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A 6-week devotional study series, “Prayer Devotional for Bible Journaling Bootcamp,” will begin April 6, 2020. The devotions will cover six different prayers from the Bible; each will include seven questions for personal reflection and discussion. This series supplements an online art class, “Bible Journaling Bootcamp,” hosted by Gina Yoder, co-author of Complete Guide to Bible Journaling: Creative Techniques to Express Your Faith (available at Amazon.com). The devotions will be made available here at abideandabound.com to enjoy independently of the class.

May the Lord bless you and keep you as we Abide in Truth and Abound in Grace Every Season Together in prayer!

Week 6: Praying to Accept God’s Will in Suffering

Hope NicelyLeave a comment

Mark 14:34-36

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: 34Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” (New King James Version)

Have you ever felt sorrow so piercing, so soul-crushing you don’t know how your heart didn’t perish from it – how it kept beating and pulsing through the pain? It is a difficult thing to know God is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet watch Him allow what seems so unjust become unlocked and unleashed upon the undeserving: “Abba, Father, you could heal my son. Why won’t you? Abba, Father, You saw their treachery against me. Why are you allowing them to prosper? Abba, Father, You saw how hard I worked, yet a careless person got the promotion. Abba, Father, I have been so kind and helpful to them. Why are You allowing them to be so cruel?” Our list of struggles could go on and on, couldn’t it?

Taking up my cross to follow Christ sounds noble, even romantic, until the enemy, the world, and others’ sins against me drive nails into the most sensitive touchpoints of my soul. I may be stricken with fear and grief because the enemy persuades me to equate my suffering with God’s abandonment. Against the backdrop of past hurt, my vulnerable mind considers, “Maybe He cannot love me the way He seems to love others or determined I am “just no good” and deserve to hurt.” Without godly hope, the will to carry-on can disintegrate into despair when the pain He allows doesn’t have an expiration date stamped on it.

At other times, I liken myself to a spoiled, ill-tempered child with God. Even though Scripture alerts us to trials and sorrows, somehow human nature triggers this entitled idea that, because I am a “Christian,” all should be well for me. The whole “not my will, but what You will” feels too risky.

When suffering awaits and assaults us, we are wise to look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2-4). I believe a lot of people confuse this verse to mean that Jesus was feeling a sense of joyfulness, as we perceive it, in the hours leading up to the cross and His suffering on it. The passage is saying it was the joy set before Him, the joy waiting on the other side of His suffering, that steadied Him to meet His purpose as Savior head-on.

A verse like this, misunderstood, can provoke incorrect perceptions of God and His expectations of us. I know Christians who blindly interpret all expressions of grief, frustration, or fear as faithlessness. They unwittingly subscribe to an old philosophy called “stoicism,” which requires people to anesthetize and sterilize their emotions. This approach can lead to sanctimonious, spiritually calloused, even merciless responses to people’s suffering.

Be assured, Jesus is not a “Just Get Over It” God. He is a “Just Get Over Here Next to Me” kind of God. He invites us, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (capitalization and italics added; Matt. 11:28, NIV). As our merciful, faithful High Priest, He will empower you and me to overcome any emotion hindering our obedience, but He never shames us for those emotions ((Heb. 2:17, Heb. 4:15, Rom. 8:1). Jesus remembers His tears watering the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:34, Heb. 5:7). And His own anguish in the garden inspires my confidence – no tear is wasted. We are wise to entrust our tears to God because He invests our tears wisely: Psalm 56:8 records, “You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?” And Psalm 126:5 promises, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

Moreover, our pain has a purpose. Jesus obeying God’s will through suffering has saved and drawn countless lives into the family of God. If, like Jesus, you and I yield to God’s will in our sorrows: 1. It creates a death of self “that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2 Cor. 4:11). 2. We are empowered to comfort others in distress, and we are promised our consolation will exceed all we have suffered (2 Cor. 1:3-7, 2 Cor. 4:17-18, Rom. 8:18, 1 Peter 4:12-13). 3. Our character will be refined and our faith made imperishable (James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1:6-7). 4. And we know God is working through it all to accomplish something good for His people, conforming us into the image of His Son and our Savior, Jesus (Rom. 8:28-29).

