Wavering Between Two Opinions

This past weekend I have had trouble making decisions. I couldn’t decide which book to get on www.paperbackswap.com (awesome website if you want to get books very cheap– only for the shipping cost!) Then I couldn’t decide whether or not to start a conversation with my husband. And finally, I could not decide which journal to use for my next prayer journal! This was very frustrating although these were all things that should have been simple to decide.

So yesterday, I asked the Lord, “Why am I having trouble making decisions?”

James 1:6-7 came to mind:

“But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.”

And some other wavering verses:

Psalm 26:1 “Trusted in the LORD without wavering.”

Hebrews 10:23 “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering…”

Then these verses also came to mind:

Romans 14:23 “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.”

& this (which had been in my head all day)

James 4:17  “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

——–

So, be settled before you make a final decision. If you are wavering between two choices, simply wait on the Lord. He will give you the wisdom to make the right choice, even if it takes a long time before it becomes clear. It’s worth it to WAIT and feel secure before making a choice. Act when you know and are not wavering so that you will not have a divided heart or be unstable!

 

Father I pray for the church. May we be in agreement and solidified as one, following Your lead every time. May we be about our Father’s business and stick to trusting you, waiting when we are not sure. In Jesus’ name! Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Just a Prayer, a plea for unity.

Jesus,

I ask that You be with Your people. Strengthen the feeble knees! Give our mouths Your words to speak! Make us courageous, make us strong, make us soldiers consumed with fighting in Your army. Give us a united front! I pray we will AGREE. That we will walk in agreement. JESUS! I call out to Your for UNITY!!! May we walk as One Body, for that is how You have made us to be. You are the head, may we work together, walk together, support one another. I know You are so greived at the relationships that have been torn, the marriages that have fallen, the tears that are cried over disagreements, hurt feelings and more. Oh Lord! I cry out for love to take precedence over who is “right.” I cry out for forgiveness to clear the path of overgrown bitterness. God, I pray for reconciliation, the way Your death reconciled us to the Father. Lord, I pray that You will make us willing to move, urge our spirits to reconcile with those we have been offended by, and those whom we have offended. God, make us into people who seek to be reunited when there has been a disagreement, when there has been pain. I pray that we reach past ourselves to break down the dividing wall. I pray we will sacrifice ourselves in order to bring unity–to our families, to our churches, to the world. Jesus, I know You also prayed that we would be one as You and the Father are One. May it be so. I say amen to that!

May we come together, and reach out in love to those we have hurt! Precious Lord, You never intended for there to be hatred and enemies. Heal us back together. Make us one.

Matthew 5:23-24
Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. 

Ephesians 2:13-22
“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.“

(Thank you to Sheila Wray Gregoire, for your post that gave me inspiration.)

Which of your relationships needs to be reconciled?

Prayer for Readers: 11-14-11

“So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart,
To walk in their own devices.
Oh that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!
I would quickly subdue their enemies
And turn My hand against their adversaries.”
(Psalm 81:12-14)

Oh Lord,
According to Your Word, I pray that we, Your people, would listen to You! I pray that our ears would be open, that the eyes of our hearts will be enlightened by Your light (Ephesians 1:18). May we not be as disobedient children, running to other gods when You are so near (Deuteronomy 4:7). Since You are so close, so near to us, may we draw near to You, walk in Your ways and not our own, in Jesus’ Name! Thank You for Your promises that You will subdue our enemies as we draw near to You and listen to Your voice. May we honor and love You with pure hearts, that we may walk on Your holy hill (see Psalm 24).

Father, I pray that we will not be so drawn to answer the stubbornness of our hearts instead of listening for Your voice of truth. May we walk in Your ways as You long for us to do! I ask for intimacy in the hearts of Your children. Just as a good father disciplines his children because they have gone astray, he does not save them from the consequences of his actions because they are consequences. But as the child listens to and obeys the father, he will save his children from their enemies, in whatever form they come. Thank You Father, I pray we will truly walk in Your ways! Thank You that You are so near to us, may we remember how near You are–You are never far, praise the Lord!

