HYPOCRITICAL PRAYERS
[Jesus said], ”You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’" Matthew 15:7-9
Whenever Israel was in trouble they would cry, “Back to Egypt!” When they were hungry in the desert they grumbled that they wanted to go back to Egypt where they ate all the food they wanted (Exodus 16:3). When they were thirsty they wanted to go back to Egypt so they wouldn’t die of thirst (Exodus 17:3). When they got sick of manna, they wailed that they wanted to go back to Egypt (Numbers 11:4-6). When ten of the twelve spies that explored Canaan came back and reported that they looked like grasshoppers in comparison to that country’s giants the people cried out that they wanted to go back to Egypt rather than die in the desert (Numbers 14:1-5).
God heard their repeated complaints and warned them through Isaiah, Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD (Isaiah 31:1).
Understanding the Israelites cry for Egypt and God’s firm warning against it clearly points to their hypocrisy in Jeremiah 41-42. Johanan son of Kareah, the army officers, and Judah’s survivors were on their way to Egypt when they decided to swing by Jeremiah’s place with this prayer request: Please hear our petition and pray to the LORD your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do (Isaiah 42:2-3).
What hypocritical prayers! It sounded so pious to ask for God’s guidance, but the truth of the matter is that they already set their hearts on disobedience. They’re on their way to Egypt!
Jeremiah acknowledges the hypocrisy. He said, “O remnant of Judah, the LORD has told you, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Be sure of this: I warn you today that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the LORD your God and said, ‘Pray to the LORD our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.’ I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed the LORD your God in all he sent me to tell you” (Jeremiah 42:19-22).
If you’re asking God if you should forgive someone (Matthew 18:21-22), tell the truth (1 Peter 3:10), honor your parents (Ephesians 6:1-3), or some other clear command in Scripture, acknowledge your hypocrisy and obey God.
Prayer Step: Think about your prayer requests today. Are they hypocritical? If so, it’s time to honor Him with your lips and heart through total obedience.
Solemn prayers, rapturous devotions, are but repeated hypocrisies unless the heart and mind be conformable to them. William Law
Grace and peace,
Lenae
A connecting place for British Columbia GEMS counselors and club coordinators. . .
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Hard Word
A HARD WORD
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21
Last Sunday Pastor Steve began his sermon by saying that we were going to receive a hard word from God. As we paged to the book of Ezekiel, my first thought was that he meant it was going to be hard to understand. I was wrong. The hard word was not in comprehending the message, but in accepting the hard word from God.
The elders of Israel went to Ezekiel because things were bad in the land. What they failed to see is how bad things were in their own hearts. They were full of idolatry. They had set up idols in their hearts and deserted God (Ezekiel 1:4-5).
Ezekiel says . . . Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. Then the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all” (Ezekiel 14:1-2)?
John Piper defines idolatry this way, “Idolatry is valuing any thing or any person more than the one true God. An idol is any thing or any person that takes center stage in our affections.”
Idols may be our children, our spouse, our work, our home remodeling project, our reputation, our cell phones, our aspirations, or our _______________. When we put people and things before God it’s idolatry. When we make choices, practice behaviors, and cling to habits that keep us from God, we put up obstacles and stumbling blocks.
As you and I identify the installed idols in our own hearts, God asks us the same question. Should I let them inquire of me at all (Ezekiel 14:2)? Should I bother to listen to her prayers? That’s a hard word as we seek more and more to become women of prayer this season.
God continues to speak to Ezekiel, you and me, “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices” (Ezekiel 14:6, emphasis mine).
If we want to talk to God and listen to God, we must be right with God. God’s plea to those in rebellion against His Word and to those who have deserted Him for idols is this: Repent! Turn! Renounce! Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Lord (Ezekiel 14:11).
Prayer Step: Do you have an idol? Repent! Do you have a habit that keeps you from God? Turn! Do you practice behaviors that distance you from the Lord? Renounce!
Prayer invites me to bring my whole life into God’s presence for cleansing and restoration. Self-exposure is never easy, but when I do it I learn that underneath the layers of grime lies a damaged work of art that God longs to repair. Philip Yancey
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21
Last Sunday Pastor Steve began his sermon by saying that we were going to receive a hard word from God. As we paged to the book of Ezekiel, my first thought was that he meant it was going to be hard to understand. I was wrong. The hard word was not in comprehending the message, but in accepting the hard word from God.
