Praying for the Ebola Outbreak

     Most likely you've heard about the Ebola outbreak in Africa.  The number of deaths are truly devastating . . . over 900 people have died since March 25th.  Sometimes, even hearing such numbers, my first response is to simply contemplate it.  But shouldn't our first response always be prayer?  Remember to pray for all those affected by this deadly disease.  I'm praising the Lord for all those who have successfully made it back to the U.S.  Pray for those receiving treatment, those who are trying to or have successfully evacuated, and those who continue to spread the love of Jesus by caring for those who are sick.

     Now more than ever is a time for us to pray that God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.  In such a devastating time where the solution seems impossible to reach, does it not set the stage for the glory of the God of the impossible to be displayed?  He is Healer (Exodus 15:26).  Also keep those in the U.S. in your prayers.  Reading the following article from Desiring God Foundation I have been reminded that God is working in the hearts of people right here in the U.S.

Ebola

Summer 2014

Donald Trump has sent in recent days a series of panicky tweets. July 31: “Ebola patient will be brought to the U.S. in a few days… KEEP THEM OUT OF HERE!” Aug. 1: “Stop the EBOLA patients from entering the U.S.” Later on Aug. 1: “The U.S. cannot allow EBOLA infected people back. People that go to far away places to help out are great—but must suffer the consequences!”

In the tradition of early British and American journalists who composed news poems that were printed rapidly and sold on streets for a penny, John Piper composed a news poem inspired positively by the Samaritan’s Purse workers and negatively by Donald Trump. –Marvin Olasky, World Magazine

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Today a thousand dead. And more  
   To die. A common ache, like flu,  
Then nausea, a fever-soar,  
   A hopeless clinic interview:  
   “There’s nothing we can do.”

The bleeding has no bias. These:  
   A child, a chief, a friend, a nurse,  
Liberian, and Leonese,  
  From Guinea, Texas, taste the curse —  
  And kindness, from the Purse.

Samaritans, six thousand miles  
   From home and care, subdue their fears,  
And wonder if a sneeze defiles,  
   Or if a healthy fluid clears  
   The curse. Perhaps their tears.

But now two treasured ones, struck down,  
   Contagious still with death — and love —  
Fly back to us, our joy, our crown,  
   A touch of grace, a gentle dove,  
   Yet through a plastic glove.

While in our land we see today  
   Another virus spreading, dumped,  
More deadly, in the soul. They say,  
   “Why bring them home?” Though you be stumped,  
   This grace will not be trumped.

By John Piper. ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org

"The Church has not yet touched the fringe of the possibilities of intercessory prayer. Her largest victories will be witnessed when individual Christians everywhere come to recognize their priesthood unto God and day by day give themselves unto prayer." -John R. Mott

"God desires to glorify His name by answering prayer." -E.M. Bounds

This Is Who My God Is!

     This morning I went out for a walk, and I started praying through Psalm 103.  You're likely familiar with some if not all of this psalm.  So when I got back I was emailing a friend and sharing some of my treasures from this passage.  I thought I might share it here as well.  One thing I like to keep in mind when reading through passages like this is that "LORD" - capitalized - actually means "He is."

Bless the LORD, O my soul,    and all that is within me,    bless His holy name!Bless the LORD, O my soul,    and forget not all his benefits,who forgives all your iniquity,    who heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit,    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with good    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.The LORD works righteousness    and justice for all who are oppressed.He made known His ways to Moses,    His acts to the people of Israel.The LORD is merciful and gracious,    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.He will not always chide,    nor will He keep His anger forever.He does not deal with us according to our sins,    nor repay us according to our iniquities.-Psalm 103:1-8

     Isn't that incredible?!  He is Holy and our Holiness.  He is forgiving.  He is our Healer.  He is our Redeemer.  He is steadfast.  He is Love.  He is steadfast Love.  He is merciful.  He is good.  He is Life (He renews us).  He works righteousness, for He is our Righteousness.  He justifies us.  He is a relational God, delighting to show us His ways.  He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger (by the way, doesn't He call us to be slow to anger too?  James 1:19  I never thought about it in comparison with this verse).  He is ABOUNDING in steadfast love!  He will not tolerate that which is evil in His eyes.  He is compassionate.

