The work of your hands - Praise & Pray (for others) November 4, 2022

As believers, many of us move through the world speaking God's word over ourselves. We proclaim His promises, claiming them and praising for them even if we are yet to see our expectations materialize. (If you are not doing this, please start).

Sometimes, however, we get so myopic that we only focus on the parts of the Bible that make us happy, without confronting the sections that act as a call to change and improve. I am just as guilty of this as anyone else and a recent reading of the Book of Revelations acted as a stark reminder.

Specifically, I was looking at Revelation 9:20 - The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.

The part of the scripture that caught my attention was the term "work of their hands." It is one I tend to use when praying for God to bless people. I do this because of Psalm 90:17 - May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. Sounds like a great proclamation, right?

Well, it is. Yet, as I studied Revelation 9:20, I was nudged to stop and examine what the "works of my hands" are producing. Are the things I do - the things I invest my time in - producing anything I need to repent for? Or are they producing things that please the Lord and bring favor?

As I am far from perfect, I've had to confront aspects of me that don't produce the righteousness that God desires. I've had to face up to the things I do that need to go NOW. It's been hard to examine myself so closely - after all, who wants to see themselves as failing in anything? Nevertheless, the exercise has been a caution that if the works of our hands produce that which is contrary to God's word, they will not be blessed and ruin is sure to come. The exercise is also a trumpet call highlighting that God is gracious and kind to point His finger at the things that must be eradicated from our lives. And because He is a good God, He does so from a place of compassion and love.

Will you let the Lord point His finger at the things that you need to stop doing right now? Even the things you don't do on purpose but somehow happen? If you are willing, today is the starting point of Him providing the necessary wisdom to no longer fall into the pits and traps that the devil has set to ensnare. Pits and snares intended to slow down your journey to the promised land that is your sure inheritance. Remember God is building you for His purpose that you will be the dwelling place He resides in. God wants to lovingly guide you in the construction phase so you end up a beautiful reflection of His glory here on earth and step into heaven with a glorious welcome.

If you are ready to do this with the Lord, please pray with me - Heavenly Father, You are the beginning and the end. You are He who spoke the end from the beginning. Who else can boast of such a thing? The I am that I am alone! Lord, I confess that I need You to place a finger on the works of my hands that I must repent for. Even before You tell me what these things are, I submit my ways to You and freely repent of every known and unknown sin that works against me and deprives You of Your glory in my life. I freely receive Your merciful forgiveness and know that from today, You will show me how I can change so You are honored. I understand that these changes may happen over the course of time, and I trust You to get me through. IJMN, Amen.

Glory to God in the Highest!!! Let us come to fellowship at Noon EST ready to praise God for His grace and the changes to come in our lives. Also be prepared to intercede for others as is our custom. May the Lord bless you richly and may His righteous right hand bless the godly works of your hands that they give Him glory, IJMN, Amen.