Thirsty Thursdays: Do You Deny God?

Denial is defined as the action of declaring something to be untrue or the refusal of something requested or desired.  As individuals, our unique circumstances may cause us to deny situations that we would like to avoid. Denial isn’t necessarily direct and upfront, silence can make more of an impact than words. 

Peter, was one of the twelve disciples. He walked with Jesus performing miracles and spreading the gospel. When Jesus was arrested by the chief priest, officers of the temple guard and elders Peter, followed from a distance. “56. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, this man was also with him. 57 And he denied him saying, woman I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him and said, thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him. 60 And Peter said, man I know not what thou sayest” Luke 22:56-60. Out of fear, Peter denied Jesus not once, not twice, but THRICE!!! THREE TIMES!!!

We live our lives claiming to be Christians, our actions may even demonstrate that we follow Christ, however, when push comes to shove do we truly STAND for the Lord or do we back down and deny him? Denying does not have to be blatantly saying “I don’t know him” like Peter did. It can be subtle and expressed in how we live our every day lives, by the example we portray and showcase to the world. We cannot claim to be children of God and Christ like, yet lead a non believing sinful life. What good does it do to show up to church on Sundays but post inappropriate things on social networks throughout the week?  When the topic of God comes up and we don’t defend his existence or speak up about our Lord and Savior we are denying him.  As discussed in my small group class last night, being a Christian is a full time commitment, not something we pick and choose depending on convenience. We can not be "Closet Christians". It may not always be easy, we may be ridiculed, not accepted and persecuted, but we must acknowledge our awesome God. “10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

Challenge: Be more conscious of all that we do, say, post etc. Are we being Christ like and reflecting Gods image for all to see? Or are we denying him blatantly and/or indirectly?

Stay Thirsty My Friends

Thirsty Thursdays: Ron

Warrior Wednesdays: Servant or Leader

What does being a servant mean to you? In our society being a servant is one of the lowest positions that one could have. The synonyms associated with servant are: flunky (also flunkey or flunkie), lackey, menial, retainer, slavery, steward. With synonyms like those, it is not surprising that most people do not want to be servants. Although society has a negative connotation of servanthood, the Bible does not.

Jesus, states that we should be servants "...but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger: and he that is chief, as he that doth serve...I am among you as he that serveth" LUKE 22:26-27. If Jesus walked this earth as a servant, who are we not to be servants. Service may not always be easy. It may not be fun and it can be hurtful to our pride or cause physical pain. Jesus’s ultimate service was to die a brutal death on the cross; however, he completed his service and calls us to be servants.

Joseph was a great example of a servant. Where ever he went he served with a positive attitude. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers (Yes sold into slavery by his own brothers) but maintained a positive attitude. While serving Potiphar, God blessed Joseph.  He was put in charge over everything in Potiphar's house. In essence, by serving he became a great leader (similar to Jesus who came to serve man and was the greatest leader of all time)

While being faithful to God and to Potiphar, Joseph found himself in what may have seemed like a hopeless situation. Potiphar's wife accused Joseph of trying to be with her when in actuality he refused all of her sexual advances. Due to her false accusation, Joseph was thrown into prison. Joseph was doing the right thing, serving Potiphar with a positive attitude, avoiding his wife who wanted to have relations with him and still he was unjustly punished!  Even in prison Joseph kept a positive attitude and was promoted once again.

 By being a servant Joseph became a leader. Even while doing the right thing yet having situations not work in his favor, Joseph did not blame God or get angry with him. Reflect on your life, when something goes wrong do you keep a positive attitude or do you get angry with God? Are you a servant to those around you or are you desperately trying to be a leader. Remember that Jesus & Joseph were both servants who became the greatest leaders of their time periods. Despite the negative image that society portrays, servanthood is synonymous with leadership.

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!

Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

TRANSFORMING TUESDAYS: GETTING PAST THE FACADES...KNOWING GOD IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE

Do you know what a façade is?  A façade is a disguise and it is used to conceal the truth.  Not everyone can see past facades, which is how many people fall victim to so many traps.  Do you put on a facade out of fear that you'll be judged if you don't?