     By the way, the reason I didn't capitalize all of them is because some of them appear in the Bible more like a name of the LORD, while others are more like an adjective describing the LORD.

     If you are reading this post then what is your response to these truths?  Why don't you take a few minutes to pray through these truths in Scripture.  Praise the Him for who He is!

     Here are some cross references that come to mind on that topic:

• Revelation 4:8 (He is Holy)
• Exodus 15:26 (He is our Healer)
• Hebrews 13:8 (He is steadfast
• 1 John 4:8 (He is Love)
• John 14:6 (He is Life)
• Isaiah 61:10 (He is our Righteousness)
• Romans 3:23-24 (He justifies us)
• Genesis 1:26; 2:18 (He is a relational God)
• Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:11 (He delights to show us His ways)
• Exodus 34:5-6 (Psalm 103:7-8)
• John 15:9 (He is abounding in steadfast love)
• Psalm 103:13 (He is compassionate)

     Don't stop there!  Claim these truths about who our God is.  Go through this day rejoicing, not because of your circumstances, but because of who He is!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  -Philippians 4:4

"My Soul is in the Midst of Lions"

     In the Psalms David always poured out his heart before the LORD (Psalm 62:8).  Whatever situations David was in, whether good or bad, he always turned to praise God.  The truth is that God is always good, always love, always perfect and holy, always patient, always just, always sovereign, always faithful, and always here with me.  Even if my circumstances aren't great God is still worthy to be praised.  So when I'm found in a desert place spiritually may my heart still sing, "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Psalm 57  Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

I will cry unto God Most High; unto God that performeth all things for me.

He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and his truth.

My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Thy glory be above all the earth.

They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

I will praise Thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto Thee among the nations.

For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds.

Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let Thy glory be above all the earth.

(underline mine, KJV)

 

Channels to Prayer

     When problems or darkness arise in my life God wants me to go to Him; He intends me to use it as a channel to prayer.  If I'm doubting, worried, or anxious God wants me to pray.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6  ESV

     If I'm depressed, grumpy, stressed, or deeply concerned about something that is out of  my control He wants me to pray and pour out my heart before Him.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;    pour out your heart before Him;    God is a refuge for us.  Psalm 62:8  ESV

      God wants me to rejoice in the Lord all the time.  Rejoicing in Him means rejoicing in who He is, not in who I am or what my circumstances are.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Philippians 4:4  ESV

     There is so much in life that God really intends for me to use as a channel to prayer but it is so much more easy for me to go to fake substitutes.  Rarely do I go to the One that truly satisfies.  But honestly only He satisfies.  Sure, I may not find that my needs are "met" right away but every time I feel the ache I pray and God hears, and God is there.  Even when life is dreary I can always go to His smiling face.

Praise is due to You, O God, in Zion,
    and to You shall vows be performed.
O You who hear prayer,
    to You shall all flesh come.
When iniquities prevail against me,
    You atone for our transgressions.
Blessed is the one You choose and bring near,
    to dwell in Your courts!
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
    the holiness of Your temple!  Psalm 65:1-4  ESV

     Lately I've been thinking about a story I read from Amy Carmichael's life.  When Amy first went over seas to serve as a missionary she was shocked when she learned that not all missionaries got along with each other.  When I learn something like that I find it sad and depressing.  I don't want to be like that and I hope to do differently.  But Amy didn't just contemplate it and purpose to do better.  It drove Amy to pray.  It drove her to dig into the Word and pray.  Pray about the situation.  Pray that God would help her to love everyone around her.
     Amy took this difficult situation as a channel to prayer.  But this wasn't the only time she took that opportunity.  Amy was deeply grounded in Christ.  She had a personal relationship with the Lord, and she would spend hours upon hours if need be to seek the Lord in this or that area.  This is what I'm challenged by.

     Lord, please don't let me miss the channels to prayer that You give me.  Please help me in my weakness in praying.  Thank You for always being there.  A simple yet amazing promise that You will never, ever forsake me.  ♥

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The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure and disappointment, let us answer God's standing challenge, "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not"!   

-J. Hudson Taylor