Here I Am, Lord

by Pastor Mark Jeske

The Bible is the very Word of God. But these words were not given to mankind all in one gulp, all at the same time, all through one person, all in the same style. The Bible was revealed to us over the course of 1,600 years and utilizes quite a variety of literary styles: history, law, sermons, poems, libretto to a musical, wisdom sayings, drama dialogue, letters, and prophetic visions. Almost all of the Bible is presented in a style that brings information from God to us.

Except the Psalms. The content of the Psalms came from God, but he couched much of the book in first-person language to give us a vocabulary for speaking to him. The Psalms are first-rate devotional literature, guiding our thoughts and emotions as we give God our praises, petitions, groans, laments, puzzles, confessions of sin, cries of pain, and pleas for protection, forgiveness, guidance, and healing.

A God Who Hears

By Mike DeVries

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

I was talking with someone recently about a family crisis he is going through when he made this comment, “I just need God to hear me. I need to know that God is listening. Is that too much to ask for?”

Perhaps you’ve found yourself in the same situation. You’ve found yourself in a place where you are crying out to God, and the whole time you’re wondering, is He even listening? Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a place along your journey where you are looking around and asking, “God, if you’re supposed to be God, then why is ____________ happening?”

If you have been there (or you are there at this moment), you’re in good company. The Scriptures are filled with people who struggled with these exact questions. We encounter people who, in the face of tremendous doubt, have cried out to God, “Where are you?”

7 Benefits of Tongues

JOHN HURSTON, PH.D.

 

80

 

2

 

2

 

8

 

( Nikada/iStockphoto)

Ever wonder why having a prayer language is important? Here are good reasons to use one.

1. You know your spirit is speaking directly to God. The Bible tells us, "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God … for if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays" (1 Cor. 14:2,14, NKJV). Praying in tongues can also be like a two-way street. When you pray in tongues, God will often give you wisdom and insight to see better ways of doing what you need to do.

2. You know you are praying according to the will of God. The Holy Spirit "makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. 8:27). You may often be tempted to pray for what you want, but when you speak in tongues, you are instead praying God's will. This is important, for the tongue has great power, as Solomon pointed out: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov. 18:21).