Ask and Ye Shall Receive? Knock and You Will Find.

The pandemic has disrupted much of our daily lives, but encouraging things are apparently happening too. Random reports indicate that the number of prayers being offered up to God have increased, even by some who share that they’ve neglected reading their Bible and prayer for years.

God tells us, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray . . . I will hear from heaven . . . and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:13-14).

Our land needs healing. I hope God’s people are humbling themselves and turning from their wicked ways. I hope God hears our prayers.

Jesus said, “Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them” (Matt. 18:20). Numerous ministries and churches have called days of prayer, even fasting. Though in separate locations, groups are engaging in united corporate prayer. That raises hope that God will surely answer.

Furthermore, Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-11: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

“⁹ Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?

¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

This is a promise, Ask and it will be given. You will receive. He didn’t just say if clearly and straight on, it’s expressed in three different ways, and summarized with the assurance that our Father will surely give us good gifts.

For many, these are trying times. We could use good gifts in these challenging times.

BUT experience tells me that sometimes when we ask—even when we keep on asking, or ask in unity unity—we don’t always see an answer to our prayers. Why? What blocks our them? Or hinders His answers?

Some possible reasons could be:

(1) Matthew 21:22 and Mark 11:24 add the condition that if you ask “believing” you will receive

(2) While talking with His disciples shortly before the crucifixion, Jesus told them, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (Jn. 14:13-14 ESV, emphasis added).” “In His name” is covenant talk and implies that the thing asked for should be in agreement with His will if you expect an answer.

(3) If an answer to our request needs to bring Him glory that could rule out some requests.

(4) Or maybe we’re too impatient and don’t wait long enough, and so forth.

But, are these just rationalizations to smooth over what seems to us like a disconnect? After all, in Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus tells us if we ask, we’ll receive, if we seek we’ll find, and if we knock it will be opened, He said it—and His words are true.

As I meditated on those verses, I realized I’ve missed something in the past. Think about the meaning of the words. They don’t just repeat the same message.

Ask* means “to ask, petition, or inquire.” It suggests the attitude of a supplicant, such as a person asking of God, a child of a father, or the priests of Pilate. By asking, we acknowledge our dependence on Him to make something happen. That’s good. It’s also reassuring that God wants us to present our needs to Him.

Seek* means “to seek, to strive after, desire.” It can also include the notion of coveting earnestly. That’s good. Well, at least it’s good if we’re seeking good/righteous things!

The word for seek is also used in Matthew 6:33, where we’re told to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That broadens the picture. The Lord wants us to ask, but seeking Him for our needs is secondary to seeking His kingdom. Our focus is always to seek Jesus, His kingdom, and His righteousness. Our priority is to be in right relationship with the King of kings.

Knock* means “to strike, knock as on a door, of importunity in dealing with God.” Doors illustrate an entrance into a place. In this case, it’s to a Person, Jesus Christ.

In Rev. 3:20 the word knock is used again, telling us that Jesus is knocking on our door, and if we open the door and let Him in, He’lll come in and eat with us. It’s an intimate picture of fellowship. Knocking goes far beyond asking and seeking. It speaks of relationship and is even much more intimate than seeking the kingdom. King Jesus wants an intimate relationship with us—with you, and with me.

I had always seen this passage as stating in three different ways that if we ask, we shall receive, but it’s more. There are depths to our asking, seeking, and knocking. Knocking takes us to the heart of our God.

Asking speaks of our need.

Seeking directs us to where to look for the answer, moving the focus from ourselves to our God. From our needs and desires to our purpose: promoting the kingdom of God and glorifying Him.

Knocking brings us face to face with Jesus and our relationship with Him. He is our Savior. He is our all in all. All we need can be found in Him.

Ask and you will receive. Why do we not receive when we ask?

Could it be because we get stuck with the first step, with ourselves, and don’t move on to seek His kingdom. Are we making time to knock on His door and build an intimate friendship with our Lord and King. If we broaden our goals and deepen our search, we will be richly rewarded. Knock and it will be opened.

(Note: Definitions of ask, seek, and knock were taken from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)

Why Doesn’t God Heal Our Land?

We shouldn’t be surprised when people don’t act like Christians if they don’t know and follow Jesus Christ. I realize that. And yet, I’m often deeply grieved by the evil that is rampant in our culture. I want to fight to restore Judeo-Christian norms.

