A God Who Hears and Answers

"'I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. ...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'"

~2 Chronicles 7:12-13 (ESV)

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A God Who Hears

The Lord hears prayer. The words and pleas uttered from our mouths and that resonate unspoken in our hearts all meet His Fathering ear. None are unheard; none are disregarded. More powerful is the Father's hearing of us than the audible speaking and hearing of two humans conversing. More caring is the Father's heart for us than a mother's affection to her nursing child. And more important and powerful are the Father's acts of grace toward us than the transfer of any earthly gift from one human to another.

A God Who Sympathizes

Our God, more than anyone, sympathizes with your specific weaknesses:

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).

His ear is not mute when you bring your complaint and struggle. His back is not turned to you at any time. He is Father, He is welcoming, He will not condemn His saved children. So fear not that He will fail to sympathize, for He will not. Instead, He will counsel and shepherd you back to His pasture. He will tell you a million times and beyond about the cross, for that is where we are convicted, refreshed, and changed.

A God Who Answers

So then why has not your prayer been answered? Why have you cried so long with nothing but "pray more" as an answer? Why have you had your heart seemingly ripped from you and the pain remains when you have brought it time and time again?

Oh the mystery of how our God works. I wish I could give an easy answer, but none of us have it. It's part of what keeps us chasing after more of Him. I speak not from a position of no experience, for, though I speak not much of it, my life has been long full of difficulty, hurt, struggle, pain, and unfortunate circumstances. But I can say this, though in the midst of great trial now:

A long time in the coming, and coming still I am--I have experienced much more of the goodness of God than I have of my excruciating life. And I know it will always be that way because God is always that way and ever will be that way.

Therefore I am happy, though earthly sad at times and through seasons. Therefore I still experience joy--such as a pool of water sitting in the middle of the desert. Sometimes that pool runs low due to the heat, then rains pass over and it is full again though the surrounding sand remains dry.

What we know are the solid promises of God:

"'[I]f my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'" (2 Chronicles 7:12-13)

"[B]ecause, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 5:8)

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (Romans 5:8)

Dive into the Word; you will never stop finding His promises there! He will only ever answer and act with what is best for you--even if it's an answer of, "No."

The Non-existent Answered Prayer

So great God's passion for His glory and love for us that there was one specific prayer never uttered in all history prior to God providing the solution. And yet, this un-uttered prayer was the most critical and important prayer that needed uttering--the cry for salvation.

God sent His Son in answer to the need only he knew existed--the human need of a Savior. Therefore we should feel quite content if we find ourselves still without earthly possession or position--for our greatest need is met in Christ. That is not always easy to grasp, but behold! We can (and indeed let us) pray and ask that God in His kindness would bring us there--He is a God who hears, sympathizes, answers, and acts.

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Challenge and Application Questions

• Have you brought your burdens to God lately?
• Is there wisdom in praying and waiting while continuing to live by faith?
• What promises of God are you storing in your heart?
• What promises of God is He working to bring you to believe? In what related ways is He training you to trust Him?
• Whatever be your need and whatever be your unanswered questions, will you seek to apply prayer as the first solution to the immediate struggle for long-term hope?

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Full of Starvation - A Spontaneous Poem of Conviction and Joy

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

~James 4:8 (ESV)

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Full of Starvation

This morning, I am hungry but I do not want to eat. Food sounds, for what reason might be, non-appetizing.

Hmmm....

I believe the Lord is speaking to me from this odd little situation this morning. This strangely reminds me of how I often treat God's Word and time with the most wonderful Being in existence--our awesome God.

Where's the tie? Well, hunger is not easy to ignore when present. When our stomache growls, our prompt and desire is to fill it. Spiritually, however, it is far possible to go days, weeks, months, and for many, years starving.

We usually know when we are starving spiritually. I have gone long periods without the Word or minimal Word and the effect is more serious that I've thought. I feel dry. I feel empty. I am far more prone to fill that void with other content. I run after something other than God to satisfy me--something other than God to be God.