The elders of Israel went to Ezekiel because things were bad in the land. What they failed to see is how bad things were in their own hearts. They were full of idolatry. They had set up idols in their hearts and deserted God (Ezekiel 1:4-5).
Ezekiel says . . . Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. Then the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all” (Ezekiel 14:1-2)?
John Piper defines idolatry this way, “Idolatry is valuing any thing or any person more than the one true God. An idol is any thing or any person that takes center stage in our affections.”
Idols may be our children, our spouse, our work, our home remodeling project, our reputation, our cell phones, our aspirations, or our _______________. When we put people and things before God it’s idolatry. When we make choices, practice behaviors, and cling to habits that keep us from God, we put up obstacles and stumbling blocks.
As you and I identify the installed idols in our own hearts, God asks us the same question. Should I let them inquire of me at all (Ezekiel 14:2)? Should I bother to listen to her prayers? That’s a hard word as we seek more and more to become women of prayer this season.
God continues to speak to Ezekiel, you and me, “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices” (Ezekiel 14:6, emphasis mine).
If we want to talk to God and listen to God, we must be right with God. God’s plea to those in rebellion against His Word and to those who have deserted Him for idols is this: Repent! Turn! Renounce! Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Lord (Ezekiel 14:11).
Prayer Step: Do you have an idol? Repent! Do you have a habit that keeps you from God? Turn! Do you practice behaviors that distance you from the Lord? Renounce!
Prayer invites me to bring my whole life into God’s presence for cleansing and restoration. Self-exposure is never easy, but when I do it I learn that underneath the layers of grime lies a damaged work of art that God longs to repair. Philip Yancey
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
41st Annual Counselors' Leadership Conference
GEMS Girls’ Clubs | 41st Annual Counselors’ Leadership Conference
Bethel University | Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota | July 22-25, 2010
Woman with contagious faith
Reimagine...
Reinvent...
Reignite... Does Jesus ever become comfortable?
Just a habit?
Too often fading into the background of your life?
Many of us feel like “good” Christians − yet how many of us are truly living like we’re in love with Jesus? If we’re honest, we may need to admit that we’re tired, we’ve lost our passion, our heart for His word, for service, and for Him. Maybe, our heart is slipping away from the King of Kings and we don’t even realize the enemy has infiltrated our lives.
Satan certainly isn’t afraid of women who are complacent bystanders. What the enemy fears are women who are boldly on the move, who desire to be equipped for the work God is calling them to do, and who are passionately engaged in changing lives.
Reimagine the possibilities of women and girls living a contagious faith! Of an experience that reinvents and equips! Of a waning passion that is reignited! Are you ready to boldly take back territory for the King of Kings?
Bethel University | Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota | July 22-25, 2010
Woman with contagious faith
Reimagine...
Reinvent...
Reignite... Does Jesus ever become comfortable?
Just a habit?
Too often fading into the background of your life?
Many of us feel like “good” Christians − yet how many of us are truly living like we’re in love with Jesus? If we’re honest, we may need to admit that we’re tired, we’ve lost our passion, our heart for His word, for service, and for Him. Maybe, our heart is slipping away from the King of Kings and we don’t even realize the enemy has infiltrated our lives.
Satan certainly isn’t afraid of women who are complacent bystanders. What the enemy fears are women who are boldly on the move, who desire to be equipped for the work God is calling them to do, and who are passionately engaged in changing lives.
Reimagine the possibilities of women and girls living a contagious faith! Of an experience that reinvents and equips! Of a waning passion that is reignited! Are you ready to boldly take back territory for the King of Kings?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Make US ONe
MAKE US ONE
I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. John 17:20b-21
Youngest daughter Melanie came home from school Friday afternoon completely frustrated with two of her classmates. “Remember when I had to write a paper last night about forgiving others and I couldn’t think of any people I needed to forgive?” she asked with her hands clenched at her sides. “Well, I’ve got writing material today!”
Being disappointed, annoyed, or wounded by others isn’t unique to high school girls. Conflict can be found in Christian families, in the church, and yes, even in GEMS clubs.
Jesus’ strong desire for His followers was that they become one. In His prayer for future believers He prayed for unity. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [His disciples] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have love me (John 17:20-23).
