Prayer Thoughts

The Sacrifice of Praise

2010-06-14T09:25:00.000-05:00

http://www.billosborne.com/blog/

The Sacrifice of Praise

Another day; another week;

thankful You my soul to keep.

The praise I offer You today

is for the future of my way.

Right now I thank You for all You do--

all to help see me through--

the bumpy road that lays ahead;

so I can peacefully rest upon my bed.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

A Sunday Prayer Poem

2010-06-14T09:17:00.001-05:00

http://www.billosborne.com/blog/

A Sunday Morning Prayer Poem

I worship You on Your day, Lord.

I magnify Your Name.

I hope in You;

I trust Your plan;

I yield to Your judgment.

I long for Your embrace.

I love You.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Job's Friends Believed in the Health & Wealth Gospel--a False One

2010-06-10T09:42:00.000-05:00

Job and his friends discussed his problems at length. The friends were convinced Job had hidden sin, provable by the calamity now upon his life. Job continually declared his innocence. They continually declared his guilt. Job ended up being right, and they were wrong.

In the middle of this interesting bantering back and forth, as I read through it last week, I noticed that Elihu (and his friends) obviously believed in the "Health & Wealth" gospel: If you love & obey God, nothing bad will happen to you:

"If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant." Job 36:11 NLT

What's wrong with this thinking? Lots.

First of all, it proved to be false in Job's life (obviously).

Secondly, it proved invalid in Jesus's life: He was God's only Son, never sinned, yet lots and lots of bad things happened to Him.

Finally, it was proved wrong and faulty reasoning in the life of every apostle and most of the history of the church recorded in the New Testament.

You never read of a church in the New Testament, "This group was righteous, so everything went smooth in their lives."

But you do read in the life of Daniel, Moses, Joseph, David, and others of their true heart, servant attitude, and total commitment--followed by years of living in captivity, wandering in the desert, being in prison and slavery, or running from God's appoint king--who was trying to kill unjustly.

Rest assured. Bad things do happen to good people. Regularly.

Lord, give me strength, patience, and wisdom to face the difficulties I must. Help me to honor you as I endure, patiently waiting on Your intervention. May I always offer you the sacrifice of praise--even before you deliver me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

God Is Working His Plan Through You

2010-06-08T10:16:00.001-05:00

As Job was discussing his own plight and circumstances with his friends, he makes a stunning statement revealing his commitment to God and God's power over his life and circumstances:

"He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me, and whatever else he determines to do." Job 23:14 The Message

God has a detailed plan for you and your life. You were created for good works:

"For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." Ephesians 2:10 AMP

You have a specific and unique kingdom purpose and destiny. Find your gifts, and use them for God.

Lord, open my eyes to my own gifts; then give me strength to attack my tasks with great enthusiasm. Help me to fulfill my kingdom destiny--to Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Faith in the Face of Ferocious, Fantastic, Flagrant Suffering

2010-06-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.billosborne.com/blog/

In the middle of his horrific trial, Job held on to his faith in God's master plan:

"But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]." Job 23:10 AMP

Wow. What faith. What devotion. What submission to God's purpose--even in the greatest of suffering.

Lord, help me to have the faith of Job as I face my own trials and suffering. Remind me that Your eternal purposes and rewards with far outweigh any temporary pain and inconvenience I am currently experiencing. Show me what to do for the kingdom today; lead me each step of the way.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

A Gentile Prophesied The Truth

2010-06-04T09:35:00.000-05:00

In the book of Esther, Haman hated Mordecai, the Jew, because Mordecai refused to honor Haman. God orchestrated an interested set of circumstances where

a) Mordecai saved the king's life,
b) the king had overlooked honoring Mordecai for saving his life,
c) Haman became trusted advisor of the king,
d) the king discovered that Mordecai hadn't yet been honored for saving his life,
e) the king asked Haman, trusted advisor, what to do to honor someone special,
f) Haman thought HE was the one the king was planning to honor,
g) Haman suggested putting that man in the kings clothing, riding the kings horse, and yelling to everyone that they should honor that man, and, finally,
h, Mordecai was that man, and Haman had to do the yelling.