Wickedness abounds and is often championed. Disrespect for others is normal in the home and classroom, with abusive rants filling the airwaves and social media. Unspeakable immorality is now considered normal in circles throughout all socio-economic levels.

Life itself is considered expendable—through abortion industry, but also in popular video games that offer entertainment where you score points for murder. With the low value placed on life, we should not be surprised by the increase in mass shootings.

We may feel helpless to stop the evil, but God is not surprised. Nor is He defeated.

When I get disheartened about it, the Lord reminds me, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).

Nothing is impossible for God. Furthermore, through Him I have a voice. I don’t need a podium or TV show. I can make a difference from my closet. In the next verse God tells us His eyes and ears will be attentive to prayer (2 Chron. 7:15).

I can make a difference in a world filled with evil, not because of me, but because God is attentive to prayer.

So, I made a commitment to pray for our land. To pray for God to have mercy, and to open our eyes to know His love and discern between good and evil. I’ve prayed for a spirit of repentance to move across the land, for a turning back to God, revival, and more.

I started out strong, then realized I was no longer praying for our nation.

I again committed to faithful prayer, because I believe that needed change will come only when God turns hearts to Him.

And then re-commited—because, again, I failed to remain faithful to my commitment.

I believe the Lord showed me why I keep failing. I focused on the hope that if we pray and seek God’s face He will hear, forgive our sins, and heal the land. After all, He promised, and boy, do we need healing.

I prayed (in spurts), but I hadn’t noticed the little two-letter word, “if,” at the beginning of the verse. “If My people . . . will humble themselves, and pray . . ..”

Neither had I considered what it means to humble myself.

To humble oneself means to be meek, poor, bowed down, afflicted, or oppressed. The definition I think fits best is “to bring self into subjection.”

Humility is in contrast to pride. There are several Old Testament words for pride with similar overlapping meanings, such as to be arrogant, insolent, presumptuous, and exalted. One definition explains further that pride is “an insolent and empty assurance which trusts in its own power and resources.”

Looking more closely at my situation, I saw that my prayer time wasn’t a priority for me. I allowed myself to too easily be pulled away by other demands or interests. I sometimes interrupted my prayer to pursue trivial pursuits.

In short, I discovered in me “an insolent and empty assurance which” sought its own agenda. Or, as another definition noted, I had “an impious and empty presumption which trusts in the stability of earthly things.”

It’s difficult to admit I was insolent, arrogant, or that I trusted in the stability of earthly things, but I certainly chose to follow earthly pursuits that have no eternal significance—rather than giving myself to a task that could impact a nation, maybe even eternity.

Why did I languish in my commitment to pray? Because I didn’t humble myself. I followed my own inclinations rather than subjecting myself to the Lord.

In church, we pray weekly, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” and then I come home, seek my own will, and “follow the impious and empty presumptions.” (Does ‘hypocrite’ come to mind?)

The state of our culture tells me I’m not alone. The lack of change is a report card on the church. IF we who are called by His name will humble ourselves, seek His face, and pray, . . . if we do, we’ll turn from our wicked ways. THEN He will hear and heal the land. God promised.

But the promise begins with IF. If we subject ourselves to His will.

If we truly want His will to come on earth as it is in heaven, is it so difficult to subject ourselves?

Praying is the hardest discipline of my life. As I seek to subject my will to God’s and pray, I’m tempted to stray in thoughts and actions. What does it say to my loving heavenly Father when I choose to pursue my mundane desires instead of Him?

If my malady is part of an epidemic in the church, it’s no wonder we are surrounded by evil.

What would it take for our nation to turn to God, know His love, and bring glory and honor to His name? What if the only thing preventing it is that I’m not subjecting myself and seeking His face?

Oh, Lord, forgive me for the pride that resists subjecting myself to You. Give me eyes to see when I’m exalting myself, the will to submit, and faith to choose You in all things. Help me to seek Your face and to pray earnestly and consistently according to Your will. Oh, God, draw all men unto You and heal our land.

Life Lessons from Billy Graham

Dr. Billy Graham was known as a friend of Presidents, pastor of America, and was preacher to millions, and yet he was humble, kind, and caring to everyone he met. His message of Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and salvation was shared all over the world.

He was loved. His passing is deeply grieved, and he will be missed, even though he’s been out of the limelight for years. Billy Graham was loved because his love for God and others was genuine and because he practiced what he preached. He will be missed for his message as well as for who he was.