In Luke 21 we learn about the end times as well as the intent of the heart.  In the beginning of the chapter we see a yearning of acceptance of Christ.  There is a widow who offers two small coins while the rich people gave their more expensive possessions.  As it turns out, Jesus ended up appreciating what she had given more than what the rich people had given, because it was all that she had.  This goes to show us that as long as we are willing to submit ourselves and give our last to God, that it can be used to his glory.  Not only that, but as Christian pointed out last Friday, God acknowledges effort and with effort comes sincerity.  The widow was poor and gave her last; on the outside it didn’t seem like much, but on the inside it was everything.  This is exactly why God is the ultimate judge.  He can see the intent of the heart and he can see past facades.  These aren’t just facades of the rich, these are the facades of me, you, and you too.  These facades are put into play when we are in church and hesitant to pay tithes, when we are among the homeless and don’t want to give, or even when we are deceiving someone who we call a friend.  God sees this, because he’s constantly fixed on our hearts.

Jesus also warns them about the end time.   He talks about people coming and claiming to be the Messiah and other false prophets.  Once again people will put on facades just to claim to be something that they are not.  He also makes mention of earthquakes, and nations going against nations.  We have already seen this especially within our generations.  America is at war with Iraq and then some; Haiti and Japan recently had life changing earthquakes.  What more evidence do we need that the end is near? We don’t need much because it’s soon believe it or not.  Outside of those signs, Jesus says that his followers will be prosecuted for believing in Christ and for spreading his gospel.  In the process, they will be hated and betrayed.  At the end of it all God makes it so that his children are not hurt.  Not a hair on your head shall parish.  This is because he is the ultimate judge!!! This struck me hard because I, being a very loyal person, struggle with accepting betrayal.  But what makes this even crazier is that I betray God all the time.  I betray him when I don’t pray, when I don’t tell others of his goodness, or even when I lack faith.  The same thing that I want from others, I can’t even give to God.  That is definitely something I have to work on.

In Genesis 38 we are introduced to the story of Judah and Tamar.  Judah had two sons: Er and Onan who had wicked ways and were ultimately punished by God. Er was married to Tamar but God killed him because he was evil.  After his death Judah made Onan marry Tamar and produce a son for Er’s heir.  Onan didn’t really want to and because of his evil ways he too was killed by God.  At this point Judah thought it was Tamar and he sent her back to her father.  Once we have rejection we have facades.  Er and Onan were wicked men and God being the ultimate judge handled them accordingly.  Tamar even put on a façade as acting as prostitute and having Judah sleep with her to get herself pregnant.  Because he’s human he didn’t see through her façade, but God did.  However, God being the judge, he allowed her to live and conceive twins. 

I think that when it comes to God we have to remember that he is the ultimate JUDGE.  He decides our fate and more importantly he sees through our facades.  He sees through the facades of everything.  Living in the end times where we constantly see signs of those mentioned in the Bible, we have to come from behind our facades and live life wholeheartedly.  This means giving glory to God and declaring him our Lord and Savior even when people don’t agree.  At the end of the day no weapon formed against me shall prosper, because God is my JUDGE so whom shall I fear (as Guest Blogger Glen stated)?  NO ONE that’s who!

I challenge you to take off your facade today and spread the gospel of Christ.  This can be something simple such as posting on any of your social networks something that you are thankful for. This shouldn't be hard since God woke you up so that you could read this post :)

Transforming Tuesdays: Jamera

Merciful Monday: Your Resume Won’t Get You In

Have you ever wondered what Heaven will be like? I know I have! The Bible says that “no eye has seen and no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT). The book of Revelation does describe it in some detail, but to the human mind, heaven cannot and will not be fully understood until we get there.

Although we don’t know and can’t understand what heaven will look like, the book of Luke does emphasize one important fact about heaven that we need to remember—when we get to heaven, EARTHLY THINGS WILL NO LONGER MATTER.

Jesus responded to a question asked by one of the religious leaders, concerning relationships between husbands and wives in heaven. In response Jesus clearly states, “marriage is for people here on earth, but in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage” (Luke 20:34-35 NLT).