If you ever find yourself “sorrowful, even to death,” the next time personal pain makes the price of obedience seem too great a cost to bear, bend the will of your mind upon this truth:

When Jesus surrendered to God’s will in the garden and endured the cross, the joy that was set before Him included you.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. In scripture, the Aramaic word “Abba” is translated “Father”; and when Jesus addressed God as “Abba, Father” He used it literally: Jesus is truly the only begotten Son of God born of the virgin Mary (Is. 7:14 // Matt. 1:23; John 1:14, 3:16). However, Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension created a supernatural way for you and me to become “born again” – adopted into God’s family by grace through faith. This adoption now allows us to cry out “Abba, Father,” not as some distant, cosmic being, but as our literal Father as well (Rom. 8:15-16, Gal. 4:6). How has God revealed Himself to you as “Abba”? Imagine you are writing an “Abba’s” Day card. What would you write to express your love and appreciation for Him as a personal, loving Father? Our adoption was secured through Christ’s suffering. How would you convey your thanks to Jesus for such a gift?

2. Share some of your favorite “go-to” verses or songs that comfort you and stir your faith when you are facing a hardship. If you can, share how or why you feel they uniquely bless you.

3. I have to confess, trusting God’s plan during distress is challenging for me. I don’t have a Ph. D. in suffering – meaning I don’t always ace the tests God ordains for me. What are some practical, biblical actions you and I can take to strengthen our trust in God’s will and intentions toward us during intense hardships?

4. If you read the full account of Jesus’ time in the garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14, you will see that Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him for support. Sadly, His buddies fell asleep on the friend “job.” Isolation can be deadly during intense trials. At the very same time, occasionally even our closest, dearest family and friends may fail us during difficulty. If you don’t have a close-knit group of friends, contact your church and let them know you are alone. They may be able to recommend some Sunday school classes, connect groups, specialized ministries, and even special community programs where you can get involved. Consider someone who blessed you during an especially difficult time. Please share ideas about how you have or could honor that person in a unique, meaningful way.

5. Over the years, concerning sorrow/suffering, the Spirit has convicted me about many things: my faithlessness, taking matters into my own hands, unholy reactions, medicating sorrow in unhealthy ways, etc. He has also convicted me about what kind of friend I am when others are suffering as well: Am I a faithful, consistent friend? Was I gracious – factoring in their hurt when they were not the “perfect” friend I wanted them to be? Was I self-righteous or insensitive in my responses to them? How about you? Do you seem to gravitate toward unhealthy, unholy habits when suffering? Do you struggle to set “self” aside when others are suffering around you? Can you recall a time you shamed someone for the hurt they bore? Confess any unholy ways you handle pain to the Lord. Ask Him to guide you in being a blessing to those suffering around you.

6. Take some time to look up the verses referenced in the devotion. Which verses “speak” to your heart most deeply? If you could have one thing happen in your life, in your soul as a result of suffering, what would it be?

7. You may or may not be in a period of suffering right now. If so, bravely pause to pray Mark 14:36. What other verses did you come across you feel led to pray at this time in your walk with God?

Week 5: Praying for Spiritual Revelation & Enlightenment

Hope NicelyLeave a comment

Ephesians 1:17-21

Paul prayed: 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (New King James Version)

Years ago, the “Peace Corps,” a global help organization, employed one of the most famous, effective slogans to date, describing itself as: “The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love.” Anyone who has been a Christian for a significant length of time can relate to this statement. There is much to love about being a follower of Jesus. But our journey from salvation to heaven is winding: riddled with obstacles and paved with potholes – headaches and heartaches. We often encounter confusing, frustrating detours, and time-consuming soul construction. These challenges can throw shade on the extravagant spiritual blessings accessible to us, especially necessary in times of severe testing.

An ironic weakness of many Christians is we think we are strong enough, wise enough to handle the problems of life’s journey on our own. Almost worse, we rely on wayward tracking systems to guide us along – the occult (psychics, horoscopes, etc.), self-help books, social media articles, memes, celebrities, even the exalted opinions of well-known Christians. Paul aptly prayed the Ephesians would obtain “the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (vs. 17) and that their eyes would have an enlightened understanding (vs. 18).

Lysa Terkeurst is credited for stating, “We steer where we stare.” If we fail to pursue the knowledge of God’s heart toward us and the incomparable help of His wisdom, we’ll steer ourselves right off the edge of sound reason. If God is who He says He is, then to believe His Word is the most reasonable, practical, wise thing you and I could ever do. As we grow confident in His love for us, the power of His love effectively maneuvers us in the right direction of every conflict we encounter.