The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Christians in the Roman colony of Philippi was that if they have any encouragement from being united with Christ, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:1-2).
In the heat of a disagreement or the aftermath of a dispute, prayer can be thrust out of our thoughts. When our mind’s energy is honed in on how we’re going to straighten things out (or straighten this person up!) we fail to pray Jesus’ prayer for unity or to focus on God’s word about broken relationships.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15). Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:28). Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
Unity, love, and forgiveness are powerful testimonies to God’s love and something so important that Jesus pleaded for it in prayer. It’s His longest recorded prayer in the Bible! May we follow Christ’s example and also pray for unity and harmony in our homes, workplace, churches, GEMS Clubs, and the world.
Prayer Step: God is the great Restorer. Talk to Him about any relationships in your life that may need restoration.
Father let your love be done in our lives the way it’s done in heaven. John Piper
Grace and peace,
Lenae
I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. John 17:20b-21
Youngest daughter Melanie came home from school Friday afternoon completely frustrated with two of her classmates. “Remember when I had to write a paper last night about forgiving others and I couldn’t think of any people I needed to forgive?” she asked with her hands clenched at her sides. “Well, I’ve got writing material today!”
Being disappointed, annoyed, or wounded by others isn’t unique to high school girls. Conflict can be found in Christian families, in the church, and yes, even in GEMS clubs.
Jesus’ strong desire for His followers was that they become one. In His prayer for future believers He prayed for unity. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [His disciples] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have love me (John 17:20-23).
The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Christians in the Roman colony of Philippi was that if they have any encouragement from being united with Christ, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:1-2).
In the heat of a disagreement or the aftermath of a dispute, prayer can be thrust out of our thoughts. When our mind’s energy is honed in on how we’re going to straighten things out (or straighten this person up!) we fail to pray Jesus’ prayer for unity or to focus on God’s word about broken relationships.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15). Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:28). Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
Unity, love, and forgiveness are powerful testimonies to God’s love and something so important that Jesus pleaded for it in prayer. It’s His longest recorded prayer in the Bible! May we follow Christ’s example and also pray for unity and harmony in our homes, workplace, churches, GEMS Clubs, and the world.
Prayer Step: God is the great Restorer. Talk to Him about any relationships in your life that may need restoration.
Father let your love be done in our lives the way it’s done in heaven. John Piper
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Praise Prayers
PRAISE PRAYERS
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Psalm 66:20
Each year when we celebrate Christmas with my hubby’s side of the family we play our own version of the Newlywed Game with his parents, siblings and their spouses. This year one of the questions to the guys was, “What one thing would your wife say that you need to get around to doing?” I guessed that Mike would say his year-end paperwork. He answered that he should get around to telling me more often how much he appreciates me. Sweet. Thing is it’s also true in reverse. I should also tell Mike more often how much I appreciate him. And in all honesty, I should certainly tell God more and more how much I appreciate, adore, and love Him.
Can you identify? Are your prayers more petition than praise? Are they more asking than adoration? Do you quickly get through a couple of “I praise You’s . . .” at the beginning of your prayer so you can get to the heart of your prayer, the things you and your loved ones need most?
In her book, Listening for God, Marilyn Hontz writes, “My husband, Paul, taught me the method of ‘praise prayers.’ Years ago he challenged one of our small groups to pray our requests but to do it completely using praise and thanksgiving (no asking).”
For example, if you feel weighted down by uncertainties about the year ahead pray, “Father I praise You for daily bearing my burdens and giving me power and strength for all the circumstances this year will contain. You are my hope and praise” (Psalm 68:19, 68:35, 71:14).
As you pray for your club pray, “Lord God, I thank You for all the things the girls and counselors are learning about prayer this season. I praise You for not rejecting our prayers or withholding Your love from us! I rejoice that we can approach You in prayer with freedom and confidence, and that our prayers for our families, one another, and this world are powerful and effective” (Psalm 66:20, Ephesians 3:12, James 5:16).
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15). When reflecting on this verse Pastor John Piper said, “Most of us live at a level of praise that is pathetically beneath this text. God wants from us lips of praise. Lips that speak and sing the praises of His name.”
Prayer Step: Go verbal! Use your lips to sing, shout, and speak your praise and thanksgiving to God. Choose a day that from sunup until sundown you only pray “praise prayers.”