As I’ve read and watched reviews of the life of Billy Graham, testimonies of those who knew him well confirm his reputation and offer encouragement. He was faithful to his God, leading to a legendary life because of his impact on others.

Billy Graham would be the first to say that he was just a man. He grew up on a farm and milked cows. He didn’t plan to be famous or the world’s greatest evangelist. In his early days, he did dream of being known and loved the world over.

Several things about his life set him apart, leading to his effectiveness as a preacher and popularity. We can learn things from this humble man that could help us have better lives and more effective ministry.

Billy Graham was available to God. He acknowledged Jesus as his Lord, not just his Savior. He surrendered his life to serve the Lord, rather than being content to spend eternity in heaven. His life was no longer his own.
Billy Graham knew his call from God and embraced it. He gave his life to fulfill that call, sacrificing to share his love for Jesus and give hope and life to the lost. We can’t all be Billys, but, we are called to share the good news of Jesus’ love. If we respond with commitment and sacrifice, we can impact our world—even if our particular call is not so public.
Billy Graham showed respect, kindness, and caring to all. He cared for people, not for status, class, race, or wealth, and he reached out to “the least of these” that he met. If we do the same, doors will open for us. Like Billy Graham, we can share love and the good news of Jesus as opportunities open in our daily lives.
He depended on God. He was a praying man. Billy Graham prayed for those he ministered to, and he prayed while hiding in his prayer closet. He knew it wasn’t about Billy Graham but about the work God wanted to do in people’s lives. He sought the Lord for direction, for strength, and for power. (See Matt. 19:26.)
He was humble, never seeking the limelight, never taking the credit. He knew it was all about Jesus. He deflected praise to God for the things that were accomplished through him, giving God the glory.
People faithfully prayed for Billy Graham and his work. For every crusade, there was a prayer team and a prayer room. People prayed before, during, and after every event. We may not have a team of prayer warriors supporting us. But, is it because we don’t ask—even when we know we need it? We can also join in ministry as we pray for our pastor, for family, Sunday School class or small group, members of our church, missionaries, ministries in our communities, and so forth. Part of the success of Billy Graham is due to faithful prayer warriors. As we support others, we share in the impact they are making.

I grieve the earth’s loss of Billy Graham, but rejoice as I think of his welcome at the throne of God. What a celebration! And yet, Billy Graham was just a man.

If we take lessons from his life, God can use us too. We have the same resources through Jesus Christ. If we surrender to Him, and remain available and obedient to Him, the sky is the limit as we allow ourselves to be tools in His hands. Our call may not be so public, but we have the same opportunity to receive a “Well done!” from the One whom we serve.

And that’s what it’s all about.

Signs

We are so accustomed to signs that we don’t realize how much they dictate our Image result for image of stop sign actions. They tell us where we are, when to stop or yield, how fast we should go, and where to turn. They tell us where to buy doughnuts or clothing, where to spend the night, how much gas costs, or where the hospital is.

A rash, fever and chills, or a pain in the chest that radiates down the arm are all signs that we need to see a doctor. A fussy, yawning child is a good sign that it’s nap time. In my neighborhood, robins in the yard and blooming daffodils are signs that it’s time to prepare the garden for planting.

The types of signs that we notice and how it affects our lives are influenced by our background, where we live, and what we do. In our western culture, we’re not generally attuned to spiritual signs. Instead, we pursue knowledge and understanding. However, the Jewish culture is more aware of signs, because God has often spoken to His children through signs.

In the Bible sign (signal, or omen) signals that something major is about to happen. It could be positive or negative, but the people would be on the alert, watching and listening. The Bible is full of mentions of signs.

The word is first used in Genesis 1, when God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs and seasons, …” (v. 14, emphasis added).

God set the rainbow in the sky as a sign and reminder of His “covenant with the earth” that He would never again flood the whole earth with water (Gen. 8:12-17).

The Lord provided signs (plagues) through Moses that Pharaoh and the Egyptians might believe (Ex. 4:8-9, 8:22-23, 12:13; Deut. 34:11-12).

The Sabbath was established as a holy sign (Ex. 31:13-17).

“Some scribes and Pharisees said, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You,” Jesus answered, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah (Matt. 12:38-39). The Pharisees were so focused on signs and their own traditions that they missed Jesus, the ultimate sign pointing us to the Father.

