Tag: in Jesus’ name

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Wisdom Prayer

Saul’s Life in Jeopardy!

Saul’s Life in Jeopardy!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who need a means of escape. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When Saul became a believer and started to defend Christ, his opponents decided to seek vengeance.

Luke describes what happened in Acts 9:23-25 (ESV):

“When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.”

Saul eluded capture. This incident is reminiscent of what happened in Joshua 2:15 when Rahab helped two spies flee Jericho by rope. In both cases, God provided a means of escape.

Pray for those believers who need to flee to safety.

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Wisdom Prayer

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus!

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those whose lives are dramatically changed after encountering Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Paul experienced a complete turnaround. He went from persecuting the church to preaching Christ. It seems the more people challenged Saul, the more God used him to confound his opponents.

Luke tells how God used Saul in Acts 9:20-22 (ESV):

“And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, ‘Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?’ But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.”

The people knew of Saul’s reputation. When he became a believer and started to advocate for Jesus, his previous allies became angry.

Are you willing to defend the faith?

George Duffield wrote the song, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus Ye Soldiers of the Cross” that begins:

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.”

Is it time for you to stand up for Jesus?

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Wisdom Prayer

Me? Help New Believers!

Me? Help New Believers!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those God sends to help new believers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Saul imprisoned believers and was there when Stephen was killed. As despicable as Saul was, God had a plan. After Saul was blinded on the road to Damascus, Ananias, a man who was reluctant to deal with Saul because he knew his reputation, heard from the Lord.

We learn the story in Acts 9:15-19 (ESV):

“But the Lord said to him [Ananias], ‘Go, for he [Saul] is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.”

Even though Ananias was reticent, he was available to be used by God.

Tend to shy away from helping new believers?

Be open and willing to be used by God.

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Wisdom Prayer

Saul Sees the Light!

Saul Sees the Light!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for brothers and sisters in Christ living under persecution. In Jesus name, amen.

Christianity is under attack in many parts of the world. Watch the news. Flash back two thousand years, and from the book of Acts we learn that Saul of Tarsus was ruthless. He had witnessed Stephen’s stoning. Acts 9:1-2 (ESV) shows Saul’s intent:

“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”

Saul had his agenda, yet Christ had another plan as Luke describes in Acts 9:3-9 (ESV):

“Now as he [Saul] went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”

Prior to his conversion, Saul was brutal. Christ certainly got Saul’s attention.

Pray for those who are suffering for Christ sake. And keep praying.

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Wisdom Prayer

A Fair Distribution?

A Fair Distribution?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who listen to and try to resolve complaints. In Jesus’ name.

Today, many churches seem to function well. Yet, over time, issues will arise. It was this way during the early church. It may be hard to believe given Acts 2:44 (ESV) which says, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”

Luke tells us in Acts 6:1-3 how one complaint was resolved:

“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.’”

The names of those chosen are listed in Acts 6:4-5.

Involved in trying to resolve complaints? Pray. Then act. Delegating like the apostles did may be a good solution.

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Wisdom Prayer

Gamaliel’s Advice!

Gamaliel’s Advice!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who share about Jesus even in the face of adversity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Gamaliel was a Pharisee. He was also a member of the ruling council and a teacher of the law. He was held in honor, so when he said something people listened.

Luke reported in Acts 5:38-39 (ESV) what Gamaliel said to the members of the council who wanted to kill the apostles:

“‘So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!’ So they took his advice.’”

Even after this comment, we learn in Acts 5:40-42 (ESV) the apostles still suffered persecution:

“And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”

Even though the apostles were beaten, they persisted. Would you have done the same? Will you stand up for Jesus? I pray you will.

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