A Void is an Entrance for Worldliness

What are your temptations? When there is an open tank in your heart for other things to fill it, what are you tempted to "drain" into your heart? How easy it is for us to fill our being--which God and God alone can rightly fill--with other things such as TV, video games, pornography, isolation, idleness, food, friendships, social activities, work, education, study of less-important things, internet, online "social" networks and "communities," e-mail, instant messaging, texting, phonecalls, shopping, spending...

...and you may have guessed my next line--the list, of course, goes on. You are more likely to know what your temptations are than me.

The Deathbed Lesson

I wrote a post once upon a time called, The Deathbed Picture. When I reach that day when I lie upon my deathbed (should the Lord will that to be the manner in which I leave this earth), I don't want to regret having neglected the Word. And oh, I have. But there is grace to change. Whether there is time is unknown, and is sobering.

The True Reason to Absorb the Word

But is shortness of time the only reason to fill ourselves with the Word? No, it isn't reason, but a helpful push toward the true reason:

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
~Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV).

In exposing yourself more and more to the Word, He will refresh you! As you position yourself not as a confident, self-sufficient "I'm gonna love God more" person but as a student of the Word, He will form you into a matured son or daughter of God who is confident in His grace always for spiritual water. The Word is sweet. Dive in. God wants to work in you through it!

The Word is Sweet
A spontaneous Poem of Conviction and joy

The Word is sweet,
It is filled with the face of God
Sweet language of highest wisdom,
Let me leave you not

How much I miss,
When His value I dismiss
Yet, how much I gain,
When I return to it again

Where now are the things,
With which I filled my life
The things I've called my gods,
That shut out Christ's pure light?

Where now are the friends,
I thought would stay my side
The ones whose faithfulness,
I always would confide?

The things of earth have failed me,
My friends are off and gone
Though perhaps they have not sinned against me,
There is no faithfulness as God's Son

There is no reassurance,
No solid hope in all the world
Except that which is spoken to me,
In the pages of Thy Word

Oh, help me, God, to get this,
Incline me to Thy Word!
For to continue to live without it,
Means a life purpose pathetically served

But make Thy glory my only goal,
I know my prayer You have heard!
May the days ahead see me know Thee more,
Sweet Savior and Thy Word

(c) 2010 Franz Schneider

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Challenge and Application Questions

• What is the Word of God? It is a helpful refreshing of our desire for the Word when we remind ourselves once again what we hold in our hand!
• How precious is it and has it been to you?
• What are the common things (idols) with which you are tempted to replace God's Word
• Have you asked the Source of strength, God, to help you find satisfaction in Him and His Word? As you do, He will answer! He will increase your staisfaction in Him as you taste more of His Word day by day--as you "taste and see that the Lord is good!" and realize that "blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!." (Psalm 73:25).

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Next 2010 - Annual Promotion

"Either we’re building our life on what God is truly like or we’re basing our life on our own misconceptions."

-thisisnext.org

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Life - Based on One Thing

Whether a believer or unbeliever--whether realized or not--all of life is centered, defined, and based off of one thing: What we believe about God.

What we believe about God does not change Who God is--He is the great I AM and cannot change. We, however, are defined by whether or not we believe that God is God, that Christ is Lord, and that God raised Him form the dead to pay for our sins as the only Savior.

Come

Each year I like to promote one of my favorite conferences in life--Next (formerly New Attitude). This is a conference consisting of four days filled with passionate worship, outstanding speakers (this year including C.J. Mahaney, Mark Dever, Kevin DeYoung, D.A. Carson, Joshua Harris, and Jeff Purswell), fellowship, and down time to reflect upon what God's been drawing your attention to.

I love to browse the bookstore that is packed with the finest materials to equip you in your Christian walk, look around the conference center rooms and observe peoples' joy in coming to learn more about Christ, and enjoying a trip away from the craziness of life for several days. It's great!

Now, enjoy this year's promotional video:

Next 2010 Promotional Video from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

Visit thisisnext.org for conference details and registration.

