Psalm 8:1
During worship, as I knelt to pray, in that place where I usually make my formal presentations of my New Testament sacrifices: this body a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), my thanks a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15), dedicating my unceasing prayers to Him a sacrifice of incense in His holy Temple (Pslm 141:2; 1 Corinthians 6:19), and my service to Him as the “sacrifice and service of my faith” (Philippians 2:17), instead, I was carried away into prayer for the oppressive regimes in Iran and China to be swept away and the people liberated from their tryanny.
As fervency increased, the Spirit cautioned me with 1 Timothy 2:8:
1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
The Mind of the Spirit touched the spirit of my mind with this thought: Don’t let the raging of the heathen provoke you to rage before my throne. It occurred to me that wrath is a by-product of doubt. The Angel of the LORD (a manifestation of the Holy Ghost) found Peter sleeping but not raging against Herod’s injustice. He found Paul and Silas singing and not raging in their jail cell. When your “boat” is tossed about in waves raging, trust God; join Jesus resting His Head calmly “on a pillow” instead of crying, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).
Along the still waters, the Spirit spoke to me through His Word: “Oppression maketh a wise man mad” (Ecclesiastes 7:7). The word mad is יְהוֹלֵ֣ל (Ye-ho-lee-el), and means to make mad, or to provoke one to rave. Interestingly, the word is close to one translated as praise. Don’t let the raging heathen turn your praise to rage.
I find it very difficult to maintain “rule over [my] own spirit” (Proverbs 25:28) when confronted with the raging lunacy of the Left. But it’s difficult when confronted with the evil of oppressors (Khamenei and Xi)! I sometimes wonder if I’m succumbing to Satan’s design to neutralize my prayers. I sometimes struggle to distinguish between loss of control of my Spirit and effusions of righteous indignation against oppressors under the influence of the Holy Spirit. I don’t want to excuse the former or quench the latter.
In the valley, I knelt in the shadow of His Cross and was reminded that He died there not for our sins only but for the sins of the entire world (1 John 2:1-2). And the Spirit reminded me that when I pray, I must remember that God “will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). I was reminded that “all things work together for good,” (Romans 8:28) and that the salvation of mankind is the end toward which all things work. The storms that rock my “boat” must not be allowed to disrupt my “rest” (Hebrews 4:10) for every wave and surge moves the “boat” toward the shore of God’s choosing (Mark 4:38-5:1). Still, He Who commands the stormy wind that lifts the waves to heaven, and drops them to the depths (Psalm 107:25-26), stills the sea (Mark 4:39), and “maketh the storm a calm” (Psalm 107:27): “Then are [we] glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth [us to our] desired haven” (Psalm 107:30).
He said, Deny yourself, take up your cross, and let’s go! (Luke 9:23). I obeyed and followed Him to His table.
At the table, He anointed my head with His oil and filled my cup with His grace. We rose and walked into the Harvest. Instinctively, I glanced back and smiled at goodness and mercy, always faithfully following.
Praying for revival! 🙏
Going live asap!
Such great in-site Pastor! The HS often reminds me that he loves ALL humanity and he desires that ALL would turn to him and be saved! His Grace, long-suffering, love, and forgiveness so far surpasses our tolerance as humans! Praise God for his amazing attributes that continue to awe and amaze us!!! PTL! His ways are so far above our comprehension-only as HE reveals himself to us-what a Savior!