Hinderances to Prayer

We have now discussed the many different types of prayer. However, there is one aspect that still needs to be discussed and that is things that hinder our prayer life. There are times in our Christian walk where it feels as if God does not hear us that we are just speaking to empty air. It is during these times that we often need prayer the most. However, there are things that can occur that will hinder us having that communication with God.

Perhaps the most common reason that hinders our prayers is unconfessed sin. We see this with psalm 66:18, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;” God is perfect and cannot abide with sin, and that includes sin in the lives of His born-again believers. This is when prayers of repentance are needed. We have already seen in our post regarding prayers of repentance that God will remove our transactions as far as the east is from the west. Jeremiah 31:34b states, ““for I will forgive their wrongdoing, and their sin I will no longer remember.”” When we confess our sins, our relationship with God is restored. This has nothing to do with salvation but rather restoration. Once saved, there is nothing that can take us from the Lord Jesus Christ. Just look at John 10:29, “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

A second trait that has been discussed in our series is disbelief. If we doubt what God says is true, doubt that He has our best interest at heart, or that He has the power to accomplish what His Word says; then it makes for a difficult time for us to pray. Why would we pray to a God who we do not believe can make the impossible happen? Why pray if we doubt that He truly wants what is good for us in our life? Or if we do not believe that He has the power to handle our everyday situations? James describes this person as a double-minded person. “6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”James 1:6-8. This person is unstable in their ways, trying to fit into both the world and God’s will but unable to do so. The only thing that doubts and disbelief creates is a challenge for us to hear God’s answer when we pray. 

We might also find a hindrance to our prayers when we do not hold forgiveness in our hearts. Forgiving and being forgiven go hand in hand, “14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15. Not to say that we lose our salvation if we do not forgive someone who sins against us, but the anger that we hold makes it difficult to come before God with our prayers. We instead find ourselves focusing on the situation and not praying to the one who forgives all who call to Him. 

We might also see our prayer life halted if we hold idols in our heart. An idol can be anything that distracts us from God. We see God’s response regarding idols in Ezekiel 14:3, “3 “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts and have put in front of their faces the stumbling block of their wrongdoing. Should I let Myself be consulted by them at all?” If there is anything in our life that distracts us from spending time with God and listening for His voice, this is an idol. We serve a God who will not allow worship towards anything but Him, all in idol does is inhibit our access to God.

Finally, we will see hindrances in our prayer life if we come before God with wrong motives. We cannot treat Him like our personal genie who will grant us our wishes whenever we want. If we do not come before God seeking His will, and not our will, then our prayers hold no power. “3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” James 4:3. We have discussed throughout this series that we cannot force God to conform to our will and desires, but we need to come before Him and pray that He makes His will clear to us so we can follow. Remember it is not wrong to ask God to change our desires to match His so that we can eagerly seek His desires, which in turn will be reflected by our own. However, this will never happen if we have something in our way from having that unity which God desires with us. Our prayer life needs to be alive and well, not a ritualistic utterance of wishes, desires, and half-hoped requests. We have a living God, let us have a relationship how He intended it to be. For this to happen, our prayer life needs to be accurately reflecting how it was designed to be.  

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

The Basics: A Brief Overview of Ecclesiastes

    The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide. 

The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works. 

Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man. 

These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison. 

1.) Introduction

2.) Who wrote it

3.) When did they write it

4.) Key topics

5.) Key sections

6.) Books that interact with each other

7.) Analysis of the Book

As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book. 

BASICS COURSE: 

Ecclesiastes 

INTRODUCTION: 

This book is the written account of King Solomon coming to the understanding that everything without Christ is in vain. We are able to see how God views man and how man incorrectly views himself.  

WHO WROTE IT: 

The book of Ecclesiastes is written by King Solomon. 

WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT: 

Because the book is written towards the end of King Solomon’s life, we know the book was written around 931 B.C.[1]

KEY TOPICS:

The book of Ecclesiastes discusses science, wisdom, philosophy, pleasure, materialism, fatalism, religion, wealth, and morality. 

KEY SECTIONS: 

Chapters 1-2 discuss science, wisdom, and philosophy. Chapters 3-6 discuss pleasure, materialism, fatalism, elision, and wealth. Chapters 7 -11 is uniquely discussing morality and human nature. The book ends with chapters 12-14 presenting a reflection by King Solomon. 

BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER: 

This book draws heavily on the unique aspects of wisdom, thus there is subtle reflection to Proverbs and Psalms. However, Ecclesiastes can be considered a stand alone book.  

ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK: 

The book of Ecclesiastes can be considered the philosophical revelation to man from God. We see that without Him in our life, life is fruitless and without any of the fulfillment that we would have if He was in our life. King Solomon goes to great lengths to reveal to the reader what has taken him years to learn. For those who are young and first on their own in this world, the book of Ecclesiastes would be good for you to see that the temptations of this world are nothing more than snares of empty promises. Ecclesiastes is a declaration of God’s unique design of man needing Him in our life if we are to truly live. 

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

[1] https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-wisdom-books/ecclesiastes

RE-POST FRIDAY

A reminder to our readers on who is on the throne. Read it HERE!

Prayers of Repentance

We have come to the final prayer type that I wish to discuss, and I have to say it is probably the most difficult type for Christians. We have discussed the easier prayers like adoration and thanksgiving, prayers that focus on praising God. We have seen heartfelt prayers asking for deliverance, petition and intersession, prayers that show our reliance upon God to act on our behalf. And we have noted prayers that ask God to grant us wisdom and guidance. Some of these prayers are easier for Christians to complete because they are out of an act of joy, typically when things are going well. However, today we will discuss prayers of repentance. How do you pray when you know you have messed up and caused a fracture in your relationship to God?

