We previously considered how suffering can be for our good. We also discussed that the Lord can and does use a person's suffering for His glory by advancing His kingdom plans on earth. In addition, we learned that our Heavenly Father uses suffering to produce a barrier between us and sin in His children. It creates a distaste for the sinful desires that satan peddles as a way to capture our souls in its evil plans.
Last time, Abraham had the spotlight, but today, we focus on King David and his son, King Solomon.
David endured maltreatment at the hands of his family, so much so that he was an afterthought when Prophet Samuel came to anoint God's choice for Israel's next King. Then, his father-in-law, a man he'd faithfully served in battle, hunted him for years with murderous intent. The Book of Psalms is filled with his anguish about how he was treated while on the run, waiting to step into the role God chose him for.
Through his trials, David learned to rely on God, instead of his intelligence or strength. This was why he didn't kill his father-in-law when the occasion arose. God also heralded him as a man who was pleasing to Him. David left such a legacy, becoming the standard for every new king. God instructed them all to behave like David to be blessed.
Solomon inherited the throne and sought the Lord for wisdom to rule (1 Kings 3). God was impressed by the purity of his petition and promised him exceedingly and abundantly more than he'd requested - wealth, honor, and long life (if he obeyed God). The Lord kept his promises. He was known, and remains known, for his wisdom and wealth.
Unlike his father, the Bible did not illustrate long-suffering and challenges in his pre-kingship life. Alas, much of his reign was dominated by sin. He married hundreds of foreign wives contrary to God's word in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 and began to serve their false gods (Exodus 20:3; 5). Solomon entrenched idolatry and the worship of foreign gods in the land, which angered the Lord and led to the splitting of the kingdom with his son, Rehoboam, receiving the smaller portion.
The distinction between King David and King Solomon has been simplified for brevity. Nevertheless, their stories highlight how challenging times curb the flesh and cause people to walk in greater fear of the Lord. That in turn transforms their nature, making them less desirous of sin. Apostle Peter taught in 1 Peter 4:1 - whoever suffers in the body is done with sin...
Don't be quick to reject the suffering God permits. In such cases, His objective is not to punish but to build up. Therefore, let Him teach what needs to be learned during a season of struggle and be done with sin. Submit to His lead through every stage and portion of life. so He steers away from what creates unnecessary suffering. Far too many fail in this regard and end up enduring pain that was never part of His plan. But God is faithful. Even when mistakes have been made, He is ready to rescue and save those who genuinely repent and call out to Him. Praise the Lord.
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LAST 10 MINUTES
I hope our opinion on suffering is shifting. Obviously, none of us want to struggle but as God deems it fit to permit the challenges of life, let us start trusting Him that there will be reward for our troubles,
With that said, use this opportunity to give God praise as we pray:
Thank You Father for every challenge, trial, and tribulation. Thank You for the moments that made me cry. They pushed me closer to You. What the devil meant for evil You turned around for my good. By Your grace, I understand that my moments of suffering have brought me closer to my breakthrough. None shall be wasted but will glorify You and exalt You. Father, I use this opportunity to pray for a double reward. Your word states in Zechariah 9:12 - Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. Lord, hear and fulfill Your word. As You restored Job doubly, do the same for me as You usher me out of struggles into Your blessings, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Father for today's message. I pray that we see how suffering is a way of you pruning and refining our character for the greater good. I pray that we equally experience your comfort as we navigate challenges IJMN Amen
Lord, You are the God who gives rest to His beloved. Good and wonderful is who You are. Altogether holy and lovely always. Glory be to You, Yahweh!
Father, You told us You have given Your disciples the authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). We need only proclaim Your word and watch it be fulfilled here on earth as in heaven (Job 22:28).
Therefore, despite satan's plans, I speak against the spirit of death, depression, suicide and suicidal thoughts. I command these and all confederate spirits to leave in accordance with Your word in Luke 9:1. Every evil stronghold bows to the name of Jesus! I speak Your granted spirit of sound mind unto those who You will allow this prayer to reach (2 Timothy 1:7). I decree that the Spirit of the Lord brings freedom and speak this freedom to those bound in the clutches of the aforementioned strongholds, IJMN, Amen.
For Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and so, I speak Jesus into these minds and hearts to Your glory and by Your grace. For what does light have to do with darkness? Satan you bow to the word of the Lord, IJN, Amen.
Sovereign Lord, I speak against the spirit of confusion, the spirit of doubt, the spirit of fear.
God of all comfort, Father of all compassion, You spoke that You would show mercy and compassion to those whom You choose.
Lord, while satan wants to stand against Your word, I am grateful that You are the Covenant-Keeping God. Not one word You spoke to Israel failed to come to pass. The God You were then, is the God You are today.
I therefore speak Your word right back to You and call for Your mercy and compassion to find those who are plagued by the spirits of confusion, doubt, fear and any other stronghold that You did not assign to them. Whatever is not their cup to bear, I speak against it IJN and cast them all to the pit to never return, Amen.
Lord, I speak the words of Ephesians 6:10-18 and decree Your Armor, shield, sword and feet coverings upon Your Peppers. I call on You to wrap them in Your embrace. May Your presence be tangible to them and ever accessible, IJMN, Amen.
For our Savior came to destroy the works of satan and He succeeded. He broke every chain, destroyed all confinement papers. He bore the sin - and their consequences - on His back so none of us who believe in Him and declare Him our Savior need to bear that.
