Tag: Prayer

Bible Studies

“Abraham’s Intercessory Prayer” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 18:16-33 NLT – Abraham Intercedes for Sodom – Then the – Bible Gateway

‘“Should I hide my plan from Abraham?’ the LORD asked. ‘For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him.’” Genesis 18:17-18 NLT

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So far in our study of Abraham we have seen several characteristics of faith, patience, obedience, loyalty, generosity, among others. This week several more come into focus as Abraham intercedes for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah on the eve of their destruction. Abraham was visited by the Lord and two angels as he was told Sarah would have a baby the following year. Sarah laughed to herself considering both her and her husband’s age, but the Lord said, ‘Is anything too hard for the LORD?’ The answer is no. God’s promise to Abraham is about to be fulfilled. He and Sarah will have a male child and will name him Issac.

Abraham continued to show the customary hospitality of accompanying his guests as they made way to leave. As they were on their way, the LORD asked, “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” (Gen.18:17 nlt) God valued Abraham through the promises given to him and here He reveals His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah. The nation promised to Abraham’s descendants will need an understanding of justice and mercy. The Lord is about to provide a demonstration of that for Abraham to pass down to future generations. “I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.” (Gen.18:19 nlt) Abraham is then moved to intercede on behalf of the people; today we call this intercessory prayer.

And so it begins, “… the LORD told Abraham, ‘I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.’” (Gen.18:20 nlt) This outcry was a cry of righteous indignation. It is the same cry that went out when Cain murdered his brother Abel. “But the LORD said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!’” (Gen.4:10 nlt) These two cities have reached the point of no return. Their sins were grievous and they had not repented. Excessive displays of sexual depravity was rapid, particularly homosexually. Arrogance and abuse of the poor was commonplace and there was no hospitality to be found among them.

The Lord said, “I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” (Gen.18:21 nlt) Of course the Lord did not need to go down and see for Himself, he knew. The thought here is this; God’s judgment comes only with true knowledge of the facts. God is showing us His character of accurate judgement. He will go down in judgment.

The two angels leave and head towards Sodom. Notice the Lord did not need to go down. Notice also Abraham is by His side. Abraham had a special place with the Lord. This passage is the basis for Abraham being known as ‘a friend of God.’ Additional characteristics of this man of faith are now revealed through Abraham’s intercessory petitions. These include his sympathy, sensitivity, concern for righteousness and his knowledge of God’s holy nature.

Abraham asked the Lord, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?” (Gen.18:23 nlt) Abraham knew of God’s mercy towards the righteous. Abraham was asking in behalf of both the righteous and indirectly for the wicked. It was evident to Abraham that no one would survive this coming judgment. So, Abraham continued to speak, “Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” (Gen.18:24-25 nlt) Abraham knew that God was true to His character and would judge righteously. God would only do what was good. The Lord replied He would not destroy the city for their sake.

Abraham started with fifty and then the countdown began with the same question all the way down to ten. “And the LORD replied, ‘Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.’” (Gen.18:32 nlt) God’s mercy is evident. He would not destroy the city if there were at least ten righteous people there. Abraham perhaps stopped at ten knowing that his nephew Lot and his family would have numbered around ten.

Ancient Mesopotamian city with fortified walls, river, marketplace, and surrounding farmland.

The underlying message here is Abraham’s intercessory prayer. It reveals his heart and compassion towards people, praying for mercy for the just and the unjust. He was persistent in his petitions knowing that God would do what is right. The Lord revealed to Abraham what He was about to do to bring him to this point. The father soon to be of many nations, the man of faith is now a man of prayer.

Next week the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah………

Devotionals

First Thing in the Morning

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 5 NKJV – A Prayer for Guidance – To the Chief – Bible Gateway

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.” Psalm 5:3 NKJV

Woman sitting on bed looking out window at sunrise

Do you have a routine every morning after you awake? Depending with what is scheduled it may differ from day to day as you go about getting ready for the new day. But my thought here is those very first moments as you wake up while you are still in bed, what are your thoughts, do you have any, do you have a routine? David had a routine every morning of looking up and lifting his voice to God. “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.” (Ps.5:3 nkjv)

This is something we can all do first thing in the morning because we all are a position to look up while lying in bed. We’re half-way there. Next we allow the Lord to hear our voice as we direct it towards Him. The good thing is we can do this silently, especially if you are married so as to not wake up your spouse, if single, then you can lift up your voice as loud as you feel led. We do not need to speak audibly to the Lord for Him to hear us, only to speak silently directly to Him in our quiet moments.