And yet, the wise men saw a sign in the sky and followed the star to Bethlehem, where they found the king that they sought ().

Lowly shepherd’s received the word, “”And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Lk. 2:12). They found the baby Jesus because they heeded the sign.

Ann Graham Lotts posted a video of an Australian pastor Steve Cioccolanti. In it, he shared that the “sign of Jonah” that Jesus referred to when speaking to the scribes and Pharisees was in reference to a solar eclipse. Evidently, Ninevah turned to God because Jonah visited shortly after a solar eclipse passed over Ninevah.

The eclipse served as an omen that alerted them to danger, opened their hearts, and primed them to respond to Jonah’s message. Even though he was a reluctant messenger that didn’t want them to be saved, they repented of their evil because of a sign.

I don’t begin to understand what signs mean, but what if the total eclipse is a sign for America today? Because we westerners seek knowledge, not signs, and since we place so much value on science and understanding, I believe we’re likely to miss any message the Lord might have for us.

If God is speaking, I don’t want to miss it, and I suspect that’s true for you too.

As a nation, we’ve turned our backs on God after He has richly blessed us. I’d say we’re due some consequences, and it would be merciful of the Lord to send a signal that doom is near.

Several possibilities for calamity are obvious. Scientists predict that we’re overdue major earthquakes—some of which are in the path of the eclipse. We’re in the midst of a hurricane season. The sharp divide in the country and the threats of war from without are other obvious sources of potential trouble. Other natural disasters could also strike.

I’m not fear-mongering, just very aware of how easy it would be for the United States to be jolted into the reality of how fragile our comfort zone really is.

With all that in mind, the reason I’m sharing these thoughts is summed up in two passages:

“Then the LORD said to Moses: ‘How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?’” (Num. 14:11). Those words are fitting for today.

The other passage could be describing an eclipse but also gives direction, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Acts 2:20-21).

I don’t know if this refers to an eclipse, nor do I know the significance of the eclipse across America. Some think it is an omen of destruction to come. Some think it could signal the return of Jesus.

I don’t know, but I’m watching, and I’m praying that the Spirit of God would hover over our land so we will be ready to respond to the Lord..

“In the beginning . . . the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2, emphasis added). The Spirit hovered over the darkness before the power of God was manifested in creation.

We have rejected truth and chaos reigns. Darkness is rampant in the land. We need the Spirit of God to hover over us in preparation for the word and the Image result for image of stop sign work of the Lord in midst of our chaos.

Whether or not the solar eclipse is a special sign from the Lord, all we have to do is look around us to see many signs which indicate that it’s time to stop and pray for families, for the church, our nation, and our world.

Trusting God in Tumulous Times

When you hear someone slander or speak evil of another, how do you react? Does it draw you to them? Encourage you to believe them? Trust them? Support them?

The election rhetoric is a good opportunity to observe the fruit of evil-for-evil rhetoric. What is your internal reaction to candidates striving to tear each other down?

How does the vitriol of comments on social media affect you? Does it sway you toward the candidates—to the ones trying to win your support? I confess, I have a few Facebook “friends” that I scroll on past without even checking to see what they are posting about, because I’m tired of destructive speech.

It’s human nature to want to defend yourself when someone attacks you, especially if it is with false charges. It’s tempting to attack back with something just as harmful, if not worse. I’d guess that we’ve all at least been tempted to such behavior.

But take a moment consider the effect of responding in kind.

Generally, it has the opposite effect from what is intended. It casts more doubt and creates resistance rather than helping win points in the disagreement.

That’s true in close family relationships as well as in public spectacles. We need to take note so we can learn self-control when we are tempted to defend ourselves by tearing down someone else.

Listening to the rhetoric of this election cycle reveals wisdom of Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Thes. 5:15).

Pursue what is good, not just for yourself, but for all? Vitriol arises because we focus on ourselves and our agenda rather than considering what is best for all. We insult back to defend ourselves and discount the other party. Doing so distracts us from reaching out to and benefiting everybody.

In politics, it’s complicated because there are such divergent opinions as to what is best for all, but that’s not the real problem. The problem is the focus on self and the determination to establish MY agenda.

The rest of Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians is also important for today. He continues with, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ for you” (1 Thes. 5:16-18).

That is probably more important than reminding us not to return evil for evil.