Concerning “the hope of His calling…the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe,” Roman 8:28-30 explains it well: “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose…to be conformed into the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren…these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (italics added). Every purpose God calls us to fulfill comes with the cost of taking up our cross (Matthew 16:24). Nevertheless, our hope is sure: Our trials will yield within us the riches of imperishable faith and a Christ-like character. No test or torment is wasted; our hope of heaven and its incomparable glory awaits us (Romans 8:18).

As Christians, we rightly spend a lot of time meditating upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But it is equally important to remember Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The Father of glory “seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (vs. 20-21).

Many powers are striving against us – corrupt government, wicked spiritual powers, and the power of our self-will. However, because Jesus ascended into heaven, He is now interceding on our behalf (Rom. 8:34). No one can overcome the final result of His intent for each saint. He will bring us home pure and righteous before God (Jude 24).

Paul’s prayer over the Ephesians helps us know how to pray, to preserve spiritual understanding and faith when human nature, the enemy, the world, and even the mundane dilemmas of this life hurl stones at our faith.

To pray God’s word is to pray God’s will, but it must be done mindfully. Comprehending the Scriptures you pray fortifies your faith in His provision.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. Ephesians 1:17-21 eloquently illuminates many extravagant qualities about God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Read the following verses: Nehemiah 9:20, Matthew 10:19-20, and Luke 12:12. How do these verses help you recognize the Holy Spirit’s activity in this passage? What captivates your attention about who God is and how He desires to strengthen the saints today?

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern any resources you may be accessing for wisdom and enlightenment apart from God. When catastrophe strikes or confusion rattles you, what is your go-to strategy for guidance? Is there anyone’s opinion, even your own, you may be exalting above God’s? Search your heart and confess any unholy source of wisdom you may be trusting.

3. Share a time God provided you with some much-needed wisdom – a time He overwhelmed your heart with a new understanding of His nature and longing for you – a time your blinded eyes became enlightened to His truth.

4. Dissect this week’s passage, and jot down God’s spiritual provisions for us. Which one(s) are you especially thankful for or would like to see granted in your life right now, and why?

5. It is essential for Christians to meditate upon the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Explain why it is also necessary to reflect deeply upon Jesus’ ascension and place beside the Father.

6. How do verses 20 and 21 reveal no one, not even the enemy, is equal in power to the Ascended Christ? How does knowing this truth convict and comfort you?

7. As you prayed through Ephesians 1:17-21 this week, did the Holy Spirit ignite any insights in your heart? Did He inspire you to pray anything unique or unexpected? Can you share a change of thought or action?

Week 4: Praying for Spiritual Power Rooted in Love

Hope NicelyLeave a comment

Ephesians 3:14-19

14For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – 19to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (New King James Version)

Something moves and inspires me when I see someone express their inward heart toward God outwardly: the bowing of the head, the bending of the knee, the raising of the hands, any form of artistic expression. Using our bodies to worship Him is one of many ways to love the Lord our God with all our strength. In this instance, Paul’s humble approach to prayer, bowing his knee, also expresses the sincerity of his love for the Ephesians. I am more inclined to fall on my knees (and on occasion, even my face) when I feel passionate about the person(s) or circumstance(s) I lift before God.

What magnetizes me to this prayer is its versatility. Prayer can accomplish multiple functions. The one praying is certainly impacted, but when surrendered to the Holy Spirit, the prayer can profoundly bless those who hear it or, as in this case, read it. In Ephesians 3:14, the Holy Spirit guides Paul’s prayer to teach us sound doctrine: “…the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (vs. 15). Prayer aligns us with His Spirit from Whom we gain our strength and power (vs. 16). Prayer is an invitation to submit to God, moving us back to the basics:“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…being rooted and grounded in love” (vs. 17). Prayer enlightens our understanding, amplifying our awareness of the “width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge” (vs. 18-19). Prayer clears out soul clutter. It prepares and repairs the heart so it can be filled to overflowing “with all the fullness of God” (vs. 19).

Because how I pray can negatively or positively impact the soul, I pray about praying! Sometimes, I want to pray for my way rather than God’s will. My prayers can become a performance, longing to impress those listening, shifting glory to myself, not God. I must guard against comparing the value of my prayers in contrast to others. In short, I can be too lousy and loveless to pray well.  I am learning I cannot blindly trust my limited intelligence and my unbridled ambition to guide me in praying with pure motives.

