*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL* MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2014 PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME STIR UP YOURSELF, TO TAKE A HOLD OF GOD... And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities (Isaiah 64:7). The Prophet Isaiah was speaking to God in the verse above. Israel was in dire straits because none sought the Lord; no one stirred himself up to “take a hold” of God. That means, as Christians, we can stir ourselves up to take a hold of God, to take a hold of His words, and make them real in our lives, through prevailing prayers. It brings to mind, Jacob’s encounter with the Angel of Gods presence. After His sojourn with his Uncle Laban, Jacob knew he needed a miracle to escape his brother, Esau’s wrath, having deceived their father, Isaac, to obtain the inheritance in place of Esau. Jacob divided his family and everything he had into two groups and sent them ahead of him to entreat Esau such that, if Esau smote a particular group, the other group, perhaps, could escape and be spared (Genesis 32:4-8). Subsequently, Jacob was left alone, and the Bible says he wrestled with an angel all night long. Jacob wouldn’t let go of the angel until he received a blessing from Him (Genesis 32:24-26). In the book of Hosea, the prophet explains that the angel that wrestled with Jacob was actually the Lord: “…and by his strength he had power with God: Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial” (Hosea 12:3-5). Jacob stirred himself up to take a hold of God through prayer, to take a hold of God’s blessings. This is something we must learn to do as Christians, to stir ourselves up and take a hold of God’s Word for us and for others through prayer. We must remain importunate as we intercede for lost souls, and for those who have strayed from the faith. We must prevail in prayer for them until Christ is formed in them. PRAYER Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the privilege of prayer; a place of heartfelt communion, to stir up myself and take a hold of your Word for my life. Thank you for giving me the ability to effect changes through prevailing prayers, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY Ephesians 5:18-21 Living Bible (TLB) 18 Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him. 19 Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. 20 Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Honor Christ by submitting to each other. Ephesians 3:20-21 Living Bible (TLB) 20 Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. 21 May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:6 Living Bible (TLB) 6 This being so, I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING 1 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 3 Psalms 109-112 2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 4:8-13 Jeremiah 3
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 05:10:13 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015