Verse of the Day 1/12
Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." English Standard Version (ESV)
My wife Jean and I both woke up well before the dawn this morning and before we got out of bed I mentioned to her how amazing it is to think of how many people are praying for her, praying for us. It does encourage us and give us strength to face the day. As I read today's verses, what struck me was how Jesus told Peter " I have prayed for you." I was reminded that while it is such a good feeling to know that others are praying for us, that Jesus is actually bringing our situation to the Father.
Whether it is forgiveness of sins, whether it is healing, or just the courage to face the challenges of the day, Jesus has our back. Charles Spurgeon writes, "
How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never- ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, he pleads for us; and when we are not praying, he is advocating our cause, and by his supplications shielding us from unseen dangers." Whereas we come before the Father at times, not sure exactly how we ought to pray, we can be assured that Jesus knows.
Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. NLT
We have Jesus interceding for us, the Spirit praying for us and the Father who knows what we need. May we be strengthened by it, and may we "strengthen our brothers" in encouraging them to call on God, God in three persons.
Lord God almighty
Early in the morning my song shall rise to thee
Holy. holy, holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons, blessed Trinity
All the saints adore Thee
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea
All the cherubim and seraphim are falling down before Thee
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be
Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eyes of sinful man Thy glory may not see
Lord, only Thou art holy and there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, in love and purity
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Luke 22:31-34New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers."
33 Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you."
34 But Jesus said, "Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."
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