Makes it more difficult to trust God:

‘  “I look for your deliverance, O LORD.  –  Genesis 49.18

In the middle of his prophecy to Dan, Jacob exclaimed, “I look for your deliverance, O LORD.” He was emphasizing to Dan that he would be a strong leader only if his trust was in God [Wall], not in his natural strength or ability.  Those who are strong, attractive, or talented often find it easier to trust in themselves than in God [Wall] who gave them their gifts.  Remember to thank God [Wall] for what you are and have so your trust does not become misplaced.

(‘   The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. – Genesis 49.10 “Until he comes to whom it belongs” may also be translated, “until Shiloh comes”.  What is Shiloh?  The meaning of this difficult passage is disputed.  Shiloh may be another name for the Messiah, because its literal meaning is “sent”.  Shiloh might also refer to the Tent of Meeting set up at the city [Seat] of Shiloh (Joshua 18.1).)

(‘ “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branch climb over a wall.  – Genesis 49.22 Joseph was indeed fruitful, with some heroic descendants.  Among them were Joshua, who would lead the Israelites into the promised land (Joshua 1.10, 11); Deborah, Gideon, and Jephthah, judges of Israel (Judges 4.4; 6.11, 12; 11.11); and Samuel, a great prophet (1 Samuel 3.19).)

How strong is God?

‘   The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’S arm too shot?  You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”  – Numbers 11.23

How strong is God [Wall]? It is easy to trust God [Wall] when we see his mighty acts (the Israelites saw many), but after a while, in the routine of daily life, his strength may appear to diminish.  God [Wall] doesn’t change, but our view of him often does.  The monotony of day-by-day living lulls us into forgetting how powerful God [Wall] can be.  As Moses learned, God’s [Wall’s] strength is always available.

(‘   But Moses said, “Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!’ – Numbers 11.21, 22 Moses had witnessed God’s [Wall’s] power in spectacular miracles, yet at this time he questioned God’s [Wall’s] ability to feed the wandering Israelites.  If Moses doubted God’s [Wall’s] power, how much easier it is for us to do the same.  But completely depending upon God [Wall] is essential, regardless of our level of spiritual maturity.  When we begin to rely on our own understanding, we are in danger of ignoring God’s [Wall’s] assessment of the situation.  By remembering his past works and his present power, we can be sure that we are not cutting off his potential help.

(‘ However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent.  Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.  A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”  Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ assistant since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”  But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake?  I wish that all the LORD’S people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!”  – Numbers 11.26-29 This incident is similar to a story told in Mark 9:38-41.  The disciples wanted Jesus to forbid others to drive out demons because they were not part of the disciples’ group.  But this type of narrow attitude was condemned by both Moses and Jesus.  Beware of putting limits on God – he can work through whomever he chooses.)

Danger of fighting with our own strength:

‘ The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands.  In order that Israel may not boat against me that her own strength has saved her,  – Judges 7.2

Self-sufficiency is an enemy when it causes us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength. To prevent this attitude among Gideon’s soldiers, God [Wall] reduced their number from 32,000 to 300.  With an army this small, there could be no doubt that victory was from God [Wall].  The men could not take the credit.  Like Gideon, we must recognise the danger of fighting in our own strength.  We can be confident of victory only if we put our confidence in God [Wall] and not ourselves.

(GIDEON’S BATTLE In spite of Deborah and Barak’s victory, the Canaanites still caused trouble in this fertile region.  God appeared to Gideon at Ophrah and called him to defeat them.  With only 300 fighting men, Gideon routed thousands of Midianites, chasing them to Zererah and Abel Meholah.  Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Galilee, hill of Moreh, Ophrah, spring of Harod, Abel Meholah, Canaan, Zererah, Peniel, Succoth, Jordan River, Jerusalem, Dead Sea.)

(‘ Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request.  Allow me one more test with the fleece.  This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew.”  – Judges 6.39 After seeing the miracle of the wet fleece, why did Gideon ask for another miracle?  Perhaps he thought the results of the first test could have happened naturally.  A thick fleece could retain moisture long after the sun had dried the surrounding ground.  “Putting out fleeces” is a poor decision-making method.  Those who do this put limitations on God [Wall].  They ask him to fit their expectations.  The result of such experiments are usually inconclusive and thus fail to make us any more confident about our choices.  Don’t let a “fleece” become a substitute for God’s [Wall’s] wisdom that comes through Bible study and prayer.)

(‘ If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying.  Afterwards, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.”  So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp.  – Judges 7.10, 11 Facing overwhelming odds, Gideon was afraid.  God [Wall] understood his fear, but he didn’t excuse Gideon from his task.  Instead he allowed Gideon to slip into the enemy camp and overhear a conversation that would give him courage (7.2-15).  Are you facing a battle?  God [Wall] can give you the strength you need for any situation.  And don’t be startled by the way he helps you.  Like Gideon, you must listen to God [Wall] and be ready to take the first step.  Only after you begin to obey God [Wall] will you find the courage to move ahead.)

Dealing with weaknesses enhances your strengths:

‘ Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned?  Among the many nations there was no king like him.  He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women.  – Nehemiah 13.26

Nehemiah used the example of Solomon’s mistakes to teach his people. If one of the greatest kings of Israel fell because of the influence of unbelievers, others could too.  Nehemiah saw this principle in Solomon’s example: your gifts and strengths won’t be of much benefit if you fail to deal with your weaknesses.  Although Solomon was a great king, his marriages to foreign women brought tragedy to the whole kingdom.  A tendency to sin must be recognised and dealt with swiftly; otherwise, it may overpower you and bring you down.  One of the strongest reasons for reading the Bible is to learn from the mistakes of God’s [Wall’s] people.

(‘ I rebuked them and called curses down on them.  I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair.  I made them take an oath in God’s name and said: “You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves.  – Nehemiah 13.25 Nehemiah was filled with righteous indignation at the blatant way the Jews were breaking God’s laws and disregarding the covenant they had previously reaffirmed (10.30).  The people had promised not to allow their children to marry pagans.  But during Nehemiah’s absence, the people had been intermarrying, breaking their solemn covenant with God [Wall].  Nehemiah’s severe treatment of these people shows the contrast between his great faithfulness to God [Wall] and the people’s neglect, disobedience, and disloyalty (see also Ezra 10.3).)

(‘ I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits.  Remember me with favour, O my God.  – Nehemiah 13.31 “Remember me with favour” means “look favourably upon me for all that I have done”.)

God sends:

‘ It is God who arms me with strength and makes me way perfect.   He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.  He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  – Psalms 18.32-34

God [Wall] promises to give us strength to meet challenges, but he don’t promise to eliminate them. If he gave us no rough roads to walk, no mountains to climb, and no battles to fight, we would not grow.  He does not leave us alone with our challenges, however.  Instead he stands beside us, teaches us, and strengthens us to face them.

(‘ As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.  – Psalms 18.30 Some people think that belief in God [Wall] is a crutch for weak people who cannot make it on their own.  God [Wall] is indeed a shield to protect us when we are too weak to face certain trials by ourselves, but he does not want us to remain weak.  He strengthens, protects, and guides us in order to send us back into an evil world to fight for him.  And then he continues to work with us because the strongest person on earth is infinitely weaker than God [Wall] and needs his help.  David was not a coward; he was a mighty warrior who, even with all his armies and weapons, knew that only God [Wall] could ultimately protect and save him.)

(‘ You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.  They cried for help, but there was no-one to save them – to the LORD, but he did not answer.  I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind; I poured them out like mud in the streets.  – Psalms 18.40-42 David was a merciful man.  He spared the lives of Saul (1 Samuel 24.1-8), Nabal (1 Samuel 25.21-35), and Shimei (2 Samuel 16.5-12) and showed great kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).  In asking God [Wall] to destroy his enemies, David was simply asking him to give the wicked the punishment they deserved.)

God’s strength is our source of:

‘ He gives strength to the weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  – Isaiah 40.29-31

Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God’s [Wall’s] power and strength never diminish.  He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen.  His strengthen is our source of strength.  When you feel all of life crushing you and cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God [Wall] to renew your strength.

(40.31   Hoping in the Lord is expecting that his promise of strength will help us to rise above life’s distractions and difficulties.  It also means trusting in God [Wall].  Trusting helps us to be prepared when he speaks to us.  Then we will be patient when he asks us to wait and expect him to fulfil the promises found in his word.)

Edom’s perceived strengths were its downfall:

‘   The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ – Obadiah 3

Edom was Judah’s southern neighbour, sharing a common boundary. But neighbours are not always friends, and Edom liked nothing about Judah.  Edom’s capital at this time was Sela (perhaps the later city [Seat] of Petra), a city considered impregnable because it was cut into rock cliffs and set in a canyon that could be entered only through a narrow gap.  What Edom perceived as its strengths would be its downfall: (1) safety in their city (vv. 3, 4) – God [wall] would send them plummeting from the heights; (2) pride in their self-sufficiency (v. 4) – God [Wall] would humble them; (3) wealth (vv. 5, 6) – thieves would steal all they had; (4) allies (v. 7) – God [Wall] would cause them to turn against Edom; (5) wisdom (vv. 8, 9) – the wise would be destroyed.