After all, in the midst of the noise, how can we rejoice and give thanks if we’re focused on our own agenda or the current mess, much less on the venom being flung about?

The only way to rejoice and give thanks is if our focus is on the Lord. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is sovereign over all—including our personal agenda, our country, and the candidates. He is sovereign whether we acknowledge it or not. His purposes will be worked out.

He is also faithful to hear our prayers and to answer them, if we keep His covenant (i.e follow Him and obey His commandments) and cry out to Him.

I’m also reminded of the battles that were won by the Israelites when the people were led into war with the singers praising God—not by sharp-shooters or those with the sharpest tongues.

In 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, for instance, Jehoshaphat was greatly outnumbered by his foes, but he sought the Lord and stationed singers in the front to lead the army into battle. Jehoshaphat lifted the Lord up, and the Lord fought for him.

Israel rejoiced over his enemies. They won without even fighting.

We don’t need to tear down our enemy with insults and slander. If we pursue what is good for all while thanking, praising, and calling out to God, we don’t need to worry about whether or not we win.

We can trust God with the outcome.

On the other hand, God said, “IF my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).

IF My people .. .. If.

So what happens if we don’t?

I believe we’ve seen what happens when we don’t. I believe we are witnessing the results of taking matters into our own hands.

It’s important that we vote. That we are responsible to do what we can to elect the person that most clearly will work to establish biblical principles of governing.

It’s even more important that the children of God put our hope in Him and do what we can to place the battle in His hands so that His “eyes will be open and [His] ears will be attentive to prayer made in this place” (2 Chron. 7:15).

It’s Hard to Pray . . .

Have you ever been in the middle of family tension—i.e. a fight—just before a meal?

Everybody sits down to an awkward silence because nobody wants to pray. It’s hard to pray in an angry atmosphere, especially if you are part of the ruckus.

When the privilege falls to me, my first reaction is, “I don’t want to—I don’t know what to say.” I feel dry, like a dry creek bed with nothing to flow. Next, I feel guilty because I don’t want to talk with God.

Then I mentally scramble to come up with a meaningful prayer that is sincere. But that’s hard to do until I move beyond my anger–or at least set it aside so I can face God.

Several days after somebody said, “It’s hard to be angry when you’re praying,” somebody told me, “It’s hard to pray when you’re angry.”

Both are true.

Anger erects a wall between us and God, making it difficult to connect with the One who gives life and fellowship.

If it’s hard to talk with God when we’re mad, how does it affect our capacity to receive the grace needed to deal with our anger? Or with the situation that made us mad?

However, when it’s difficult to talk with God, that is precisely the time we most need to do so.

If we go to Him with an open heart, being honest about our struggles, He’ll receive us. In fact, He is our deliverer and strong tower. If we run to Him when we’re in trouble, we’ll move through our struggle much more quickly than if we try to handle it on our own.

Tell the Lord how you feel, and why. Use Him for a dumping ground.

But, listen as you talk. Listen to yourself. And listen to God.

If you’re anything like me, once the steam is released a little, you’ll hear yourself and think, “Oh, that’s not good!” and it will be about something you said or did. Next, you’ll see that your attitudes don’t glorify God. Before you know it, it becomes hard to point fingers at the other person because too many are pointing back home.

I have vivid memories of how I handled anger as a teen. With six of us crowded into a small home, there was no escape when tensions flared, so I’d retreat to the piano. I’d race through a vigorous, angry piece, tearing up the keys with pent up emotion.

Sometimes I played it twice before moving on to something else that was full of energy. A hymn book offered more selections, and they became more and more mellow, until I closed with peace in my heart, often playing “Sweet Hour of Prayer.”

I didn’t realize it then, but I believe God was directing me in a time of prayer as I played. He let me blow off steam and then spoke to me through the words of the hymns. It would not have worked to start with “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” I had to dump first, to get out the emotion so I could move beyond it. That’s fine with God. He’s bigger than our rants. He can handle them.

The important thing is to have an open heart so He can also speak to us. As we dump, we need to listen to ourselves, listen to God, and repent for the bad attitudes and actions He shows us.

It is hard to pray when we’re angry, but if we’ll run to Him, He’ll hear us, speak to us, and draw us to Himself. In God’s presence, anger dissipates as we soak in the knowledge of His love, power, and goodness toward us.