One person comes to mind whenever I think of prayers of repentance, perhaps it is because he so often messed up and had fallen short of what God wanted. Despite his many, many mess ups David was still described as a man after God’s own heart, “22 After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.’” Acts 13:22. Maybe because of this fact, knowing that David often fell short of doing God’s will but is still described by God with such honor, that when David makes prayers of repentance it so often hits home.

“1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. 18 May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.” Psalm 51

  In a commentary by Matthew Henry, David pens this psalm so that it would become “As a pattern to others, both to bring them to repentance by his example and to instruct them in their repentance what to do an what to say. Being converted himself, he thus strengthens his brethren (Luke 22:32), and for this cause he obtained mercy, 1 Tim 1:16.” This prayer occurs after David is confronted by Nathan with the sin David committed with Bathsheba. This prayer of repentance can be broken into three parts. First, we see a prayer for forgiveness of sin while also recognizing where sin comes from (verses 1-6). Next, there is a prayer for renewal (verses 7-12). Finally, we see that there is an offering of service that can only come after one confesses their sins (verses 14-19).

  David begins his prayer by confessing his sin and asking for grace and mercy. David recognizes that it is only God who can heal him from his inequities. It is important to note that David does not point out all the things that he has done in God’s honor, David does not rely on anything that he completed but instead focuses on the free gift of mercy that God offers. David knows that there is nothing that he can do that will make God forgive him, there is no act, sacrifice, or work that can earn God’s mercy. Instead when we are faced with our own inequities we need to fall before the Lord and simply ask Him to remember us and His promises of forgiveness.

  David recognizes that from his birth he had a sinful nature. This is true with everyone, we are all born with sinful nature and it is when we allow this nature to take control that we find we need to come before God with a spirit of repentance. When this occurs, it is important to remember that when we ask God for forgiveness He removes our transgressions, “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:10-12

  After David acknowledges where sin came from and confesses the sin in question, we see him offer a prayer of renewal. “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12

  David comes before God knowing that He is the only one that can cleanse David from his sins. David is showing a spirit of humility while recognizing God’s sovereignty. He not only asks to be cleansed, but also that God grants him a spirit willing to listen and the joy of knowing that his transgressions are forgiven. This is important when we find ourselves needing prayers of repentance. We need to remember that God deals with our transgressions absolutely and we need to ask that He replaces our sinful nature with a nature that is willing to listen to His Word. When this occurs, we will find joy in obedience.

  Finally, this psalm ends with David offering his service to God. This is not saying that we need to complete certain acts to have our sins forgiven, in fact verse 16 makes that point very clear. What David is pointing out here is that he knows that God has forgiven his sins, this knowledge allows David to joyfully sing of the works of God. There is a great weight lifted when we come before God with prayers of repentance. Before we are carrying around our sin and shame, being buried down by it. Afterwards, we are restored and the shame is lifted from us by the only one who has the power to forgive, God. Oh what a joy it is to know that God will forgive us of our sin! However, this means we have the responsibility to come to God and acknowledge that we cannot fix ourselves but rather need His unfailing love, mercy, and Him to clean us of all sin. What a friend we have in Jesus Christ, who can triumphantly love us, offer mercy, and clean us of all unrighteousness and truly make a prayer of repentance a prayer worth praying.

 Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Waiting On His Time

Have you ever wanted something, and you had to wait? Waiting at times can be worst than getting a no. Waiting for the unknown can be a grueling and upsetting time where the emotions and imagination can run rampant with “what ifs.” This can be even worse when we are waiting on God for something. There are times when we will ask God for something, and we find out His answer is wait. This can feel frustrating, nerve racking, and at times even demoralizing. However, this doesn’t have to be. I want to take you to two people in the Bible who both had to wait on the Lord for an answer. First was a young man named Joseph. Joseph was given a dream that he would see his brothers and family serve him, that he would be placed in an honorary position of power. “Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” Genesis 37:9-10. However, it would take years, before God would finally place him in this position. He would have to learn grueling lessons in patience and to trust the Lord on His timing. Through this waiting though, God was able to show the world a marvelous lesson in God being in control, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” Genesis 50:20. To read more about Joseph’s story go to Genesis chapter 37 and continuing reading through the book.

Our second person would be Peter the apostle. Unlike Joseph, he did not have to wait years for an answer from God. However, the time from his betrayal of Jesus Christ until Jesus Christ restored him would be tough. We read in Luke how Peter was told by Jesus Himself that he would betray Jesus Christ. “’Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.’ 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me’” Luke 22:31-34. Peter had to wait days before He would hear the Son of God call out to him. However, because of Peter we now understand that there is no sin that Christ cannot cover with the cross, no one is outside of His forgiveness.

