POWER IN PRAYER
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 37-38
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Many believe that this southeast corner of the Temple Mount area is what the Bible referred to as “the pinnacle of the Temple” (the place where Jesus was taken by Satan, who tempted Him to jump off because the angels would protect Him – Matthew 4:5-6). The southeast point is the highest point overlooking the Kidron Valley below. This temptation came when Jesus was nearing the end of an extended period of prayer and fasting. As we will see in today’s reading, prayer and a Word from God are the means whereby we receive strength to overcome every attack of Satan.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Isaiah 37:15-16
Then Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, saying: “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth…”
Isaiah 37 teaches us that fervent prayer is effective to change circumstances in the world around us! Isaiah 38 teaches us that fervent prayer is effective to change our personal circumstances! In desperation, Hezekiah tears his royal robes, puts on sackcloth and goes to pray in the Temple. Isaiah’s advice to him was to “lift up your prayer!” (37:4b). When Hezekiah received the threatening letter, he again went to the House of the Lord, opened the letter, and “spread it before the Lord” (37:14). Then he “prayed to the Lord!” As a result, Isaiah received a message from God for Hezekiah…”Because you prayed to Me…!” On the personal matter of the terminal illness from which Hezekiah suffered, it appears that he may have just rolled over in his bed and “prayed to the Lord!” (38:2). As a result once again, Isaiah was sent to Hezekiah with God’s answer…”I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears, and I will add to your life 15 years!” (38:5). What is the message for us? PRAYER! PRAYER! and more PRAYER!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I’m praying some of the words of Hezekiah. For national and international concern I pray, “THAT ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE EARTH MAY KNOW THAT YOU ARE THE LORD, YOU ALONE!!!” For my personal needs I reverse the words of Hezekiah in 38:1b and ask that I will “LIVE” and not “DIE.” Grant that I may “take root downward and bear fruit upward!” (37:31b). “Undertake for me!” (38:14b). I pray this in the Name of the One “Who…offered up prayers and supplications with vehement cries and tears…” the Lord Jesus Christ!!! Amen!!! (Hebrews 5:7).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
[Note: This was originally written by David Mainse January 6, 2016]
It’s time for my personal testimony of healing! Two years ago the cancer specialist, oncologist/hematologist, who had originally diagnosed my MDS acute leukemia said, “Remarkable” and “Jaw dropping!” From what looked to me in the mirror like a rack of bones in August 2013, I have gained 30 pounds and even my grandsons were impressed to feel grandpa’s muscle. “Remarkable” is the right word. Thanks everyone for your prayers!!! Also, as Isaiah prescribed a human remedy to Hezekiah’s illness (a “poultice” – 38:21), a bone marrow test was just done at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, and I won’t have the report for several days yet. I believe that I may be like Hezekiah and have “15 more years.” Let’s see…in 15 years I’ll be 94! I can’t keep the smile off my face. Of course, like Paul, I long to depart and be with the Lord (read Philippians 1:19-26). But in God’s plan, I just may be needed down here for a while yet!
Yours for continuing in the centre of God’s will for our lives through prayer, prayer and more prayer, and through God’s intervention in response to our prayers,
David
Thank You, Lord God, for hearing and answering prayer. Thank You for all Your servants and workers who bring Good News to us of the Living God who desires that all will be saved from the ravages of sin and death.
Father, may my life bring honor to Christ, as Paul and David and countless others have prayed. Thank You for answering their prayers. Help us stay true to You and share Your Word with others. In Jesus’s name, amen
Amen
Amen!
Amen , Rob
From Streams in the Desert, Cowman, January 6th:
When thou passest through the waters… they shall not overflow thee;
Isaiah 43:2 ASV
Passing Through
by Annie Johnson Flint
“When thou passest through the waters”
Deep the waves may be and cold,
But Jehovah is our refuge,
And His promise is our hold;
For the Lord Himself hath said it,
He, the faithful God and true:
“When thou comest to the waters
Thou shalt not go down, BUT THROUGH.”
Seas of sorrow, seas of trial,
Bitterest anguish, fiercest pain,
Rolling surges of temptation
Sweeping over heart and brain
They shall never overflow us
For we know His word is true;
All His waves and all His billows
He will lead us safely through.
Threatening breakers of destruction,
Doubt’s insidious undertow,
Shall not sink us, shall not drag us
Out to ocean depths of woe;
For His promise shall sustain us,
Praise the Lord, whose Word is true!
We shall not go down, or under,
For He saith, “Thou passest THROUGH.”
–Annie Johnson Flint
When You Pass Through Waters with lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TQxKvpGxRI
Thanks Beverlee, for the song. I found another version of it by Mark Altrogue (on guitar, that I found easier to sing along with – doesn’t, however, have the great scenery). The promises are great! Have a great day all.
I was worried Doreen, as it seemed an odd vesion, but know everyone likes the lyrics with it. Glad you found a version you enjoyed better. Have a blessed day!
Thank you Rob and Beverlee for the prayers and wonderful teachings and links to songs that you share. They are very impactful. Yesterday I had much peace in a storm. Praise the Lord, He is so good.
To all those who are journeying through the Word, I pray the Lord Bless you and give you peace.
Agree with Wendy, in her thankfulness for all who post and offer prayers, poems, music and encouragement.
So very glad that you went ‘through’ the storm yesterday, Wendy. The Peace of God does pass understanding!
I read a nice quote yesterday (The Bible) “ is the cradle wherein Christ is laid. “
Martin Luther-1622
Thank you Laur.
Agreeing with above comments…..I am always blessed and often comforted by all of your comments and posts, and I have learned so much from David!
One of the lessons I learned from David Mainse was to be tenacious and never give up even when discouraged.
I admired how David resolved to keep on writing and posting even as he became physically unwell.
May God Bless and keep you all today in His wonderful care.
Amen Anne. David was a true victor of the Word!