Day 3
WEEK 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
MIGHTY MEN OF GOD
SCRIPTURE
- Acts 6:1-4 (NIV) In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
OBSERVATION
The apostles knew their priority was praying, preaching, teaching, and studying the Word. They would let nothing, no matter how urgent, distract them from those duties.
For them the it was not that serving in ministry was not important, it was the fact that serving in ministry had to be preceded by prayer. Prayer preceded and pervaded everything they did.
We see the same with the apostle Paul, who was also devoted to prayer.
- He wrote to the Romans that “God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers” (Rom. 1:9-10).
- He told the Ephesians “I do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers (Eph. 1:16).
- To the Philippians he wrote, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all” (Phil. 1:3-4).
- Paul also prayed constantly for the Colossian church: “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9).
Paul’s ministry was built on his devotion to prayer. We all know what kind of results he had.
UNDERSTANDING
The apostles’ pledge to devote themselves to their ministry set the pattern for all to follow. Too many Christians today have left the emphasis on prayer and the Word of God. We get so busy with the details of ministering and doing leaving us little time for prayer and the study of God’s Word. Nothing substitutes for God’s power in ministry and the only way we can really have that kind of power and anointing is by prioritizing prayer and the study of the Word of God.
LIFE APPLICATION
Father I am convicted that I have been placing the details of serving you above my relationship with You. I get so busy with doing that I forget that the power and anointing for ministry and life flows out of communion with you in prayer and the study of your Word. Forgive me for messing up the order.
Join us this evening from 7-8pm for a time of worship and prayer in the church Auditorium.
Day 2
WEEK 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
DAY 2: JESUS PRAYED
- Mark 1:35 (NIV) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
- Luke 6:12 (NIV) One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
OBSERVATION and UNDERSTANDING
In the middle of a narrative on the choosing of disciples, healing people and driving out evil spirits Mark places a very interesting verse…Jesus stepped aside to pray!
Why would the God of the universe need to pray?
My personal thought is that he was teaching the disciples about the importance of prayer.
Do you realize that everything God does in the work of ministry He does through prayer…
- Prayer is the way you defeat the devil Luke 22:32, James 4:7
- Prayer is the way lost people are saved. Luke 18:13
- Prayer is the way we acquire wisdom James 1:5
- Prayer is the way people are restored to God James 5:16-20
- Prayer is how the sick are healed. James 5:13-15
- Prayer is how we accomplish the impossible. Mark 11:23-24
Jesus wanted us to see that prayer was necessary for refreshing and reconnecting with the Father so that we could know His heart and live in His will.
Prayer was necessary for power to accomplish God’s will on earth as it is in heaven.
Jesus prayed regularly. On this occasion he went up the mountain to pray and spent the whole night praying. Mark tells us that when the disciples got up in the early morning, Jesus had already gone out to pray. Luke tells us that he could often be found in lonely places praying.
Prayer was as fundamental an element in the life of Jesus as breathing. He inhaled his Father’s presence so he could exhale his Father’s will.
Jesus was in constant contact with his Father, whom he spoke of in a very personal, intimate, and familiar way.
The source of Jesus’ fruitfulness was in his reaching Up to God in prayer with the Father.
The words “pray” and “prayer” are used at least twenty-five times in connection with Jesus in the brief record of His life in the four Gospels, and His praying is mentioned in places where the words are not used. Evidently prayer took much of the time and strength of Jesus.
LIFE APPLICATION
We are called Christ-followers, so what do you think should be our actions regarding this area of prayer?
Jesus did what he saw the Father doing and introduced his disciples to this very personal relationship with God, calling us into the same kind of intimacy with the Father that he himself has always known.
We are to live out the reality of that relationship always.
As his disciples, we are to model our lives after our Master.
“A man or woman who does not spend much time in prayer, cannot properly be called a follower of Jesus Christ.”
Take a moment today to set aside specific time for prayer and times with God. Make it a consistent time each day that will be developed into a habit.
Write down the days of the week and when you will be spending time in prayer and then set aside time to do the same at the beginning of each week.
Day 1
WEEK 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
DAY 1: PRAYER BRINGS BLESSINGS TO THE CHURCH
The history of the church has always been a history of huge difficulties to overcome. The devil hates the church and seeks in every way to block its progress; by false doctrine, by division, by inward corruption of life. But by prayer, a clear way can be made through everything.
Prayer will…
- root out heresy,
- relieve misunderstanding,
- sweep away jealousies and animosities,
- obliterate immoralities,
- and bring in the full tide of God’s reviving grace.
History proves this time and again. In the hour of darkest threats, when the case of the church, local or universal, has seemed beyond hope, believing men and believing women have met together and cried to God and the answer has come.
Today the church seems to be faltering, it may seem like is is now a dark day,
BUT—
God is getting ready to work, and now He is listening for the voice of prayer.
- Will He hear it?
- Will He hear it from you?
- Will He hear it from the church as a body?
- I believe He will.
- Psalm 119:126 (TLB) Lord, it is time for you to act. For these evil men have violated your laws,
Take a moment and write out your plan for the next 28 days.
Why are you fasting?