Do you find it difficult to pray when you are angry? How do you move back into fellowship with God?

It’s Hard to Be Angry When You’re Praying

“It’s hard to be angry when you’re praying.” At least that’s what somebody said last week without any further discussion of the subject. I tend to agree.

Anger is counterfeit power. We resort to it when we don’t like something or we want something to happen and we’re not big enough to bring it about on our own. We express anger to puff ourselves up so we will be bigger and more powerful.

Anger and prayer don’t mix well. Anger arises from self effort, whereas prayer acknowledges a need for help.

When praying, we’re connected to the source of strength and power. We don’t need to make ourselves bigger or to make things happen, because we have a direct line to the One who can take care of it. Indeed, when we’re in His presence, our puffed up attempt to be bigger seems shabby and out of place.

While in prayerful communion with the Lord, we recognize His sovereignty, power, mercy, love, and faithfulness. Our focus is on Him and His goodness. We choose to trust Him, and entrust our need into His hands—including the situation that angered us.

If we spent more time in prayer, would it affect our struggle against anger?

Yes, it’s hard to be angry when you’re praying, but in the midst of a busy life, it’s hard to consciously be in prayer all the time.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, God tells us to “pray without ceasing.” In the same sentence, He also said, “Rejoice always” and “in everything give thanks (vv. 16, 18). If we practiced all three directives, it would surely eliminate anger over trivial matters, such as traffic, and would go a long way toward helping us not become angry.

It would help because all three—prayer, rejoicing, and giving thanks—take our focus off ourselves and turn our eyes toward Jesus. When our eyes are on Jesus, our hearts are filled with joy and thanksgiving, which leads to prayer.

That sounds good, but it’s hard to walk it out consistently. Sometimes it’s really hard. At least for me it is.

I believe that the secret is the Great Commandment. We are to love the Lord our God with all our body, soul, mind, and strength. If we do, if He is truly preeminent in our lives, thankfulness, rejoicing, and continual prayer will flow from that love relationship.

I’m not there yet, but I’ve experienced seasons of close fellowship with God as well as seasons when my life was filled with other things. It is definitely easier to pray without ceasing when walking more closely with the Lord.

His love and care is there all the time, but when we draw near, we’re more open to receiving the Lord, as well as receiving the grace to focus on Him and to love Him in return, thus resulting in less anger.

It is hard to be angry when praying. However, while striving to pray more, one of my primary prayers will be asking the Lord to help me to love Him more—to know His love and to love Him in return.

Through God’s love, we’ll receive the grace to walk in righteousness.

Do you experience less anger when you’re walking closely with the Lord?

What Can I Do?

News is depressing these days. So much in our world, in our nation, and in our community is out of control that it seems we are headed to disaster, and yet I feel helpless to make a difference. Violence and immorality are rampant. Fear and distrust warp perceptions and decisions—maybe even mine.

But, what can I do?

The Lord answered my question through my reading in Matthew 9 yesterday. In verse 36, it says, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Sheep without a shepherd are weary and scattered because they are helpless and hopeless without a shepherd. They don’t know how to find food and drink, or where it is safe to stop and rest. They are insecure and constantly searching to fulfill their needs. That seems an apt description of our culture as they search in the wrong places to fill their needs and are driven to find satisfaction and fulfillment.

Jesus response was to look on them with compassion. I confess that I don’t often mirror His heart. To make a difference, I need more of His love for others.

Then Jesus told His disciples “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (vv. 37, 38).

We tend to look at the multitudes with an us-versus-them mindset. How different would “they” look if we saw them as sheep in need of a shepherd? As a harvest–a plentiful harvest?

It’s still overwhelming. Even if I go into the fields to harvest, I can only tend to the fields I enter. But, as I go forth, is my heart filled with compassion? Does my love compel me, making me willing to take part in the harvest, to risk in order to bring life, direction, and fulfillment to others?

And am I praying to multiply my effort, asking the Lord to send out laborers into His harvest? For revival in the land? For the Spirit of God to brood over the land and prepare the fields for harvest?

Am I praying, or fretting and wringing my hands?

The problems are too big. They are too much. For me, and for you.

But they aren’t too much for God. He is sovereign, all powerful, the ruler of all.

What can I do?

I can cry out to the One that can do . . . and I can join Him in the battle.

Robert & Kay Camenisch encouraging and equipping relationships