After coming home all depressed and dejected, and relating the turn of events that had just happened, his wife made an unusual statement:

"When Haman told his wife, Zeresh, and all his friends what had happened, his wise advisers and his wife said, 'Since Mordecai—this man who has humiliated you—is of Jewish birth, you will never succeed in your plans against him. It will be fatal to continue opposing him.'" Esther 6:13 NLT

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Living On Faith

2010-06-03T08:02:00.000-05:00

http://www.billosborne.com/blog/

Living on Faith

God is King upon His throne;

All the world is His alone.

The end of my story--He knows well;

I'll be saved from the pit of hell.

The problem is: my daily life;

It's full of pain, hurt, and strife.

Distracting me from my true place;

A child of God's unmovable grace.

So, learn I must to live each day;

Walking toward Him each step of the way;

Focused on what I cannot see.

Living on faith; staying on my knees;

Praying my way to the throne--if you please.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

The Importance of the Tribe of Benjamin

2010-06-02T09:46:00.000-05:00

"In the fortress of Susa there was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin named Mordecai. He was the son of Jair, the grandson of Shimei, and the great-grandson of Kish." Esther 2:5 GWT

The tribe of Benjamin had almost been wiped out (Judges 20:46-47). Yet God made sure some remained. Why? What did it matter?

If Mordecai was from the tribe of Benjamin, then Esther was, too. These two prevented the wholesale slaughter of the Jews, and this is still celebrated today (Purim).

Another important person from this tribe is ... Paul. Paul wrote the majority of the New Testament. I'd say it was important for the tribe of Benjamin to survive, wouldn't you?

Lord, thank You for preserving those who are important in the big scheme of things to the spread of the kingdom. Help me to be instrumental in that spread. Show me what to do for the kingdom today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

The King Gives A Banquet

2010-05-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.billosborne.com/blog/

After 7 years of researching the subject of heaven in the Bible, I now notice things in Scripture that I never saw before. Pretend the following verse is a glimpse of the future, rather than an even in history:

"When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones. Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king's generosity." Esther 1:5-7 NLT

Wow. Now that's a party. And this is only the beginning of what the King has in mind!

Lord, I look forward to the great feast on the day of Your return. Come quickly! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Anxious For The King To Come

2010-05-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

http://www.billosborne.com/blog/

Anxious For The King To Come

Lord I long to see Your face;
Be with You; feel Your embrace.

That's what gets me through each day;
Nudges me along the way.

I can't wait for You to come;
Come down here and be at home.

Steve Hemphill

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Honor & Revere The Word of God

2010-05-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

Nehemiah 8 was in my reading today, and verses 3-5 really got my attention:

Nehemiah 8:3-5 "He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law. Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. To his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. To his left stood Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet." NLT

All Israel stood on their feet for 4 hours listening to the Word of God being read to them. Wow.

When Ezra opened the Bible to begin reading to them, everyone stood to honor the Lord. Wow.

Do you honor the word of God? Do you even read it?

I've heard some of the "old-timers" say that when they were growing up, one of the church leaders would begin the worship service with a reading from the word of God. As he did, everyone stood to honor God. I wish we still did that, but notice how far Israel went to show their honor and commitment to Him: they stood there listening for 4 whole hours. ...

Lord, help me to cherish and honor Your teachings throughout my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Take Courage, & Fight For Your Families

2010-05-24T10:36:00.000-05:00

One of the verses in my reading this weekend was this one:

Nehemiah 4:13-14 "So I set [armed men] behind the wall in places where it was least protected; I even thus used the people as families with their swords, spears, and bows. I looked [them over] and rose up and said to the nobles and officials and the other people, Do not be afraid of the enemy; [earnestly] remember the Lord and imprint Him [on your minds], great and terrible, and [take from Him courage to] fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." AMP

Your family is under attack. Whether you know it or not, they are.