What area(s) would you like to see God bring change, growth or breakthrough? What do you want to see God do in you personally? In our church family? In your neighborhood?
What will you fast?
Who will you encourage to fast with you?
Lord as we begin our 28 days of seeking you by fasting and praying we take time today to commit ourselves to the process. We believe that prayer is powerful and brings about your will and your blessings on earth as it is in heaven. As we spend time in prayer I ask that you will begin to reveal the areas of sin in our lives that keep us from living in your fullness Show us where there is sin and disobedience that prevents us from experiencing your blessings fully. God even as we begin will you show us broken relationships that need to be resolved, (Matt. 5:23-24), will you cleanse us of sin and unrighteousness and will you allow your will to be accomplished in us, on earth as it is in heaven.
God we are desperate for a manifestation of your presence in our lives here at Desert Streams. We ask that your presence be so obvious in us that it will draw men and women into relationship with you. We pray for a harvest of souls this year at Desert Streams. We pray that there will be a turning back to you in such a way that you become the priority and passion of people.
We invite you to work powerfully in us transforming us God as we spend the next 28 days seeking you. Give the body at DSC strength, determination and courage to fast and seek you. We pray that all the arguments and rationalizations that people give for not fasting will be torn down and instead there will be a turning of hearts towards you.
Thank you God for the amazing things that are about to happen as a result of your people seeking you through fasting and prayer.
Isaiah 50
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Scripture
Isaiah 50:4
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
Observation – What does it say?
This prophetic word contrasts the disobedience of Israel with the obedience of the coming Messiah. The Messiah to come, unlike Israel, will know the word of God. And, he will know it because God wakens him every morning to be instructed in his word.
Understanding – What does it mean?
Romans 8:29 says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
morning by morning.
Psalm 1 says that the man who delights himself in God’s law, meditating on it day and night will prosper in all he does. If we are going to prosper in God’s eyes, if we are going to prosper in any area of our lives, we must devote ourselves to the reading, studying and memorizing of God’s word.
Life Application
This coming year, I will follow Jesus’ example by devoting myself to two things:
- Memorize more scripture, starting with 1 verse today.
- Start every morning in God’s word.
Isaiah 49
Scripture
Isaiah 49:14-15
14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me,
the Lord has forgotten me.”
15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
Observation – What does it say?
Because of times of distress and affliction, God’s covenant people Israel cried out that God had forgotten and abandoned them. But God responds essentially by saying, “That’s preposterous!” He likens himself to a mother and Israel her baby. A mother could never forget her baby or lose compassion for it. But even if she did God would never forget or forsake his covenant children.
Understanding – What does it mean?
This text answers some common but difficult questions: “When I go through difficulty, does it mean that God has withdrawn from me?” “When I am afflicted, does it mean that God no longer has compassion on me?” “Does hardship mean God is disapproving of me or that he doesn’t love me anymore?”
The answer to all those questions is an emphatic “No!” The truth is, if we have become God’s child through putting our faith in Christ, he is always with us whether we ‘feel’ him or not. God’s compassion toward us doesn’t waver and his love for us is deeper than the oceans and as constant as his own existence.
Though we may feel at times that God has disappeared or forgotten about us, he hasn’t!!
When I read this text, I immediately thought of my wife and our 5 month old baby girl. If there is anyone she has her eye on, that she is continually thinking about, that she is passionate about caring for, it’s our baby girl. Regardless of how many dirty diapers she creates, how many times she wakes up crying in the night, how hard she is to console when she’s cranky, my wife’s heart is filled with undying love for her baby! This is how God is toward us.
Life Application
Trust that God is close to me and that he still loves me, regardless of my circumstances or how I feel.
Isaiah 48
Scripture
Isaiah 48:10
10See, I have refined you, though not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
Observation – What does it say?
Israel had been rebellious and stubborn, refusing to listen to God or turn to him. But God (two of my favorite words!), rather than discarding or destroying them, chooses to refine them through seasons of hardship and affliction.
Understanding – What does it mean?
For God, suffering is not an end in itself. The language God uses is, “the furnace of affliction.” Uh, no thanks. That sounds horrible. I’d rather meditate on other verses like, “God’s kindness leads us to repentance.” But, like it or not, suffering comes to all of us and thankfully it’s not for no reason or because God has malice in his heart toward us. The truth is, God allow us to go through suffering because he loves us. Sounds confusing, but God actually uses suffering and hardship to purge the bad and cultivate purity in his people, similarly to a silversmith refining silver in a furnace. I recently read a story that opened my eyes to the refining process…
Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:
“And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver” (Malachi 3:3).
One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.
She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, “Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?”
“Oh, yes ma’am,” replied the silversmith; “I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured.”
The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”
God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
Before she left, the lady asked one final question, “How do you know when the process is complete?”
Rather than despising suffering, Christ-followers should allow God to use it to transform them into his image, trusting that he wont give them more than they can handle.
Life Application
When suffering or facing difficult situations, ask God to show me what he is trying to accomplish in me through them.
Isaiah 47
Scripture
Isaiah 47:14
They cannot even save themselves
from the power of the flame.