This doesn’t mean that God won’t notice those that beat their wives and cheated on their husbands because these are sins. It means that God looks more at the heart of a person than at their pedigree. Whether people refer to you or “cool” or as a “husband” or as a “teacher” while you are here on earth will be of no importance to God. Many of the titles and classifications that we have here will mean nothing once we get to heaven.

Jesus talked to his disciples about the scribes, the teachers of religious law of the time. Scribes often paraded around in robes and accepted greetings, which were customary for those with this certain title. However, Jesus was more interested in the hearts of these leaders. He said, those “Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation” (Luke 20: 47 KJV). To me this means that, you can’t get to heaven on title alone. Even with the title of “scribe”, those who were disrespectful to women and prayed without sincerity will be judged based upon those things, not upon their earthly merit.

This all goes to show that as you live your life, you should have a final destination in mind, HEAVEN. Though you’ll never know what heaven looks like until you get there, you need to remember that the things you do here on earth lay the foundation for eternity. Just because you have some fancy title or are respected in your community does not mean that you’re going to make it to heaven.

I love Barack Obama, and he has some titles that we really value here on earth like President, Commander-in-chief, and leader of the free world, but even that amazing resume won't get him into heaven! Now that’s something to think about!

Merciful Mondays: Jael

Salvation Sunday: What is Jesus to you?

As true Christians, we have a relationship with Christ. And therefore the question “What is Jesus to you?” can be answered differently by many people. Some people, who are not followers of Christ, do not believe that He is the Son of the living God or that He is Messiah. From other religions, they believe that Christ was a prophet but not the Messiah or the Savior of the world.  Jesus talks about this concept with his disciples in Matthew 16:13-20.  Basically, Jesus asks his disciples who do men say I am?  And Peter answers with a general some say that you’re a prophet and just a general response.  And then Jesus but whom say ye that I am? Basically, He is saying I know what others are saying who I am and I know that you know what others say about me. But, what am I to you? This is a very important question to answer for yourself as a Christian. 

Now, let’s look at two cases. The first case is in Luke 20.  At this point, Jesus has entered into the village and has been teaching the people the good word.  Now, the Pharisees get their religious suits on and ask Jesus for a verification of the authority that He has to preach the word. Now, Jesus is a beast in my opinion. Instead of answering the question, he asked them a question about John the Baptist.  He asked them where the authority of John the Baptist came from.  Now, the Pharisees knew they were wrong and answered saying they were not able to tell. But, then Jesus talks about the parable in Luke 20:9-19 with the vineyard lord.  This vineyard lord sent out servants to receive fruit from the husbandmen.  But, the servants got beat up and then he sent his beloved son. And the husbandmen took him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now, I find this interesting because once when He said this parable, the Pharisees knew what Jesus was talking about.  And in reality, Jesus is talking about His death and how His own people who trusted in Him killed Him and turned their backs on Him.  Through this, you see that Jesus, to the Pharisees, was a threat to their power and to their religious ways.  They did not see Jesus as the Savior of the world.  They may have known that He was the Messiah and the truth but did not want to accept Him because He was a threat to their own ways and did not want a change.

The psalmist David has a different approach in Psalm 27.  Now, he says that the Lord is my light and my salvation and the strength of my life. If he has Jesus, then there is no fear in the world.  According to David, everything we need is in Jesus.  He goes on to say that He is a provider because in verse 5, he says that He shall hide me in his pavilion.  Basically, God is the protector and the provider of His life.  Now, Hannah was talking about how to have peace.  In order to have peace, you need Jesus.  When you trust God and you know who He is to you, then you realize He has your back.  And that is when you get your peace.

As Christians, we have a relationship with Christ.  The true worshippers should be seeking God and having that relationship every day and not just on Sundays.  Do you REALLY know what Jesus is to you? Do you REALLY know who Jesus is? #1 Keep reading His Word. The Word of God is how we get to know God.  When you read the word, you know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.  You know that he will never leave you nor forsake you.  And there are so many other scriptures that tell you who God is.  #2 Keep your prayer life going and increase your time with Christ.  Like I said, it is a relationship.  The only way to work on a relationship is talking. Our way to talk to Christ is through prayer. All prayer is talking straight to God. When you are praying and having a relationship, God will begin to reveal Himself to you and you will know who God is. Therefore, I challenge you to figure out who Jesus is to you.  Don’t think about only what He has done for you.  That is only a part of who He is.  Think about His qualities: his love, his grace and many more things. Have a blessed Sunday!!!