So, Lord, I thank You for this grace. I thank You for the peace and rest that has come upon Your children, for I declare the Kingdom of God is here for each of those who receive and claim it, IJN, Amen!
Lord, I submit children, the elderly, widows, orphans an all who are helpless to You. Father, please see their plight and see that they are practically at the mercy of others. Have mercy on them Lord, and place over them leaders who will be compassionate, with clean hands and a pure heart. Anything is possible with You, as You are able to direct the hearts of the "kings" like streams of water. Protect the helpless from abuse and hear their cries. Act quickly oh Lord, so that injustice does not reign. I enthrone You as King over their situations. In Jesus name, amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for the sick and recovering. I pray that your healing power permeates every inch of their bodies and heals them. I pray that you will use doctors, specialists, science, medicine and technology to perfect your healing in their lives. I pray that you will coordinate the eyes and hands of operating surgeons to carry out successful surgeries IJMN Amen
From JIR -- I pray for those who are struggling with something in their lives. Please bless them to be strong and pray to You, Lord, steadfast. I pray that they do not lose hope and humbly come to You for help. Please bless them with strength, comfort, peace and protection. Please bless them to know that You love them, You are there for them and You want what’s best for them. Please pull them out of whatever is troubling them and bless them to recover from it. Please strengthen their faith in You, Lord, so they completely submit their lives to You and realize that nothing is made possible unless You are in the midst. IJMN. Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that you forgive us for every way we have grieved your spirit through our words, thoughts and actions. I pray that your Spirit will continually make a home in us. I pray that you search us and know our hearts, that you test every anxious thoughts and point out anything in us that offends you Abba Father. I pray that you wash us clean of very guilt. IJMN Amen
Father in heaven,
I honor You and acknowledge that You are the ever present help in time of need. Lord I lift up this upcoming holiday season to You. Please be with people as they travel to visit their loved ones. Please divinely orchestrate their paths so they are kept safe. You promise that nothing shall by any means harm them. I rebuke mischief and crime as no weapon formed against them shall prosper. So please frustrate the devices of holiday criminals and road ragers so their evil plans do not come to pass. Be glorified and lifted up in this season, in Jesus name, amen!
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples waiting on the fruit of the womb. I pray that you turn their waiting into fruitfulness. I pray as they wait on you, they won't make their desire an idol. I pray that you strengthen their faith as they wait on your perfect timing. I pray that you bless them with beautiful and healthy babies that will nurture and nourish in your ways. I pray that you put an end to miscarriages, failed IVFs and difficult adoption processes IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people that are just coming to know you. I pray Father that you knock down every obstacle that keeps people from fully experiencing you in their lives. I pray that you open their hearts and minds to receive your word and for your word to renew their hearts and minds. I pray that you strengthen their faith beyond measure and help them stand firm in their faith in you IJMN Amen
Exceptional God. The Steadfast King. The Sovereign Lord. I know that You can do all things and Your purpose can never be thwarted. Glory, Hallelujah!
2 Chronicles 20:22 - As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
As I praise You my God and as Your children have taken seriously the call to worship You, I call on You to raise ambushments against the enemy of their soul. Yes Lord, for Jesus Himself came to destroy all the works of satan. Rubbishing it to the extreme whereby You oh Lord declared it is less than nothing!
Thank You God for putting satan to shame. For You have indeed said where two or more are gathered in Your name, You will present Yourself. Indeed, You have assured that as You are lifted up, You will raise men to Yourself. And there's nothing satan can do about it. You who can do and undo. I worship and I thank You for standing up for Your own. For causing that enemy that came from one direction to flee in seven. They flee in confusion, slashing themselves to oblivion because Jehovah Shammah is here. Emmanuel!
IJMN, I thank You, mighty Defender for Your protection, Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Father for this wonderful community of Christ. I thank you for everything you have been doing in our lives and the lives of our loved ones. I thank you Father for your grace, love, mercy, abundance and provision ober iur lives. Thank you Father for seeing us through the past 10 months of 2024. I pray as the year.goes to an end that you will keep us protect and guide us and our loved ones IJMN Amen
From JIR - I pray for all believers to read the Bible everyday and not only read the Bible but also live by the Bible. I pray that we all put ourselves in the shoes of those in need and eagerly give the shirts on our backs and the shoes on our feet if need be. I pray that we give to those in need on a consistent and persistent basis. IJMN. Amen.
PRAYER TIME
This is not the time to pray for your issues. Please pray for others over the next 25 minutes.
Thank you and God bless you.
Father I thank You because by knowledge are the just delivered. You gave me understanding yesterday which will help change my perpective and help me to move with wisdom from now on. Thank You
From JIR - “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV
Who can challenge You? Who can oppose You?
Nobody!!
Thank You for being undefeatable. Thank You for being indefatigable. Thank You for being infallible. Thank You for being dependable.
The God who drew me out of the waters.
Hallelujah to Him who lifts a standard against the opposition (Isaiah 59:19).
From JIR - Lord, I thank You for bringing me into the light. I am never going back now that I have had a taste of Your love, grace and mercy. IJMN. Amen.
Here's a message sis @cookie jolie shared back in 2022 -
I just wanted to share this moving song with you all...
I am thankful that despite the things that are going on around me that I can always find rest in Jesus. Just call out His name <3