Pastors Corner

Jeremiah 24

Jeremiah 24:7 Lord, work in my heart so that I will always recognize You as Lord. Be my God. Lord let me be like the good figs following You with my whole heart all my life.

Jeremiah 27

This chapter shows us that while God never ordains false leaders, He may use wicked leaders, even self-appointed ones to perform His purposes.
What an irony. God warns against false leaders and simultaneously uses an evil king (the Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar) to prune the people He calls His own. This chapter helps us today to see an important truth regarding how God carries out His will in history.

Jeremiah 27:5 Almighty God, by Your great power You made the earth and all its people and every animal. You can do whatever You choose. We are all in your hands, Lord, from the greatest to the smallest. Help us to recognize You for who You are and ourselves for what we are.

Jeremiah 27:14 Lord, help us to put our faith in You and Your promises and not in the words of mere humans.

Jeremiah 27:22 Lord, You promised to bring Your people back to Jerusalem, and You kept that promise, and the whole world cannot deny the fact that Israel is a nation, even if they wont accept it. I thank You because You are faithful to Your Word. Help me to speak simply and truthfully too, and always keep my word. (Matthew 5:37)

2 Peter 2

2 Peter 2:1 Pray that God will give you the desire to know and understand His word so that you can recognize those who are not teaching the truth.

2 Peter 2:4-10 Praise and adore the almighty God of justice, because He will always reward righteousness and punish evil “right to the day of judgment.”

2 Peter 2:19-20 Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there is anything besides the Spirit that has you in its control, such as addiction or recurring sin. Pray that God will disentangle you from any such thing that holds you captive.

2 Kings 24

2 Kings 24:3-4 The innocent blood of martyrs is precious to God. Pray for the persecuted church on earth. May it reap a rich harvest of souls for the kingdom of God.

Psalm 124

Psalm 124:1, 4-5 If You, Lord, were not on my side, I would long ago have been engulfed by calamity and overwhelmed by terrors. Thank You for preserving me by Your mercy.

2 Peter 1

2 Peter 1:3-4 Thank The Lord for giving you the power you need to say no to evil desires and forces that would keep you from sharing His divine goodness.

2 Peter 1:5-7 Ask God’s help in applying His precious promises to your life so that you grow in moral excellence and in knowing God and in all the qualities that result; self-control, endurance, godliness, and genuine love.

2 Peter 1:19-21 The more I study Your Word, Father, the more I see how it is like a light shinning in a dark place. Your Word is indeed a light for my path (Psalm 119:105).

Today’s bible readings have stirred me to invite you to join me in praying for the suffering church. They need us now to stand with them as the heat of persecution is being turned up more and more.

Here are some points we can really pray for our suffering brothers and sisters.

For their physical protection and deliverance.

Matthew 26:39 “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

Acts 12:5 “So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.”

Philippians 1:19 “For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance (from jail) through your prayers.”

Philemon 22 “I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you (from jail)”

Romans 15:30-31 “Now I urge you, brethren… to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea”.

God predicted persecution:

Acts 20:23-24 “the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course”

And the suffering came:

Acts 21:30-31 “And all the city was aroused, and the people rushed together; and taking hold of Paul, they dragged him out of the temple; and… were seeking to kill him.”

That God would give them the right words and that they would fearlessly make Christ known

Here Paul tells how to pray for him when he was suffering for Christ in jail—notice his prayer was not for release.

Ephesians 6:19-20 “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Colossians 4:2-4 “Devote yourselves to prayer… praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.”

That they will see God’s grace as sufficient and God’s power perfected in their weakness

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

That they would love Christ’s appearing all the more

2 Timothy 4:5-8 “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Hebrews 11:35 “…others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection”.

That they will rejoice in sharing the sufferings of Jesus so that they will rejoice even more when Christ is revealed

Hebrews 10:34 “…accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.”

Matthew 5:12 “Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I Peter 4:13 “but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.”

