Category: Wisdom Prayer

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Replacing Judas Iscariot!

Replacing Judas Iscariot!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for church leaders as they select those who will serve. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Peter quoted from the Book of Psalms when it came to selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot.

It says at the end of Acts 1:20 (ESV), “…Let another take his office.”

Not everyone would fit the strict criteria outlined in the verses that followed. The qualifications and the process are described in Acts 1:21-26.

“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. ”

This section of scripture reminds us to be prayerful about selecting church leaders.

Picking qualified leaders among Christ-followers requires great discernment. Pray wise leaders who love Jesus will rise up.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Witness to the Ascension!

Witness to the Ascension!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who believe in Christ’s ascension into heaven and expect his glorious return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine being with Jesus as his earthly ministry was about to conclude. Luke writes about it in Acts 1:9-11 (ESV).

“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’”

Christ rising into heaven. Two men in white robes speaking to those assembled. The witnesses watch and hear a message of reassurance. Amazing!

How comforting to know Christ will return.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Jerusalem, All Judea, and Samaria!

Jerusalem, All Judea, and Samaria!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are Christ’s witnesses locally, regionally, and globally. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Are you willing to talk about how your life changed upon coming to faith?

In Act 1:8 (ESV) the author, Luke, quotes Jesus.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Heed the call! Plant seeds of faith. Share the Gospel.

Are you close to home? Build a community, develop relationships, and use what some call “friendship evangelism.”

What if God calls you to a faraway land? Wherever you go, be on the lookout for opportunities to share about Jesus.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Build Others Up!

Build Others Up!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who build others up. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As a college public speaking teacher, I would use the term “slang alert” for any off-color language. Vulgar slang had no place in a college class, nor does it belong in other settings. Our culture has become very permissive in this area, and in many places civil discourse is reduced to vulgar name-calling. In this case language can be used to ridicule and harm.

The Apostle Paul warns against this in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) when he writes:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

He goes on to say in Ephesians 5:4 (ESV):

“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”

Grace and thanksgiving can be used to build others up. Do these and watch what happens.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Do You Hear God’s Call?

Do You Hear God’s Call?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are called by God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I occasionally listen to The Christy Wright Show podcasts. She is affiliated with Dave Ramsey, a radio personality known for his book The Total Money Makeover. Although she appears to have a primarily female audience, I like Christy Wright because she often interviews well-known personalities.

Although it has been over a year ago, I still remember Christy sharing ideas about the two types of calling: She said there are those who are called to work in a particular profession. Then there are those who are called by God to live through a particular season of life. Although both can be God’s call, the latter can take on great significance for believers.

For example, Apostle Paul writing in Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) says,

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

These verses provide guidance for walking through both work and the joyous and difficult seasons of life. To be humble, gentle, patient, loving, and have a spirit of unity in the bond of peace can immediately change one’s perspective. Instead of living a life of drudgery at some job or just getting by during a difficult season of life, God can walk alongside of you on your journey.

Consider taking on the attributes listed in Ephesians 4, so you can best be used by God.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

To God Be The Glory!

To God Be The Glory!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those willing to say, “To God be the glory.” In Jesus’name, amen.

I was teaching English in South Korea the summer of 2012. My adult students had been practicing their English pronunciation. After a month of intensive study, it was graduation day. The keynote speaker was dynamic, and it was the first time I heard Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV).

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

This verse was a wonderful reminder of the power at work within us. Even if life is hard, I urge you to look around for the abundance of blessings in your life and in the lives of others. Give God the glory for all he has done and will continue to do.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.