October 2, 2012
THE INTERCESSOR AND CHARACTER
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. - James 5:16
It is the second day of October and tomorrow is the Chinese small group. The last meeting was two weeks ago and though I was able to make it, I felt incredibly tired from lack of sleep the previous night and I felt out of place because the people there were old enough to be my grandmother. My attitude was off then and even though I would like to go I am not sure if I can. My knees have been bothering me the past week with minor relief at times. Another moment today was that I heard from my child. Not even that was able to improve my mood today. She did well on her exam and I was happy for her because this was her prayer request, and concern, but I realize that I have so little joy and love when I personally do not feel well. I want to change my attitude but it is so hard.
"How can we grow in godly character? How can the words we say and the way we live demonstrate holiness and humility? How does our character affect the way we pray? When we discover the beauty of humility and brokenness and learn how our tongue can bring grace into the lives of others, we also discover joy in the secret place that breaks through into fruitful and effective prayer.
God puts a great price on humility of heart. It is good to be clothed with humility as with a garment. It is written, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). That which brings the praying soul near to God is humility of heart. That which gives wings to prayer is lowliness of mind. . . . Pride, self-esteem, and self- praise effectually shut the door of prayer. He who would come to God must approach the Lord with self hidden from his eyes. - E. M. Bounds, E. M. Bounds on Prayer1
Walking in humility is essential for those who want to touch the world through prayer. I was touched deeply by the humility I saw in the Christians in India. Now God reminds me over and over again to pray, "Lord, give me a humble heart." None of us can change the world unless we have a humble heart and walk in the very humility in which Jesus walked."
Humility is a key trait and virtue really missing today. I remember from the previous book about a young Christian who came to hear a preacher and then a pregnant woman came in and the pastor asked the young man to give up his seat and he was like but I got here first. There is a "me first" attitude especially within the young generation. I cannot say I am immune from this because I often think of my own needs before the needs of others. Yet this is how Christ modeled humility and what Paul writes in Philippians 2, considering the interests of others before our own. Young men and women simply today do not give up their seat for the elderly, the pregnant or the handicap. It just does not happen. I want to be able to consider the needs of others before myself. This is now my fifth day on the prayer network online and I hear about so many life challenges and just now begin to start praying for each person even though I don't know them, but God does and they matter to God and should matter to me. Humility is one trait that reflects that we are made in the image of God and the image of God was the topic my reflection paper was on. We are like Christ when we are humble. I can remember when I first got into the University of California and was the first of my relatives to do so. That time between my letter and my first day as a freshman were full of pride. It took only about a month when I got my first midterm back when my pride became totally gone. 12 years later as a grad student, pride came back. There is something about being a grad student that inflates the ego. I am not sure what it is. I had two very difficult professors that gave me less than desirable grades that kept me humble during my time as a grad student. I am not even sure why we can be so proud at such insignificant things.
"They don't defend themselves. They trust God to defend. "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:19). They are ready to be honest about themselves. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9).
They quickly admit they have sinned. Pride will deny that there is the possibility to sin. "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight" (Psalm 51:4). They are ready to make restitution. "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24). They are convinced of their inability to serve God on their own. They realize their dependence on prayer because they know they can do nothing without God. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
They are able to-sejoice and weep with others. They have compassion on the broken in the world and are able to enter into their pain. "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15).
you want to know what a person is really like, find out makes him or her laugh and weep."
In short, a person with humility depends on God and is selfless in his attitudes and actions. These values are really seen in Jesus. I cannot say that I am humble. When I am wronged I want the individual to have something bad happen to them. I will not go so far as to plan something to repay, but the fact that I think about it, that is the hurt of the individual means that I am wanting revenge rather than to resolve it in a Godly way. We should trust God in everything. I think also of King David. When confronted about his sin, he immediately realized what he did and repented. The authenticity of the is found in Psalm 51. Sometimes I have a problem to admit wrong. I try to justify the situation. Or, the common tactic, I blame someone else for what happened. Humble people are quick to admit wrong.