Observation – What does it say?
Isaiah continues his prophecy against Babylon. They will soon discover that they had misplaced their trust in many things – their idols, sorceries and spells, wisdom, knowledge and astrologers – while failing to put their trust in the only One who has power to save them. The astrologers who look at the stars and make their predictions cannot save the Babylonians with their counsel. They can’t even save themselves!
Understanding – What does it mean?
Don’t rely on people to save you who can’t even save themselves.
Astrology may not be something common for us to put our trust in. But, there are those in our lives who may and it’s important we understand what the Bible teaches about it. Astrology is a false religion, a belief that doesn’t save or benefit it’s followers. Like Babylon, everyone who trusts astrologers and their predictions will one day come to recognize that they have been in error (verse 15). Not only is it powerless to benefit or save those who trust it, astrology is an idol and distraction from the one true God.
Whether it’s astrologers, psychics, political or economic analysts, a close friend or parent, none of them are able to save or provide guidance like our God. It’s our privilege and responsibility to not only model complete reliance on God, but to encourage others who are in error to repent and turn to God. Salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Guidance comes from God alone, through scripture and the godly men and women around us who are in relationship with him.
Life Application
Look for opportunities to encourage people to trust in Jesus.
Isaiah 46
Scripture
Isaiah 46:9
Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
Observation – What does it say?
Once again, God is reminding Israel of how silly idols are. In particular, the so called gods of Babylon. Men find some material on the ground and craft an idol out of it. Although they cry out to it, it cannot answer or save them from troubles. God on the other hand is the complete opposite – not only alive but the source of life, all-powerful and the sustainer of every living thing. God declares that there is no other. He has no equal, there is none beside him or above him. He alone is God.
Understanding – What does it mean?
There is no adequate substitute for God.
There is no substitute! God is not one of many options, one of many worthy pursuits, one of many things that satisfy, one among others who created the earth, and Jesus isn’t just one of many paths to eternal life. There is nothing that can take his place in any way.
Life Application
Where have I been turning to a God-substitute instead of to God himself? When I have the answer, lay that thing down and choose God instead!
Isaiah 45
Scripture
Isaiah 45:19
I have not said to Jacob’s descendants,
‘Seek me in vain.’
I, the Lord, speak the truth;
I declare what is right.
Observation – What does it say?
God declares through the prophet Isaiah his faithfulness to Israel and to upholding every word he has spoken. He hasn’t asked Israel to seek him only to hide himself and leave them frustrated and alone. Rather, he grants everlasting salvation and a glorious inheritance to those who have sought him.
Understanding – What does it mean?
Seeking God is never a waste of time.
Although we strive to remember and celebrate daily, God’s faithfulness to answer us, Christmas is a day we especially celebrate the ultimate answer God gave to a broken and sin-stained world: the gift of his Son. We celebrate today the fact that God is faithful to his promises, and faithful to answer us when we cry out to him.
The people of Israel cried out to God as they were in slavery in Egypt and he answered by sending Moses to deliver them from slavery and take them to the Promised Land. In the same way, mankind cried out to God in their slavery to sin and he answered by sending Jesus to deliver them and us from slavery and to eventually takes us into the land he promised us, heaven. His faithfulness to his promise to send Jesus 2,000 years ago is proof that he will be faithful to his promise to come again and take us to the place he has been preparing for us.
And, if God has been faithful to give the greatest gift and sacrifice by giving his son, wont he be faithful to answer us when we seek him for the daily challenges we face in this life? Our seeking and working for the Lord is never in vain!
Romans 8: 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Life Application
Set aside more time today to seek God. And when I pray, pray with faith that it’s not a waste of time because God will answer!
Not only today, but I’m looking forward to seeking God together for our 28 Days of Prayer and Fasting in January! It’s not a waste of time, but rather the most effective way we could spend our time! Please check out the Prayer and Fasting Manual and plan to join us in lifting prayers and worship to God that will usher in his presence and kingdom in our lives!
God, thank you for your faithfulness! You have been faithful from the beginning and you will be faithful to the end. Thank you for your goodness, that you don’t ask us to seek you in vain, but so that we can find you. We remember today your faithfulness to send Jesus. We look forward to the day you come again. And while we wait, we choose to seek you for your will to be done in our lives and in the earth. Amen.
To check out the discussion or to join in click here.
Isaiah 44
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!
Scripture
Isaiah 44:2
This is what the Lord says—
he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
and who will help you:
Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
Observation – What does it say?
Understanding – What does it mean?
It doesn’t make sense to call unfaithful and sinful people upright. Even so, God calls them upright though they had been sinful and the very opposite.
God continually offers us a clean slate and the power to walk out the identity he’s given us.
Scripture says his mercies are new each morning. Each morning we have the opportunity to forget the failures of the past and to choose to walk out who God says we are – to live holy, as his children, his ambassadors, disciple makers, pure, lovers of God and people, temples of the Holy Spirit, etc.
God’s people aren’t defined by their past, but by what God says about them.
Life Application
Let go of past failures and choose to walk in my God-given identity. Today, each time a past failure comes to mind, I will dismiss it and remind myself of who God says I am.