For the helpless, hurting and poor, change is something that can’t come soon enough. These desperate souls are searching for the secret to getting God’s attention to alter their circumstances. When waiting becomes excruciating, what should you say to obtain prayers of change?
In the days of the Old Testament, the heart and its spiritual condition directly influenced God’s response to mankind, Isaiah 1:15-18. Meanwhile, the mind is a terrible thing to waste, especially when doubt blocks faith from taking root, Matthew 21:18-22. If you don’t believe God can transform your situation, miracles will cease to exist. Thus, what can I do to be heard?
History provides a benchmark, a series of success stories in life. When you desire wisdom, pray to possess the knowledge of Solomon. If discernment is what you need, ask for the insight of the sons of Issachar. Is it faith that you lack, claim the double portion the Lord gave Elisha. Do you struggle to love? Lean on Jesus to fill this void. Finally, if the favor of God seems distant, persist in prayer to experience the blessings of Joseph. May the words of Matthew 7:7-12 inspire you to offer up prayers for change.
If you’ve ever gone to a mall to people watch, it doesn’t take long to see who knows where they are going and who is lost, trying to find their way. Whether you’re driving a car, searching for something you’ve misplaced or walking on a unmarked trail, everyone from time to time experiences the pain of loss. In the midst of this crisis, a sense of helplessness paralyzes souls, making it obvious that no matter hard one tries, you can’t save yourself.
While traveling throughout towns and villages, Jesus observed the crowd of individuals following him. Watching intently, tears began to swell up in his eyes, as Jesus saw this group as sheep without a shepherd, Matthew 9:35-36. They were looking for something more in life, hoping that Jesus had the answer. Like sheep aimlessly roaming the countryside, hungry hearts longed for meaning to life.
Today, the silent majority wonders when their Shepherd will return. As chaos abounds, modern sheep have been led astray by false prophets, hypocritical leaders and the twisting of the Bible. Exiting the church after high school or during college, pessimistic sheep are searching for alternative means to enter heaven’s gate. Although some turn back, coming to their senses like the prodigal in Luke 15, a growing number remain sheep without a shepherd.
How many times in life do you seek an emotional high? One that never ends; giving you a sensation like a drug, 24 hours a day. Many go through their entire lives searching, but never find the real thing.
Do you recall your first day of school? As formal education begins, innocence gives way to curiosity and terror. Fears over finding friends and earning acceptance by your peers takes precedence. However, the thought of being away from your parents provides a sense of freedom temporarily. This freedom entices you to try new things, experimenting with fruit, forbidden by parents and teachers.
By the time junior high arrives, eyes start to wander… BABES, STUDS, ALCOHOL and DRUGS! Perhaps you might not be as distracted as some, yet juicy stories spread fast through the grape vine peeking your interest. The closer you look, the mind takes on an alter ego, longing for items on the other side of the fence. Fleshly desires, peer pressure and the unknown leads you to the verge of sin thinking, “Oh baby this sure does feel good.”
A junior high experiment often leads to a senior high life style. Marijuana, pranks and sex are just a few of the choice behaviors one indulges in to obtain the real thing. Sure, there are risks, even consequences; but what will my friends think if I go straight? “Everybody is doing it, why can’t I,” says the follower. As high school drifts by, the next hurdle to jump is college. Hobbies you once did for a buzz no longer provide satisfaction. Call it what you may: a habit, obsession, way of life or obliterating time, something inside can’t let go. This quest for real life has turned into an addiction.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why you do what you do? Has it occurred to you that you’ve missed something along the way? Is there something else out there beside living for the weekend? I don’t believe you and I were placed on this earth by accident. Growing up, working for a living 9 to 5, have fun for a while then repeat this cycle over and over again til you die? This doesn’t make sense! There must be a greater purpose or meaning in life, but what is it?
Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father is your answer. God sent His one and only son, Jesus, down to earth, to die for blemishes on earth, John 3:16-17. Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father according to the Apostle’s Creed. Jesus didn’t just die on a cross and rise from the dead for His own glory, Romans 5:8. Rather, Jesus became sin for us: for you, me and everyone ever born on planet earth. Jesus did all of this so that all of us might be seen as righteousness before God, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
This may sound crazy, yet there is no other HIGH greater than entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10. Nothing else compares to dedicating your life to God in your living years, John 10:10. Thus, peace is found in no other place, Galatians 5:22-23. This isn’t about High’s and Low’s. This is about life and death, living and dying, Deuteronomy 30:11-16. The only way to Jesus is through denying yourself, Matthew 16:25. You may think I’m odd, strange or simply old-fashion, yet God has placed the words of this blog on my heart.
If you have tried most everything else, don’t waste your precious time any longer; embrace the Real Thing, Jesus Christ!
When I was in junior high, I lost my retainer walking home from a friends. Although I should have had it in my mouth, I was a teenage boy who just happened to put this retainer in a pocket with a hole. To make matters worse, it was late fall with large leaves everywhere on the ground. As I retraced my steps, I had to get a rake, spending hours until dark searching and praying. Unsuccessful, I went back early the next morning on Saturday, desperately hoping I didn’t have to tell my parents I lost a $300 dental piece. On a whim and many prayers, I tripped over my retainer, uncovered all the debris and went home rejoicing.
In the gospel of Luke, a doctor devotes an entire chapter to the theme of lost and found. Whether its a sheep that wandered off from its owner, a woman misplacing a valuable coin or a rebellious son who lost his moral compass, each parable illustrates the love of God the Father. According to Luke 15:7, any time a sinner who has lost their way finds their way back to Jesus, angels celebrate in heaven rejoicing over a repentant soul. Whenever the lost are found, fairy tale endings occur.
However, today there are more distractions to cause the curious to stray off course. In fact, one may say the severity of temptations in this age may be greater than ever. Nonetheless, you should not use disclaimers or create a built in excuse for sin. Moreover, 1 Peter 2:11-12 is pertinent advice, warning the unprepared by the invisible war just in case anyone get’s too comfortable. As for now, make sure pride doesn’t convince you to believe that you can be your own shepherd. Follow the principles of Proverbs 3:5-6 and you will stay in communion with God.
A man and a woman’s idea of shopping are often world’s apart. Women tend to enjoy the experience, searching for bargains, savings and obtaining the best deal. Meanwhile, men tend to follow what I call the “In and Out Philosophy;” going into a store, buying what you’re looking for and getting out as soon as possible. Unfortunately, not all stores carry the product you are searching for or don’t have them in stock when you need it.
Like shopping, stereotypes often tamper with your beliefs. It only takes one negative experience to shift your trust from one store to the next or from one person to another. Dirty laundry has always existed, usually developing into reputations that influence your opinion about someone, something or a specific retail store. However, be careful that you don’t fall prey to gossip or else you might miss what you are looking for.
According to John 1:43-46, Nazareth did not have a ringing endorsement, especially from those who lived outside of this first century town. Buying into the hype, Nathanael became narrow minded, disregarding anyone who had been born or raised here. If it wasn’t for his friend Philip, Nathanael might have gone through life like Jesus’ own brothers and sisters, who rejected the idea that he was the promised Messiah. Instead, be like Andrew and Peter in John 1:40-41, who knew what they were looking for and once they found Jesus, quickly followed the Son of the Living God!
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