Acts 26:18 NLT to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me. PLEADING AND INTERCEDING Nehemiah seeks favor with the king. He reminds God that the people for whom he is praying are those who, in time past, God himself had rescued by his might and power. In essence, Nehemiah is saying, “Do it again, Lord. Do it again for me.” He intercedes not only for the people back in Jerusalem, but also on behalf of his fellow intercessors. What a big heart! He pleads with God to answer their prayer as well because together, as believers, they have a singular aim to see Jerusalem restored. Do you join others in praying for issues that are close to their heart? The Bible says that when two or more gather in the name of Jesus and petition him concerning their needs, he will be there to bless them. What blessings are you seeking for your city and its people? Are there other groups with whom you are sharing your petitions? What past victories can you recall? Will you ask God to do it again for you? With whom are you seeking favor? Have you petitioned God for help? Join a rally that supports a cause that is close to your heart. Pray: Lord, I intercede even now for those who are imprisoned by physical bars. I intercede, too, for those who have become imprisoned by sin. I pray, Lord, for their complete freedom. Nehemiah 1:10-11 NLT The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer There is a clear difference between men and children. Children avoid pain. Men understand pain is often necessary for growth. Children look to blame others. Men take responsibility for their actions. Children look out for themselves. Men look out for their families and friends. Choose to be a man today. Practical Steps: 1.) Today, do one act that shows you choose to put others before yourself – whether that means giving your wife a back rub after you’ve had a long day, going out of your way to help a friend, or even just lending an ear to someone when it may feel inconvenient to do so. 1 Corinthians 13:11 NLT When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Tie Yourself to the Mast Are you unhappy in your marriage? If so, you might be interested to learn that two-thirds of unhappy couples who stay together say their relationship is significantly better within five years. To achieve that, it’ll require you and your spouse to “tie yourselves to the mast.”In Odyssey, Homer’s epic work, Odysseus encountered the mysterious Island of the Sirens. The creatures inhabiting the island possessed enchanting voices that distracted sailors from their journey, imprisoning them forever. As Odysseus’ crew passed by, the creatures sang their beautiful song. But Odysseus knew the dangers. He put wax in his crew’s ears and ordered that he be tied securely to the ship’s mast to prevent him from being lured away by their seductive melody. Odysseus also commanded they stay true to their course no matter how bad their circumstances seemed.Marriages in our culture have become more transient. Too often we’ll throw out relationships at the first sign of trouble. But God created marriage to be a covenant – a deeply binding commitment designed to help us weather our most difficult circumstances. But it requires us to “tie ourselves to the mast.” You have to dismiss the voices that try to lure you away from your marriage or convince you that divorce is an easy answer to your troubles.If your marriage is unhappy, it’s not too late. Commit your relationship to a course of growth and healing. With hard work and faithfulness to God, you and your spouse may discover the relationship you’ve always dreamed of. Philippians 1:27 NLT Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 03:08:01 +0000
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