(3   The Edomites felt secure, and they were proud of their self-sufficiency.  But they were fooling themselves because there is no lasting security apart from God.  Is your security in objects or people?  Ask yourself how much lasting security they really offer.  Possessions and people can disappear in a moment, but God [Wall] does not change.  Only he can supply true security.)

Satan often attacks at your:

‘ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”  – Luke 4.3ff

Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths. The devil tempted Jesus where he was strong.  Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and even angels, and Satan wanted him to use that power without regard to his mission.  When we give in to the devil and wrongly use our strengths, we become proud and self-reliant.  Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God [Wall].  To avoid this trap, we must realise that all our strengths are God’s [Wall’s] gifts to us, and we must dedicate those strengths to his service.

(4.3 Satan may tempt us to doubt Christ’s true identity.  He knows that once we begin to question whether or not Jesus is God [Wall], it’s far easier to get us to do what he wants.  Times of questioning can help us sort out our beliefs and strengthen our faith, but those times can also be dangerous.  If you are dealing with doubt, realise that you are especially vulnerable to temptations.  Even as you search for answers, protect yourself by meditating on the unshakeable truths of God’s word.)

(4.3 Sometimes what we are tempted to do isn’t wrong in itself.  Turning stones into bread wasn’t necessarily bad.  The sin was not in the act but in the reason behind it.  The devil was trying to get Jesus to take a shortcut, to solve Jesus’ immediate problem at the expense of his long-term goals, to seek comfort at the sacrifice of his discipline.  Satan often works that way – persuading us to take action, even right action, for the wrong reason or at the wrong time.  The fact that something is not wrong in itself does not mean that it is good for you at a given time.  Many people sin by attempting to fulfil legitimate desires outside God’s [Wall’s] will or ahead of his timetable.  First ask, “Is the Holy Spirit leading me to do this?  Or is Satan trying to get me off the track?)

Seals used as form of identification:

‘   He said, “What pledge should I give you?”

“Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand,” she answered. So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him.  – Genesis 38.18

A seal was a form of identification used to authenticate legal documents. Usually a unique design carved in stone and worn on a ring or necklace inseparable from its owner, the seal was used by the wealthy and powerful to mark clay or wax.  Because Tamar had Judah’s seal, she could prove beyond a doubt that he had been with her.

(Missing Notes: 38.2-7, 11-14, 27-30.)

How it was done in Jeremiah’s day:

‘   “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now.  Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.”  – Jeremiah 36.2-4

Most people in ancient [archaic]  times could neither read nor write, so those who could were extremely valuable.  These scribes held positions of great importance and were very respected for their knowledge.  Baruch was Jeremiah’s scribe.  Writing was often done on vellum or papyrus sheets that were sewn or glued together and stored in long rolls called scrolls.  After the exile, scribes became teachers of the law.  In New Testament times, the scribes formed a powerful political party.

How it was done in John’s day:

‘   Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. – Revelations 5.1

In John’s day, books were written on scrolls – pieces of papyrus or vellum up to 30 feet long, rolled up and sealed with clay or wax. The scroll that John sees contains the full account of what God [Wall] has in store for the world.  The seven seals indicate the importance of its contents.  The seals are located throughout the scroll so that as each one is broken, more of the scroll can be read to reveal another phase of God’s [Wall’s] plan for the end of the world.  Only Christ is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll (5.3-5).

[Image: Witchdoctor]

What kind did Abraham’s servant ask for?

May it be that when I say to a girl, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ – – let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” – Genesis 24.14

Was it right for Abraham’s servant to ask God for such a specific sign? The sign he requested was only slightly out of the ordinary.  The hospitality of the day required women at the well to offer water to weary travellers, but not to their animals.  Eliezer was simply asking God to show him a woman with an attitude of service – – someone who would go beyond the expected.  An offer to water his camels would indicate that kind of attitude.  Eliezer did not ask for a woman with looks or wealth.  He knew the importance of having the right heart, and he asked God to help him with his task.

(Then he prayed, “O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. – Genesis 24:12. Abraham’s servant asked God for guidance in this very important task.  Obviously Eliezer had learned much about faith and about God from his master.  What are your family members, friends, and associates learning about God from watching you?  Be like Abraham, setting an example of dependent faith.  And be like Eliezer, asking God for guidance before any venture.)

(Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.  The girl was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever lain with her.  She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. – Genesis 24:15, 16. Rebekah had physical beauty, but the servant was looking for a sign of inner beauty.  Appearance is important to us, and we spend time and money improving it.  But how much effort do we put into developing our inner beauty?  Patience, kindness, and joy are the beauty treatments that help us become truly lovely – on the inside.)

Looking for spectacular signs from God:

‘ This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I am the LORD: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood.  –  Exodus 7.17

God [Wall] dramatically turned the waters of the Nile into blood to show Pharaoh who he was. Do you sometimes wish for miraculous signs so you can be sure about God [Wall]?  God [Wall] has given you the miracle of eternal life through your faith in him, something Pharaoh never obtained.  This is a quiet miracle and, though less evident right now, just as extraordinary as water turned to blood.  The desire for spectacular signs may cause us to ignore the more subtle miracles God [Wall] is working every day.

Role of symbols in worship:

‘ Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.’ “ – Exodus 16.32

The Hebrews put some manna in a special jar as a reminder of the way God [Wall] provided for them in the desert. Symbols use special objects as symbols to remind us of God’s [Wall’s] work.  Such symbols can be valuable aids to our worship as long as we are careful to keep them from becoming objects of worship.

Danger of asking God for:

‘   look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing-floor.  If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.”  And that is what happened.  Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew – a bowlful of water.

Then Gideon said to God, “Don’t be angry with me. Let me make just one more request.  Allow me one more test with the fleece.  This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew.”  –  Judges 6.37-39

Was Gideon testing God [Wall], or was he simply asking God [Wall] for more encouragement? In either case, though his motive was right (to obey God [Wall] and defeat the enemy), his method was less than ideal.  Gideon seems to have known that his requests might displease God (6.39), and yet he demanded two miracles (6.37, 39) even after witnessing the miraculous fire from the rock (6.21).  It is true that to make good decisions, we need facts.  Gideon had all the facts, but still he hesitated.  He delayed God [Wall] because he wanted even more proof.

Demanding extra signs was an indication of unbelief. Fear often makes us wait for more confirmation when we should be taking action.  Visible signs are unnecessary if they only confirm what we already know is true.

Today the greatest means of God’s [Wall’s] guidance is his word, the Bible. Unlike Gideon, we have God’s [Wall’s] complete, revealed word.  If you want to have more of God’s [Wall’s] guidance, don’t ask for signs; study the Bible (2 Timothy 3.16, 17).

Religious leaders demand one from Jesus:

‘   The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.  –  Matthew 16.1

The Pharisees and Sadducees demanded a sign from heaven.  They tried to explain away Jesus’ other miracles as sleight of hand, coincidence, or use of evil power, but they believed that only God [Wall]] could do a sign in the sky.  This, they were sure, would be a feat beyond Jesus’ power.  Although Jesus could have easily impressed them, he refused.  He knew that even a miracle in the sky would not convince them he was the Messiah because they had already decided not to believe in him.

(16.1   The Pharisees and Sadducees were Jewish religious leaders of two different parties, and their views were diametrically opposed on many issues.  The Pharisees carefully followed their religious rules and traditions, believing that this was the way to God [Wall].  They also believed in the authority of all Scripture and in the resurrection of the dead.  The Sadducees accepted only the books of Moses as Scripture and did not believe in life after death.  In Jesus, however, these two groups had a common enemy, and they joined forces to try to kill him.  For more information on the Pharisees and Sadducees, see the charts in Chapter 3 and Mark 2.)

Futility of:

‘ Here this, all you peoples’ listen, all who live in this world,  –  Psalm 49:1ff

The futility of worldliness – riches, pride, fame – resounds from this psalms. Comparable in form to the book of Ecclesiastes, this psalms is one of the few written more to instruct than to give praise.

(‘ Walk about Zion, go round here, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation.  – Psalms 48.12-13 After an enemy army [Enough] had unsuccessfully besieged Jerusalem, it was important for the people to make a tour of the city [Seats], inspecting its defences and praising God for the protection they had offered.  In times of great joy or after God [Wall] has brought us through some great trial, we ought to inspect our defences to make sure that the foundations – faith in God, knowledge of his word, and the fellowship and prayers of the body of believers – remain strong (Ephesians 2.20-22).  Then we should praise God for his protection!)