"The Blessings of Brokenness. What does brokenness produce in us?
True humility. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17).
Spiritual fruit. "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" (John 12:24). Healing. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). * Closeness to God. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18)."
Four listed fruits, spiritual fruit, genuine humility, closeness to God and healing are the products of brokenness. I know that the opposite can happen when we go through moments that are really tough. Rather than closeness with God we can feel far from and forgotten by God. Instead of humility we can feel crushed and overwhelmed and totally lack strength. Rather than healing we can feel depressed and discouraged. Rather than fruit we can feel powerless and purposeless. This is how I often feel in this present season of difficulty now in my life.
"The Bible stresses that what you say is an accurate indication of what is in your heart. If your words bless and encourage others, they give evidence of a compassionate heart. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation. When others are in a crisis, do they know they will find peace and comfort in your words? Do you frequently and spontaneously offer prayers for others? Do your words and the manner in which you say them reveal a patient heart? All of these behaviors indicate a heart that is like the heart of the Father. - Henry and Richard Blackaby, Experiencing God. Day-by-Day
The words we use have tremendous power. The Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue (see Proverbs 18:21). I believe that our prayers will have more power and a greater anointing when our everyday life is filled with words that uplift and bring grace to others (see Ephesians 4:29). There is no question that a holy life is a powerful life when it comes to seeing answers to prayer. Jesus' prayers were heard because of His reverent submission (see Hebrews 5:7). Righteous living and right speech come from a right heart befote God. It is imporrant fot all of us who want to have an effective prayer life to carefully watch our speech."
Although my area of passion is to encourage others, and I am learning to do this more now in the prayer network, there are times when I use words to bring down. This is especially true in my family. Each of us have a sharp tongue and do not use words to build up. Sometimes we can be really negative and it has been like that for a while. It is important to use words that build up but it can be hard when everyone else is using words to bring down. I know more and more that encouragement is a real spiritual gift. I’ve known many who have this powerful spiritual gift. They send me random e-mails that really encourage me in my faith. It is not something found in the natural realm. Yes, we have known inspirational teachers, but I think the gift of encouragement goes much deeper.
"Our words can be kind and full of love. Our actions demonstrate love even in the midst of our enemies. We read in Galatians 5:22-23, "The ftuit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
The Lips of the Righteous. In Proverbs 10, we find seven characteristics of the lips of the righteous. When we refrain from critical and negative speech, we must replace it with uplifting, positive, and grace-filled words. Think about the words you speak. Are they uplifting and do they bring life to others? Ask God to help you evaluate yout speech as you read these verses:
• A fountain of life. "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked" (vetse 11).
• Discerning lips. "Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment" (verse 13).
• Holds his tongue. "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" (vetse 19).
• Choice silver. "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value" (vetse 20).
• Nourishes many. "The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die fot lack of judgment" (vetse 21).
• Brings forth wisdom. "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a petverse tongue will be cut out (verse 31)."
I really see in this chapter the power of the tongue and the difference between people with Godly versus ungodly tongues. The ungodly speak discouraging, critical, nasty, and poisonous word that really hurt others. Conversely, Godly men and women use words that build up, nurish, and encourage. This chapter is all about the Godly and what it looks like and it is no wonder why their prayers are powerful because they are so close to God and His image.
"Is it truly possible to rejoice in the Lord always?
Paul says twice in Philippians 4:4 that we should do this. He knows that it's something we have to command and encourage ourselves to practice. We all struggle, and it's not fun. But Paul sets the bar high: While in prison, he rejoiced! And then he tells us to pray about everything with thanksgiving as we present our requests to God. Perhaps prayer is a key to the ability to rejoice always. It certainly is not easy to rejoice in certain circumstances of life, but we have a choice of how we will view those circumstances. God has an answer for everything, even when we don't see it through our human eyes. He knows the beginning from the end, and it's our choice if we want to link with Him or not. The world is negative and tries to squeeze us into its mold, but God has a way that we can walk through our circumstances victoriously.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not something we can create ourselves — it comes from God. It's supernatural and persists in a deep, abiding way, even when we are in the midst of hardship. Joy is not the absence of pain or difficult circumstances. What could be harder than a Roman prison? But rejoicing always is learning to let God's Spirit fill you with His unquenchable joy, regardless of your circumstances. If you're joyful, your life becomes a testimony of Christ's lighr for a world looking desperately for hope."