That they will endure

Hebrews 10:36 “For you have need of endurance.”
That they will choose ill-treatment and the reproach of Christ, not pleasures of sin

Hebrews 11:24-26 “Moses… (chose) rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin; considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.”

That they will arm themselves with this purpose: to suffer so as to eradicate sin

1 Peter 4:1 “arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in flesh has ceased from sin.”

Hebrews 5:8 “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.”

That they will love Christ far more than life itself

Revelation 12:10-11 “they overcame (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.”

Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Acts 20:24 “I (Paul) do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course.”

That they will love their enemies

Luke 6:27-31 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

That they not enter into temptation—an easy possibility under the stress of persecution

(Luke 22:39-45 – Jesus in the garden)

That they will rejoice that they are considered worthy to suffer for HIS name

Acts 5:41 “So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.”

That they will remember they were made for such persecution

Acts 14:22 “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
Philippians 1:29 “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

That they will live the joy of the Lord before their persecutors

Acts 16:25 “But about midnight Paul and Silas (in jail) were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”

Philippians 1:28 “…in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.”

That they will remember their unbelievable future glory

Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
That they would learn to more completely trust in God

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 “For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead”

That they would rejoice that they bear in their bodies the “brand marks of Christ”

Galatians 6:17 “From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.”

That they would rejoice in filling up that which is lacking in Christ’s sufferings

Colossians 1:24 “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body (which is the church) in filling up that which is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.”

Jeremiah 13

Jeremiah 13:1-11 God instructed Jeremiah to wear a linen sash for a while, then bury it. What happened? The once useful sash became useless. Through this sash, God provides a teaching analogy for His people. The ruined piece of clothing represented the people of Israel who once served and worshiped God, but then became useless through their disobedience.
Lord help me to consider the parallels between the sash and my life.
I will remain useful when I am stretched, because we must be stretched and challenged. I will remain useful when I am secure, so I must draw my identity from God. I will remain useful when I am solid, I must possess stable values.
Lord I become useless when I am soiled because I cannot live with sin and apathy. I become useless when I am separated, we cannot live as mavericks. The sash became useless when it shrunk. I know I am not useful when I think small.
So I thank You, Father, for making me one of Your people, Your pride, Your glory, an honour to Your name. Help me to cling to You always.

Jeremiah 13:19 Join me in prayer today for refugees throughout the world, those who have left their homes and jobs and security because of war or famine or disaster.

1 Peter 4

1 Peter 4:2-3 Father, it’s so hard to change our bad habits and sinful ways of thinking, but we want to please You and do Your will. Through the Word and the power of Your Holy Spirit give us the strength, day by day, to break the cycle of sin and guilt, in Jesus name the Son of the Living God.

1 Peter 4:8-9 Ask God for a heart that is open and ready to deeply love others and a home that expresses love in generous hospitality.

1 Peter 4:16-17 Lord, keep me away from fear of what people think or say. Caused me to be reminded that it is no shame to suffer for being Christian, knowing that the glorious Spirit of God will come upon me. Lord, keep me focused! “Judgment must first begin at the house of God.”

Jeremiah 48

Jeremiah 48:7 Father just as Moab and it’s national god Chemosh was taken captive because the people put their trust in wealth and skills. Please help us not to put our trust in wealth and skills but only in You and your love for us.

Jeremiah 48:10 Lord, let me never refuse to do the work You give me, or to do it half –heartedly or cowardly even when it seems strange or puzzling to me. I see those who were called to be God’s instruments of chastening upon Moab were to be blessed in their work if they did it honestly and boldly; but if they did it half-heartedly and cowardly they would be cursed.

Jeremiah 48:27 Father, take away any attitude that we may have of looking down on others. When we in anyway mock those that are weaker than we are, burn our conscience with the knowledge that ridiculing others is a prideful act. Save us from such pride.

Jeremiah 48:33 Ask God to revive joy and gladness in churches in our nation, that have lost the joy of His salvation (Psalm 51:12)

Jeremiah 48:42 Forgive me, Lord, when I boast about anything but what You have done.