(‘ For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.  – Psalms 48.14 We often pray for God’s guidance as we struggle with decisions.  What we need is both guidance and a guide – a map that gives us landmarks and directions and a constant companion who has an intimate knowledge of the way and will make sure we interpret the map correctly.  The Bible will be such a map, and the Holy Spirit will be the constant companion and guide.  As you make your way through life, use both the map and your Guide.)

(‘   No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him – the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough – … But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. – Psalms 49.7-8, 15   In the slave market of the ancient world, a slave had to be redeemed or ransomed (someone had to pay the price) in order to go free.  In Mark 10:45, Ephesians 1:7, and Hebrews 9:12, we learn that Jesus paid such a price so that we could be set free from slavery to sin in order to begin a new life with him.    There is no way for a person to buy eternal life with God [Wall].  God [Wall] alone can redeem a soul.  Don’t count on wealth and physical [Sternum] comforts to keep you happy because you will never have enough wealth to keep from dying.)

(‘ For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses for ever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.  But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.  This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.  Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death with feed on them.  The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.  – Psalms 49.10-14   The rich and poor have one similarlity – when they die, they leave all they own here on earth.  At the moment of death (and all of us will face that moment), both rich and poor are naked and empty-handed before God [Wall].  The only riches we have at that time are those we have already invested in our eternal heritage.  At the time of death, each of us will wish we had invested less on earth, where we must leave it, and more in heaven, where we will retain it for ever.  To have treasure in heaven, we must place our faith in God [Wall], pledge ourselves to obey him, and utilise our resources for the good of his kingdom.  This is a good time to check up on your investments and see where you have invested the most.  Then do whatever it takes to place your investments where they really count.)

Worldliness is characterised by three attitudes:

‘   Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father [up] is not in him.  For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has done – comes not from the Father [[up] but from the world.  1 John 2:15-16

Some people think that worldliness is limited to external behaviour – the people we associate with, the places we go, the activities we enjoy. Worldliness is also internal because it begins in the heart and is characterised by three attitudes: (1) the cravings of sinful man – preoccupation with gratifying physical [Sternum] desires; (2) the lust of his eyes – craving and accumulating things, bowing to the god of materialism; and (3) boasting of what he has and does – obsession with one’s status or importance.  When the serpent tempted Eve (Genesis 3.6), he tempted her in these areas.  Also, when the devil tempted Jesus in the desert, these were his three areas of attack (see Matthew 4.1-11).

By contrast, God values self-control, a spirit of generosity, and a commitment to humble service. It is possible to give the impression of avoiding worldly pleasures while still harbouring worldly attitudes in one’s heart.  It is also possible, like Jesus, to love sinners and spend time with them while maintaining a commitment to the values of God’s kingdom.  What values are most important to you?  Do your actions reflect the world’s values or God’s [Wall’s] values?

(‘ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light. and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.  But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.  – 1 John 2.9-11 Does this mean that if you dislike someone you’re not a Christian? These verses are not talking about disliking a disagreeable Christian brother or sister.  There will always be people we will not like as much as others.  John’s words focus on the attitude that causes us to ignore or despise others, to treat them as irritants, competitors, or enemies.  Christian love is not a feeling but a choice. We can choose to be concerned with people’s well-being and treat them with respect, whether or not we feel affection towards them.  If we choose to love others, God [Wall] will help us express our love.)

(‘ I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.  I write to you, fathers [Up], because you have known him who is from the beginning.  I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.  I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father [up].  I write to you, fathers [Up], because you have known him who is from the beginning.  I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God [Wall] lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.  – 1 John 2.12-14 John was writing to believers of all ages, his “dear children” who had experienced forgiveness through Jesus.  The older men (“fathers”) were mature in the faith and had a long-standing relationship with Christ.  The young men had struggled with Satan’s temptations and had won.  The boys and girls had learned about Christ and were beginning their spiritual journey.  Each stage of life in the Christian pilgrimage builds upon the one before.  As children learn about Christ, the grow in their ability to win battles with temptation.  As young adults move from victory to victory, they grow in their relationship with Christ.  Older adults, having known Christ for years, have developed the wisdom needed to teach young people and start the cycle all over again.  Has your Christian growth reached the maturity level appropriate for your stage in life?)

(‘ The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives for ever.  – 1 John 2.17 When our attachment to possessions is strong, it’s hard to believe that what we want will one day pass [Here] away.  It may be even harder to believe that the person who does the will of God [Wall] will live for ever.  But this was John’s conviction based on the facts of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and promises.  Knowing that this evil world and our desires for its pleasures will end can give us courage to control our greedy, self-indulgent behaviour and to continue doing God’s [Wall’s] will.)

(‘ Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.  They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us.  For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.  But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.  I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.  Who is the liar?  It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ.  Such a man is the antichrist – he denies the Father [up] and the Son.  No-one who denies the Son has the Father [Up]; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.  – 1 John 2.18-23 John is talking about the last days, the time between Christ’s first and second comings.  The first-century readers of 1 John lived in the last days, and so do we.  During this time, antichrists (false teachers who pretend to be Christians and who lure weak members away from Christ) will appear.  Finally, just before the world ends, one great antichrist will arise (Revelation 13; 19.20; 20.10).  We do not need to fear these evil people, however.  The Holy Spirit shows us their errors, so we will not be deceived.  However, we must teach God’s [Wall’s] word clearly and carefully to the peripheral, weak members among us so that they won’t fall prey to these teachers who “come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7.15).)

(2.19   The antichrists were not total strangers to the church; they had once been in the church, but they did not really belong to it.  John does not say why they left; it is clear that their reasons for joining in the first place were wrong.  Some people may call themselves Christians for less than the best reasons.  Perhaps going to church is a family tradition.  Maybe they like the social and business contacts they make there.  Or possibly going to church is a long-standing habit, and they have never stopped to ask themselves why they do it.  What is your main reason for being a Christian?  Unless it is a Christ-centred reason, you may not really belong.  You don’t have to settle for less than the best.  You can become personally acquainted with Jesus Christ and become a loyal, trustworthy follower.)

Why they wouldn’t kill Hebrew babies:

The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. –  Exodus 1.15-17

Shiphrah and Puah may have been supervisors over the midwives, or else these two were given special mention.  Hebrew midwives helped women give birth and cared for the baby until the mother was stronger.  When Pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill the Hebrew baby boys, he was asking the wrong group of people.  Midwives were committed to helping babies be born, not to killing them.  These women showed great courage and love for God [Wall] by risking their lives to disobey Pharaoh’s command.  Note: A delivery stool was the stool upon which a woman crouched when delivering her baby.

The midwives, however, feared God [Wall] and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this?  Why have you let the boys live?”

The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.”

So God [Wall] was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.  – Exodus 1.17-21

Against Pharaoh’s orders, the midwives spared the Hebrew babies.  Their faith in God [Wall] gave them the courage to take a stand for what they knew was right.  In this situation, disobeying the authority was proper.  God [Wall] does not expect us to obey those in authority when they ask us to disobey him or his word.  The Bible is filled with examples of those who were willing to sacrifice their very lives in order to obey God [Wall]or save others.  Esther and Mordecai (Esther 3.2; 4.13-16) and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3.16-18) are some of the people who took a bold stand for what was right.  Whole nations can be caught up in immorality (racial hatred, slavery, prison cruelty); thus following the majority or the authority is not always right.  Whenever we are ordered to disobey God’s word, we must “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5.29).

Why did God bless them when they lied?

The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.”

So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Exodus 1.19-21

Did God bless the Hebrew midwives for lying to Pharaoh?  God blessed them not because they lied, but because they saved the lives of innocent children.  This doesn’t mean that a lie was necessarily the best way to answer Pharaoh.  The midwives were blessed, however, for not violating the higher law of God that forbids the senseless slaughter of innocent lives.

Job description of trusted officials

Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined.  –  Genesis 40.1-3

The cupbearer and the baker were two of the most trusted men in Pharaoh’s kingdom. The baker was in charge of making the Pharaoh’s food, and the cupbearer tasted all of his food and drink before giving it to him, in case any of it was contaminated or poisoned.  These trusted men must have been suspected of a serious wrong, perhaps of conspiring against Pharaoh.  Later the cupbearer was released and the baker executed.

Gave Joseph new name

Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went through the land of Egypt.  –  Genesis 41.45

Pharaoh may have been trying to make Joseph more acceptable by giving him an Egyptian name and wife.  He probably wanted to (1) play down the fact that Joseph was a nomadic shepherd, an occupation disliked by the Egyptians, (2) make Joseph’s name easier for Egyptians to pronounce and remember, and (3) show how highly he was honoured by giving him the daughter of a prominent Egyptian official.