With this in mind, I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and to inspire the words I pray: I want my prayers to delight the Lord’s heart, to glorify Him, and to align with scripture that they may convict and encourage others. I seek the Spirit’s help because I do not always know how to pray as I ought (Rom. 8:26). And Paul’s prayer inspires me to pray one more thing – that my prayers would be “rooted and grounded in love.”

Here in Ephesians, we see every word of his prayer rooted within God’s love. Without it, the perception of our position as members of God’s family becomes warped; and we are rendered incompetent to wield the riches of His glory with integrity. Without faith marinated in love, we cannot be spiritually strengthened; and our understanding of God’s love is darkened.

Prayer saturated in love purifies the motives moving our words, leaving us able to receive and be filled with all that God holds sacred and holy and most endearing: His lovingkindness.

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. Explore Ephesians 3:14-19 carefully. List the ways God demonstrates His love for you (i.e., inclusion in His family) and how you see God’s personality (“the riches of His glory”) revealed through this prayer. Spend some time worshiping Him, thanking Him for the way He works His love into you.

2. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “come boldly to the throne of grace.” How can bowing the knee, a humble stance, be reconciled with boldness? 

3. This prayer contains some powerful imagery: “riches of His glory,” inner spiritual strength, “rooted and grounded in love,” and “the width and length and depth and height” – the boundlessness of God’s love through Christ. Take a moment to activate the gift of your imagination and dwell on these word pictures. Which one strikes you the most, and why?

4. The Holy Spirit could have inspired Paul to pray that we may become “rooted and grounded in ‘faith’ or ‘truth’ or ‘fill-in-the-blank,’” but He led him to pray that we would be “rooted and grounded in love.” Of all virtues, why do you think it is necessary for our spiritual root system to draw deeply from “love”? The evidence of a healthy root system is the branch’s fruitfulness. Are your branches bountiful or barren? Does everyone, including your enemies, have access? How can we apply holy fertilizer to those love roots? Rejoice in ways the Lord has used you to express His love to others. Be transparent with yourself and with Him about those you struggle to love, and confess your need for His empowering help.

5. Recently, I was awakened to the enemy’s schemes to draw my gaze upon the width, length, depth, and height of unfulfilled desires and feelings of rejection and alienation. Do you ever find yourself staring into what appears to be a yawning cavern of endless grief, endless failure, unfulfilled hopes, and dreams? What areas of your life do you feel would be most impacted if you grasped the width, length, depth, and height of God’s love for you? Christ’s love for you? The Spirit’s love for you?

6. What do you think it means to be “filled with all the fullness of God”? What aspects of God’s holiness would you like to see poured into your heart and made evident through your actions?

7. As you prayed through Ephesians 3:14-19 this week, did the Holy Spirit ignite any insights in your heart? Did He inspire you to pray anything unique or unexpected? Can you share a change of thought or action?

Week 3: Jabez – The Comeback Kid

Hope NicelyLeave a comment

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

9Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain. 10And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. (New King James Version)

(Please note: 1 Chronicles 4:10 is interpreted differently in other biblical translations. The New International Version, for example, renders vs. 10 as “…keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” Other versions translate Jabez’s prayer similarly. The NKJV’s interpretation is reflected in this devotion’s content and questions.)

Several years ago, “The Prayer of Jabez” became a sensational hit, and the Christian industry went consumer crazy! Even now, if you search Amazon, you will find Jabez’s prayer in multiple books, on coins, clothes, clocks, and a LED USB rechargeable sign! You can buy mugs with “got Jabez?”. You can purchase products with hashtag “#Jabez” to remind you to pray Jabez’s prayer. I am a little disappointed someone didn’t concoct some splashy Jabez cologne or skincare line to wear while praying the prayer of Jabez…but only so I could make fun of it.

The seemingly excessive enthusiasm weirded me out. I get spooked when portions of the Bible become hyper-materialized. And yet, Jabez did pray, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory” (vs. 10). Well, here we are, and many moons later, God has done just that. Despite my poking a bit of fun, Jabez’s simple, humble prayer exceeded even religious boundaries – blessing not only Christians but many reaching unbeliever’s hearts as well. And this short devotion enlarges the boundaries of his territory a few inches further still.

I cannot help wondering if this prayer resonated with so many people because his words were pitched out of such pain. We discover from this passage his mother delivered him with such physical agony, she named him Jabez – literally meaning “he who causes sorrow.”  What a hard thing to bear such a name – to hear yourself endlessly labeled and identified “a pain.” How hurtful and how humbling.