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Apostle Paul
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Psalm 66:20
Each year when we celebrate Christmas with my hubby’s side of the family we play our own version of the Newlywed Game with his parents, siblings and their spouses. This year one of the questions to the guys was, “What one thing would your wife say that you need to get around to doing?” I guessed that Mike would say his year-end paperwork. He answered that he should get around to telling me more often how much he appreciates me. Sweet. Thing is it’s also true in reverse. I should also tell Mike more often how much I appreciate him. And in all honesty, I should certainly tell God more and more how much I appreciate, adore, and love Him.
Can you identify? Are your prayers more petition than praise? Are they more asking than adoration? Do you quickly get through a couple of “I praise You’s . . .” at the beginning of your prayer so you can get to the heart of your prayer, the things you and your loved ones need most?
In her book, Listening for God, Marilyn Hontz writes, “My husband, Paul, taught me the method of ‘praise prayers.’ Years ago he challenged one of our small groups to pray our requests but to do it completely using praise and thanksgiving (no asking).”
For example, if you feel weighted down by uncertainties about the year ahead pray, “Father I praise You for daily bearing my burdens and giving me power and strength for all the circumstances this year will contain. You are my hope and praise” (Psalm 68:19, 68:35, 71:14).
As you pray for your club pray, “Lord God, I thank You for all the things the girls and counselors are learning about prayer this season. I praise You for not rejecting our prayers or withholding Your love from us! I rejoice that we can approach You in prayer with freedom and confidence, and that our prayers for our families, one another, and this world are powerful and effective” (Psalm 66:20, Ephesians 3:12, James 5:16).
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15). When reflecting on this verse Pastor John Piper said, “Most of us live at a level of praise that is pathetically beneath this text. God wants from us lips of praise. Lips that speak and sing the praises of His name.”
Prayer Step: Go verbal! Use your lips to sing, shout, and speak your praise and thanksgiving to God. Choose a day that from sunup until sundown you only pray “praise prayers.”
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Apostle Paul
Grace and peace,
Lenae
Monday, January 4, 2010
Praying for the World
Praying for the World
You will need: a plastic blowup globe beach ball for every 6 to 8 girls
1. Divide the girls into groups of 6-8 and instruct each group to stand in a circle.
2. Toss a globe beach ball into each circle group and begin talking about the importance of praying for people around the world. Challenge the girls to be attentive to newspaper and magazine articles and news programs so they can understand the needs around the world and be diligent in prayer.
3. When a girl catches the beach ball, she needs to identify the country under her right thumb and share a one-sentence prayer request for that country. Examples: Please provide opportunities for the children in Zambia to go to school. Please give hope to the people in India. Please spread the good news of Jesus to the people in Spain.
You will need: a plastic blowup globe beach ball for every 6 to 8 girls
1. Divide the girls into groups of 6-8 and instruct each group to stand in a circle.
2. Toss a globe beach ball into each circle group and begin talking about the importance of praying for people around the world. Challenge the girls to be attentive to newspaper and magazine articles and news programs so they can understand the needs around the world and be diligent in prayer.
3. When a girl catches the beach ball, she needs to identify the country under her right thumb and share a one-sentence prayer request for that country. Examples: Please provide opportunities for the children in Zambia to go to school. Please give hope to the people in India. Please spread the good news of Jesus to the people in Spain.
Happy New Year
Happy New Year, dear sisters!
Saint Patrick, a missionary to Ireland in the fourth century, expressed the reality of Jesus as God with Us in this beautiful prayer that’s especially appropriate as we step into 2010.
Praying it with you,
Christ be beside me, Christ be before me,
Christ be behind me, King of my heart;
Christ be within me, Christ be below me,
Christ be above me, never to part.
Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand,
Christ all around me, shield in the strife;
Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting,
Christ in my rising, light of my life.
Amen.
Saint Patrick, a missionary to Ireland in the fourth century, expressed the reality of Jesus as God with Us in this beautiful prayer that’s especially appropriate as we step into 2010.
Praying it with you,
Christ be beside me, Christ be before me,
Christ be behind me, King of my heart;
Christ be within me, Christ be below me,
Christ be above me, never to part.
Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand,
Christ all around me, shield in the strife;
Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting,
Christ in my rising, light of my life.
Amen.
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