Made slaves of the Hebrews

“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”  –  Exodus 1.9-10

Pharaoh was afraid the Israelites were becoming so numerous that they would organise and threaten his kingdom, so he made them slaves and oppressed them to kill their spirit and stop their growth.  Slavery was an ancient practice used by almost all nations to employ conquered people and other captives.  Most likely, the great pyramids of Egypt were built with slave labour. Although Israel was not a conquered nation, the people were foreigners and thus lacked the rights of native Egyptians.

Couldn’t wear down Hebrew slaves

But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. –  Exodus 1.12

The Egyptians tried to wear down the Hebrew people by forcing them into slavery and mistreating them. Instead, the Hebrews multiplied and grew stronger.  When we are burdened or mistreated, we may feel defeated.  But our burdens can make us stronger and develop qualities in us that will prepare us for the future.  We cannot be overcomers without troubles to overcome.  Be true to God in the hard times because even the worst situations can make us better people.

Did his daughter find Moses?

Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it.  –  Exodus 2.5

Who was Pharaoh’s daughter? There are two popular explanations.  (1) Some think that Hatshepsut was the woman who pulled Moses from the river.  Her husband was Pharaoh Thutmose II.  (This would match the earlier exodus date.)  Apparently Hatshepsut could not have children, so Thutmose had a son by another woman, and this son became heir to the throne.  Hatshepsut would have considered Moses a gift from the gods because now she had her own son who would be the legal heir to the throne.  (2) Some think the princess who rescued baby Moses was the daughter of Rameses II, an especially cruel Pharaoh who would have made life miserable for the Hebrew slaves.  (This would match the later exodus date.)

Wasn’t afraid of God, at first

Afterwards Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the desert.’ “

Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.”  –  Exodus 5.1-2

Pharaoh was familiar with many gods (Egypt was filled with them), but he had never heard of the God of Israel. Pharaoh assumed that the God of the Hebrew slaves couldn’t be very powerful.  At first, Pharaoh was not at all worried about Moses’ message [Genre], for he had not yet seen any evidence of the Lord’s power.

Wouldn’t listen to Moses:

‘   Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us.  Now let us take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword.”  –  Exodus 5.3

Pharaoh would not listen to Moses and Aaron because he did not know or respect God [Wall]. People who do not know God [Wall] may not listen to his word or his messengers.  Like Moses and Aaron, we need to persist.  When others reject you or your faith, don’t be surprised or discouraged.  Continue to tell them about God [Wall], trusting him to open minds and soften stubborn hearts.

Did God intentionally harden his heart?

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to Moses. –  Exodus 9.12

God [Wall] gave Pharaoh many opportunities to heed Moses’ warnings. But finally God [Wall] seemed to say, “All right, Pharaoh have it your way,” and Pharaoh’s heart became permanently hardened.  Did God [Wall] intentionally harden Pharaoh’s heart and overrule his free will?  No, he simply confirmed that Pharaoh freely chose a life of resisting God [Wall].  Similarly, after a lifetime of resisting God [Wall], you may find it impossible to turn to him.  Don’t wait until just the right time before turning to God [Wall].  Do it now while you still have a chance.  If you continually ignore God’s [Wall’s] voice, eventually you will be unable to hear it at all.

Broke his promise to Moses

Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said to them.  “The LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong.  Pray to the LORD, for we have had enough thunder and hail.  I will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.”

Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.  But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the LORD God.”

(The flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bloom. The wheat and spelt, however, were not destroyed, because they ripen later.)

Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands towards the LORD; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land.  When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts.  –  Exodus 9.27-34

After promising to let the Hebrews go, Pharaoh immediately broke his promise and brought even more trouble upon the land.  His actions reveal that his repentance was not real.  We do damage to ourselves and to others if we pretend to change but don’t mean it.

Didn’t want Hebrews to leave Egypt:

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go. Pharaoh said to Moses, “Get out of my sight!  Make sure you do not appear before me again!  The day you see my face you will die.”  –  Exodus 10.27-28

Why was Pharaoh so reluctant to let the people go? The Hebrews were Egypt’s free labour – the builders of their great cities.  As Egypt’s leader, Pharaoh would not easily let such a great resource go.

How could he see God’s power & still refuse to listen?

The LORD had said to Moses, “Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you – so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.” Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country.  –  Exodus 11.9-10

You may wonder how Pharaoh could be so foolish as to see God’s miraculous power and still not listen to Moses. But Pharaoh had his mind made up long before the plagues began.  He couldn’t believe that someone was greater than he.  This stubborn unbelief led to a heart so hard that even a major catastrophe couldn’t soften him.  Finally, it took the greatest of all calamities, the loss of his son, to force him to recognise God’s authority.  But even then he wanted God to leave, not to rule his country.  We must not wait for great calamities to drive us to God, but must open our hearts and minds to his direction now.

EXTRA:

(‘   the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warder.  So the warder put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.  The warder paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.  – Genesis 39.21-23   As a prisoner and slave, Joseph could have seen his situation as hopeless.  Instead, he did his best with each small task given him.  His diligence and positive attitude were soon noticed by the warder, who promoted him to prison administrator.  Are you facing a seemingly hopeless predicament?  At work, at home, or at school, follow Joseph’s example by taking each small task and doing your best.  Remember how God [Wall] turned Joseph’s situation around.  He will see your efforts and can reverse even overwhelming odds.)

(‘   “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no-one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God [Wall]?  Tell me your dreams.”  – Genesis 40.8   When the subject of dreams came up, Joseph focused everyone’s attention on God [Wall].  Rather than using the situation to make himself look good, he turned it into a powerful witness for the Lord.  One secret of effective witnessing is to recognise opportunities to relate to God [Wall] to the other person’s experience.  When the opportunity arises, we must have the courage to speak, as Joseph did.)

(‘   Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God [Wall] has made all this known to you, there is no-one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders.  Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”  – Genesis 41.39, 40   Joseph rose quickly to the top from prison walls to Pharaoh’s palace.  His training for this important position involved being first a slave and then a prisoner.  In each situation he learned the importance of serving God [Wall] and others.  Whatever your situation, no matter how undesirable, consider it part of your training programme for serving God [Wall].)

(‘   Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and travelled throughout Egypt.  – Genesis 41.46   Joseph was 30 years old when he became governor of Egypt.  He was 17 when he was sold into slavery by his brothers.  Thus he must have spent 11 years as an Egyptian slave and two years in prison.)

(‘ These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: – Exodus 1.1 The children of Israel, or Israelites, were the descendants of Jacob [Professor Allen labelled Jacob as Spielberg], whose name was changed to Israel after he wrestled with the angel (see Genesis 32.24-30).  Jacob’s family had moved to Egypt at the invitation of Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons who had become a great ruler under Pharaoh.  Jacob’s family grew into a large nation.  But, as foreigners and newcomers, their lives were quite different from the Egyptians.  The Hebrews worshipped one God [Wall]; the Egyptians worshipped many gods.  The Hebrews were wanderers; the Egyptians had a deeply rooted culture.  The Hebrews were shepherds; the Egyptians were builders.  The Hebrews were also physically [Sternum] separated from the rest of the Egyptians:  They lived in Goshen, north of the great Egyptian cultural centres.)

(‘   So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labour, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.  – Exodus 1.11   There were levels of slavery in Egypt.  Some slaves worked long hours in mud pits while others were skilled carpenters, jewellers, and craftsmen.  Regardless of their skill or level, all slaves were watched closely by ruthless slave masters, supervisors [“That lot in there”] whose assignment was to keep the slaves working as fast as possible.  They were specialists at making a slave’s life miserable.)

(1.11   Ancient records indicate that these cities [Seat] were built in 1290 B.C., which is why some scholars believe the exodus occurred early in the 13th century.  Looking at other evidence, however, other scholars believe the Hebrews left Egypt in 1446 B.C.  How could they build two cities [Seat] 150 years after they left?  These scholars suggest that Rameses II, the pharaoh of 1290 B.C., did not build the cities [Seat] of Pithom and Rameses.  Instead, he renamed two cities that actually had been built 150 years previously.  It was a common practice for an Egyptian ruler to make improvements to a city [Seat] and then take credit for building it, thus wiping out all records of previous founders.  Also see the second note on 13:17, 18.)

(‘ The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. –  Exodus 1.15-17 Shiphrah and Puah may have been supervisors over the midwives, or else  these two were given special mention.  Hebrew midwives helped women give birth and cared for the baby until the mother was stronger.  When Pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill the Hebrew baby boys, he was asking the wrong group of people.  Midwives were committed to helping babies be born, not to killing them.  These women showed great courage and love for God [Wall] by risking their lives to disobey Pharaoh’s command.  Note: A delivery stool was the stool upon which a woman crouched when delivering her baby.