Staring your day looking up to God and thanking Him for rest received through the night and the joy of giving you another day to serve Him starts you out on the right foot. There’s no need to worry of getting out of the wrong side of the bed as saying goes. You have taken care of first things first. Not a bad routine to begin tomorrow first thing in the morning.

Devotionals

Be Humble, Pray, and Seek the Lord  

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Chronicles 7:12-16 NLT – Then one night the LORD appeared to – Bible Gateway

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

Photo by Nuno Silva on Unsplash

A few days ago Donald Trump, the president of the United States, read a portion of Scripture as part of a marathon reading of the Bible in an America 250-themed event. The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary of independence on July 4th of this year. The passage he read from in 2 Chronicles was appropriate as the Lord promises to bless those who call on Him and He will restore their land. America sure needs it. The news media did not see it that way but criticized the reading as misrepresenting the Bible and not applicable to our time. Granted it was a different time and I will not make this a political piece (that is for our Saturday’s Christian Perspective each week) but this passage does apply. It applies as an example for the nation and for every person in the world today. The Bible is God’s living and breathing Word and it applies to everyone every day.

Christians can claim the words ‘Then if my people who are called by my name’ as applying to them, which I am one. When one accepts Christ as savior they have been drawn by the Holy Spirit unto salvation. We are called ‘Christians’ after Jesus Christ’s name and the Holy Spirit resides in every Chrisitan upon salvation. The Lord says when we humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face that He will hear us.

The Lord also demands that we turn from our wicked ways. Turning to God in prayer seeking Him with a humble attitude while still sinning against Him brings into question, how serious are we? Do we care about restoration or do we want to keep a couple of sins in our back pocket. The Lord God wants one-hundred percent commitment in our humility, prayer, seeking Him, and turning away from our sin. He then promises to forgive us and restore us. Yes, this passage applies today for everyone. Praise God that it does!

Devotionals

Fight the Good Fight of Faith             

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 NLT – Paul’s Final Instructions – But you, – Bible Gateway

“Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

Photo by Suhail Mir on Unsplash

This morning I came across an interesting reading in my ‘Substack’ feed entitled ‘Prayer is Not Asking. It is Occupying.’ The thought being that is not merely asking, but it is reporting for duty. Afterall we are in a war. Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. The Lord who called Timothy into service also called us. Our ministries may differ, but we have the same commander, the Lord God.

Our Lord is telling us to fight the good fight of faith in 2026. If you have been a Christian for any length of time you know that task is not easy. But we are to pursue righteousness while living a godly life having faith, love, with perseverance and gentleness. I do not know about you, but I cannot do that on my own. Paul also recognized this as he instructed Timothy to fight the good fight. The word Paul used for ‘fight’ is where we get our English word ‘agonize.’ It describes the attentiveness, discipline, and effort needed for victory in a military battle or an athletic contest.

The good fight of faith is a spiritual battle against the things of this world ruled by Satan. The Lord commands to us to fight the good fight by putting on the full armor of God and standing firm. (Eph.6:10-18) We are not left defenseless and are encouraged to remember our future promise of eternal life leading us to live with a heavenly perspective as we minister for the Lord. May we all eagerly report for duty each day as we fight the good fight of faith.

Devotionals

Praying for one another  

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT – Paul’s Request for Prayer – Finally, – Bible Gateway

“Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NLT

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

How often do we pray for one another? Our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as ourselves need prayer because of the days we live in. We all need to make ‘the best use of the time, because the days are evil.’ (Eph.5:16 esv) Paul asks the church at Thessalonica to pray for him and his ministry partners. He prayed particularly that the gospel would spread rapidly. He also prayed for protection from those who did not want that message to be broadcasted. Paul knew the evil one, Satan, was behind all the harassment and threats they had received in preaching the Word.

Satan has not changed his tactics. His evil influence in the world keeps unbelievers right where he wants them in having no interest in the things of God and opposing those who do. Every Christian has the responsibility to live out a life pleasing to God leading others to the savior. This will be met with opposition either outright or subtle. We should follow Paul’s example and ask for prayer from our family in Christ and be praying for each of them in return. He will strengthen us and guard us from the evil.

