Psalms
March 23, 2007 on 12:58 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Rooted deep in the hearts and souls of Shan Dai people—and evident in their culture—is their love for music, song, and dance. Think about the last time you sensed the presence of God in a time of corporate worship. Maybe He made Himself known in the reading of His word. Maybe you felt His presence as someone recalled His faithfulness in real ways. Maybe it was as your own lips sang wholehearted praise, while music played, and hands clapped in the joy of Jesus’ nearness. When God’s people connect with Him, somehow rejoicing is as natural as breathing. Let’s pray today for the day when the Shan Dai people will have the Bible in their language and can sing praises from the Psalms. “I will exalt you, my God and King, I will praise your name for ever and ever… (deep drums begin to pound). Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise, His greatness no one can fathom… (music comes forth from horns made of bamboo). The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love… (Shan Dai woman sing out in rich voices). The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down… (men echo back with meaning, reflecting on their own struggles with humility.) Children join in strongly and the graceful Dai line dance continues as they sing joyfully with celebration to God. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever” (from Psalms 145 NIV).
Job
March 23, 2007 on 12:58 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Job did more than suffer; he remained faithful to God. Faithfulness is what a faithful God desires and requires of His people. In the heavens, Satan made a wager with God. Job was chosen by God to prove to Satan that man can love God and be faithful to Him, not for what God does, but for who God is. Job was afflicted with great suffering; would he be faithful to God? Abraham was told to sacrifice his son; would he be faithful to God? Never seeing rain, Noah’s job was to build an ark; would he be faithful to God? Daniel had his den of lions; would he be faithful to God? We, in the 21st century, may face terrorism, cancer, misunderstandings, unemployment, prosperity, stress, or unfaithful family members…will we be faithful to God? Shan Dai Christians will be persecuted for their faith, and they too will need to make a decision: “Curse God and die” or trust and remain faithful. In the midst of Job’s anguish, he proclaims his choice to be faithful to God. We pray for Shan Dai Christians to resolve to live life faithfully, with the confidence that comes from walking close to God. May we, like Job, say, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold for I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23:10-12).
Esther
March 23, 2007 on 12:57 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
It is possible that the historical account of Esther is the very first Cinderella story. Born a Jewish orphan of the tribe of Benjamin, Esther was one of many beautiful young women entering a pageant to become King Xerxes’ wife. After twelve months of beauty treatments, Esther made her debut, and she was chosen by the king to be his queen. The story’s plot thickens when a power-hungry man in the king’s court desires to destroy all the Jews. Will Queen Esther die with the rest of her people? Read Esther to discover the outcome of the verse, “…Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Several thousand years later, another beautiful young woman lived. Although her impact was not from a palace, but in a crowded government hospital room, this same verse applies. One day, a few people from the new church came to visit with this seriously ill Christian Dai woman. This visit was both an encouragement to the Dai sister and an opportunity for other patients in the room to hear about and experience the love of Jesus. Seeds of truth were planted and are now blooming in the lives of people hours away in a different Shan Dai village! Father, we rejoice in Your goodness of placing obedient people right where You need them to be. We thank You for hearts made ready to respond and for lives that continue to be changed. May Your beauty continue to shine forth we pray.
Nehemiah
March 23, 2007 on 12:57 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Life is best not lived alone in isolation, but in community. Nehemiah experienced communal living as the Israelites gathered together, each contributing to the repair of the walls and the gates of a ruined and disgraced Jerusalem. They labored together as a group. Like many minority groups, the Shan Dai are strong in community. When there is a wall to be repaired or a ditch to be dug, each does his part. In times of celebration and in times of grief, in seasons of planting and harvesting, Shan Dai people work together to provide for each other’s needs. Sadly, many of the Shan Dai have yet to know and embrace the One who desires to meet their ultimate need. Nehemiah knew that the people’s need was greater than a restored wall. They had a need to worship God as a community. Let’s join together today as individuals who love God, making up a community of believers, working together to pray for the Shan Dai. Father, may the Shan Dai experience the kind of worship that was lived out in chapters eight and nine of Nehemiah—people gathering and listening attentively to the Word of God, praises flowing, the confessing of sins and a renewing of commitment to God. “Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, ‘Amen! Amen!’ as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD…” (Nehemiah 8:6). Lord, bless each of us with Your joy and strength as out of love for You we all do our part in helping others to know that You can meet their greatest needs.
Ezra
March 23, 2007 on 12:57 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Ezra was a leader with the hand of God upon him. In a mighty way, he led the Israelites in the Babylonian captivity back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, but even more importantly, he led them back to God. Strong in prayer and in biblical knowledge, Ezra was a faithful servant-leader who applied prayer and God’s teaching to effectively change the political situation, economy, community and family life of the people in his day. With a proclaimed fast to humble themselves, Ezra petitioned God to protect their journey rather than relying on the king and all the king’s men. Ezra was so bold as to tell the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him” (Ezra 8:22). Scripture says that God heard and answered Ezra’s prayer. Under God-filled leaders, society thrives. And when people turn away from the Lord just the opposite happens. After all, why were God’s people in captivity in the first place? Lord, we pray for the Shan Dai nation to thrive under Your leadership. The need is great for godly Shan Dai leaders, those who like Ezra make a positive contribution to society. We pray today for these leaders to be equipped with the vision, the resources and the momentum to reach all Shan Dai people (and beyond) with the Good News of the Kingdom of God. In upcoming days, and weeks, as you pray for those in leadership over you, please also petition God for the Christian leaders among the Dai. And may God answer our prayers.
