prayer: 

Father, through the desperation of my own heart and on behalf of my own family, I ‘cry out’ to you for peace, harmony, love and reconciliation in the lives of family members who are deliberately separated from each other. Lord Jesus, I pray that our families will individually converse with You, and seek Your forgiveness for the sin that separate them from You. I thank You, through the assurance of Your Word, for receiving them back into Your arms as they ask for it. I believe that You will use these sad situations for which Satan has laughed and celebrated victory for so many years, to now witness through these members to others in their family, and in those within their realm of influence, that need a touch from You to also unify and love their families. Lord You are awesome, and all powerful. I know that You can do all things, and I place my trust in You today for Your powerful work in my family this day! For it is in the all powerful, all loving and awesome hands of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that I ask and plead for these things, and look forward to celebrating answered prayer very soon! Amen, and amen!

Gods Word: 

Acts 12:4–5 (GNB)

After his arrest Peter was put in jail, where he was handed over to be guarded by four groups of four soldiers each. Herod planned to put him on trial in public after Passover. So Peter was kept in jail, but the people of the church were praying earnestly to God for him.

My Thoughts:

As we meditate on these verses, it appears like the end had come for Peter – because he was placed in the custody of 16 soldiers by King Herod. They even slept chained together with Peter to make sure that he could not escape from them. Now let’s get the picture: Peter was head of the church at that time. Herod, the king, was in charge over the land and doing everything possible to flaunt his power. Herod knew that the Jews were opposed to this new line of preaching that Peter brought, as it opposed their views. So we see where we have Peter (God’s man) on one side, and we have Herod (being egged on by the Jews) on the opposing side. Herod is doing everything to show his power – just in verse 2 we are told how he put James, the brother of John to death. Now in these verses we are told of his intentions with Peter. But friends, pay attention to the fact that in the middle of all this we are told that ‘The Church’ was earnestly praying to God for Peter! I can assure you Brother, that there is nothing more satisfying and calming than to know that fellow Christians are praying for you! Sisters are great at chatting with each other, but there is nothing more comforting to a Sister, than when she knows that her support group, her fellow Christian sisters are taking her needs, in love, before the God of this universe! He is our hope friends! No matter the circumstances and no matter how grim the next moment may appear, there is hope for the Christian!

Challenge: 

Do you know this Jesus of mine, friend? Without a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, you are absent of this ‘HOPE’. On whom will you call when you have reached the ‘end of your rope’ and need help? Please contact me today and allow me to introduce you to my Lord? He is the only ‘Hope’ that we have for our every need, including our eternal future when we leave this old world! I have that ‘Hope’ and I would love for you to have the same! Why not speak with a Bible-teaching pastor today that you may know, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@Outlook.Com. This could be a day of ‘Hope’ for you that you will never forget!

Prayer:

Precious Lord, thank You for the ‘Hope’ given to those that love You and have accepted the gift of salvation available to ALL from you! Please touch the hearts and souls of those that may meditate on this devotional today, and impress upon them the importance of accepting You as Lord. Show them Your love in multiple ways today and confirm through various sources the need to make this decision while they are still able to do so. Thank You for this marvelous ‘Hope’ that I have in knowing that You are with me at all times and through every situation, and that at the end of this life here on earth I will be eternally in Your presence in Heaven – my final destination!! Praise be to God for the wonderful ‘Hope’ that I have!

God’s Word

Ezra 9:2–7 (GNB)

2Jewish men were marrying foreign women, and so God’s holy people had become contaminated. The leaders and officials were the chief offenders. 3When I heard this, I tore my clothes in despair, tore my hair and my beard, and sat down crushed with grief. 4I sat there grieving until the time for the evening sacrifice to be offered, and people began to gather round me—all those who were frightened because of what the God of Israel had said about the sins of those who had returned from exile.
5 When the time came for the evening sacrifice, I got up from where I had been grieving, and still wearing my torn clothes, I knelt in prayer and stretched out my hands to the Lord my God. 6I said, “O God, I am too ashamed to raise my head in your presence. Our sins pile up, high above our heads; they reach as high as the heavens. 7From the days of our ancestors until now, we, your people, have sinned greatly. Because of our sins we,…..

My Thoughts:

In earlier chapters of Ezra, he (Ezra) had prayed for him and his people, and had been convinced that God was blessing, because of answers that he saw to their prayers. In these highlighted verses, Ezra agonized over the leaders of his people (including the priests), ‘God’s holy people’ – as referenced in vs 2; that they had become contaminated because of their association with neighboring non-believers. In vs 3 and following, we can see where Ezra took a very personal stake in this whole problem, and our eyes are opened to what it really looks like when we sincerely ‘cry out to Jesus’ over a need that concerns us.

Our Challenge:

Way too often, we seem to pray about needs so casually and superficially. I wonder how much more effective our prayers would be if we always prayed with the urgency in which we pray when something is seriously wrong with a very close, loved one? Do you remember ever ‘crying out to Jesus‘ when things looked very desperate, like you would lose someone very near and important to you? What if you prayed with that sincerity every time you bowed before our God with a special request? Additionally, when you pray for family, church, community, state, country or world needs, do you place yourself in the middle of the reason for the problems, or do you distance yourself and pray for everyone else that may have impacted the problem? Ezra tore his clothes in agony over the problem. In vs 6 he placed himself in the middle of the fault, because he acknowledged that “our sins pile up” and “we, your people, have sinned greatly”. Friends, think about this: if you smoke, and your child winds up with cancer because of smoking, can you truly pray for the habit, or sin, of that child without taking responsibility for your promotion of that habit, or sin? Likewise, when you pray for your spiritual leaders, can you honestly pray for them without taking blame for certain spiritual responsibilities that you have faltered in, like supporting them continuously through prayer, encouragement and moral support? Ezra took full responsibility, along with his people for what was occurring around them. I believe that it is only when we place ourselves in middle of what is happening around us, and stop pointing fingers at every one else that we feel may be at fault, that God will truly bless us and our land. Will you join me in becoming more focused on the problem, so that we can be more earnest in our prayer life?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we have become a people of blame and pointing fingers at others. Please forgive me. Please forgive us, Your people, for not taking full responsibility for our actions. and lack thereof. Please humble us to recognize our own part in the problems that surround us and impact us each day, so that we may deal with self more than any blame we might attempt to put on others. You are the perfect One, please help us to recognize our lack thereof while still on planet earth around imperfect people. Please help us to align ourselves with You and Your perfect plan for us, and not with any earthly being or plan. We want Your likeness to shine through us, albeit in an imperfect world in which we live. For it is in the precious, loving and holy name of the only ‘perfect’ One, Jesus my Lord, that I pray, amen!