Register now through May 16, 2010

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I Have a Shelter

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

~Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)

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I was particularly blessed by the following song as I commuted to work this morning. We have a God Who will not refuse us in our deepest sin. He will not forsake us in our biggest, most-constant, "never-ending" trial. When the constancy of trying and tests would break us like a brittle branch enduring as long as possible in a fierce winter wind, God's strength will never forsake us! Therefore, brothers and sisters, we shall not break--because He shall not and cannot break His promises.

Enjoy the lyrics of this song, "I Have a Shelter." I have bolded some of the text that I found a blessing today.

I Have a Shelter

I have a shelter in the storm
When troubles pour upon me
Though fears are rising like a flood
My soul can rest securely
O Jesus, I will hide in You
My place of peace and solace
No trial is deeper than Your love
That comforts all my sorrows

I have a shelter in the storm
When all my sins accuse me
Though justice charges me with guilt
Your grace will not refuse me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
Who bore my condemnation
I find my refuge in Your wounds
For there I find salvation

I have a shelter in the storm
When constant winds would break me
For in my weakness, I have learned
Your strength will not forsake me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
The One who bears my burdens
With faithful hands that cannot fail
You’ll bring me home to heaven

© 2008 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP) (Admin. By Integrity’s Hosanna! Music) Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)(Admin. By Integrity’s Praise! Music)

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Constrain Us Never to Leave

"Glorious Lord, constrain us that we may never leave Thee, but dwell by the well of the living God."

~Charles H. Spurgeon (Morning and Evening for February 17/AM)

An Invitation to the Depressed: Coming Just As You Are

What You Want to Overcome

There may be a sin pattern--a weakness--that is at the lava-hot center of your spiritual battle. It's the main topic of your thought and concern. It's what you want to overcome...but it's overcoming you.

No End In Sight

The battle has become such a loss that you may be beginning to lose hope that you will ever change--and that is what, through the lie of condemnation and spiritual depression, that Satan yells loudly in your face at times like these, isn't it?

The Bottom Line of the Lie

The bottom line is, Satan takes advantage of lack of Godliness to tell you and attempt to snag your belief into the lie that your God is not mighty or sovereign enough--that He doesn't provide the "way of escape" from temptation promised in Scripture (1 Corinthians 10:13), and that no one cares and is only better off without you in the world. He can take you all kinds of directions on any given shortfall.

But...

But, God is still God! I have been facing a fierce battle in my own walk where I have never felt (or been) weaker. During worship at church recently, my wonderful mother-in-law sensed a word from the Lord for me as I wept, and it was this (paraphrasing as accurate as possible):

"I believe, Franz, as you face the areas of your life that you have expressed you feel weak in and you have told us that you have fallen short in, that the Lord is saying to you, simply come--just as you are--in your current condition, with all of your failures. Come to Him because you are simply a child of God and for no other reason."

That hit the nail right on the head.

Fight the Battle Already Won

God wants to show us His captivating majesty and glory. He wants to pour out His blessing, His refreshment, His strength on us. He has won against sin, He has won our hearts (even with our failures), and He will see us win this battle. Run forth in the freedom of grace, soldier!

And now to close with one of my all-time favorite songs:

Mighty to Save
by Hillsong

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
And fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus

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Challenge and Application Questions

• Do you take comfort in the words above?
• Will you ask God for confidence in His promises and delight in His care for you?
• Think or even write down the lies Satan has led you to believe, then find truth in the Word for each one. It's there!
• Meditate on these passages, and see that the invitation to return to the Father and remain in His arms is wide open: "...return to the Lord"(Isaiah 55:7), "...return to the Lord" again (Lamentations 3:40), "...return to the Lord" yet again (Hosea 6:1), "...so turn, and live" (Ezekiel 18:30-32), and Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).
  
  This is just a sample of the abundance of hope found in the Word. May we dive into it and find our only hope!

Recommended Resources
Article: Hope for the Depressed by Ed Welch

Glorious Benefits of the Gospel

"The Gospel has many glorious effects--like not having to look over your shoulder any more."