(‘ But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.  – Exodus 2.3   This tiny boat made of papyrus reeds was fashioned by a woman who knew what she was doing.  Egyptian river boats were made with these same reeds and waterproofed with tar.  The reeds, which grew as tall as sixteen feet, could be gathered in swampy areas along the Nile.  Thus a small basket hidden among the reeds would be well insulated from the weather and difficult to see.)

(2.3ff   Moses’ mother knew how wrong it would be to destroy her child.  But there was little she could do to change Pharaoh’s new law.  Her only alternative was to hide the child and later place him in a tiny papyrus basket on the river.  God [Wall] used her courageous act to place her son, the Hebrew of his choice, in the house of Pharaoh.  Do you sometimes feel surrounded by evil and frustrated by how little you can do about it?  When faced with evil, look for ways to act against it.  Then trust God [Wall] to use your effort, however small it seems, in his war against evil.)

(‘   Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”   “Yes, go,” she answered.  And the girl went and got the baby’s mother.  – Exodus 2.7, 8   Miriam, the baby’s sister, saw that Pharaoh’s daughter had discovered Moses. Quickly she took the initiative to suggest a nurse (her mother) who might care for the baby. The Bible doesn’t say if Miriam was afraid to approach the Egyptian princess, or if the princess was suspicious of the Hebrew girl. But Miriam did approach her, and the princess bought the services of Miriam and her mother.  Their family was reunited. Special opportunities may come our way unexpectedly. Don’t let the fear of what might happen cause you to miss an opportunity. Be alert for the opportunities God gives you, and take full advantage of them.)

(‘ But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said.  So the LORD let him alone.  (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood”, referring to circumcision.  – Exodus 4.24-26   Why did Zipporah perform the circumcision? It may have been Zipporah who, as a Midianite unfamiliar with the circumcision requirement, had persuaded Moses not to circumcise their son.  If she prevented the action, now she would have to perform it.  It is also possible that Moses became ill as a result of permitting disobedience, and so Zipporah had to perform the circumcision herself to save both her husband and son.  This would not have made her happy – hence, her unflattering comment to Moses.)

(MOSES RETURNS TO EGYPT God appeared to Moses in a mysterious burning bush on Mount Sinai (also called Mount Horeb).  Later Aaron met Moses at the mountain and together they returned to Egypt, a 200-mile trip.)

(‘   Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” – Exodus 8.25-29   Pharaoh wanted a compromise.  He would allow the Hebrews to sacrifice, but only if they would do it nearby.  God’s [Wall’s] requirement, however, was firm: The Hebrews had to leave Egypt.  Sometimes people urge believers to compromise and give only partial obedience to God’s [Wall’s] commands.  But commitment and obedience to God [Wall] cannot be negotiated.  When it comes to obeying God [Wall], half measures won’t do.)

(‘ Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But those who ignored the word of the LORD left their slaves and livestock in the field.  – Exodus 9.20, 21   If all the Egyptian livestock were killed in the earlier plague (9.6), how could the slaves of Pharaoh put their cattle inside?  The answer is probably that the earlier plague killed all the animals in the field (9.3), but not those in the shelters.)

(‘   that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD.” – Exodus 10.2   God [Wall] told Moses that his miraculous experiences with Pharaoh should be retold to his descendants.  What stories Moses had to tell!  Living out one of the greatest dramas in biblical history, he witnessed events few people would ever see.  It is important to tell our children about God’s [Wall’s] work in our past and to help them see what he is doing right now.  What are the turning points in your life where God [Wall] intervened?  What is God [Wall] doing for you now?  Your stories will form the foundations of your children’s belief in God [Wall].)

(‘   So Moses stretched out his hand towards the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days.  –  Exodus 10.22   As each gloomy plague descended upon the land, the Egyptian people realised how powerless their own gods were to stop it.  Hapi, the god of the Nile River, could not prevent the waters from turning to blood (7.20).  Hathor, the crafty cow-goddess, was helpless as Egyptian livestock died in droves (9.6).  Amon-Re, the sun-god and chief of the Egyptian gods, could not stop an eerie darkness from covering the land for three full days (10.21, 22).  The Egyptian gods were (1) non-personal, centring around images like the sun or the river; (2) numerous; (3) non-exclusive.  By contrast, the God [Wall] of the Hebrews was (1) a living personal Being, (2) the only true God [Wall], and (3) the only God [Wall] who should be worshipped.  God [Wall] was proving to both the Hebrews and the Egyptians that he alone is the living and all-powerful God [Wall].)

(‘But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any man or animal.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.  – Exodus 11.7   Moses told Pharaoh that God [Wall] made a distinction between Egypt and Israel.  At this time the distinction was very clear in God’s [Wall’s] mind: He knew the Hebrews would become his chosen people.  The distinction was taking shape in Moses’ mind also.  But the Hebrews still saw the distinction only in terms of slave and free.  Later, when they were in the desert, God [Wall] would teach them the laws, principles, and values that would make them distinct as his people.  Remember that God [Wall] sees us in terms of what we will become and not just what we are right now.)

Life is a catwalk, Art deco Baubhaus poster.

Using it to overcome temptation:

Genesis 3.1-6

Why does Satan tempt us? Temptation is Satan’s invitation to give in to his kind of life and give up on God’s kind of life. Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin. Ever since then he’s been busy getting people to sin. He even tempted Jesus (Matthew 4.11). But Jesus did not sin!

How could Eve have resisted temptation? By following the same guidelines we can follow. First, we must realise that being tempted is not a sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation. Then, to resist temptation, we must (1) pray for strength to resist, (2) run, sometimes literally, and (3) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong. James 1:12 tells of the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted.

(3.1-6   The serpent, Satan, tempted Eve by getting her to doubt God’s goodness. He implied that God was strict, stingy, and selfish [That’s what Qualification’s for] for not wanting Eve to share his knowledge of good and evil.  Satan made Eve forget all that God had given her and, instead, focus on the one thing she couldn’t have. We fall into trouble, too, when we dwell on the few things we don’t have rather than on the countless things God has given us. The next time you are feeling sorry for yourself and what you don’t have, consider all you do have and thank God. Then your doubts won’t lead you into sin.)

(3.1 Disguised as a crafty serpent, Satan came to tempt Eve. Satan at one time was an angel who rebelled against God and was thrown out of heaven. As a created being, Satan has definite limitations. Although he is trying to tempt everyone away from God, he will not be the final victor. In 3:14, 15, God promises that Satan will be crushed by one of the woman’s offspring, the Messiah.)

Matthew 26:40-41

Jesus used Peter’s drowsiness to warn him about the kind of temptation he would face. The way to overcome temptation is to keep watch and pray. Watching means being aware of the possibilities of temptation, sensitive to the subtleties, and spiritually equipped to fight it. Because temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we can’t resist it alone. Prayer is essential because God’s [Wall’s] strength can shore up our defences and defeat Satan’s power.

Does it change God’s mind?

Genesis 18.20-33

Did Abraham change God’s mind? Of course not. The more likely answer is that God changed Abraham’s mind. Abraham wondered about God’s mercy. Abraham seemed to be probing God’s [Wall’s] mind to see how merciful he really was. He left his conversation with God convinced that God was both kind and fair. Our prayers won’t change God’s mind, but they may change ours just as Abraham’s prayer changed his. Prayer helps us better understand the mind of God.

(18.20-23   Why did God let Abraham question his justice and intercede for a wicked city? Abraham knew that God must punish sin, but he also knew from experience that God is merciful to sinners. God knew there were not ten righteous people in the city, but he was merciful enough to allow Abraham to intercede. He was also merciful enough to help Lot, Abraham’s nephew, get out of Sodom before it was destroyed. God does not take pleasure in destroying the wicked, but he must punish sin. Je is both just and merciful. We should be thankful God’s mercy extends to us.)

(18.21   God [Wall] gave the men of Sodom a fair test.  He was not ignorant of the city’s wicked practices, but in his fairness and patience he gave the people of Sodom one last chance to repent.  God [Wall] is still waiting, giving people the opportunity to turn to him (2 Peter 3.9).  Those who are wise will turn to him before his patience wears out.)

(18.25   Was God [Wall] being unfair to the people of Sodom?  Did he really plan to destroy the righteous with the wicked?  On the contrary, God’s [Wall’s] fairness stood out.  (1) He agreed to spare the entire city [Seat] if only ten righteous people lived there.  (2) He showed great mercy towards Lot, apparently the only man in the city [Seat] who had any kind of relationship with him (and even that was questionable).  (3) He showed great patience towards Lot, almost forcing him to leave Sodom before it was destroyed.  Remember God’s [Wall’s] patience when you are tempted to think he is unfair.  Even the most godly people deserve his justice.  We should be glad God [Wall] doesn’t direct his justice towards us as he did towards Sodom.)

Ask God anything but expect anything:

Genesis 18:33

God [Wall] showed Abraham that asking for anything is allowed, with the understanding that God’s [Wall’s] answers come from God’s perspective. They are not always in harmony with our expectations, for only he knows the whole story. Are you missing God’s answer to a prayer because you haven’t considered any possible answers other than the one you expect?

