Ask. Seek. Knock.

Show Notes

Scripture: Job 42:1-9

SHOW NOTES:

You might be familiar with the story of Job in the Old Testament. This man faced profound loss and suffering, and in chapter 42, Job makes a heartfelt confession of his folly.

Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”

– Job 42:1-2

Job acknowledges that he spoke without knowledge and understanding. He now holds a deeper spiritual insight. He views both God and himself more realistically. Job had previously expressed remorse for his losses, but now he mourns his sins. He has changed his mind and released his rebellious pride and arrogance toward God.

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

– Job 42:5-6

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Show Notes

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4-7; 2:20; 9:1-6

SHOW NOTES:

An inspired leader, Nehemiah, served as King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer in Persia when an envoy delivered the report of Jerusalem’s distress. Nehemiah’s initial response to the discouraging news about Jerusalem’s condition was emotional. He then turned his face to the Lord and cried out in prayer.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people, Israel.”

– Nehemiah 1:4-6

However, the enemies surrounding Jerusalem tried to discourage, mock, and deny their right to the city. Nehemiah responded with firm confidence in the God of heaven and reported that the people in Jerusalem would start rebuilding the wall.

We conclude this lesson with the prayer in Chapter Nine. This is one of the great prayers of the Old Testament. It praises God for His character and His conduct.

“Stand up and praise the Lord your God, for he lives from everlasting to everlasting!”

Then they prayed: “May your glorious name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.”

– Nehemiah 9:5-6

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Show Notes

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

SHOW NOTES:

Two women, cousins, were brought together by God’s sovereign plan. In Luke 1, the young betrothed Mary quickly travels to the home of Elizabeth and stays with her for three months. Elizabeth welcomes her with words of blessing.

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb.

And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

– Luke 1:41-42

The word ‘blessed’ means to be especially favored because of God’s grace. Mary was most blessed because her Son would be blessed, and He is the greatest blessing ever given to all people.

Mary visited Elizabeth, an older, godly woman. Their time together was filled with praise and prayer. Elizabeth shared wise words, comfort, and encouragement. Mary gave glory to God for His power, holiness, and mercy.

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant.”

– Luke 1:46-48

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Show Notes

SHOW NOTES

We are taking a mid-summer break this week. Our weekly podcast, Walk with God, will return next week as we continue the current series, “The Power of Prayer.”

Spend some time reading Psalm 27 and listening to the song, “The Lord is My Light.”

Psalm 27 – Prayer of David.

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.

³ Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

⁵ For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.

⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

⁹ Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.

¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.

¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

¹⁴ Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

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Show Notes

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8

SHOW NOTES:

We look for lessons and examples from Scripture to guide our walk with God. In the first part of this series, “The Power of Prayer,” we examined many examples from the Old Testament. Now, we turn to the pages of the New Testament. In today’s lesson, we will explore Jesus’ words in Matthew 6.

Jesus warns the disciples about hypocrisy. Yes, we are to live righteous lives, but “Watch out!”

“You are the light of the world … let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16). We are to perform good deeds openly in front of a watching world, not for our praise, but to draw attention to our Heavenly Father and give Him glory!

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.

– Matthew 6:5

Again, “Do not be like the hypocrites.” He references the Pharisees and Sadducees, the two main religious groups. They are obsessed with what others think of them. They seek recognition for their “good and righteous acts.”

We pray for the same reasons children talk to their parents. We share concerns. We have a relationship and seek fellowship. We want help when facing tough times and confusing situations in life. Children need the wisdom of a Father and Mother.

Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Do not turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen and answer me quickly when I call to you.

– Psalm 102:1-2

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Show Notes

Scripture: Matthew 6:9 / Luke 11:1-2

SHOW NOTES:

Prayer is a vital part of our Christian life. We communicate with our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom, guidance, and direction. Jesus’ disciples traveled with Him for three years. They listened to His teachings, witnessed His miracles, and heard Him pray. Many times, He would go off to pray in the evening or early morning hours.

In today’s lesson, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. He responds with the prayer we often call The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) or The Disciples’ Prayer (Luke 11:2-4). This prayer is the example or model Jesus gave to His disciples.

One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of his disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name.’”

– Luke 11:1-2

God’s “name” reflects His nature. Jesus called God His Father. We also call Him our Heavenly Father to give Him glory and praise.

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.

– 1 Peter 1:15

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