Paul adds another aspect to this prayer for one another. It is a prayer for a full understanding and the expression God’s love. We can also have confidence in having patient endurance during these days of living for Christ. Standing with Jesus makes us an enemy of world. Jesus said, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” (Lk.21:17 nlt) Therefore, we should be in the habit of praying for one another.

Devotionals

Early Riser           

Loring Schultz

Read: Proverbs 8:12-36 KJV – I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find – Bible Gateway

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” Proverbs 8:17 KJV

Photo by VD Photography on Unsplash
 

Are you an early riser? You may ask, ‘well, it depends on what you mean by early.’ I get it. So, this is not to persuade you to get up before or at the crack of dawn. (Although I think that is best) It is for you to reserve your best, full alert, attentive, concentrated, quiet time for God whatever the time of day.

For Jesus, His best time to pray to His Father was in the pre-dawn hours. Observing the busy days Jesus had during the course of His ministry it is easy to see His best time was when no one else was around. This should be our goal as well. Whenever that time is convenient is when and where we should be looking to seek after God. Proverbs is a book of wisdom and wisdom is personalized and is speaking in Proverbs 8:17 when it says, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (kjv) Can we apply this verse to seeking after God? I think we can!

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Pr.1:7 kjv) True wisdom comes when seeking after God with reverential fear or ‘awe’ of who He is. God Almighty is the source of wisdom. Wisdom says, “The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.” (Pr.8:22-23 nlt) The Lord God is the creator of everything. Wisdom comes through His mighty sovereign hands.

So, again my purpose is for each of us to find that secluded place which is the best uninterrupted time to seek after God through devoted prayer and time in His Word. You may also be surprised that a little bit of wisdom comes with it.

Devotionals

Food for the Journey

Loring Schultz

“……I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” Matthew 15:32b NLT

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I am sure we have all heard the expression, ‘life is a journey.’ Indeed, it is. Curiously though no two people are on the exact same path in life. There may be similarities, but just as everyone is unique in their own way, their journey in life follows the course planned out for them. And for the Christian, the Lord had your life journey drawn up before you were even a thought in your parents’ mind. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Ps.139:16 nlt)

Throughout our journey in life, we need subsistence to sustain us. We need a daily intake of food to nourish us to survive our physical life, and we need a daily intake of spiritual food to survive in our spiritual life. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He had two occasions where He provided food for thousands of people as they were coming to Him for healing and to hear His teaching. Jesus had compassion for the people giving them both physical and spiritual food. He did not want to send the crowds away hungry for they might faint along the way.

Our Lord Jesus has the same compassion for us in our spiritual walk with Him. He does not want us to faint along the way in our life journey. He provides us with food to sustain our spiritual growth through His Word. As we have our quite time with Him, through our devotions, prayer, and Bible reading we can rest assured that we will not go away hungry. Make sure you put in the effort to get your daily spiritual nourishment for the journey. Jesus doesn’t want to send you away hungry.

A Christian Perspective

Revival of the Nations    

Loring Schultz

There is an undercurrent here in the United States, and I believe in many nations around the world, of a spiritual revival about to take place. As in past history when people drift away from God, chaos erupts, society crumbles, and it appears all is lost. The cry of ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ is the sounding board used by many Christians to throw up their hands in defeat and give up. Yes, Jesus Christ is returning one day to rule, but it is in times like these that God raises up people to pick up the mantle of the gospel as the only way out of our present-day chaos. Individuals here in America and throughout the world are starting to have an impact on our current and future generations by following the Holy Spirit’s lead that revival starts with me, then the church, and then all nations.

Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

What is revival?

The word ‘revival’ comes from two Latin words, ‘re’ meaning ‘again’ and ‘vivo’ which means ‘to live.’ So, the meaning is ‘to live again.’ Applying this to the Christian’s spiritual life it is the restoration of believers in Christ by the Holy Spirit’s work. This pertains to those of us who have also drifted away. There is no human strategy involved, but we are involved as we follow the Spirit’s leading. True revival starts small with a few people expanding to a group of people then to the whole church and on to other churches and cities around us exploding into the vast regions of the country in which we live. Richard W. DeHaan writes, “We shall consider ‘revival’ as that special season of refreshing when many believers simultaneously experience deep, Holy Spirit conviction, causing them to make private and public confession of sin, along with a renunciation of it…..and the whole experience bearing fruit in the salvation of the lost.” (1) Note that ‘revival’ is not political, it’s not governing, and it’s not claiming a special right or privilege. Revival is getting right with God which leads people to do the right and moral things in every aspect of their lives.