Both these lessons teach those who are waiting for God’s answer to take a moment and reflect on the big picture and what God might be doing. Proverbs 16:9 states, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” God knows what is coming prior to you and I even knowing to ask for a prayer on that situation. While this doesn’t mean we are off the hook for praying and talking to our Lord and Savior about it, we need to be ok if the answer is “Wait.” Remember, at times God might be using the wait game for us to learn something, for others to observe and learn something, and even prepare us for what He has promised us. Consider this, when refining silver or gold, it takes time for the process to come about. The craftsman needs time to bring all the elements together in order to make his masterpiece. Proverbs 17:3 states, “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold but the Lord tests hearts.” If you believe God has called you to something, but His immediate answer has been “Wait”, take a moment and be patient knowing He is either working in your life, or preparing to reveal a lesson to others watching your life. This doesn’t mean waiting can be any easier at times but take it from someone who has learned this lesson in my own life. At times when God says “Wait” know it will always lead to something greater if we are willing to trust and obey Him. Bear in mind this simple declaration from God in Proverbs, “The Lord has made everything for its own purpose” Proverbs 16:4a. There is no curve ball with God, if He says wait, take that time to reflect on what He is actively doing.     

 Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming

JL

RE-POST FRIDAY

Today we look back at a very special On the Radar! Read it HERE!

Prayers of Intercession

When we first began our series, we discussed how to pray and for that example we looked to Luke 11:1-4 as Jesus Christ teaches His disciples how to pray. At the time we discussed this passage we pointed out that it was not the prayer that Jesus was praying. When He had separated Himself from His disciples to pray, He was offering a prayer of intercession for those who follow Him. Prayers of intercession are some of the most common prayers, they are prayers that one prays on the behalf of another, to intervene for someone else. While there are many examples of intercession in the Bible, just look at Genesis 18:20-33 or Acts 7:60, it is a powerful thing to realize that Jesus Christ Himself is praying on our behalf.

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.””

John 17:1-26

The beginning eight verses all show the relationship that Christ had with the Heavenly Father. He was not afraid to come before God and intercede on the behalf of those who would follow Him. We see that Christ is pointing out the truth that is found in God’s Word, that He is the only true God and that Jesus Christ was sent by Him. We also see that Christ is stating that He has manifested the name of the Heavenly Father on earth, He was evidence that God’s Word was true and that Jesus Christ was God. This open in a prayer of intercession is important, Christ was not demanding that something be done immediately. Instead He was reminding God of who Jesus Christ was to the Heavenly Father, He is the Son of God. For us today, this still holds true. When we come before God with prayers of intercession we should open it with by stating that we are children of God, and with the knowledge that God does not go back on His Word or promises.

We see Christ transition into interceding in verse nine, “9 I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on the behalf of those whom You have given Me, because they are Yours;” Here we see that Christ is making it clear who He is interceding for. It is important to note that while Christ died and was resurrected to save all of mankind, “15 and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.” 2 Corinthians 5:15 Jesus Christ is interceding for those who belong to God. This also means that this prayer is for current and future believers in Christ. We have claim to the same promises that believers before us did. It is truly the magnificence of God to see that He was praying already for those who would place their faith in Jesus Christ, no matter the time period.

From verse eleven to the end of the chapter we see what Jesus Christ was interceding for the disciples and for us. We see that Christ was protecting the disciples while He was with them from the world, today He is still interceding for our protection. “14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” John 17:14-16. When we become a believer in Jesus Christ, our old self dies and we become a new creation, “17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 because of this the world hates us, we do not belong in it. Every believer today has felt the burden of living in a world that worships the created rather than the Creator, some more than others. Christ is not praying to remove us from where we are, but that we have the strength to remain in the faith because we belong to something greater.

Christ continues His prayer that those who follow Him would be sanctified in the truth; and as He was sent into the world, so are we sent into the world to manifest just as He did the Word of truth. We are called to be living examples of Christ on earth, “20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20. You may be wondering why I keep saying that Christ prayed this for us as well as believers before us. The answer can be found in verse twenty, “20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,” Believers today have not seen Christ, they simply have the Word of God and the testimony of others to this truth. This verse shows that Christ was not only interceding for the disciples, but for those who would come just as He continues to today, “34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Romans 8:34, “25 Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25. This means that the promises of glory found in the rest of the prayer also apply to us as well.

For us, when we offer up prayers on intercession we should look at this model. Christ was praying for those who would not come to know Him until years later, most of us today are praying for those around us. We could be praying that they come to know the Lord, or that they make it through a difficult time or situation. One point to make however, while there are prayers of intercession it is not us interceding on the individual’s behalf. It is us asking Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to intercede on their behalf. Our prayers of intercession are needed today not only for those around us, but because it strengthens our relationship with God. We remind ourselves who we are to Him and of His promises.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Post Long Overdue

Today is a simple post, one that has been long overdue and should have been written time and time before now. However, sitting and reflecting on what I needed to write about I realized that this post has never been done and to my shame I am now writing this to you all. For those who have been with Mill House Ministries for some time, you have undoubtedly heard this ministry came out of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. We here on staff felt a calling on our hearts to proclaim the gospel to those who are not saved in Jesus Christ, but also to energize the born-again believer to stay the course. When 2019 ended the world got dark, it went from bad to worse and we are still seeing the deteriorating situation.

Over the year and a half, we have seen Christians from all over the world be touched by this ministry and it has been a blessing to us here. We love to hear the stories of people in Ireland, China, Russia, Norway, United States, New Zealand, and so many more. While the numbers do not matter to us, we would present the gospel and words of encouragement no matter what, it is a blessing to know that you our readers are in the thousands. However, today I wanted to quickly finish this post not to thank you the reader but calling you to help us in prayer!