2 Chronicles
March 23, 2007 on 12:56 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Matthew penned the genealogy of Joseph, who was the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. King Manasseh was a part of that family line. As king, Manasseh was privileged to make choices that affected him and his kingdom. Unfortunately, he was like a whole lot of kings in the history of Israel because, “He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight…” (2 Chronicles 33:2). But God intervened and both Manasseh and history were altered. When God spoke and the king paid no attention, Manasseh found himself bound with shackles with a hook in his nose as the Assyrian army led him and his people off to Babylon. This brought about some distress. Has God ever used a little distress in the lives of people to wake them up from prideful living? Hooks and shackles are surely not what we are praying for the Shan Dai people, or for ourselves, but it was just that situation which allowed King Manasseh to humble himself and seek the Lord. Father, we pray to You today asking for humble hearts, hearts that know and act upon the truth that You indeed are God. We, then, pray for Shan Dai leaders to be led by You. Manasseh submitted himself to You and his life was changed when he saw You for who You are—a powerful God who cares, listens and acts. Father, may Shan Dai leaders alter history as they teach others to call out to You, our holy and loving God, and amend their incorrect thinking to meekly put others before self.
1 Chronicles
March 23, 2007 on 12:56 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Reading through the many listings of family connections and history recorded in 1 Chronicles can really get a person thinking, “Where do I fit in the big scope of things? What effect will I have on those who will come after me? Where does the Shan Dai nation fit into God’s plan? What good can they pass on to the generations yet to come?” We would all do well to first heed and then pass on King David’s advice as a loving father to the next king: “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, He will reject you forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). What an awesome legacy to bestow upon our families. But, like most things, you must have ownership of them before you can bequeath them to those you love. Father God, may our knowledge of You be more than what is in our head. We seek You and pray for the Shan Dai to seek You and live with wholehearted devotion. You are great, Lord, and most worthy of praise and there is nothing better we can pass on to our children than You. You know our plans; our very thoughts are plain before You. May we worship You alone. Let the Shan Dai nation say, “The Lord reigns!”
2 Kings
March 23, 2007 on 12:56 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Good kings, bad kings, wars, famines, and the prophets who proclaim the Word of the Lord have changed the course of history. The saga of God’s people continues through the pages of 2 Kings. In this book, we also get to peek into the many miracles of the prophet that followed Elijah, the man of God named Elisha. On one occasion, an enraged king wanted to capture Elisha because he had been thwarting the king’s battle plans. The enemy had surrounded the city where Elisha and his servant were, and fear was upon the servant. Fear is a natural response to living in a dangerous world when our eyes see only natural things. Try to picture new Shan Dai believers who live surrounded by Han Chinese and other Shan Dai people that are hostile to Christianity. Dai Christians can fear for their livelihood, their safety, and for their families. Lord, we pray today these words of encouragement from Elisha on behalf of our Shan Dai brothers and sisters, “Don’t be afraid… Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16 NIV). O Lord, open their eyes so they may see You in times of fear. Jesus, thank You for being with us for where You are there is peace. Father God, we are grateful for Your loving care and protection, and that You will never leave or forsake Your children. We pray for the Dai to know Your presence, especially in times of persecution.
1 Kings
March 23, 2007 on 12:55 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Almost everyone enjoys a good competition. Years ago, on top of Mount Carmel, Elijah and King Ahab had a heated showdown to prove to all who was the One True God. Tension built as the event got underway. The prophets of Baal were assembled and all the people gathered around. Getting the crowd involved, Elijah called out asking a question that evangelists now are asking the Shan Dai, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal (or Buddha or a spirit) is God, then follow him!” (1 Kings 18:21). Two altars were set up and bulls prepared upon them. Ahab’s god, Baal, did not respond even when the prophets cut themselves in an attempt to wake him up. When it was Elijah’s turn, he called for water to drench the sacrifice, even filling a trench that was dug around the altar. Elijah then prayed on behalf of the people and God answered mightily; the fire of the Lord fell! Lord, like the people in Elijah’s day, some Dai people want to embrace You without giving up allegiance to the worship they are familiar with. God, we pray for the Shan Dai to know You as the One True God and call out, “The Lord—He is God! The Lord—He is God!” Lord, please show them that You alone are worthy to follow, and give them the courage to pursue You completely and wholeheartedly, in spite of what is comfortable.
2 Samuel
March 23, 2007 on 12:54 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
2 Samuel begins with the life of David who was once a shepherd boy but now a great king over Judah. David is known as a man after God’s own heart. He learned, like all of us must, that only by obedience to God can blessings and success come. Success is knowing God and that He saves when we call out to Him. This timeless truth remains for all people and all nations. Why is it so hard to trust God? Many of the Shan Dai have lived and died trusting in things that have no power to save. We are all given one life to live and at the end of David’s life, he sang out to God in praise. “The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! …O LORD, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name” (2 Samuel 22:47, 50). David was confident in God’s faithfulness. He knew God. As the leader of God’s people, he wanted the nations to know of God’s rock-solid strength and trustworthiness. May we boldly pray today on behalf of Shan Dai government leaders, many of whom lead without the direction of the Leader. What a difference it would make if Dai village headmen would be men after God’s heart and teach those around them God’s great salvation. O Lord, You are exalted! Be the Rock and Savior for the Shan Dai nation. Change these leaders into men of courage and strength as they trust in You.
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