Verse 9 describes Jabez as more honorable than all his brothers. The Word of God demonstrates that honorable character develops through suffering. Refined faith, wisdom, and moral resourcefulness are results promised to those who patiently endure suffering (James 1:2-4). The tenderhearted nearness of God, His grace, and His exaltation are rewards promised to those who are contrite, humbled by heartaches, as well as mistakes. (Ps. 34:18; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6). Suffering set into the hands of God becomes a supernatural superpower.

My heart is pierced with sympathy to consider how Jabez presented himself, along with his cursed name, to the “God of Israel.” He did not merely ask for a blessing and more territory. He was asking for a relationship with Him, “that Your hand would be with me.” He then made a most unexpected, exceptional request: that God would redirect the course of his legacy – from one who had caused pain to one who would never cause sorrow again.

Verse 10 records that God granted his heartrending request. God blessed Jabez, enlarged his territory, set His hand upon him, and miraculously kept Jabez from evil, from causing anyone pain from that day forward. His history did not define his destiny. God took Jabez’s birth name and transformed it into a uniquely blessed birthright – a miraculous heritage that impacts people to this very day, perhaps even this very moment.

For anyone who feels intimidated by prayer, Jabez’s encounter with God proves eloquence is not necessary to impress or move Him to act on our behalf. But sincerity and simple, humble faith in Him sure does.

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. Sift 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 carefully, and list the qualities and activities you note about God. (Remember: Consider what is also implied. For example, we know God granted Jabez’s request; therefore, we know God sees, hears, and responds to us. He not only provides an answer, He is the Answer.) Which one is most meaningful to you today, and why? Use this list to help guide you to praise Him.

2. Jabez entreated God, asking Him “that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain” (vs. 10). Causing intentional, unnecessary pain should be the antithesis of a Believer’s purpose. We are not even allowed to hurt our enemies (Rom. 12:19-20)! Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you may be hurting those around you: A vindictive tongue? Alienation, exclusion, neglect? Withholding encouragement and loving support? Unfulfilled promises? Confess this to the Lord, and seek His strength to ask for forgiveness and to discontinue harmful behavior. The ways we can harm others are innumerable; the grief we may have caused is immeasurable. Share verses, quotes, and practical tips that can help us guard against hurting others.

3. Can you think of ways the Lord has blessed you or made your pursuits successful (enlarged your territory)? Share a milestone in your life where God’s hand was with you. Recall a moment He pricked your conscience and kept you from acting out in a sinful, self-serving way. Rejoice in remembering the times He moved you to bring relief to the hurting, to encourage others. Open up, worship, and enjoy Him. Be generous with your thanksgiving to Him for the evil He has kept you from committing and the good He has moved you to accomplish.

4. I can imagine the hurt Jabez must have carried, perhaps even shame, because of the name he was given. (I can imagine it because I am well acquainted with grief and humiliation!) But can you imagine the unbridled joy he must have felt when he realized the God of Israel granted his requests? Set aside some time to audio record, videotape, or write out a testimony sharing a life-altering moment the God of Israel revealed Himself to you or granted a special request.

5. Vs. 9 describes Jabez as “honorable.” There is a tone of suffering that vibrates through his prayer. It grieved him to know he had caused anyone pain. The Holy Bible provides multiple verses describing the power of suffering in the process of maturing Believers. How have you seen the Spirit use suffering to move you to repentance, deepen your faith, and develop stouter resistance to sin? If others were speaking secretly, but honestly, about you, could they describe you as honorable? If not, why not? Allow Jabez’s example to disciple your response. Humbly appeal to God as he did.

6. Review the verses referenced in the devotion. Which convict and encourage you most, and why?

7. As you prayed through 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 this week, did the Holy Spirit ignite any insights in your heart? Did He inspire you to pray anything unique or unexpected? Can you share a change of thought or action?

Week 2: Praying to Abound in Love

Hope NicelyLeave a comment

Philippians 1:9-11

9And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ our Lord, to the glory and praise of God. (New King James Version)

Philippians 1:9-11 proves small prayers can render spiritually powerful results! Paul’s appeal to God launches from the crux of Christianity – Love: God’s never-failing weapon of mass destruction against sin and offense. And this theme of holy love is woven throughout Scripture. 1 John 4:8 declares, “God is love.” In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul teaches love is greater than even faith and hope. In Galatians 5:22-23, love is the first nature listed to describe the Holy Spirit’s fruitful personality. But in Philippians 1:9-11, Paul’s petition gets specific, praying that love would abound in two areas love is often lacking: “knowledge” and “discernment.”