Mill House brings in zero profit, we intend to keep it that way, but our time and resources are deeply committed to bringing you the best quality we can provide. We are daily seeking the Lord looking for truth in His Word that He would have us deliver. Nevertheless, we need your prayers! We need prayer that we can continue this ministry, that we can continue to juggle our full-time work positions, school, families, and other obligations. Our prayers are for spiritual healthiness first, second physical health. and finally for God to touch our hearts and lead us into what He would have us write about. Mill House Ministries is a young but eager ministry, and we know that prayer is one of our most powerful weapons. So with that I end this post reaching out to you the reader, if you have not signed up please do so. Check out our website and see all the great content we have out there. Finally, keep us in your prayers as we strive to serve the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ!

Remember if you ever have questions or concerns, if you ever want to know more about a subject or want to know more about Jesus Christ, just look us up on our contact page and we would be happy to help!

 Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

RE-POST FRIDAY

For today’s RE-POST FRIDAY we continue to look back at the Armor of God by seeing the power of the Sword of the Spirit. Read it HERE!

Prayers of Deliverance

Up until now we have discussed the cheerful prayers. Ones like prayers of thankfulness that offer praise to God for what He has done, or prayers of adoration that simply praise God. We have seen prayers asking for wisdom and guidance, as well as prayers of petition. The last three types of prayers to discuss are the difficult ones. They are when we come before God with a broken spirit and ask Him to intercede or prayers of repentance. Today we are discussing prayers of deliverance. The idea of deliverance is to be rescued or set free. Perhaps the greatest prayer of deliverance is when we ask God to save us and set us free from our sins. There are times when prayers of deliverance are needed to ask God to rescue us from a physical situation, this was definitely the case for Hezekiah.

“14 Then Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went up to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “Lord, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline Your ear, Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, Lord, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to taunt the living God. 17 It is true, Lord; the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, 18 and have hurled their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but only the work of human hands, wood and stone. So they have destroyed them. 19 But now, Lord our God, please, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, Lord, are God.””

2 Kings 19:14-19

Crisis often brought the Israelites back to God, and for King Hezekiah his crisis was being surrounded by Sennacherib King of Assyria and his army of 185,000. If you look back at the previous chapter, you would see that Sennacherib was an arrogant man who believed that he could defy the will of God and take over Jerusalem simply because he had not been stopped in any of his other conquests.

We see that King Hezekiah did not rely on human counsel and wisdom; he went straight to the One who governs all, God. Hezekiah pleads the sovereignty of God, “15 Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “Lord, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth” 2 Kings 19:15. He asks God for His protection and guidance in dealing with the unruly king. Hezekiah acknowledges that it is only through God do nations rise and fall, “He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away.” Job 12:23 but Hezekiah asks God to see the situation that he is in. This is not to say that Hezekiah doubts that God is aware of the plight he faces, instead Hezekiah is asking God to respond to the foolish words spoken by Sennacherib. Hezekiah sums up the situation that he is in and asks God for his protection.

Unfortunately, it often takes a crisis for us to turn back to God. When things are going well we tend to think that it is our own doing. When bad times come upon us and we are in a situation that is too large for us to handle, that is often when we turn to God. It is during these times that prayers of deliverance take place. This should not be the case. Prayers of deliverance are also present with those who are walking with the Lord and are not in sin. Good times can be a stumbling block for those who are saved, we should not leave God’s Word when things are going well. Hezekiah was a good king and followed God’s teachings, “3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.” 2 Kings 18:3. He did not turn to God only when confronted by a problem, Hezekiah had a personal walk with the Lord that made it possible for him to believe that God would answer his prayer of deliverance. It is through this type of faith that the scripture, “31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” Romans 8:31 truly comes to life. When we are faced with the impossible, we know that God is for us and that we can come to Him and pray for His deliverance.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Don’t Give Up!

Today I wanted to reach out to you with an encouraging word during these undoubtedly dark days. We might be told that the challenges we are facing have come before and that the world continues to go as it always has, but we should not be fooled. Peter warned us of what the deniers would say “Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4. We live in unprecedented times, when people are connected now more than ever before. What happens on one side of the world, we see elsewhere; we see nature itself sludging along with the sinful curse established on it from Adam’s fall from grace, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Romans 8:22. Our instincts tell us things are changing, and we do not know if tomorrow will look like today. Doubt and fear have become common emotions felt even by the strongest in the Christian faith.

Some have decided to tell themselves that this is all but a bad episode in life that will go away soon. Yet, we also see the real headline news reminding us of what Jesus Christ said, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.” Matthew 24:6. However, this darkness is in no way something to be frightened about if you have Jesus Christ in your life. If you are saved and are His, remember God’s Words in Deuteronomy, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” Deuteronomy 31:6 or in Matthew, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. He has not forgotten us who are His!

Over the next week things will get almost entirely worse, remember what Christ said we were to Him and what His plans for us who are saved is. This passage in John 17 describes how Jesus wants us where He is, however read John 14 and see His promise to us on where we are going! We have not been forgotten; He is ever patient waiting for the opportune time which one day will come, and we will hear Him call us home.  

“19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:19-26.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

RE-POST FRIDAY

We continue our look into a series of important questions. Read it HERE!

Prayers of Petition

To hear the word, petition, is almost an everyday occurrence in these times. I really don’t think you can get on any social media platform or listen to any channel on the TV without someone sharing or mentioning a petition going around.  Petition has been overused so much it has lost its significance and charisma.  We forget that the definition of a petition is to make a request to a person in power about a particular situation. The worldly perspective of petitions should not be our prayer life’s perspective of a petition. When we are praying regarding a petition, we are praying to the One who has authority over everything. We are making our petition to the One with the highest authority. Two verses come to mind when we are reminded that God has authority over all, “6 and he said, “Lord, God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.” 2 Chronicles 20:6 and ““I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2.