-John Piper
02/08/2010 from Twitter

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What a solid quote! Be not wearied by the thought that your past is beyond overcoming and your sin beyond defeat. Your past was forgotten by the only One Whose forgetting has eternal implications (your salvation). Your failures were already defeated at the cross of the Gospel. And with that crucified Savior's rising, you, Christian, are risen to new life of freedom without regard to the guilt of the past.

The symbol of the empty cross is God's "go-ahead!" to the freedom of a joyous, Christian life.

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"I Would Rather Be..." (The Theory of Greener Grass)

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe[...]"

~Hebrews 12:28 (ESV)

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The ol' Saying

What is really on the other side of the fence? You've heard the saying, "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." Is it greener grass? Is there yet another path beyond the greener grass that leads to even greener greener grass? There's a mystery to it...

...or is there?

From season to season and desire to desire we live--always wanting what's on the other side. I find it sobering how fast I move from desiring the next stretch of my life's road to only wanting the one after that once I get there.

Is it possible to simply enjoy the present?

It is possible to enjoy the present--where God has us individually. Right now as I write this post on a break at work, I would rather not be at work--because I'm tired, my job is repetitive and demanding, and it's a rather negative atmosphere most of the time. I would rather be home...

Words to (not!) Live By

Four words: "I would rather be...."

No one needs to tell us to live by them, because we already do by default. Rather, we must fight to throw them out of our vocabulary--and not just our verbal vocabulary, but our heart vocabulary. Why? Well, here is what I've found those words to mean coming from my own mouth:

• "I would rather be somewhere other than where God has me."
• "I've got a better plan for my day (or life) than God does!"
• "I'm more knowledgeable than the God of infinite, flawless, and authoritative wisdom."
• "Therefore, I am flawless!"

Okay, stop. I'm embarrassed now--and there's reason to be. Those statements sound radical and perhaps even ridiculous. Do they not? But that's a good exercise to recite them, because if we dig down to that thing in the center of us called our heart, it is ridiculous and does in reality make statements as such. Pulling them out to the light will help us take our wicked hearts seriously and realize where we need God to work.

The Grass is [Never] Greener

Once we get to the "greener grass" on the other side of the fence, here is what we will always find: It's really not greener or better. Is it practically or tangibly better? In some cases it could be. But we will always--without exception--find our lustful selves desiring and reaching for the next thing regardless of what we've been blessed with!

The fact is, the other grass is never greener. Why is it never greener? Because of lust. Simply put, because that is not where God has us. And there is no better place to be than where God has us now or possession to have than what God has ordained us. And frankly, anything good we have is far better than the Hell we deserve! Amen?

Get In the Game!

I smile now at the simplicity of being satisfied. Now for the fight...

"Gratefulness is the first step to joy."

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Challenge and Application Questions

• What do you most often complain about?
• How can you practice thanking God for specific things each day?
• What do you believe gratefulness does for the soul?
• Would the consistent practice of gratefulness have an affect on other areas of life? Explain.

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Weekly Poll Response: Powerful Repetition in Ezekiel

"[Y]ou shall know that I am the Lord."

~The Book of Ezekiel (Click for multiple references)

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Poll Results

Last week I posed the following question to readers:

What is the often-repeated statement of God throughout the book of Ezekiel?

Here are the results of what you answered!

100% of readers answered that the statement often repeated throughout the book of Ezekiel is "you shall know that I am the Lord," and that is correct! The book starts off early with this phrase and is themed on it for the entirety of it.

What Do We Learn from This?

I have taken this feature of Ezekiel--that that statement is repeatedly emphasized--as one of the loudest evidences that God is passionate for His glory!. Not only that, He will share His glory and Lordship with no one!.

When we struggle with the pride of power-grabbing and exaltation seeking, Ezekiel is a book to which we can run (and flee for that fact). It is filled with images of the majesty of God (Ezekiel's vision in chapters 1-4), proclamation of the just character and acts of God (just read the whole book), and His desire to not see anyone perish, but to save them (see Ezekiel 18:28-32--one of my personal favorite sections of the Bible).

Read this book and be affected by this phrase, sobered by God's character, undone by His mercy to save us who deserve wrath. Find new joy in your salvation and Christian life!