 

I know for myself that this song is a great representation of just a little bit of what Jesus is to me. For me, God is awesome, mighty, my deliverer, my protector, and so much more!!! Enjoy!!! "Awesome" By Charles Jenkins Fellowship

 

Salvation Sunday: Steven Gable

 

Guest Blogger January: The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation; Whom Shall I Fear?

Psalm 27 starts out saying “1)The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 2)the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”  We quote this scripture.  We sing it in songs and praises, but when fear comes, do we allow God’s power in this scripture to really help us?  David, the author of this chapter, mentions how when his enemies came after him to eat up his flesh, they “stumbled and fell”.   Even when there was an army surrounding him he said, “my heart shall not fear”.  His mind was probably telling him that the army will consume him, but his heart was confident in the fact that the Lord is his light and salvation.  The Lord is his light because he mentions the Lord will “set me upon a rock.  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me”.  The Lord placed David on a solid foundation.  Not only was it a solid foundation, but it was a higher foundation than his enemies.  Don’t you know when you come to God with your fears, issues; He will place you higher than your situation?  God will allow you to see your situation the way He sees it.  And God sees EVERY situation smaller than He is because there is nothing greater than God.  It is us humans that stress and worry about every little thing.  David was confident in God that he will protect him from his enemies and began to praise him with singing by making a joyful noise.  What David did that we sometimes fail to do is to SEEK God: going above and beyond your regular prayer.  David cried before the Lord, and the Lord had mercy on him.  The Lord moved on his behalf.  When was the last time we cried before the Lord asking God to have mercy on us?  David humbled himself and God exalted him.  He knew to turn to God and not to himself for help.  He told God, “Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path”.  He learned over time by doing things his way and not trusting in God, WILL NOT WORK. 

            Quick testimony:  I had the flu all week.  On Thursday night I hyperventilated and my eyes were open but I couldn’t see anything.  All I saw was black, nothing.  I was feverish, but I didn’t have a temperature.  My wife put me in a cold shower but I didn’t feel the cold. I got scared and she took me to the emergency room.  Everything was fine.  The next day, we realized that the hyperventilation situation was an attack from the devil, and we fell for it.  I prayed to God to heal me, but I didn’t FULLY trust in my prayer that he would protect me, so I took matters into my own hand.  I feel into the trap of Fear.  However, I learned my lesson and now I’m going to conquer fear with FAITH!

What is Fear?  Fear is:  worry, doubt, lack of faith, stress, anxiety, inadequacy, trouble.  Fear is not Fully trusting in God.

Fear makes us: weak, lose focus, procrastinate, makes us lazy and apathetic.  Fear doesn’t allow us to see our potential, so we aim for positions lower than what God intended for us.  We feed into low self worth and inadequacy. 

Challenge:

1. What are your fears???  Write them down and give them to God.  Pray every day until you conquer your fears.  V.14 David says “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait I say, on the Lord”.  David is telling us to wait on the Lord, and what that mean is FULLY TRUSTING in GOD that he will move on our behalf.  But, we have to SEEK him.  Go deeper in your prayer life.  Wake up a little earlier to pray. 

2. The opposite of Fear is FAITH! Whatever God has already told you to do in your life, Get off your behind and DO IT.  LOL!  This is our Year.  Faith is the solution to your fear.  Put your Trust in the Lord!      

Guest Blogger: Glen 

Saturday Sacrifice: Want a piece of my Peace?

Seems like everyone is going through the “go through” right now. But, honestly when are we not! That’s life right. Everything in life will never be just right because we live in an imperfect world. God knew this, and that’s part of the reason why Jesus came down. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

 Jesus came down so that we can have the opportunity to have peace in this life and peace in the next life. I remember in school, one of my friends asked me why I was always so calm, and never stressed out before taking a test like everyone else. I thought to myself, and of course I started to give myself props like I’m just that good (YEAH RIGHT!!), I don’t need to sweat anything. I finally answered her, and just said I don’t know. Later that day, after repenting of my pride (SORRY JESUS!!) God brought back to my remembrance the TRUE REASON why I was so calm. IT WAS HIM! Jesus is the real reason why I have SOOOOOO much peace when I go through my “go through”.  If it wasn’t for him, I would definitely not be where I am right now in my life (THANK YOU JESUS!).