Joy is totally a work of the Spirit especially joy in hard times. On most days I feel really discouraged and at times my mom says why does your face look so sad and discouraged. She asks me to smile more. This is from a woman who does not know Jesus. Sometimes I think my mom has more joy than I do. It is really difficult to be joyful always as Paul says. He was rejoicing in a Roman prison and that was nothing like the prisons we have today. He found a way, and joy like humility are key pieces to a victorious Christian life. I feel so little victory and so much defeat right now and know that joy can only come from the help of God.
"Psalm 16:11 says,
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
There is joy in the secret place of prayer. There is joy as we choose to center our life in God and knowing Him. There is joy and breakthrough even in the darkest of circumstances when we choose to make Jesus our highest ambition, our deepest desire, and our greatest goal. Then He breaks through for us with transcending peace and supernatural understanding. Henry and Richard Blackaby remind us,
Jesus did not pray that you would be merely happy or even that you would escape grief He prayed that you would have the same joy that the Father had given Him: a divine joy, a joy that comes from a deep and unwavering relationship with the Father. It is a joy that is grounded so firmly in a relationship with God that no change in circumstances could ever shake it. This is the kind of joy that Christ is praying will be in you.3"
Joy should be found only in our relationship with God. It cannot be found in the temporary things of this world. I mean there are moments I imagine that are really awesome. I have not been to my own wedding or witnessed the birth of my child, but I imagine these are special moments that God also delights in, but these too are momentary joys. The enemy seeks to rob us of joy especially the joy we have with God and prayer during our quiet moments with Him.
"Destroyers of Joyful and Effective Prayer. The Enemy uses destroyers of effective prayer to try to diminish our power in intercession. He hates the secret place of prayer. In the book of Philippians, Paul recognizes these strategies of the Enemy and gives practical advice for how we might respond to them. It would be good for us to evaluate ourselves so that we may guard diligently against these thieves of our prayers. Here's what Paul has to say about some of the ways the Enemy uses to steal our joy and diminish our effectiveness in prayer:
• Anxiety. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (4:6-7).
• Self-righteousness. "Be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes ftom God and is by faith" (3:9).
Disagreements and poor relationships. "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord" (4:2).
Difficult circumstances. "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (4:11).
Wrong thinking. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—-think about such things" (4:8).
Lack of confidence. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (4:13).
Complaining. "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (2:14-15).
Selfish ambition. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (2:3).
Bad attitudes. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (2:5-7).
Pride. "Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!" (2:8)."
I really like this list. It is like a mirror. I have problems with so many of these like lack of confidence, complaining, bad attitude, and anxiety. Paul speaks to each of these areas when it comes to attitude and prayer and our relationship with God. These are also powerful promises to hold on to as we pray and come before God.
"Don't be satisfied with a joyless life. There ought to be in every Christian a deep, settled fullness of the joy of Christ that no circumstance of life can dispel. This comes as you allow the Holy Spirit to express Himself in your life. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy (Galatians 5:22). This joy is unlike any happiness that is produced by the world. It fills you and permeates everything you do. - Henry and Richard Blackaby, Experiencing God. Day-by-Day"
Prayer:
Father, I learn so much here about prayer and joy and humility. Trials have the ability to bring people closer to You but for me in this season it has really made me discouraged and feel like You have abandoned me. Some days when the pain is too difficult to walk, I don’t feel like praising and praying. I feel overwhelmed to the point of depression and hopelessness and tears. In this season, I don’t sense Your hope and so feel very little joy. Joy is so critical but so lacking in me. Father please help me know You are here and that You have both the ability and power to help.
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