One great example of a prayer of petition can be found in Acts 4:24-30,

“24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.””

This prayer occurs after Peter and John had been imprisoned for healing the lame man (Acts 4:4). The high priests questioned Peter and John regarding whose authority they had to heal the man to which they boldly proclaimed that they had authority through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:8-12). This prayer takes place when Peter and John return to their companions after being commanded by the high priests to stop speaking and preaching in the name of Jesus Christ.

This prayer starts with the members approaching God with awe, they acknowledge that He is ruler of heaven, earth, and everything in between. They acknowledge His authority even to the point of the Jews and Gentiles putting the Son of God to death, all to fulfill His predestined plan of salvation for all mankind. After acknowledging His authority they come before God with a desperate plea, to keep them preaching the faith without any fear of the threats of the high priests. They close their prayer with the hope that He will continue to perform miracles through them so as to further share the gospel.

We can learn from this prayer of petition today. Prayers of petition reflect on God’s promises, this gives us boldness when we pray. It also allows us to grown in our faith as we lean on God and His promises. Look at verses like, “19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 or “11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. God has plans for us and He will provide for our needs, the plans that He has may not be what we immediately think we want, but since He has ultimate authority His ways are greater than ours. ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 our prayers of petition need to reflect upon who God is and remind ourselves of His promises and power.

Remember, a petition is to request from a person of authority (God) to act on a specific situation. This means that our prayer of petitions are to ask God to act on a situation that we are encountering. This does not mean that we ask for our will to be done, but for God to act on His promises. As we have already seen, God’s ways are greater than ours. This means that sometimes our prayers of petition will be answered in a way that we do not immediately see as good. However, when we reflect back, we see that God was working the situation out for our own good. 

God is at work when we request Him to act on a situation. This is seen in Acts 4:31, “31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Those involved with the situation that Peter and John found themselves in immediately saw God responding. It was right after they had prayed the prayer we just discussed that they were filled with the Holy Spirit and found the courage to continue to boldly speak the Word of God.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

The Basics: A Brief Overview of Proverbs

The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide. 

  The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works. 

  Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man. 

  These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison. 

1. Introduction

2. Who wrote it

3. When did they write it

4. Key topics

5. Key sections

6. Books that interact with each other

7. Analysis of the Book

  As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book. 

 BASICS COURSE:

Proverbs

INTRODUCTION: 

If the Bible is God’s Word, than Proverbs is His “How To Manual.” The book of Proverbs is a collection of works orchestrated by God for any scenarios a person might find themselves in. It is God’s written evidence to those who are saved that He is truly our Heavenly Father who wants what is best for us.   

 WHO WROTE IT: 

There are several authors from Kings, to royal officials. The book of Proverbs is a collection of individual works at different moments in time. 

WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT: 

According to Chuck Swindol “The composition of Proverbs remains one of the most difficult questions about the book. Its strong association with Solomon means most of its contents were completed prior to his death in 931 BC. Clearly the book stayed in the southern kingdom of Judah, as Hezekiah’s men compiled more of Solomon’s proverbs in Proverbs 25-29. This indicates that the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC.[1]“

 KEY TOPICS:

The book of Proverbs shows the reader several topics. Including society, government, Religion, prophecy, Prophets, man, woman, children, family issues, promises, war, God, love, sex, femininity, single parenthood, antisemitism, and the rights to self defense. The book of Proverbs also includes topics like Jesus Christ, revelation, Satan, and judgment. 

KEY SECTIONS: 

Due to each chapter is in itself its own unique and separate study, the book of Proverbs should not be sectioned as other books but rather in chapters.  

 BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER: 

While the authors can be identified in other books of the Bible, the unique aspect of the book of Proverbs is its foundational aptitude as a stand alone book. One might make an argument that the lessons found in Proverbs are also reflected throughout the whole Bible. This does not argue for the interaction of Proverbs with other books, but rather the justification of it being in the cannon. 

 ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK: 

No other book of the Bible is written in such a way that the reader is instantly established in the presence of the Maker of the universe to have Him teach us how to live. Proverbs is even designed for daily reading with 31 chapters a day. Scholars have confirmed that individuals who study Proverbs, daily in coordination with reading/studying the rest of their daily scripture verses, are more apt to recognize, understand, and utilize wisdom and discernment; where others fail. Dr. Chuck Swindoll even went on to say, “Proverbs accomplishes something no other biblical book does: it simply compiles numerous short instructions for living an effective life on earth. While other books articulate profound theological truths, lengthy narratives of triumph and failure, or prophetic preaching to a disobedient people, Proverbs concerns itself completely with instructing people in the path of wisdom. The writers of the book recognized the varied circumstances of a person’s life and provided principles to apply in a variety of situations rather than instructions to follow in only a few specific instances.” If you are a parent and you do not know where to start raising your child(en), look to Proverbs. If you want to start a business, run for office, lead an organization, or simply understand the meaning to life, Proverbs is instrumental. We would be amiss if we did not however give you two verses that are the keys to understanding all of Proverbs. Proverbs 9:10  “The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One [is] understanding.” The entire key to having wisdom is totally written up in this one verse. For those who might be wondering what is the fear of the Lord, it is simply summed up in Proverbs 8:13 “The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.” In truth the fear of the Lord, which is the foundation for all of Proverbs, is the study of loving what God loves and hating what He hates. Proverbs is simple and yet a resounding book with clear guidance to those who will listen and warnings to those who will not. Proverbs should be read by any believer at any age in any stage of their life. All believers should read a Proverb a day so that when adversity comes they will have the correct answer.  

 Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming

JL

Hold until relieved our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

[1] https://insight.org/resources/bible/the-wisdom-books/proverbs

RE-POST FRIDAY

We continue our review of our study of the Armor of God! Read it HERE!

Prayers For Guidance

We have already seen that prayers of adoration and prayers of thanksgiving are often mistaken for being the same. This holds true with prayers for wisdom and prayers for guidance. Last week we saw Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, not as the world would see it, but true wisdom in the knowledge of the Lord and what He would have Solomon do. This week we are going to review an example of a prayer for guidance. Looking for guidance is a natural experience, we often want someone to advise us on choices we have to make or what we should be doing. However, to often Christians look to books, scholars, pastors, or friends for guidance. While this is not wrong, many forget to ask God for His guidance. They place their faith in fallen man verses the infallible God. This is why prayers for guidance are so important, they allow us to focus on who truly has authority in any given situation for His advice. Psalm 25 is a great example of a prayer for guidance.

“To You, Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 My God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies rejoice over me. 3 Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed. 4 Make me know Your ways, Lord; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. 6 Remember, Lord, Your compassion and Your faithfulness, For they have been from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoings; Remember me according to Your faithfulness, For Your goodness’ sake, Lord. 8 The Lord is good and upright; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are faithfulness and truth To those who comply with His covenant and His testimonies. 11 For the sake of Your name, Lord, Forgive my wrongdoing, for it is great.12 Who is the person who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. 13 His soul will dwell in prosperity, And his descendants will inherit the land. 14 The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant. 15 My eyes are continually toward the Lord, For He will rescue my feet from the net. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, For I am lonely and afflicted.17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses. 18 Look at my misery and my trouble,And forgive all my sins. 19 Look at my enemies, for they are many, And they hate me with violent hatred.20 Guard my soul and save me; Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. 21 Let integrity and uprightness protect me, For I wait for You. 22 Redeem Israel, God, From all his distress.”

  A prayer for guidance is asking God to show us His will and what He would have us do in the present moment. This is exactly what David, the author of this psalm, is doing here. He begins the prayer with phrases that show that he trusts God and has faith in Him. David also asks that while he may be surrounded by enemies, that he would not be ashamed and reminds God of His promise that those who wait on Him will not be ashamed. 

  David then asks God to teach Him. This is where he is asking God for guidance, too often we read God’s Word just to read it. We do not ask for Him to teach us and show us the deeper meanings to His Word. Because of this, the Bible can often be seen as confusing, which then makes it more difficult to read, and results in a lack of knowledge of the Word; which leads to stumbling in our walk with God. We should be praying for God to teach us what His Word means, especially as the end times grows closer. David is asking here that God would make God’s ways known to him. David did not have the completed Bible before him, we do but this does not mean that we have full knowledge of God’s ways. God’s ways are different from ours, and it is only through asking Him for guidance will we even remotely understand them. ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.

  David also asks that God lead him in His ways. We should not only ask for God’s guidance when it comes to studying His Word, but also that God lead us in His way and in His will. To be taught and lead show a spirit of humbleness. We place ourselves under the authority of God and accept that His will is greater. This means that sometimes what we are asking for is not what we will receive because it is not in God’s will. When those days happen, we need to be like David who states “For You I wait all the day” Psalm 25:5b. We need to wait upon the Lord and place our faith in His promises, just as David did by asking God to remember His promises of compassion and lovingkindness. We saw last week that God will not withhold good things from those who are following Him, this includes His guidance; a fact that David makes clear in the next passage of his prayer.

  David states that “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalm 25:8-10 because God is good and upright, He will instruct the sinners in the way. Sometimes this means that His instruction is found in discipline, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12. Just because we may be disciplined by God does not mean that we cannot receive His guidance, we simply need to humble ourselves before Him and allow Him to lead us on the path that He has directed for us. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.

  David then shows that for those who fear the Lord, God will guide them in the way that they should go. We saw last week that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverb 9:10). When we humble ourselves and ask God for His guidance, we not only receive it but also wisdom like we discussed last week. This is why prayers for wisdom and prayers for guidance go hand in hand. We need to pray that we can see the way God is guiding us and pray that we have the knowledge to follow His will. When we pray for both wisdom and guidance we will be able to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and know that “He will pluck my feet out of the net” Psalm 25:15b. When we are focused on God and following His will, God will remove us from temptations to stray from Him and we will not be trapped in sin.

  In verses 16-22, we come to a deciding factor that many fail to recognize about the characteristics of a prayer asking for guidance. David is detailing his current situation and the concerns that he has to the Lord. As we have stated, prayers of wisdom and prayers of guidance at times can be mistaken for each other. However, they do have a key difference when compared. Prayers of wisdom are generally more passive and regard broader strokes of one’s life, while prayers of guidance are generally more active in the moment and specific to the need of the believer to the all knowing God. In Psalm 25, we see David detailing how he sees his situation to God. One might argue that this is not needed because God is all knowing, yet as an all loving God and a good Heavenly Father He cares for us and wants us to tell Him. God is willing to eagerly listen. God has created us in such a way that by verbalizing the details of our situation to Him, we can at times examine our situation and possibly see the correct choice that God has preordained for us. 

  Finally, we need to remember that David is approaching God with a spirit of humility and awe. David is asking God to be gracious to him and help him with the enemies around him. Today we are surrounded by an army that hates us just as David was. However, our enemies are not only of flesh and blood, “12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” Ephesians 6:12. Part of our prayers for guidance is to ask God to guard us in the face of our enemies. We need to remember that we can find refuge in God.