In Luke 19:41-42 it says, As he(Jesus) approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it ⁴² and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.”  I believe Jesus was weeping over that fact that he knew his own people would reject him, the Prince of Peace. Why was he weeping? I think it’s because he foresaw all that they would go through because they didn’t accept his peace. Jesus wants to bring peace to our lives. All we have to do is believe in him, and acknowledge the fact that he is the great Prince of Peace. It is HE alone that can bring us through the storms of life. Nothing else in this world can give us a peace that surpasseth all understanding. Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Our Father can make everything right!

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah

 

 

Friday Fellowship: How can I reach God

What are you doing to Reach God?

                Luke 19:3 We learn of Zacchaeus who sought to see Jesus or Reach God. However, this man faced several obstacles in his way to see Jesus.

1.       He was small in stature, and Jesus always drew large crowds so he wouldn’t be able to see him.

2.       He was a leader of publicans and was rich so this meant he was a privileged man and had a certain image to behold. (Pride)

Zacchaeus though purposed in himself that he must Reach God. That image or pride as a publican he forsook.  He forsook his pride by running ahead of the crowd and climbing a tree in a place where Jesus and the crowd would pass by and there he waited to see Jesus. When Jesus came by he saw Zacchaesus and told him he’d be abiding at his house. Zacchaeus Reached God and was blessed by Jesus abiding at his house.

Also, another example is a man named Jacob that we learn of throughout Genesis who eventually needed to Reach God.  We know that Jacob feared his brother killing him and he put forth no fight only fleeing secretly in the night to escape. Laban, his father in law deceived and cheated him over 14 year span yet Jacob put forth no fight and fled secretly to escape.

However, in Genesis 32 we find a different Jacob. We find a Jacob that is purposed in him toReach God. He had an obstacle as well.

1.       Jacob was not a fighter; he has always fled secretly away doubting his power and ability to win.

Genesis 32:1-2, We learn that Jacob is aware of the angels of God and their appearance. This is important because later in the chapter we learn Jacob wrestles with a man. However, as already stated Jacob is cognizant of angels so he knew this man he wrestled with was an angel. If Jacob knew the man was an angel why would his first fight be with something so divine, God’s direct messengers?? And in the past never fight with his brother or Laban? The reason is Jacob needed to Reach God that night because his whole family was a day away from possible elimination. Jacob refused to accept that so he purposed in himself that night that he was going to Reach God.  Jacob tells the angel I won’t let you go until you bless me. The angel wounded him and yet Jacob stood strong refusing to let go until he Reached God. Jacob Reached God that night and received a blessing along with a new name Israel which meant a prince that has power with God and with men and is powerful.

                Reaching God is to show forth an effort. These men sacrificed to Reach God in multiple areas. What efforts are you taking to Reach God? God has proven in these stories he ACKNOWLEDGES EFFORT. I want to encourage anyone who desires to know God or desires an answered prayer from God to give forth an EFFORT.  These men in the story gave Great Efforts as they went against their grain or normalcy of life.

·         If you pray 15 minutes a day show God your EFFORT go 30 minutes.

·         If you fast until 1pm, fast until 6pm

·         If you read the bible once a week, read it twice a week

·         You are the determinant of Great Effort

GREAT EFFORT

Thirsty Thursdays: Trying To Make It To Heaven...

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As believers we all fall short of perfection, we were born into sin and mess up from time to time. The only perfect being was Jesus, but don’t get down on yourself.  Although we aren’t perfect, we should continue to strive to be more Christ like each and every day. We have different vices and faults, but share the common goal in wanting to have eternal life in Heaven. Thankfully we serve a gracious and merciful God who despite our faults, loves us and forgives our sins.