Don’t be afraid to ask:

Genesis 25.21

As Isaac pleaded with God [Wall] for children, so the Bible encourages us to ask and even plead for our most personal important requests.  God [Wall] wants to grant our requests, but he wants us to ask him. Even then, as Isaac learned, God [Wall] may decide to withhold his answer for a while in order to (1) deepen our insight into what we really need, (2) broaden our appreciation of his answers, or (3) allow us to mature so we can use his gifts more wisely.

Why God may withhold an answer:

(See above.) Genesis 25:21

Turn your worries into:

Genesis 32.9-12

How would you feel knowing you were about to meet the person you had cheated out of his most precious possession? Jacob had taken Esau’s birthright (25.33) and his blessings (27.27-40). Now he was about to meet his brother for the first time in 20 years, and he was frantic with fear. He collected his thoughts, however, and decided to pray. When we face a difficult conflict, we can run about frantically or we can pause to pray. Which approach will be more effective?

Philippians 4.6-7

Imagine never being “anxious about anything”! It seems like an impossibility – we all have worries at work, in our homes, at school. But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

Balancing prayer with action:

Exodus 14.15

The Lord told Moses to stop praying and get moving! Prayer must have a vital place in our lives, but there is also a place for action. Sometimes we know what to do, but we pray for more guidance as an excuse to postpone doing it. If we know what we should do, then it is time to get moving.

Instead of complaining:

Exodus 17.2

Again the people complained about their problem instead of praying. Some problems can be solved by careful thought or by rearranging our priorities. Some can be solved by discussion and good counsel. But some problems can be solved only by prayer. We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining, because complaining only raises our level of stress. Prayer quiets our thoughts and emotions and prepares us to listen.

Changes attitudes & events:

Exodus 32.9-14

God [Wall] was ready to destroy the whole nation because of their sin. But Moses pleaded for mercy, and God [Wall] spared them. This is one of the countless examples in the Bible of God’s [Wall’s] mercy. Although we deserve his anger, he is willing to forgive and restore us to himself. We can receive God’s [Wall’s] forgiveness from sin by asking him. Like Moses, we can pray that he will forgive others and use us to bring them the message of his mercy.

(32.14   How could God [Wall] relent?  God [Wall] did not change his mind in the same way that a parent decides not to discipline a child.  Instead, God [Wall] changed his behaviour to remain consistent with his nature.  When God [Wall] first wanted to destroy the people, he was acting consistently with his justice.  When Moses interceded for the people, God [Wall] relented in order to act consistently with his mercy.  God [Wall] had often told the people that if they changed their ways, he would not condemn them.  They changed, and God [Wall] did as he promised.

Acts 12.5

Herod’s plan undoubtedly was to execute Peter, but the believers were praying for Peter’s safety.  The earnest prayer of the church significantly affected the outcome of these events. Prayer changes things, so pray often and with confidence.

Make sure you really want what you ask for:

Numbers 11.4-9

Dissatisfaction comes when our attention shifts from what we have to what we don’t have. The people of Israel didn’t seem to notice what God was doing for them – setting them free, making them a nation, giving them a new land – because they were so wrapped up in what God wasn’t doing for them. They could think of nothing but the delicious Egyptian food they had left behind.  Somehow they forgot that the brutal whip of Egyptian slavery was the cost of eating that food.  Before we judge the Israelites too harshly, it’s helpful to think about what occupies our attention most of the time. Are we grateful for what God has given us, or are we always thinking about what we would like to have? We should not allow our unfaithful desires to cause us to forget God’s gifts of life, food, health, work, and friends.

(11.4-6   Dissatisfaction comes when our attention shifts from what we have to what we don’t have.  The people of Israel didn’t seem to notice what God [Wall] was doing for them – setting them free, making them a nation, giving them a new land – because they were so wrapped up in what God [Wall] wasn’t doing for them.  They could think of nothing but the delicious Egyptian food they had left behind.  Somehow they forgot that the brutal whip of Egyptian slavery was the cost of eating that food.  Before we judge the Israelites too harshly, it’s helpful to think about what occupies our attention most of the time.  Are we grateful for what God [Wall] has given us, or are we always thinking about what we would like to have?  We should not allow our unfulfilled desires to cause us to forget God’s [Wall’s] gift of life, food, health, work, and friends.)

(11.4   The rabble refers to a mixed crowd of Egyptians and others who had followed Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 12.38).)

Helps us remember God’s goodness:

Deuteronomy 8.10

This verse is traditionally cited as the reason we say grace before or after meals. Its purpose, however, was to warn the Israelites not to forget God when their needs and wants were satisfied. Let your table prayers serve as a constant reminder of the Lord’s goodness to you and your duty to those who are less fortunate.

Of Joshua:

Joshua 7.7-9

Imagine praying this way to God [Wall]. This is not a formal church prayer; it is the prayer of a man who is afraid and confused by what is happening around him.  Joshua poured out his real thoughts to God [Wall].  Hiding your needs from God [Wall] is ignoring the only one who can really help.  God [Wall] welcomes your honest prayers and wants you to express your true feelings to him.  Any believer can become more honest in prayer by remembering that God [Wall] is all-knowing and all-powerful and that his love is everlasting.

(7.7 When Joshua first went against Ai (7:3), he did not consult God but relied on the strength of his army to defeat the small city. Only after Israel was defeated did they turn to God and ask what happened. — Too often we rely on our own skills and strength, especially when the task before us seems easy. We go to God only when the obstacles seem too great. However, only God knows what lies ahead. Consulting him, even when we are on a winning streak, may save us from grave mistakes or misjudgements. God may want us to learn lessons, remove pride, or consult others before he will work through us.)

Why God may not be answering yours:

Judges 13.18

Why did the angel keep his name a secret? In those days people believed that if they knew someone’s name, they knew his character and how to control him. By not giving his name, the angel was not allowing himself to be controlled by Manoah. He was also saying that his name was a mystery beyond understanding and too wonderful to imagine. Manoah asked the angel for an answer that wouldn’t have understood. Sometimes we ask God questions and then receive no answer. This may not be because God is saying no. We may have asked for knowledge beyond our ability to understand or accept.

 1 Samuel 28.15

God [Wall] did not answer Saul’s appeals because Saul had not followed God’s [Wall’s] previous directions.  Sometimes people wonder why their prayers are not answered. But if they don’t fulfil the responsibilities God [Wall] has already given them, they should not be surprised when he does not give further guidance.

2 Samuel 7.8-16

David’s request was good, but God [Wall] said no. This does not mean that God rejected David. In fact, God [Wall] was planning to do something even greater in David’s life than allowing him the prestige of building the temple. Although God [Wall] turned down David’s request, he promised to continue the house (or dynasty) of David for ever, David’s earthly dynasty ended four centuries later, but Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of David, was the ultimate fulfilment of this promise (Acts 2.22-36).  Christ will reign for eternity – now in his spiritual kingdom and in heaven, and later, on earth, in the new Jerusalem (Luke 1.30-33; Revelations 21). Have you prayed with good intentions, only to have God [Wall] say no? This is God’s way of directing you to a greater purpose in your life. Accepting God’s [Wall’s] no requires as great a faith as carrying out his eyes.

Don’t let guilt feelings keep you from praying:

Judges 16.28-30

In spite of Samson’s past, God still answered his prayer and destroyed the pagan temple and worshippers. God still loved him. He was willing to hear Samson’s prayer of confession and repentance and use him one last time. One of the effects of sin in our lives is to keep us from feeling like praying. But perfect moral behaviour is not a condition for prayer. Don’t let guilt feelings over sin keep you from your only means of restoration. No matter how long you have been away from God, he is ready to hear from you and restore you to a right relationship. Every situation can be salvaged if you are willing to turn again to him. If God could still work in Samson’s situation, he can certainly make something worthwhile out of yours.

When discouraged:

1 Samuel 1.10

Hannah had good reason to feel discouraged and bitter. She was unable to bear children; she shared her husband with a woman who ridiculed her (1.7); her loving husband could not solve her problem (1.8); and even the high priest misunderstood her motives (1.14). But instead of retaliating or giving up hope, Hannah prayed. She brought her problem honestly before God.

Each of us may face times of barrenness when nothing “comes to birth” in our work, service, or relationships. It is difficult to pray in faith when we feel so ineffective. But, as Hannah discovered, prayer opens the way for God to work (1.19, 20).

Be careful what you promise God in prayer:

1 Samuel 1.11

Be careful what you promise in prayer because God may take you up on it. Hannah so desperately wanted a child that she was willing to strike a bargain with God. God took her up on her promise, and to Hannah’s credit, she did her part, even though it was painful (1:27, 28).