Photo by Rob Curran on Unsplash

Who are the nations?

The word ‘nations’ used in the Bible both in the Old and New Testament means ‘people.’ The Hebrew word ‘goy’ is used as “nation, people.” In the New Testament, the Greek word used is ‘ethnos’ meaning  “a race (Gentiles), people, a multitude living together.” Therefore we’re talking about people. This should quiet those who criticize movements of spiritual awakenings as found in some of our college campuses in the United States and elsewhere around the world as a political movement. It is not. It is the Holy Spirit working in the hearts and men and women who are serious about their relationship with Christ and desire to live accordingly.

Where do we go from here?

Pray! All Christians should be praying for revival in their own country and other countries around the world. It starts with individuals being sensitive to the Spirit’s call who is also calling others to join you and vice-versa. Don’t neglect the Holy Spirit’s nudging in this direction. Getting ourselves right with God, praying for others, and praying for those in authority to come to know Christ as savior will see a revival that will be hard to miss. Remember, revival is about changing lives. The rest will take of itself as revival expands through the nations.

Photo by Christian Harb on Unsplash

(1) Richard W. DeHaan, Are We Confused About Revival? (Grand Rapids: Radio Bible Class), p. 1,2.

Devotionals

Thanksgiving and Prayer Go Together

Loring Schultz

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV

Photo AI generated wordpress

Today America celebrates Thanksgiving day. Scheduled on the fourth Thursday each November, America pauses to give thanks for the many blessings afforded to her. Of course, by America I’m referring to the American people within the borders of the United States. There are many Americans who live abroad for various reasons, such as our armed force, and they most certainly are included in celebrating Thanksgiving.

Many traditions in America have developed over the years for Thanksgiving. We have Mr. Tom Turkey at the head of the table along with all his ‘fixing’ friends. Several major cities have Thanksgiving day parades which are televised and brought into our homes as the turkey is cooking. Families gather throughout the day for the Thanksgiving meal and to top off the pumpkin pie we have whipped cream and football.

Another tradition, and the most important one, is the Thanksgiving prayer before partaking of the meal. Admitting, not all hold to this tradition, but it seems a large majority do. Gathering together to express thanks for the blessings throughout the year we should direct those thanks to one responsible, the Lord God. It seems only natural that Thanksgiving and prayer go together, the giving of thanks through prayer on this special day.

The apostle Paul gives us another angle to thanksgiving and prayer going together. Paul tells us to pray bringing our requests to God ‘with thanksgiving.’ Our prayers to God should always show our gratitude in being able to freely ask God anything. We also thank Him ahead of time for His answer to our prayers according to His will and what is best for us. Thanksgiving and prayer go together every day and not just on Thanksgiving. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Devotionals

Crying Out to God         

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 5 ESV – Lead Me in Your Righteousness – To the – Bible Gateway

“Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.” Psalm 5:1-2 ESV

Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

King David’s enemies were spreading lies about him to destroy him. The rumor mill had it that David was no longer fit to be king. God had abandoned him, and it was said David’s ability to protect the nation was in doubt. But David says in his prayer to God, “For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave.” (Ps.5:9 esv) David appeals to God’s character in this psalm he wrote knowing that God will never abandon him and will answer his prayer.

David begins by crying out to God in Hebrew parallel form repeating the same thought three times. ‘Give ear…consider…give attention’ David expresses his desire for God to hear his prayer and consider his groaning by giving attention to his cry. He comes before God the first thing in the morning with his petitions. He calls on God to hold his enemies guilty (Ps.5:10) and to bestow blessings on the righteous. (Ps.5:11) David is confident in the Lord’s answer of blessing to his prayer as we see in the closing verse, “For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.” (Ps.5:12 esv)

So, we can have the same confidence that God will answer us as He did David when he cried out to Him in prayer. It’s OK to appeal to God by repeating our cry. That is crying out to God. Ask Him to hear your words, and consider your groaning through it, and to give attention to the sound of your cry. Our God wants us to come to Him in prayer even when we cry out to Him.