People often question what it takes to go to Heaven. Throughout the bible there are different references to Heaven and how to inherit eternal life. Most commonly known are the Ten Commandments, you know “thou shall not steal, thou shall not commit adultery” etc. Following the Ten Commandments alone isn’t necessarily all it takes to inherit the kingdom of God.  In Luke chapter 18 we read about a rich ruler who asked Jesus what does it take to inherit eternal life. He obeyed the Ten Commandments so in his mind he was set. Unfortunately, he was mistaken. Jesus revealed to him that there was more, “When Jesus heard this, he said to him, you still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” LUKE 18:22. After hearing this the man became sad, he didn’t want to give up all his riches.

It can be hard to give up our material possessions, especially if we feel as if we worked extremely hard to obtain them. We must PUT GOD FIRST, we cannot have anything above him, there shouldn't be anything we wouldn’t do for him. Like we read a few days ago on Merciful Mondays (s/o to Jael) we can't serve two things, can't serve God and money. “…HOW HARD IT IS FOR THE RICH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD 25 INDEED IT IS EASIER For A CAMEL TO GO THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE THAN FOR SOMEONE WHO IS RICH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD” LUKE 18:24-25 Now this isn’t quite saying don’t be a financially successful person and make a lot of money, have nice things, cars, homes etc. As Gods children we are blessed and an abundance of finances is just one of many possible blessings bestowed upon us (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). But we shouldn’t put money, making money, or any material possession above serving God, building up his kingdom and doing his will. Prioritize and realize that first comes God, all else comes later. "But seek ye first, the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33

Give it all to God, don’t hold back. “For whosoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” Luke 9:24-25

STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS

Thirsty Thursdays: Ron 

 

Warrior Wednesdays: Persistent Prayer

Persistent: Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Refusing to give up or let go.

One of the most common phrases to Christians is P.U.S.H  Pray Until Something Happens. Although this is not always easy today's bible reading demonstrates the importance of PUSH! Luke 18 begins with a story about a widow who came to a judge persistently to ask him to avenge her of her adversaries. In those days a widow was a second rate citizen and needed a man to speak for her. God's law was to take care of widows. He recognized that they would be treated unfairly. Despite her social status this widow came to this judge consistently to plead her case. Unfortunately, the judge had no fear for God so he did not respect God's law of caring for widows and he had no regard for man especially a widow. He could care less about the woman's problem.  Too often if we feel inferior we will give up easily. Many of us give up the first time we are rejected. We may not try something because we feel we may be judge. When we feel inferior or are hurt by rejection remember this widow who was persistent in her petition. 

Eventually, the widow's persistence paid off. The judge had no interest in helping the woman, however because she annoyed him he gave in and helped her.  Luke 18:5"...because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her. lest by her continual coming she weary me." Jesus used this story to demonstrate the power of persistence. If an unjust person will help someone who is persistent how much more will God who loves us do for us? Luke 18:7"...Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him...I tell you that he will avenge them speedily" With God's promise to help us if we pray continuously we should have no doubt that he will come through! Genesis 30 shows an example of what happens when we do not pray constantly, but take matters into our own hands. 

Competition can be fierce especially between sisters.  Leah and Rachel were in a baby making competition! Fortunately, for  Leah God blessed her to have multiple sons however, Rachel was barren. As Leah began to have more and more sons Rachel became envious and desperate. In her desperate state she gave her handmaid to her husband instead of praying persistently and waiting on God. Jacob should have known better than to agree to have children with Rachel's handmaid because his mother and father had gone through this same situation as well as his grandmother and grandfather.  In the prior two generations one made the choice to take matters into their own hands and the other waited on God. Sarah I Jacob's grandmother)was barren so she gave Hagar her maidservant to Abraham and then became jealous of Hagar when she conceived and mad with Abraham. Rebekah (Jacob's mother) was barren and Isaac prayed to God and he blessed her to have twins! Unfortunately, Jacob chose the same direction as his grandfather Abraham.  Once Rachel's handmaid had a child Leah gave Jacob her handmaid and the competition continued.  Had Rachel waited she would have received the children that God eventually gave her without bringing other people into the family mix.

When we feel like our prayers are going unanswered we should continue to pray day and night until it happens. Luke 18: 1 Men ought always to pray, and not to faint".  Let's believe that what we are longing for will come to pass! 

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!

Warrior Wednesday: Brittney