 Seek the truth and encourage one another,

 Alex

The Basics: A Brief Overview of Psalms

The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide. 

  The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works. 

  Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man. 

 These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison. 

1. Introduction

2. Who wrote it

3. When did they write it

4. Key topics

5. Key sections

6. Books that interact with each other

7. Analysis of the Book

  As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book. 

 BASICS COURSE:

Psalm 

 INTRODUCTION: 

Have you ever wondered about the very thoughts of God? Considered the world? Why and how it was made? Examined God’s actions and even been inspired to see what man is capable of? Then the book of Psalm is the book for you.  This book is so diverse in topics it can only be described as multi topical with each chapter being able to stand alone as a perfect ornament. Together they declare the majesty of God and His plan from Creation to Revelation. 

 WHO WROTE IT: 

There are several authors from shepherds, Kings, and royal officials. The book of Psalm is a collection of individual work at moments in time. 

 WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT: 

Due to the multitude of authors all contributing work to the book of Psalms, we cannot with precision give one date. However, we can conclude that the lists of chapters and Psalms were collected as a whole by the end of the captivity in Babylon roughly around 515 B.C.

 KEY TOPICS:

The book of Psalm shows the reader several topics. Including, society, government, religion, prophecy, Prophets, man, woman, children, family issues, promises, war, God, love, sex, femininity, single parenthood, antisemitism, the right to self defense, Jesus Christ, Revelation, Satan, and judgment. 

 KEY SECTIONS: 

Due to each chapter is in itself its own unique and separate study, the book of Psalm should not be sectioned as other books but rather in chapters. 

BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER: 

Psalm could possibly be one of the greatest books of the Bible, when you compare its impact on the rest of scripture and on the individuals who wrote the Bible under the guide of the Holy Spirit. There is not one book that does not have a connection to at least a verse found within the chapters of Psalm. With that said, a reader should read seriously the Psalms when corresponding it with other books of the Bible. 

 ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK: 

You would be gravelly mistaken if you would pass by Psalms with the belief it is musical only. As a child I was led to believe the books of Psalm were more for the emotionally dependent people, those who needed constant reminders that God loved them. What I did not realize was that the book of Psalm was so much more. The Old Testament can be divided into three parts, the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. Jesus Christ confirms this division of His Word in Luke 24:44, “Then He said to them, “These [are] the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and [the] Prophets and [the] Psalms concerning Me.” The Psalms is not merely musical, but God’s Word orchestrated to reveal God’s plan and actions in only such a way that He is capable of. Arno C. Gaebelein in his book The Book of Psalms: A Devotional and Prophetic Commentary stated, “In our Bibles the book of Psalms occupies the central part, preceding the prophetic scriptures. It may be compared to a great mountain peak from whose summit we have a magnificent sweep in all directions. The book contains 150 songs of praise, prayers and descriptions of every possible kind of human experience.”[1] Since coming to this realization I have found a deep desire and fulfillment in understanding the Psalms. There are prophetic implications from Christ’s first coming to His second, there are reflections of Christ’s thoughts while on the cross, and even the step by step remorseful approach a man who chased after God’s own heart had with the Maker of the universe. The book of Psalms is uniquely and uncharacteristically one of the hardest books to briefly describe, but one which we cannot stress enough should be valued and read by all. In short, the book of Psalms will be rewarding for the new or old believer in whatever stage of their life, study, and topic they find themselves desiring to know about God.

Hold until relieved our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

[1] Arno C. Gaebelein in his book The Book of Psalms a devotional and prophetic commentary Pg. Introduction 

RE-POST FRIDAY

Join us as we look back on a series of questions that have a very impactful consequence. Read it HERE!

Prayers for Wisdom

The world would define wisdom as having experience, knowledge, and good judgement. This is not wrong, however the Bible defines wisdom at its core, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way” Proverbs 8:13. It is the ability to regard a situation and have sound judgement to know what is right. The Bible would describe wisdom as “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 based on these two definitions we see that to have wisdom we need to have knowledge of God. While this can and should most certainly be done by being in His Word daily, we also should spend time praying for wisdom. Wisdom is a characteristic that God will grant to those who ask of it “5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 God will not hold back good things from those who have placed their faith in Him, this includes knowledge of Him. Perhaps the most famous prayer of wisdom can be found in 1 Kings 3:4-9.

“4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the great high place; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.” 6 Then Solomon said, “You have shown great faithfulness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth, righteousness, and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great faithfulness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am like a little boy; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. 9 So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, to discern between good and evil. For who is capable of judging this great people of Yours?””

The first thing to notice here is that God came to Solomon, this wasn’t due to the sacrifices that he had made but because Solomon’s heart was right with the Lord. God wished to work through Solomon; His will would have been done regardless, but having a servant with a heart surrendered to Him allowed God to show what He can offer when we have our hearts right with Him. Solomon was walking and following the will of God. What makes this prayer so interesting is that when Solomon was approached by God, he did not ask for fame or riches. He asked only that God grant him the wisdom to lead God’s people.

However, Solomon does not start his prayer with his petition right away, instead he recognizes God’s faithfulness to his father David. The words that Solomon uses show an attitude of awe, he is worshiping God in his prayer. Solomon also recognizes that through God’s promise to David, he was allowed to claim the throne and rule God’s chosen people. This shows faith that God will complete His promises.