In 1 Corinthians 8:1, Paul cautions, “…Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” All believers are able to attain spiritual understanding through discipleship and biblical literacy. And there are some who enjoy the additional blessing of the Spirit’s gift of knowledge. Naturally, holy knowledge is beneficial and can make you more resourceful. But without love, the temptation to glorify (deify or worship) one’s self rather than God sprouts horns, resulting in competitive comparisons and a haughty, argumentative spirit. When knowledge flows from the well-spring of love, it credits God as the true source of understanding. It functions to strengthen and unify the church while protecting others’ dignity and interests (Phil. 2:1-4).

The gift of “discerning of spirits” is employed to distinguish between angelic vs. demonic activity and the spirit nature vs. human nature (1 Cor. 12:10). Biblical discernment also helps us identify demonic activity and distinguish between what is holy vs. unholy and sacred vs. secular. Intuition, or sensory discernment, yielded to the Holy Spirit, can serve as a personal and relational safeguard against the enemy’s divisive schemes. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, without love, “discernment” can be used to bludgeon other believers. Loveless discerners elevate themselves above others, resulting in harm – not harmony; division – not unity; a poisoned perception of others – not enlightened compassion. The individual will hyper-focus on others’ weaknesses, but fail to discern her own.

Love must abound in knowledge and discernment, so you and I can approve excellent things, as well as, be sincere and harmless until Christ’s return (vs. 10). Where love abounds, critics become encouragers; petty people become prayer warriors; hard hearts are humbly broken; and the broken-hearted are tenderly bound. When love abounds within us, we guard against causing offense and are sensitive to heal any breach in our relationships. If I have caused harm, my heart is haunted until I have asked for forgiveness.

In this environment, the Spirit is unhindered and delighted to provide a fruitful feast – the righteous qualities of Jesus Christ our Lord within us and through us (Gal. 5:22-23). People starving for love cannot help but “taste and see the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8). People desperate to belong realize there is a place for them at His table (Ps. 23:5).

Paul prays these things will be accomplished “to the praise and glory of God.” The irony of glorifying God is that we are not granting Him the kind of enviable admiration and desperate approval humans seek. We glorify Him when we live as one who is in love with Him and deeply loved by Him. When God is glorified, His lovingkindness radiates through us, causing people to know how very much He longs for them.

When we abound in holy love, we leave the broken and bewildered convinced God loves them, as well.

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. In Philippians 1:9-11, God and Jesus are specifically mentioned. Where do you see the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit? (see vs. 11 and Galatians 5:22-23 for help) Which qualities of the Trinity encourage you today? Don’t miss the opportunity to express your appreciation for His lovingkindness!

2. Provide an example; share an experience; or describe how it would look to see someone use knowledge and discernment in a harmonizing, God-glorifying way. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you may have misused knowledge or discernment and offer it as a confession. How can you begin using these wonderful gifts to be a blessing to your church and to delight God’s heart?

3. In Romans 1:32, Paul issues a stern warning to those who do not approve excellent things but rather approve of those who practice evil. Not surprisingly, in the preceding verses, these individuals are described as “unloving.” Explain how love helps us make distinctions between excellent things versus the culturally accepted self-love the Holy Bible identifies as sin? Can you think of some verses or passages that highlight some “excellent things” you and I should approve and apply as Christians?

4. Whew! To be “sincere and without offense until the day of Christ” sounds like a rather daunting challenge, doesn’t it? However, I must remind myself if this was impossible to attain, then Paul would not have prayed it. Moreover, Jesus promised us in Matthew 19:26, with God all things – even seemingly impossible spiritual challenges – are possible. He also provided the prescription for safeguarding sincerity and keeping ourselves from causing offense towards others: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). Do you ever feel tempted to present yourself in an insincere, misleading way to gain others’ approval? What are some ways you could deepen your sincerity and transparency? How does love make this a safer proposition? How can abounding in love protect us from obsessing about our past offenses (sins) while safeguarding us from causing offense and wounded hearts in others?

