Tag: pray for wisdom

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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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Wisdom Prayer

Are You On God’s Side Or On The Side of Men?

Are You On God’s Side Or On The Side of Men?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are placed in a position where they must decide whether to obey God or men. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Many people find themselves at odds with authority figures. There can be a host of reasons.

The apostles were faced with a choice about testifying to Christ or obeying the edicts of a council made up of men.

Luke tells the story in Acts 5:27-29 (ESV):

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

The apostles were clear about their position. God took precedence. Ever been in a position where you are pressed to choose? If and when such a situation arises: Pray! Ask God’s direction about how to proceed.

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Wisdom Prayer

A Divine Jail Break!

A Divine Jail Break!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are in jail. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The apostles were arrested because some were jealous of them for doing signs and wonders. God sent an angel to the rescue.

Luke tells what happened in Acts 5:17-21 (ESV):

“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy, they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’ And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.”

God had plans other than to leave the apostles in jail. In the morning, when a group went to get the prisoners, the prison was secure. God had arranged a divine jail break. Amazing! And the apostles were later found in the temple teaching.

Ever doubt God’s sovereignty? God worked in the lives of the apostles. He can work in your life too.

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Wisdom Prayer

Lying to God!

Lying to God!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who strive to be honest with God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ananias and Sapphira were married, and they were intent on donating money to the Lord’s work. Yet, there was a flaw in their plan.

Luke begins the story in Acts 5:1-2 (ESV):

“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Misrepresenting the amount of the funds given to the Apostles had dire consequences. Note what Acts 5:3-5 (ESV) says,

“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.’”

The husband and the wife both died for lying about the amount of the sale of their property. Ever told a lie to God? Confess! Repent! Now!

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