Although we are not in a position to barter with God [Wall], he may still choose to answer a prayer that has an attached promise. When you pray, ask yourself, “Will I follow through on any promises I make to God [Wall] if he grants my request?” It is dishonest and dangerous to ignore a promise, especially to God [Wall].  God [Wall] keeps his promises, and expects you to keep yours.

Is failing to pray for others a sin?

1 Samuel 12.23

Is failing to pray for others a sin? Samuel’s words seem to indicate that it is. His actions illustrate two of God’s people’s responsibilities: (1) they should pray consistently for others (Ephesians 6.18), and (2) they should teach others the right way to God (2 Timothy 2:2). Samuel disagreed with the Israelites’ demand for a king, but he assured them that he would continue to pray for them and teach them. We may disagree with others, but we shouldn’t stop praying for them.

How David responded to God’s “no” answer:

1 Chronicles 17.16-20

God told David that Solomon would be given the honour of building the temple. David responded with deep humility, not resentment. This king who had conquered his enemies and was loved by his people said, “Who am I… that you have brought me this far”? David recognised that God was the true king. God [Wall] has done just as much for us, and he plans to do even more! Like David, we should humble ourselves and give glory to God, saying “There is no-one like you, O LORD.” When God chooses someone else to implement your ideas, will you respond with such humility?

1 Chronicles 22.7-10

God [Wall] told David he would not be the one to build the temple. Instead the task would be left to his son Solomon. David graciously accepted this “no” from God[Wall]. He was not jealous of the fact that his son would have the honour of building God’s [Wall’s] temple, but instead made preparations for Solomon to carry out his task. Similarly, we should take steps now to prepare the way for our children to find and fulfil God’s [Wall’s] purpose. Sooner or later our children will have to make their own decisions, but we can help by supplying them with the proper tools: showing them how to pray and study God’s [Wall’s] word, the difference between right and wrong, and the importance of church involvement.

Lessons from Solomon’s dedication prayer:

2 Chronicles 6.19-42

As Solomon led the people in prayer, he asked God to hear their prayers concerning a variety of situations: (1) crime (6.22, 23); (2) enemy attacks (6.24, 25); (3) drought (6.26, 27); (4) famine (6.28- 31); (5) the influx of foreigners (6.32, 33); (6) war (6.34, 35); (7) sin (6.36-39). God [Wall] is concerned with whatever we face, even the difficult consequences we bring upon ourselves. He wants us to turn to him in prayer. When you pray, remember that God [Wall] hears you. Don’t let the extremity of your situation cause you to doubt his care for you.

What to request of God in:

 1 Kings 8.56-60

Solomon praised the Lord and prayed for the people. His prayer can be a pattern for our prayers.  He had five basic requests: (1) for God’s [Wall’s] presence (8.57); (2) for the desire to do God’s [Wall’s] will in everything; (“turn our hearts to him”, 8.58); (3) for help with each day’s need (8.59); (4) for the desire and ability to obey God’s [Wall’s] decrees and commands (8.58); (5) for the spread of God’s [Wall’s] kingdom to the entire world (8:60). These prayer requests are just as important today. When you pray for your church or family, you can make these same requests to God [Wall].

Don’t always expect immediate answers:

2 Chronicles 7.12

Months, maybe years, had passed since Solomon’s prayer of dedication (Chapter 6). Several other building projects had been completed after the temple (7.11; 8.1). Then after all this time, God [Wall] told Solomon that he had heard Solomon’s prayer. How often do we look for immediate answers to our prayers and, when nothing happens, wonder if God [Wall] has heard us? God [Wall] does hear, and he will provide for us. We must trust that God [Wall] will answer at the proper time.

Hezekiah’s saved a nation:

2 Kings 19.1-7

Sennacherib, whose armies had captured all the fortified cities of Judah, sent a message to Hezekiah to surrender. Realising the situation was hopeless, Hezekiah went to the temple and prayed. God answers Hezekiah’s prayer and delivered Judah by sending an army to attack the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to leave at once. Prayer should be our first response in any crisis. Don’t wait until things are hopeless. Pray daily for his guidance. Our problems are God’s opportunities.  *

How Hezekiah approached God in:

2 Kings 19.15-19

Although Hezekiah came boldly to God, he did not take God for granted or approach him flippantly.  Instead, Hezekiah acknowledged God’s sovereignty and Judah’s total dependence on him.  Hezekiah’s prayer provides a good model for us. We should not be afraid to approach God with our prayers, but we must come to him with respect for who he is and what he can do.

Jabez remembered for:

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez is remembered for a prayer request rather than a heroic act. In his prayer, he asked God to (1) bless him, (2) help him in his work (“enlarge my territory”), (3) be with him in all he did, and (4) keep him from evil and harm. Jabez acknowledged God as the true centre of his work. When we pray for God’s blessing, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. Obeying him in daily responsibilities is heroic living.

Ingredients of Jehoshaphat’s:

2 Chronicles 20.6ff

Jehoshaphat’s prayer had several essential ingredients. (1) He committed the situation to God, acknowledging that only God could save the nation. (2) He sought God’s favour because his people were God’s people. (3) He acknowledged God’s sovereignty over the current situation. (4) He praised God’s glory and took comfort in his promises. (5) He professed complete dependence on God, not himself, for deliverance. To be God’s kind of leader today, follow Jehoshaphat’s example – focus entirely on God’s power rather than your own.

Serious prayer:

Ezra 8.23

Ezra knew God’s promises to protect his people, but he didn’t take them for granted. He also knew that God’s blessings are appropriated through prayer; so Ezra and the people humbled themselves by fasting and praying. And their prayers were answered. Fasting humbled them because going without food was a reminder of their complete dependence on God. Fasting also gave them more time to pray and mediate on God.

Too often we pray glibly and superficially. Serious prayer, by contrast, requires concentration. It puts us in touch with God’s will and can really change us. Without serious prayer, we reduce God to a pharmacist with painkillers for our every ailment.

(8.21-23 Before making all the physical preparations for the journey, Ezra made spiritual preparations. Their prayers and fasting prepared them spiritually by showing their dependence on God for protection, their faith that God was in control, and their affirmation that they were not strong enough to make the trip without him. When we take time to put God first in any endeavour, we are preparing well for whatever lies ahead.)

What it clarifies for us:

Nehemiah 1.5ff

Nehemiah fasted and prayed for several days, expressing his sorrow for Israel’s sin and his desire that Jerusalem would again come alive with the worship of the one true God. Nehemiah demonstrated the elements of effective prayer: (1) praise, (2) thanksgiving, (3) repentance, (4) specific request, and (5) commitment.

Heartfelt prayers like Nehemiah’s can help clarify (1) any problem you may be facing, (2) God’s great power to help you, and (3) the job you have to do. By the end of his prayer time, Nehemiah knew what action he had to take (1:11). When God’s people pray, difficult decisions fall into proper perspective, and appropriate actions follow.

(1.5   God’s [Wall’s] “covenant of love” refers to God’s [Wall’s] promise to love the descendants of Abraham.  It is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 7.7-9.)

Spontaneous prayer:

Nehemiah 2.4

With little time to think, Nehemiah immediately prayed. Eight times in this book we read that he prayed spontaneously (2.4; 2.4-5, 9; 5.19; 6.14; 13.14, 22, 29). Nehemiah prayed at any time, even while talking with others. He knew that God [Wall] is always in charge, is always present, and hears and answers every prayer. Nehemiah could confidently pray throughout the day because he had established an intimate relationship with God [Wall] during times of extended prayer (1.4-7). If we want to reach God [Wall] with our emergency prayers, we need to take time to cultivate a strong relationship with God [Wall] through times of in-depth prayer.

(NEHEMIAH GOES TO JERUSALEM Nehemiah worked in Susa as a personal assistant to the king of the vast Medo-Persian empire.  When he heard that the rebuilding projects in Jerusalem were progressing slowly, he asked the king if he could go there to help his people complete the task of rebuilding their city’s walls.  The king agreed to let him go; so he left as soon as possible, travelling along much the same route Ezra had taken.)

Combining prayer with preparation:

Nehemiah 4.9

Nehemiah constantly combined prayer with preparation and planning. His people trusted God and at the same time kept vigilant watch over what had been entrusted to them. Too often we pray without looking for what God wants us to do. We show God we are serious when we combine prayer with thought, preparation, and effort.

For your children:

Job 1.5

Job showed deep concern for the spiritual welfare of his children. Fearful that they might have sinned unknowingly, he offered sacrifices to them. Parents today can show the same concern by praying for their children. This means “sacrificing” some time each day to ask God to forgive them, to help them grow, to protect them, and to help them please him.