Solomon then recognizes his own inability to rule the people. This was not false humility, Solomon is simply recognizing that he is no more than a child and does not have the knowledge to do right by the people. The only knowledge that could allow him to complete his task is the knowledge that is granted by God. He is recognizing that to rule is a task that is bigger than himself, in order to be successful Solomon would need to depend upon God to complete His work through Solomon. It is with this knowledge of dependence upon God that Solomon makes his request for wisdom. 

The type of wisdom that Solomon was asking for was a living wisdom. He wanted more than a head knowledge of what to do, Solomon wanted a heart that listened to God and followed what He said. This again is showing that Solomon recognizes that he is dependent upon God to successfully rule. If you read 1 Kings 3:10-15, you will see God’s response back to Solomon. Remember, God knows our prayers before we ourselves know what we are going to pray for. It is through humility and knowing that we can’t handle whatever situation we are in without Him that causes us to come before God with our prayers. Even though God knew what Solomon would ask of Him, Solomon’s response still pleased Him. God not only granted Solomon great wisdom, but also riches that he did not ask for.

To ask for wisdom should not be something that after reading this prayer we say “Oh I wish I had thought of that!” As already stated, God wants to give us good things, He will not hold back from those who are following Him. “7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 we also need to keep in mind that we need to pray that God’s will be done, not ours. In fact most times, what seems wise to us is foolish to God. We need to pray as Solomon did that God gives us the wisdom that we need for the situation that we are in. 

As a note, we should be praying for wisdom when we are doing our Bible studies. If we pray for wisdom in regards to God’s Word we will see the words on the page turn to life and we will have a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. 

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

The Basics: A Brief Overview of Esther

The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide. 

  The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works. 

  Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man. 

 These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison. 

1. Introduction

2. Who wrote it

3. When did they write it

4. Key topics

5. Key sections

6. Books that interact with each other

7. Analysis of the Book

  As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book. 

 BASICS COURSE:

Esther

 INTRODUCTION: 

Do you have doubt? Believe that your self worth is worth little? Do you believe women cannot change the world? Do you believe father figures are not needed? Do you believe that this is not the exact time God meant for you to live? The book of Esther is God’s declaration that He can use the underdog, the forgotten, the orphan, and the single parent to do great and mighty deeds! 

 WHO WROTE IT: 

The author is unknown, some have speculated that it was Mordecai, the adopted father of Queen Esther. 

 WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT: 

Biblical authors have speculated on the exact timing of the writing, but we do know the details of the book were written during the years of 483–473 B.C. and written after this.[1]

 KEY TOPICS:

The book of Esther shows the reader several topics. Including, society, government, religion, prophecy, Prophets, man, woman, children, family issues, promises, war, God, love, sex, femininity, single parenthood, antisemitism, the rights to self defense, and finally a spiritual foreshadow of the workings of Jesus Christ.

 KEY SECTIONS: 

Chapter 1 shows that the King needs an honorable Queen. Chapter 2 Esther becomes the Queen of Persia. Chapter 3 Haman’s antisemitism becomes law. Chapter 4 Haman’s plot is discovered and plans made to intercede. Chapters 5-7 Esther and Mordecai save the Jewish nation. Chapter 8 shows Mordecai is promoted. Chapter 9 describes the right to self defense. Chapter 10 is God’s blessings on Mordecai.

 BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER: 

The book of Esther is historically close to Ezra and Nehemiah. However, it is a stand alone book. This does not mean it is not celebrated by Jews all around the world to this very day, but its characteristics of God’s providence on the Jewish people is seen here and in other books of the Bible.

ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK: 

No matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, if you are a follow of God the Messiah Jesus Christ, Esther is a book that speaks resoundingly to you. While God is not mentioned once in the book, He is inferred in the hidden characteristics throughout the entire book. Esther is orphaned, but is raised by a relative named Mordecai. She is forced to into a situation which she is given the chance to become Queen of Persia and save her people, even though by all means they never helped her outside of Mordecai. Esther learns a valuable lesson that we all need to know and understand, God is in charge of our lives and at times He will place us in situations in which we are to shine for Him; no matter what the believed retribution could be. Mordecai states, “13 And Mordecai told [them] to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14. Mordecai understood that at times God’s will might seem aloof to us, that we are on our own; and yet we need to keep to His Word and be at peace knowing He is God and we are to act upon that foundational truth. Esther is a book that shows the underdog can change the world, Esther proves that women are capable of being the hero and single parents can make the same impact with the Lord’s help. Esther reminds the reader that the world is not perfect, but in God all things will work out for His glory and His purpose. If you are depressed and it seems that this world is too much to handle, take a lesson from Esther and see that God is in control. Esther sought council like in Proverbs 19:20, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Esther honored her husband, honored her people, and respected the rules and laws of her time. I must admit that even doing my own Bible study in preparation for this outline, I found more and more Bible verses discussing the conduct of a righteous women being embodied by Queen Esther. Women should look to emulate her, and men seeking a bride should aim for these qualities. Finally, the book of Esther is a great but subtle hint at the love of God for the sinner, who even though Satan, through his minion Haman, tried he could not stop the blood line of Jesus Christ coming from the Jewish nation. Esther is a bold declaration of when it is God’s time to judge and bring vengeance for His name and people, we should just step back and leave the vengeance to the Lord. If you are needing a good book of the Bible to read as a family or desire to dive into the rich lessons that can be used today, Esther is a prime choice. 

Hold until relieved our Blessed Hope is coming,

 JL

[1] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/macarthur_john/bible-introductions/esther-intro.cfm