Category Archives: prayer
death while worshipping
2 Kings 19 The prophet Isaiah sends word to Hezekiah that his prayers had been answered. Assyriah would not take Jerusalem. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. and Sennacherib went home. His own sons would put … Continue reading
no carte blanche
1 Kings 9:1-9 The LORD decided to honor Solomon’s prayer dedicating the newly built temple. It is always the sovereign LORD’s prerogative to do so. Yet Solomon did not have carte blanche to do as he pleased. He had to … Continue reading
the place of grace
1 Kings 8:22-66 Solomon’s prayer of dedication begins by simply asking God to hear the prayers of the righteous, and give them justice when they pray toward the temple in Jerusalem. But then he asks the LORD to go one … Continue reading
remarkable wisdom
1 Kings 3 Solomon’s great wisdom was a gift from the LORD, because he asked for it. James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all freely. God does not reserve his … Continue reading
when we need answers
1 Samuel 29-30 There are times of change in our lives that force us to make decisions when we have little past experience upon which to base those decisions. David finds himself in one of those times. His time among … Continue reading
one last prayer
Judges 16 The Bible skips over Samson’s twenty years of judging over Israel, delivering them from the oppression of the Philistines. It tells the story of his betrayal by Delilah, and his being blinded and losing his strength. But he … Continue reading
missions and common sense
Joshua 9 The lesson the Israelite leaders learned from the Gibeonite deception was an important one. Whatever they did, they needed to seek the LORD’s guidance first. Although God was withy them, and promised to give them the land, he … Continue reading
missions and the valley of trouble
Joshua 7 Joshua assumed that all he had to do was follow the same game plan that had led to success at Jericho. He sent out spies, they sent back a favorable report. He commissioned the attack. Then it all … Continue reading
in retrospect: wise warfare
Deuteronomy 20 Moses would not participate in the wars he spoke of, but his words would guide those who did. Warriors had to be free of other concerns and pursuits, and must be aware of the bigger picture. That had … Continue reading
in retrospect: hinges of mercy
Deuteronomy 9:6-10:11 Moses’ prayers served as hinges that let the LORD turn from his judgment upon Israel to his mercy toward them. Many times the anger of the LORD was ready to consume the people, and it was the persistent … Continue reading
Devotions 