Elisha’s prayer for his servant.
And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. II Kings 6:17 KJV
The story of Elisha and the servant at Dothan.
The king sent horses, chariots, and many troops to Dothan. They arrived at night and surrounded the city. Elisha’s servant got up early, and when he went out, he saw an army with horses and chariots all around the city. The servant said to Elisha, “Oh my master, what can we do?” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, open my servant’s eyes, and let him see.” The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (II Kings 6:14-17 NCV).
After Elijah was taken up in chariot toward heaven, he left the mantle to Elisha who was to take over after him. This was one famous story about Elisha and the servant at Dothan. The king of Aram was at war with Israel and all his army came to Dothan to capture the city. When the servant began to panic Elisha prayed. Elisha encouraged him, “Fear not for God’s army is larger than the king of Aram’s army.” I imagined that the servant’s legs were still trembling. Elisha prayed, “Lord… open his eyes that he may see.” And behold the young man saw the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire. Angels of God… ready to bring a miracle!! [Suggest reading 2 Kings 6:8-23].
Let us trust God for a miracle because everybody needs a miracle from time to time. I do; you do. Completely surrounded by the enemy, Elisha and his young servant had no one to turn to for help or protection but a miracle came from God. Let our hearts believe in the miracle that God is greater than our enemy. Verse for the day: “Greater is He that is in you, than he (devil, the enemy) that is in the world” (I John 4:4).
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
I Kings Prayer
Elijah’s Prayer at Mount Carmel.
…the prophet Elijah went near the altar. “Lord, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,” he prayed. “Prove that You are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that You commanded me to do all these things. Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that You, Lord, are God and that You will change their minds.” I Kings 18:36-37 NCV
At Mount Carmel, Elijah approached the people and said, “How long will you not decide between two choices? If the Lord is the true God, follow Him, but if Baal is the true God, follow him!” But the people said nothing. Elijah said, “I am the only prophet of the Lord here, but there are 450 prophets of Baal. You prophets of Baal, pray to your god, and I will pray to the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to his wood is the true God.” All the people agreed that this was a good idea. (I Kings 18:21, 22, 24). So Elijah told the prophets to go first and worship their Baal and pray for the fire to come to the altar. They prayed, shout louder, cut themselves until the blood flowed and danced around the altar of Baal from morning until evening. The Baal did not send the fire and finally, they gave up. It was Elijah’s turn.
Elijah was a man who had faith that his prayers to God at the altar would open the eyes of Israel. The fire of the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. It also dried up the water in the ditch. When all the people saw this, they fell down to the ground, crying, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” Elijah’s prayer was answered when Israel turned their heart back to the Lord God of Israel. The people changed their mind about Baal and choose to worship God only. [Suggest reading I Kings 18 Story of King Ahab and Elijah].
One of the Ten Commandment quoted: Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God. [Exodus 20:1-5 paraphrase]. This is a simple reminder that God is the creator of heaven and earth while any other gods have done nothing. God wants our praise and our adoration so let’s make God happy today.
…the prophet Elijah went near the altar. “Lord, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,” he prayed. “Prove that You are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that You commanded me to do all these things. Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that You, Lord, are God and that You will change their minds.” I Kings 18:36-37 NCV
At Mount Carmel, Elijah approached the people and said, “How long will you not decide between two choices? If the Lord is the true God, follow Him, but if Baal is the true God, follow him!” But the people said nothing. Elijah said, “I am the only prophet of the Lord here, but there are 450 prophets of Baal. You prophets of Baal, pray to your god, and I will pray to the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to his wood is the true God.” All the people agreed that this was a good idea. (I Kings 18:21, 22, 24). So Elijah told the prophets to go first and worship their Baal and pray for the fire to come to the altar. They prayed, shout louder, cut themselves until the blood flowed and danced around the altar of Baal from morning until evening. The Baal did not send the fire and finally, they gave up. It was Elijah’s turn.
Elijah was a man who had faith that his prayers to God at the altar would open the eyes of Israel. The fire of the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. It also dried up the water in the ditch. When all the people saw this, they fell down to the ground, crying, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” Elijah’s prayer was answered when Israel turned their heart back to the Lord God of Israel. The people changed their mind about Baal and choose to worship God only. [Suggest reading I Kings 18 Story of King Ahab and Elijah].
One of the Ten Commandment quoted: Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God. [Exodus 20:1-5 paraphrase]. This is a simple reminder that God is the creator of heaven and earth while any other gods have done nothing. God wants our praise and our adoration so let’s make God happy today.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
II Samuel Psalm of Praise
David sang this song to the Lord when the Lord saved him from Saul and all his other enemies. He said: “The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior. My God is my rock. I can run to Him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety. The Lord saves me from those who want to harm me. I will call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise and I will be saved from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:1-4 NCV).
