FDD31 What To Pray For

This entry is part 25 of 27 in the series Fifty Days of Desperation

When the Apostle determined to set Timothy on the proper path of working for the Lord he gave him prayer instructions. That sounds like a good place to start. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2, ESV) Take time today to work through gratitude for your politicians, and prayers for them as well. Pray that our ability to live for God will remain unhindered.  Which gives rise to follow up reflection in your prayer time: what is keeping me from walking completely with God today?  

FDD29 Those Few Sheep

This entry is part 24 of 27 in the series Fifty Days of Desperation

Young David was obeying his father’s command to bring supplies to his brothers and check up on their well being (1 Samuel 17).  So he left the flock with a keeper (v20) and soon found himself asking about Goliath’s blasphemies. That is when he was attacked…by his own brother. “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.”” (1 Samuel 17:28, NASB95) More than family dynamics is going on here, David had already been chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:12-13). Eliab’s jealousy (1 Samuel 16:6-7) was probably in play. “Next” seldom comes without conflict. Father, as we seek you for what is next, we also seek for peace with you. Do not let difficulty dissuade us from the task you set before us. Amen.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”” (1 Samuel 16:7, NASB95)

FDD27 in His Hands

This entry is part 23 of 27 in the series Fifty Days of Desperation

“She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”” (1 Samuel 1:10–11, ESV) Hannah serves as the example of a woman who gave her child completely into God’s hand. In the midst of her misery she prayed, pouring out her soul before the Lord (1 Samuel 1:15). Indeed in just a short time she had a son (1 Samuel 1:20) and named him Samuel, and when he had grown but only a little she took him to the tabernacle and gave him completely over to God. “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.” (1 Samuel 1:27–28, ESV) Will you do that with your soul burden? Will you completely give it to God […]