 

For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God
whenever we call on Him?
(Deuteronomy 4:7)

Prayer for Readers: 10/31/11

Oh my Jesus,

As today is Halloween, God I pray for safety! I pray for all young children who will be walking the streets tonight, hopefully with their parents. I pray for Your goodness to protect Your children and that You will send Your angels to protect them. Lord, I pray against all demonic activity that will be taking place tonight. I pray that Your children will be praying hard! I pray against evil in our neighborhoods, in our homes, in our hearts. May Your people make the right decisions and stand for Your truth.

Lord, I pray that even witnessing will take place on this night. May Your people hand out tracts with candy, hand out blessings with chocolate, hand out prayers with lollipops. May Your people stand tall on this day, and not be ridiculed. I pray that they will look to You and be radiant and their faces will never be ashamed, even in the face of dark evils (see Psalm 34:5).

I pray that the powers of darkness that were defeated and embarrassed when You rose from the dead (see Colossians 2:15) will also be defeated again today in the face of Your power from Your children! In Jesus’ Name!

Lord God, I ask special protection over children and teens at Halloween parties. I pray You will guide them and protect them from games such as the Ouiji Board. I pray they will not receive any messages from satan and instead seek Your holy face and Your Word that they may walk on the right path.

I pray that all messages to psychics will be distorted and that they will be made to look foolish! Lord God, I pray for there to be more prophets than psychics, more truth to be spoken than false, I pray for more words from God, words from You, than words from the demonic realm.

I pray also for good & holy dreams and visions, and I pray that children and Your people will “set no worthless thing before [their] eyes” (Psalm 101:3) that they may not be afflicted by the evil they have seen. May we all shield our eyes from evil and receive Your protection.

Thank You, Jesus. Bless us and enable us to seek You as we struggle “against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Thank You, Jesus. May Your praise be continually in our mouths (see Psalm 34:1).

In Your Name,

Amen

Prayer for Readers: 10/24/11

Father,
Thank You Lord that there is always hope in the morning! You have made a new day every morning, Your mercy is new, Your joy is new, and shouts of joy come in the morning from those who have wept through the night!

God, I pray for those who are hurting today. I pray Your comforting peace will surround them and bring hope for the future, hope for tomorrow. May those who are hurting take joy in the past love You’ve given them. Remind them that You are carrying them like a shepherd carries his wounded sheep.

Thank You for Your love for all Your children. May times of struggle and distress be handed over to You and replaced with Your joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength!

In the Name of Jesus,
Amen!

 “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
Isaiah 40:11

Prayer for Readers: 10/17/11

Most powerful & holy God,

Your Word teaches that we should “desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (see 1 Corinthians 14:1). Father, I pray for protection, for wisdom and for guidance. I pray You will bless and strengthen and give power to those who have the gift of prophecy. I pray that those who do not know whether they have this gift will realize You have blessed them with it.

God, I pray against all fear that we may have about the gift of prophecy. I pray for clarity about this gift, and I pray for wisdom in how to use it. I pray for the right opportunities to pray and ask You what You have to say and what You are doing. I pray that this gift will indeed be used to strengthen, bless and build the Church.

I pray for those who are hungry to hear from You but do not know how. I pray we will seek Your voice and Your face with a deep hunger, and I pray that we who seek will find and the door will be opened to us when we knock. I pray You will perfect this gift in the children You have given it to. I pray it will be used to satisfy spiritual hunger across the world. Give us the words to say, the words to pray, the words to declare over others in love and truth. Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, You know all things, and all hearts are open to You! May we be Your messengers and willing to take Your voice to dark and lonely hearts that they may experience Your emotional, spiritual, and possibly even physical healing. Help us be Your light, o Lord!