Second Samuel only records the reign of David, a period of 40 years (1010-970 B.C.) David was anointed King at Hebron over Judah for seven and a half years (chapter 2:1-4:12). David conquered Jebusites and moved to the city, called Jersualem (5:6-10). David reign at Jersusalem for 33 years over Israel. David came to the closing of life.
David was near death and what was in his heart? A Psalm of praise and David said: “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies (Psalm 18:1-3 KJV).
David was a young teenager and a shepherd when God told Samuel to anoint David as a future king (I Samuel 16:1-13). From I Samuel 16:14 through 31:13 David ran through many obstacles, something that stand in his ways that prevent David to become king right away. From his youth to his old age, and through all the trials and enemies in his life, David’s heart had always been a song of praise.
Do you have obstacle that stands in your way that kept you from becoming what you want to be? Like David, let us have a song of praise in our heart for “God dwells in the heart of praise.” I pray that this devotion will inspire you to trust God through all your obstacles. God in His time will lead you to what He has called you to be and where He will lead you to do His will. May the Lord God bless you.
Second Samuel only records the reign of David, a period of 40 years (1010-970 B.C.) David was anointed King at Hebron over Judah for seven and a half years (chapter 2:1-4:12). David conquered Jebusites and moved to the city, called Jersualem (5:6-10). David reign at Jersusalem for 33 years over Israel. David came to the closing of life.
David was near death and what was in his heart? A Psalm of praise and David said: “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies (Psalm 18:1-3 KJV).
David was a young teenager and a shepherd when God told Samuel to anoint David as a future king (I Samuel 16:1-13). From I Samuel 16:14 through 31:13 David ran through many obstacles, something that stand in his ways that prevent David to become king right away. From his youth to his old age, and through all the trials and enemies in his life, David’s heart had always been a song of praise.
Do you have obstacle that stands in your way that kept you from becoming what you want to be? Like David, let us have a song of praise in our heart for “God dwells in the heart of praise.” I pray that this devotion will inspire you to trust God through all your obstacles. God in His time will lead you to what He has called you to be and where He will lead you to do His will. May the Lord God bless you.
Monday, July 27, 2009
I Samuel God’s Battle
“…All the world will know there is a God in Israel! Everyone gathered here will know that the Lord does not need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to Him ...” I Samuel 17:46b-47 NCV
This is a story about David facing Goliath, the Philistine. David knew that this was God’s battle. David challenged Goliath and said, “You come to me using a sword and two spears. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have spoken against Him. Today the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll kill you and cut off your head. Today I’ll feed the bodies of the Philistine soldiers to the birds of the air and the wild animals. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel! Everyone gathered here will know the Lord does not need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to him, and He will hand you over to us. As Goliath came near to attack him, David ran quickly to meet him. David took a stone from his bag, put it into his sling, and slung it. The stone hit the Philistine and went deep into his forehead, and Goliath fell facedown on the ground (I Samuel 17:45-49 NCV).
This was a great victory for Israel. David’ faith in God was simple. David spoke the words against Goliath. Are you facing ‘Goliath’? Is your faith simple enough to speak the word against ‘Goliath’? Goliath can represent problems, darkness, and the ailments such as sudden pain, weariness and illness, etc? David’s faith in God and his courage should give us the strength and the motivation to put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand and fight against the devil’s evil tricks.
Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father for this story of David that inspire us and remind us that the battle belongs to You. We just need to remind ourselves that we cannot fight the battle alone without Your Presence with us. Thank You for the victory over our problems and illnesses in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
This is a story about David facing Goliath, the Philistine. David knew that this was God’s battle. David challenged Goliath and said, “You come to me using a sword and two spears. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have spoken against Him. Today the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll kill you and cut off your head. Today I’ll feed the bodies of the Philistine soldiers to the birds of the air and the wild animals. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel! Everyone gathered here will know the Lord does not need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to him, and He will hand you over to us. As Goliath came near to attack him, David ran quickly to meet him. David took a stone from his bag, put it into his sling, and slung it. The stone hit the Philistine and went deep into his forehead, and Goliath fell facedown on the ground (I Samuel 17:45-49 NCV).
This was a great victory for Israel. David’ faith in God was simple. David spoke the words against Goliath. Are you facing ‘Goliath’? Is your faith simple enough to speak the word against ‘Goliath’? Goliath can represent problems, darkness, and the ailments such as sudden pain, weariness and illness, etc? David’s faith in God and his courage should give us the strength and the motivation to put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand and fight against the devil’s evil tricks.
Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father for this story of David that inspire us and remind us that the battle belongs to You. We just need to remind ourselves that we cannot fight the battle alone without Your Presence with us. Thank You for the victory over our problems and illnesses in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Ruth Trust God
The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of
the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
Ruth 2:12 KJV
Naomi, Elimelech, her husband and her two sons came to Moab because there was great famine in Bethlehem. The food was plentiful. Naomi’s two sons married Moabite girls. Soon after, Naomi’s husband and her sons died. Naomi decided to go back to Bethlehem and Ruth went with her mother-in-law. To make a living, Ruth went to the fields and gathered the grain that the workers cutting the grain had left behind. The field belonged to Boaz, from the Elimelech’s family. Boaz took noticed of her and asked her to stay in his field for her protection because she was from Moab. Ruth said to Boaz, “I am not an Israelite. Why have you been so kind to notice me?” Boaz answered her, “I know about all the help you have given to your mother-in-law after your husband died. You left your father and mother and your own country to come to a nation where you did not know anyone. May the Lord reward for all you have done. May your wages be paid in full by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for shelter (Ruth 2:10-12 NCV).
Ruth who had come to trust God and God became her shelter, her protector and watched over her. The story went on that Boaz married her and they had a son, Obed. God blessed Ruth who was a Gentile, to have a son and descendant was Jesse and David. The woman told Naomi, “Praise the Lord who gave you this grandson. May he become famous in Israel. He will give you new life and will take care of you in your old age because of your daughter-in-law who loves you” (Ruth 4:14-15).
What does this mean to me? The last few days, I thought of how I left my homeland, California in 1967 and married Tony and traveled over USA as Evangelists and pastored few churches for the Deaf and did several other ministries as well. At the wedding, I remembered the song of Ruth, “Whether thou goest, I will go.” My thought is that now that I am older and I am still in Illinois and my family is in California. It seems like God see my thought and the story of Ruth make a deep impression on me. We are to trust the Lord because the Lord will reward for all that we have done. The Lord is our wings and our shelter and our trust is in Him.
If you have left your homeland to serve God, the Lord will reward for all that you have done for Him. He takes notice of you and He will bless you. Trust God!
the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
Ruth 2:12 KJV
Naomi, Elimelech, her husband and her two sons came to Moab because there was great famine in Bethlehem. The food was plentiful. Naomi’s two sons married Moabite girls. Soon after, Naomi’s husband and her sons died. Naomi decided to go back to Bethlehem and Ruth went with her mother-in-law. To make a living, Ruth went to the fields and gathered the grain that the workers cutting the grain had left behind. The field belonged to Boaz, from the Elimelech’s family. Boaz took noticed of her and asked her to stay in his field for her protection because she was from Moab. Ruth said to Boaz, “I am not an Israelite. Why have you been so kind to notice me?” Boaz answered her, “I know about all the help you have given to your mother-in-law after your husband died. You left your father and mother and your own country to come to a nation where you did not know anyone. May the Lord reward for all you have done. May your wages be paid in full by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for shelter (Ruth 2:10-12 NCV).
Ruth who had come to trust God and God became her shelter, her protector and watched over her. The story went on that Boaz married her and they had a son, Obed. God blessed Ruth who was a Gentile, to have a son and descendant was Jesse and David. The woman told Naomi, “Praise the Lord who gave you this grandson. May he become famous in Israel. He will give you new life and will take care of you in your old age because of your daughter-in-law who loves you” (Ruth 4:14-15).
What does this mean to me? The last few days, I thought of how I left my homeland, California in 1967 and married Tony and traveled over USA as Evangelists and pastored few churches for the Deaf and did several other ministries as well. At the wedding, I remembered the song of Ruth, “Whether thou goest, I will go.” My thought is that now that I am older and I am still in Illinois and my family is in California. It seems like God see my thought and the story of Ruth make a deep impression on me. We are to trust the Lord because the Lord will reward for all that we have done. The Lord is our wings and our shelter and our trust is in Him.
If you have left your homeland to serve God, the Lord will reward for all that you have done for Him. He takes notice of you and He will bless you. Trust God!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Judges Prayer
Ask God to restore your strength.
Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Lord God, remember
me. God, please give me strength one more time…,”
Judges 16:28 NCV
The book of Judges had thirteen judges between Joshua and Samuel’s time. As the whole book of Judges, one thing was noticed: when the Israel began to worship other gods, God allowed the neighbor of enemies to oppress them. What did Israel do when the oppression got so bad from their enemies? Israelite cried out to God for help. God heard their cries and sent a deliverer to help them defeat their enemies. Then Israel had peace as long as they worship their only true God who was the possessor of heaven and earth.