(1.5   It is not known for sure, but Job probably lived during the days of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) before God gave his written law or appointed priests to be religious leaders. During Job’s day, the father was the family’s religious leader. Because there was no priests to instruct him in God’s laws, Job acted as the priest and offered sacrifices to God to ask for forgiveness for sins he and his family had committed. This demonstrated that Job did not consider himself sinless. Job did this out of conviction and love for God, not just because it was his role as head of the house. Do you carry out your spiritual duties because they are expected, or spontaneously from a heart of devotion?)

Assurance of answered prayer brings peace:

Psalms 3.5

Sleep does not come easily during a crisis. David could have had sleepless nights when his son Absalom rebelled and gathered an army to kill him. But he slept peacefully, even during the rebellion. What made the difference? David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him. The assurance of answered prayer brings peace. It is easier to sleep well when we have full assurance that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying awake at night worrying about circumstances you can’t change, pour out your heart to God, and thank him that he is in control. Then sleep will come.

God hears every one:

Psalms 4.3

The godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. David knew that God would hear him when he called and would answer him. We too can be confident that God listens to our prayers and answers when we call on him. Sometimes we think that God will not hear us because we have fallen short of his high standards for holy living. But if we have trusted Christ for salvation, God has forgiven us, and he will listen to us. When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that he loves you. He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems.

The secret to a close relationship with God:

Psalms 5.1-3

The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to him earnestly each morning. In the morning, our minds are more free from problems and then we can commit the whole day to God. Regular communication helps any friendship and is clearly necessary for a strong relationship with God. We need to communicate with him daily. Do you have a regular time to pray and read God’s word?

Pray even when God seems far away:

Psalms 10.1

“Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” To the psalmist, God seemed far away. But even though the writer had honest doubts, he did not stop praying or conclude that God no longer cared. He was not complaining, but simply asking God to hurry to his aid. It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles.

Moving from prayer to praise:

Psalms 54.3-4

Many of David’s psalms follow the pattern found in these two verses – a transition from prayer to praise. David was not afraid to come to God and express his true feelings and needs. Thus his spirit was lifted, and he praised God, his helper, protector, and friend.

A weapon against evil:

Psalms 55.17

Praying evening, morning, and noon is certainly an excellent way to maintain correct priorities throughout every day. Daniel followed this pattern (Daniel 6.10), as did Peter (Acts 10.9, 10). The prayers of God’s [Wall’s] people are effective against the overwhelming evil in the world.

Can release tensions of emotional stress:

Psalms 62.3-6

David expressed his feelings to God [Wall] and then reaffirmed his faith. Prayer can release our tensions in times of emotional stress. Trusting God [Wall] to be our rock, salvation, and fortress (62:2) will change our entire outlook on life. No longer must we be held captive by resentment towards others when they hurt us. When we are resting in God’s [Wall] strength, nothing can shake us.

Places our focus on God:

Psalms 77.1-12

Asaph cried out to God for courage during a time of deep distress. The source of Asaph’s distress (77.4) was his doubt (77.7-9). He pleaded, “I cried out to God for help.” But in 77:13-20, the “I” is gone. As Asaph expressed his requests to God, his focus changed from thinking of himself to worshipping God. “You are the God who performs miracles” (77:14). Only after he put aside his doubts about God’s holiness and care for him (77.13, 14) did he eliminate his distress (77.20). As we pray to God, he shifts our focus from ourselves to him.

Intercessory:

Psalms 122.6-9

The psalmists was not praying for his own peace and prosperity, but for that of his brothers and friends in Jerusalem. This is intercessory prayer, prayer on behalf of others.  Too often we are quick to pray for our own needs and desires, and omit interceding for others.  Will you intercede for someone in need today?

(122.6-9   The peace sought in these verses is much more than the mere absence of conflict.  It suggests completeness, health, justice, prosperity, and protection.  The world cannot provide this peace.  Real peace comes from faith in God [Wall] because he alone embodies all the characteristics of peace.  To find peace of mind and peace with others, you must find peace with God [Wall].)

Why many are afraid to talk with God:

Isaiah 7.12

Ahaz appeared righteous by saying he would not test God with a sign (“I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test”). In fact, God had told him to ask, but Ahaz didn’t really want to know what God would say. Often we use some excuse, such as not wanting to bother God, to keep us from communicating with him. Don’t let anything keep you from hearing and obeying God.

Can change events:

Isaiah 38.1-5

When Isaiah went to Hezekiah, who was extremely ill, and told him of his impending death, Hezekiah immediately turned to God [Wall]. God [Wall] responded to his prayer, allowing Hezekiah to live another 15 years. In response to fervent prayer, God [Wall] may change the course of our lives too. Never hesitate to ask God [Wall] for radical changes if you will honour him with those changes.

In the midst of panic:

Daniel 2.16-18

Daniel was at a crisis point. Imagine going to see the powerful, temperamental king who had just angrily ordered your death! Daniel did not shrink back in fear, however, but confidently believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know. When the king gave Daniel time to find the answer, Daniel found his three friends and they prayed. When you find yourself in a tight spot, share your needs with trusted friends who also believe in God’s [Wall’s] power. Prayer is more effective than panic. Panic confirms your hopelessness; prayer confirms your hope in God [Wall]. Daniel’s trust in God [Wall] saved him, his three friends, and all the other wise men of Babylon.

How do you react to answered prayer?

Daniel 2.19-23

After Daniel asked God to reveal Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him, he saw a vision of the dream. Daniel’s prayer was answered. Before rushing to Arioch with the news, Daniel took time to give God credit for all wisdom and power, thanking God for answering his request. How do you feel when your prayers are answered? Excited, surprised, relieved? There are times when we seek God in prayer and, after having been answered, dash off in our excitement, forgetting to give God credit for the answer. Match your persistence in prayer with gratitude when your requests are answered.

(2:21   If you ever think that you have much to learn in life, and if you ever wish that you knew more about how to handle people, then look to God for wisdom. While educational institutions provide degrees at great expense, God gives wisdom freely to all who ask. (See James 1.5 for more on asking God for wisdom).)

(2:21   When we see evil leaders who live long and good leaders who die young, we may wonder if God controls world events. Daniel saw evil rulers with almost limitless power, but Daniel knew and proclaimed that God “sets up kings and deposes them”, that he controls everything that happens. God governs the world according to his purposes. You may be dismayed when you see evil people prosper, but God is in control. Let this knowledge give you confidence and peace no matter what happens.)

Daniel’s disciplined prayer life:

Daniel 6.10

Daniel stood alone. Although he knew about the law against praying to anyone except the king, he continued to pray three times a day as he always had. Daniel had a disciplined prayer life. Our prayers are usually interrupted not by threats, but simply by the pressure of our schedules. Don’t let threats or pressures cut into your prayer time. Prayer regularly, no matter what, for prayer is your lifeline to God.

(6.10   Daniel made no attempt to hide his daily prayer routine from his enemies in government, even though he knew he would be disobeying the new law. Hiding his daily prayers would have been futile because surely the conspirators would have caught him at something else during the month.  Also, hiding would have demonstrated that he was afraid of the other government officials. Daniel continued to pray because he could not look to the king for the guidance and strength that he needed during this difficult time. Only God could provide what he really needed.)

(Missing Notes: 6.6, 7, 11-15, 17-20, 28; 7.2, 3, 15-17, 19-23, 26-28.)

(‘   “The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.  “And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear.  It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’  “After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard.  And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird.  This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.  “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast – terrifying and frightening and very powerful.  It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left.  It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.  “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.  “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat.  His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool.  His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.  – Daniel 7.4-8   The lion with an eagle’s wings represents Babylon with her swift conquests (statues of winged lions have been recovered from Babylon’s ruins).  The bear that ravaged the lion is Medo-Persia.  The three ribs in its mouth represent the conquests of three major enemies [We don’t use them here].  The leopard is Greece.   Its wings show the swiftness of Alexander the Great’s campaign as he conquered much of the civilised world in four years (334-330 B.C.).  The leopard’s four heads are the four divisions of the Greek empire after Alexander’s death.  –  The fourth beast points to both Rome [Quality] and the end times.  Many Bible scholars believe that the horns correspond to ten kings who will reign shortly before God [Wall] sets up his everlasting kingdom.  These ten kings had still not come to power at the time of John’s vision recorded in the book of Revelations (Revelations 17.12).  The little horn is a future human ruler or the antichrist (see also 2 Thessalonians 2.3, 4).  God [Wall] is illustrating the final end of all worldly kingdoms in contrast [Something we don’t do] to his eternal kingdom.)

We can pray anywhere anytime:

Jonah 2.1ff

This is a prayer of thanksgiving, not a prayer for deliverance. Jonah was simply thankful that he had not drowned. He was delivered in a most spectacular way and was overwhelming that he had escaped certain death. Even from inside the fish, Jonah’s prayer was heard by God [Wall]. We can pray anywhere and at any time, and God [Wall] will hear us. Your sin is never too great, your predicament never too difficult, for God [Wall].

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