Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

The Answered Prayer: And whatever you ask in My name, I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14).

Corporate prayers [in church or other religious events] differ from individual prayers. We are to pray with humility revealing every unrighteous thought and action to God. And we are to pray a specific prayer asking God for our needs [which He promises to supply] and our desires [within His will].

Throughout the Bible, there is a common occurrence: praying specific prayers.

Moses prays for water: …For three days, they walked through the desert, but found no water. 23 Then they came to a place called Marah, but the water there was so bitter that they could not drink it. That is why it was named Marah. 24 The people complained to Moses and asked, “What are we going to drink?” 25 Moses prayed earnestly to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood, which he threw into the water; and the water became fit to drink. (Exodus 15:22-25)

David’s prayer of confession for adultery and premeditated murder: “For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight…” (Psalm 51:3-4)

Elisha’s prayer for his fearful servant: “Then Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!’ The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.’ (2 Kings 6:17)

Jesus’ prayer for the unbelievers: “And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.’ Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!'” (John 11:41-43)

Recently, I heard a testimony of someone who said, “It is the secret sins that we have a problem with naming and confessing to God.” Why? “Because pride or shame keeps us from confronting [by verbalizing] our specific sins that no one else knows but God.”

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Our secret closet prayers reflect the desire to have intimacy with God. We are in a relationship with Jesus Christ, who calls us His “friend.” And it is a relationship that has no equal on this earth. Yet, we are disciples–followers of Jesus Christ. Be intentional with your prayers of confession and repentance, and for God to reveal His plans for your life. Make a covenant with God to overcome and live a faithful and obedient life with His help. Our goal is to hear, “Well-done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Prayer: God, our secret sins of pride and disobedience causes us not to outwardly confess to You. Still, you know every thought and action we think and do every day. Forgive us for the sin of deception and the pretense of living double lives. We pray for the strength to tell Satan “to get behind us” when tempted. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

“And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)

Yesterday, I visited Melbourne Beach and noticed two things that the other beaches do not have, parking meters and a lifeguard. A good time at the beach would cost 25 cents for every six minutes of fun in the sun. Yet, something was quite unusual. The swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers had area and distance boundaries set by the lifeguard. I imagine for safety reasons.

At 76 degrees, the clouds were a beautiful contrast against the blue sky. Yet, something was out of sync. The same cooling, gentle breeze I enjoyed had a different effect on the water. Within minutes of my arrival, the water became boisterous–choppy with large waves. The force was so strong that even those standing knee-deep were knocked down. All but two surfers left the water.

I can only imagine the defeat of those who dared to challenge the force of the water. Even so, after being knocked down a couple of times or realizing you’re fatigued from swimming against the current is when you give in and get out of the merciless ocean. Yes, enough is enough. Unfortunately, the battle of human versus nature is a losing battle.

Then I watched nature change her mood. The puffy clouds disappeared as an ombre [white, grey, and black] angry cloud blanket with lightning covered the sky. It was time to retreat to another area far from the ocean. Within a few minutes of leaving, the torrential downpour started and continued until three to five inches of water accumulated as evidence of the power of nature.

Although the lifeguard was on the beach, he gathered his things and left when the storm came. The storm reminded me of how quickly our lives can change from all-is-well to being bombarded with challenges beyond our ability to resolve them. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14)

After the joyous time of Jesus teaching, healing the sick, and feeding the 5,000 plus people, the disciples never expected to face a raging storm. “But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” (Matthew 14:24). Even the experienced fishermen among the disciples realized that a storm of this magnitude was a death sentence. Yet, this was a test of their [non-existent] faith. Were these the same men that just watched Jesus pray and multiply a boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish?

“And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.'” (Matthew 14:26)

Jesus’ disciples, who just witnessed one of His greatest miracles, were tainted by the pagan belief of ghosts cried out in fear. Even with walking close to Him daily, they were distracted by having their own agenda, the desire for Jesus to become King. But Jesus, the Lifeguard of their lives and our lives, gave comfort and hope during a raging storm.

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.'” (Matthew 14:27)

We can never anticipate or prepare ourselves mentally or emotionally for future hardships. When we feel as if we will drown in life’s stormy trials and sorrows, we have a loving, merciful Lifeguard who walks on the water. Jesus always responds to the SOS [Save Our Souls] cry for help. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Do not be afraid. Jesus is telling us to “Come.” He will save us. Go Ahead! Walk on the Water!

Prayer: God, please help us to believe in Your Omnipotence. We pray for an increase in faith. As we call on You for deliverance, open our spiritual eyes and give us strength that we can respond to Your call, telling us to come. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Dear friend, I pray that you enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (3 John 1:2 NIV)

Imagine receiving a card in the mail from someone that you haven’t heard from in a long time, praying that all is well with your life. It would definitely boost your spirits and make you have a warm fuzzy feeling.

When John [the disciple loved by Jesus] wrote this letter to Elder Gaius, he expressed encouragement and spiritual congratulations. “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 3:3-4). Yes, John witnessed to Gaius who not only embraced the truth when he heard it but was also faithful to the truth in his daily walk with God.

With humility and obedience, Gaius actively helped others–“Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church.” (3 John 3:5-6). Obviously, John received word from others regarding the Elder’s activity because verses 5-6 commend Gaius’ generosity to those in need.

Dear Friend: I pray that all is well with you. Our lives are not our own. We agreed to become His disciple when we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. Live by the truth, be a witness of Jesus’ love and saving power. Do justly, and help those in need. Live in expectation. Our destination is Heaven! And above all, put God first! Love always, your Sister-in-Christ.