Samson was one of the 13 judges who had called upon the Lord for help. If you know the story of Samson (Judges 13-16), he was led to the two center pillars that support the whole Temple of Dagon. Samson prayed to the Lord for strength to be able to push the center pillars, causing the Temple of Dagon to fall and destroyed the Philistines rulers and 3,000 people who gathered together to worship their god, Dagon. So the oppression from the Philistines ceased and the Israelite had peace. God was greater than Dagon and He alone was to be worshipped.
This story reminds us that whenever we sense oppression, we like Samson could pray to the Lord to give us strength to command the oppression to leave us alone. The Spirit of the Lord will fill us with great peace. Through the story, we get to know our God who hears our prayers and is willing to give us strength when we ask Him.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the story of Judges. You have helped them so many times. So I ask You and know that You are willing to give me strength to do my job. I ask You, Father to give my friends strength for healing as well. I pray that You will pour out the oil of healing and touch their bodies and heal them in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Lord God, remember
me. God, please give me strength one more time…,”
Judges 16:28 NCV
The book of Judges had thirteen judges between Joshua and Samuel’s time. As the whole book of Judges, one thing was noticed: when the Israel began to worship other gods, God allowed the neighbor of enemies to oppress them. What did Israel do when the oppression got so bad from their enemies? Israelite cried out to God for help. God heard their cries and sent a deliverer to help them defeat their enemies. Then Israel had peace as long as they worship their only true God who was the possessor of heaven and earth.
Samson was one of the 13 judges who had called upon the Lord for help. If you know the story of Samson (Judges 13-16), he was led to the two center pillars that support the whole Temple of Dagon. Samson prayed to the Lord for strength to be able to push the center pillars, causing the Temple of Dagon to fall and destroyed the Philistines rulers and 3,000 people who gathered together to worship their god, Dagon. So the oppression from the Philistines ceased and the Israelite had peace. God was greater than Dagon and He alone was to be worshipped.
This story reminds us that whenever we sense oppression, we like Samson could pray to the Lord to give us strength to command the oppression to leave us alone. The Spirit of the Lord will fill us with great peace. Through the story, we get to know our God who hears our prayers and is willing to give us strength when we ask Him.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the story of Judges. You have helped them so many times. So I ask You and know that You are willing to give me strength to do my job. I ask You, Father to give my friends strength for healing as well. I pray that You will pour out the oil of healing and touch their bodies and heal them in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Joshua Prayer
When healing is slow, do not be discouraged.
The Lord spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant. “Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because
the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go”
(Joshua 1:1, 9 NCV).
This is a story about Joshua taking Moses’ place to carry on the work of the Lord. Joshua had been with Moses during forty years of wilderness wandering. Now Joshua had entered a promised land and it was a huge responsibilities. Joshua may have been afraid. God encouraged Joshua not to be afraid and to be strong and to be brave. God said to Joshua, “No one will be able to defeat you all your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forget you” (Joshua 1:5 NCV).
Have you ever been afraid? Have you ever felt like when you pray for healing, it seems to come very slow or not at all? God has given us His Word of encouragement. “Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you.”
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you for courage to face obstacles that come in my way. Like Joshua, You encouraged Joshua not to be afraid and to overcome the enemies and to be victorious because You helped him. I know You are encouraging me and my friends not to give up when the healing is slow. You are with me and You are with them. You are there when my friends are suffering. Help us to keep our eyes on You through Jesus’ name we pray, amen!
The Lord spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant. “Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because
the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go”
(Joshua 1:1, 9 NCV).
This is a story about Joshua taking Moses’ place to carry on the work of the Lord. Joshua had been with Moses during forty years of wilderness wandering. Now Joshua had entered a promised land and it was a huge responsibilities. Joshua may have been afraid. God encouraged Joshua not to be afraid and to be strong and to be brave. God said to Joshua, “No one will be able to defeat you all your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forget you” (Joshua 1:5 NCV).
Have you ever been afraid? Have you ever felt like when you pray for healing, it seems to come very slow or not at all? God has given us His Word of encouragement. “Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you.”
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you for courage to face obstacles that come in my way. Like Joshua, You encouraged Joshua not to be afraid and to overcome the enemies and to be victorious because You helped him. I know You are encouraging me and my friends not to give up when the healing is slow. You are with me and You are with them. You are there when my friends are suffering. Help us to keep our eyes on You through Jesus’ name we pray, amen!
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