5. Paul prayed believers would be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, our Lord, to the glory and praise of God” (vs. 11). Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control describe the Holy Spirit’s personality. Which of these qualities have you noticed maturing within you, and where do you see a need for greater growth? Thank God for His work in you and His ongoing work in others “to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

6. Review the verses referenced in the devotion. Which convict and encourage you most, and why?

7. As you prayed through Philippians 1:9-11 this week, did the Holy Spirit ignite any insights in your heart? Did He inspire you to pray anything unique or unexpected? Can you share a change of thought or action?

Week 1: Living Out The Lord’s Prayer

Hope NicelyLeave a comment

Matthew 6:9-13

9In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread, 12and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (New King James Version)

“The Lord’s Prayer” is quite likely the most well-known prayer in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Much like the timeless hymn “Amazing Grace,” even many non-Christians are familiar enough with the words to recite portions of it at a funeral. But as often happens, familiarity can lead to a touch of mindless sterility. The poignancy of any beloved piece of work can fade with time and repetition. Of course, this doesn’t mean the potency of “The Lord’s Prayer” is diminished at all.  Rather, a faith-ignited awareness of its daily relevance to us and our enthusiasm to pray through it regularly wanes.

Likewise, our willingness to apply it, to live out what we pray, can weaken as well. We want the words to do the work because offering the sacrifice of obedience seems too steep a price. We pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done…” But how is our attitude when God’s will doesn’t let us have our way? We may pray, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” Yet, praying for deliverance from a spending addiction, then whipping out the credit card like a machine gun at a shopping spree, may not be especially helpful. Or praying to have a pure heart, then downloading some sizzling sexy feature to watch might be quite delightful but a bit problematic. You get the point.

Jesus never intended “The Lord’s Prayer” to be used as a magic spell. We cannot melodramatically orate the words, sprinkle a little pixie dust, then expect a poof of ethereal fog to vaporize, revealing the perfect person we prayed to be. Prayer, spiritual communication, is a way we invite our loving God to guide us through hard trials and heartaches. You and I must ask the Holy Spirit to help us attune our lives to be in harmony with the prayers we lift before Him.

When I study the Gospels, what stands out starkly to me are the many times Jesus could have failed before taking His final breath on the cross. Jesus needed to make it to the cross both sinless and sympathetic, because we needed a spotless Lamb as well as a sympathetic High Priest (1 Peter 1:19; Heb. 4:15). His time alone in prayer with the Father supplied Him with the wisdom and power He needed to overcome every temptation, sticky situation, and heartrending sorrow. And He did not let it go to waste. Jesus prayed and obeyed.

You and I were called to take up our cross and follow Jesus (Matt. 16:24). If Jesus’ way of praying was sufficient for Him, having suffered like no other in all history, how much more should we pray as He did, obey the Father’s commands, and move forward as the Spirit leads the way.

Let’s make “The Lord’s Prayer” a daily way to pray and a daily way to live.

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. When something (or in this case, Someone) is “hallowed,” it means it is revered as sacred, holy, consecrated. Share some ways you are or can begin hallowing or revering God’s name.

2. The Lord’s prayer reveals God as our Father. List other qualities you see implied about Him (i.e., Provider). Which one stands out to you, and why? Let your response guide you to praise and worship Him.

3. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done…” How does sharing your spiritual gifts, talents, and resources reveal God’s “kingdom come” to the unsaved, hurting, or needy? Share a time you have been blessed by God’s will prevailing over yours.

4. Share common or unique ways the Lord provides your “daily bread” (spiritually, intellectually, relationally, etc.). Be sure to actively thank Him for His provision!

5. Is there someone in your life you need to release from judgment, to forgive? A more challenging question: Is there anyone from whom you need to ask forgiveness? What is holding you back? Ask the Holy Spirit for help. Ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable.

6. Two reasons it is essential to pray as Jesus instructed us is to be protected from “the evil one” and to safeguard us from committing evil against others. Imagine how our lives could change if we prayed this one thing over our lives daily! In what areas of life do you recognize a need for God’s protection from the evil one, and how is He protecting you from his wicked influence? Consider sharing how He rescued you from a sin you once thought impossible to overcome.

7. Jesus declared, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory to forever. Amen.” How are you using your spiritual gifts, talents, and resources to draw attention to God’s goodness, greatness, and lovingkindness? Share scripture verses and insights you may have to inspire and guide others to effectively direct all glory to God rather than to ourselves – our personalities and abilities.