Tag: in Jesus’ name

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Wisdom Prayer

Pentecost and the Holy Spirit?

Pentecost and the Holy Spirit?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus appeared to his disciples, and told them to expect something after he ascended into heaven. When the Holy Spirit came upon praying believers, everything changed.

Luke, writing in Acts 2:1-4 (ESV), reports what happened:

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The faithful began speaking in the different languages to those who lived Jerusalem. Some mocked what was happening by saying the faithful were drunk with new wine. Others believed and were added to the church. Lives were changed that day. Be encouraged.

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Wisdom Prayer

Who Will Replace Judas?

Who Will Replace Judas?

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.

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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.

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Wisdom Prayer

Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria?

Jerusalem and in 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 as saying,

“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.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Whole Armor of God?

The Whole Armor of God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who put on the whole armor of God, so they may stand against the schemes of the devil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Spiritual warfare is real.
Scripture says to put on the whole armor of God. What does that look like?

I used to have a poster of a Roman soldier dressed in his armor and holding a shield. Each piece was labeled with a corresponding spiritual meaning.

Apostle Paul writing in Ephesians 6:11 (ESV) tells us:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

If you haven’t already, begin the discipline of praying on each part of the armor as Apostle Paul describes in Ephesians 6:14-18:

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Start each day by putting on the whole armor of God. Not just part of it. Wonder how to begin? Read the verses. Then memorize the verses. Or, make a list of the full armor. Commit it to memory. Do not go without spiritual protection.

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Wisdom Prayer

Provoke Children to Anger?

Provoke Children to Anger?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for parents as they bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In the process of disciplining and instructing children, anger can appear out of almost nowhere.

Once at the proverbial boiling point, the anger can move from emotion to action.

Many deeply regret the comments made in anger or actions spurred on by anger.

When either of these happens, stop and ask for forgiveness: Ask for God’s forgiveness, and ask the offended person or person for forgiveness.

The Apostle Paul had a special message for proper family dynamics and wrote specifically about anger in Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV):

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

If there a need to address unresolved family issues, do not delay. Take steps to heal. If you have been wronged, be willing to forgive the transgressor.

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