Thank You for the examples of the Old Testament prophets, that they spoke truth in the most confused and evil places in spite of the risks they faced. Thank You that they pronounced Your judgment and warned about the future. Thank You for the New Testament that teaches us to use prophecy to console, edify and exhort.  I pray that the words we speak will indeed be as the words of God, (see 1 Peter 4:11,) spoken with power and truth that cuts deep into the heart and brings comfort to those who are listening!

Jesus, again, I thank You for the precious gift of prophecy. I pray You will teach us how to use it, and that we will use it more frequently so as to bless the Church and bring more people into the Kingdom of God!

In Your Name,

Amen!

If you are interested in learning more about the gift of prophecy, check out my book: “How & Why to: Pray for Healing, Pray in Tongues & Give Prophecy.” For more on using prophecy to evangelize, I recommend “Prophecy, Dreams & Evangelism,” by Doug Addison. Both of these books are available at Amazon.com.

Prayer for Readers: 10/10/2011

Dearest Father in Heaven,

May You be glorified in our hearts today. I pray that we will be righteous and that our hearts will be delighted in Your law! Father, I pray for an increased interest in our hearts and minds today to long for the truth of Your Word. I pray we will hear the Word and not turn away and forget it like You warn us about in the book of James.  I pray we will seek for Your truth in the pages and not be frustrated or turn away in confusion. God I pray for Your Holy Spirit to come and be the Helper Jesus said He would be. I pray Holy Spirit, that You will lead us all into truth and guide us through Scripture. Give us also human helpers, that we may learn from them, too! Praise God.

Father, I pray that Your people will read Your word not only once every day, but more than once. I pray for a morning, noon and nighttime reading, that Your Words will be on our hearts and that we will hear Your voice and become familiar with how You speak in Scripture. May our knowledge of the Bible increase our ability to hear Your Voice correctly because we know the truth.

God, I praise You that You say that when we meditate in Your law day and night, we will be like trees firmly planted by the water, like trees who yield our fruits in the right season and prosper in all we do! Holy Spirit, I pray You will remind us frequently that when we meditate on Your Word constantly, You bless us in so many ways! Give us the endurance and motivation to read (or listen to the Word!)!! Thank You for all of Your promises! May we act righteously and in obedience.

In the holy and saving Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Psalm 1: 1-3

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.”

Prayer For Readers: 10/3/2011

Father God,

Your Word is true and Your love is holy! I pray that those reading these words today will feel Your presence and seek You continually. May Your love bless them and heal all their wounds. I pray for their wisdom and their reliance upon You, their Father in heaven. Your Word says that You know all of our needs before we even mention them to You, but You still want us to share with You (Matthew 6:8 & 1 Peter 5:7.)

Father I pray You will bless their curiosity and give them the answers they look for. Today I pray that their curiosity about You will get the best of them and they will truly seek Your face.

God, I bless all those who have a hunger to understand Your wonderful and mysterious spiritual gifts. Give them the clarity they need and lead them on Your path of righteousness that they may find Your truth and receive it with open arms. Thank You for Your perfect grace. May Your will be done in all of our lives!

I bless You Lord, as Your Word says “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name,” (Psalm 103:1). Thank You for all of Your benefits, I will not forget them. May Your love and presence flow through the computer screen to bless the hearts of those who read today!

 

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

 

Psalm 103:

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And all that is within me bless His holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget none of His benefits;

Who pardons all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases;

Who redeems your life from the pit,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;

Who satisfies your years with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

The LORD performs righteous deeds

And judgments for all who are oppressed.

He made known His ways to Moses,

His acts to the sons of Israel.

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.

He will not always strive with us,

Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Just as a father has compassion on his children,

So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

For He Himself knows our frame;

He is mindful that we are but dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,

And its place acknowledges it no longer.

But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children’s children,

To those who keep His covenant

And remember His precepts to do them.

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,

And His sovereignty over all.

Bless the LORD, you His angels,

Mighty in strength, who perform His Word,

Obeying the voice of His word!

Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,

You who serve Him, doing His will.

Bless the LORD, all you works of His,

In all places of His dominion;

Bless the LORD, O my soul!