Jeremiah 49

Jeremiah 49:6 Pray that God will restore those who have been rebuked and have repented of their sins.

Jeremiah 49:7 God, in this difficult world in which we live, we desperately need wisdom. surround us with wise counsellors, Lord, people who have gotten their wisdom not just from books but from You.

Jeremiah 49:15 Lord, cut down to size all those who boast of their intelligence and abilities, including me.

Jeremiah 49:19 Father God, I praise You because there is none like You; no one can challenge You or oppose Your will.

Jeremiah 49:31 Lord, help me to be responsible in all I do but save me from a prideful sense of self-sufficiency.

Jeremiah 49:36 Lord, I praise You because nations come and go, but You are eternal. What confidence and comfort that gives me in this transient world.

Psalm 34:11-22

Psalm 34:13-14 Help me to watch my tongue, Lord. Keep my lips from telling lies. Help me turn away from evil, do good, and work hard at living peacefully with others.

Psalm 34:18 Lord, life today so easily breaks people’s hearts and crushes their spirits. Please be with the broken hearted and discouraged in our community, church and family.

1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3:1-5 Submit your self-image to God’s scrutiny and control. Let Him revise your need for approval from others. Ask Him to give you a quiet and gentle spirit as your most outstanding characteristic.

1 Peter 3:8-9 Confess your tendency to hold on to a proud and self-protective attitude. Ask God to make you tenderhearted and sympathetic, giving back blessings when others treat you badly.

1 Peter 3:13-17 Lord, I cannot live a good life except through belonging to you and being obedient to your Holy Spirit. Teach me what to say when others ask me about the hope I have in You.

Jeremiah 46

Jeremiah 46:3-4 Lord, as the order came “Buckle on your armour and advance into battle” These verse predict the call to battle of the opposing armies. I pray for every member of the Body of Christ that we will live prepared. Thank You for equipping us with the whole armour of God today and every day. (Ephesians 6:11-17)

Jeremiah 46:15 Lord, no matter how much we think that we have control over the events of history, no matter how we think we can protect and defend ourselves against our enemies, in the final analysis only You are in control. Only You control who wins and who loses. I put my trust in You.
God is calling us into the closet of intimacy with Him. In this set apart time, God breaks through to our hearts.

Jeremiah 46:18 Lord, God, I praise You because Your name is The Lord Almighty, and You do whatever You please (Job 23:13). Lord our news everyday now is full of harm and death that is coming to our children! Lord I cry out come and rebuke the devourer and save our children around the world.

Jeremiah 46:25 Lord, I praise You because both Your judgment and Your mercy are completely righteous.

Jeremiah 47

Jeremiah 47:6-7 Lord, I praise You because You are the Sovereign King of glory, strong and mighty, invincible in battle (Psalm24:8).

Psalm 34

Psalm 34:1 Lord, help us to bless You at all times through what we think and do. Let our mouths continually be filled with praise.

Psalm 34:2 Lord, we pray for the lost souls that our paths shall cross today. Let our souls be boasting only in You not our flesh. Then the humble seeking soul that we will meet will hear our boast in the Lord and be glad and get saved.

Psalm 34:5 Lord, let our faces shine with the joy of knowing You.

1 Peter 2

1 Peter 2:1-3 Father, nourish my spirit with this spiritual milk and make me whole and authentic in You.

1 Peter 2:4-5 Ask Jesus Christ to increase your understanding of Him as the cornerstone of God’s spiritual temple and your awareness of yourself as a living stone. Spend some time meditating on this powerful metaphor.

1 Peter 2:9-12 Let us contemplate our roles as God’s representatives, called to show others the goodness of God. Pray that you will influence your unbelieving neighbours with honourable behaviour.

1 Peter 2:12-17 Father show me what it means to live respectfully and honourably in Your eyes in a society where those ideals seem more and more rare, so that others will believe and give honour to You.

1 Peter 2:21-24 Pray for the grace and courage to follow Christ’s example in His honesty, humility, and readiness to let God be the one who judges.