Satan uses a variety of methods to alienate your children, upset your spouse, and nurture jealousy, anger, and bitterness between members of your family.

The question is, "What are you going to do about it?"

I have a suggestion: Prayer.

Lord, I pray for the protection of my family from the strategies and tricks of the devil. Make us deaf to his words of hatred, animosity, anger, fear, slander, jealousy, and bitterness. Help us to have an atmosphere of love, peace, humility, gentleness, kindness, and encouragement in everything we do. Deliver us from evil. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Remember, Satan and his forces are defenseless against your prayers!

Your Servant,

Steve

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

God's Help IS Coming (On HIS Schedule, Not Yours)

2010-05-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Nehemiah 2:6-9 " The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, 'How long will you be gone? When will you return?' After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request. I also said to the king, 'If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king's forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.' And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me. When I came to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, I delivered the king's letters to them. The king, I should add, had sent along army officers and horsemen to protect me." NLT

Many times in Scripture a few short verses will cover a long period of time. It might be weeks, months, or even years. As I was reading through Nehemiah this morning, this observation made me realize that although I am quite anxious for the Lord to come through and deliver me from my own difficulties, He is looking at it from the long-term viewpoint. He is helping. He has sent help. He is on the way. It just doesn't arrive on my expected schedule.

Have you ever read a book that was so good that you eventually picked it up and read it again? It's very rare for me to do this, but it has happened a time or two.

I once read an adventure story that was quite interesting and engaging. I eventually picked it up and read it a second time. On the second read, I noticed lots of things that I didn't see the first time. During the first reading, I was so anxious to see how it turned out that I missed some details the author had included that truly enhanced the story. As I read it back through much more slowly, these tasty nuggets added a whole new flavor to the story, making it even more enthralling than it had been the first time through.

Think about it: that's how God views our lives. He knows how it's going to turn out. He knows that in the end He delivers, we win, and everything's ok. So he's enjoying the nuggets of the many details of our growth and maturing process along the way, thoroughly tasting and reveling in every minute part.

So, be patient, and learn to enjoy the journey of your own life's story. Enjoy the moment. Cherish all your relationships. Have some fun along the way. Smell the roses. Before you know it, it'll be over, and you'll wish you had...

Your Servant,

Steve

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Be Strengthened and Encouraged, Because God's Hand is On You!

2010-05-21T10:22:00.000-05:00

Ezra 7:28 "And Who has extended His mercy and steadfast love to me before the king, his counselors, and all the king's mighty officers. I was strengthened and encouraged, for the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together outstanding men of Israel to go with me to Jerusalem." AMP

Do you feel week and discouraged? Everyone does at one time or another. Be encouraged that God is in control and knows what's best. Be strengthened by the knowledge that nothing happens without His permission. Have faith that He still loves you--in spite of the difficult circumstances you currently face. Be patient as you wait for the deliverance from Him that's sure to come. Continue to hope in His promises, and rest assured--He always delivers. He loves you. More than you can ever know.

And smile. It makes you more attractive.

Your Servant,

Steve
steve@cbs-digital.com

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Tate Publishing.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Amazon.com, and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Credit God for Your Success, Or It'll Come Back to Haunt You!

2010-05-20T08:22:00.000-05:00

Get the picture: The enemy Assyrian army had already conquered most of the world--winning every single battle. They were a fine-tuned fighting machine, accustomed only to success and victory. Who was the next nation to conquer? King Hezekiah and Jerusalem in Judah.

With a perfect tract record, they felt invincible. But they'd never been up against a people who prayed to the living God, the true Creator.

So they boasted to their enemy, a pitiful little city, surrounded by the powerful Assyrian army, and expected little or no opposition. In fact, they even thought it possible that Jerusalem might give up without a fight.

But King Hezekiah was a man of faith--faith in the One True God of all. And he was also a man of prayer. He prayed to God, and God delivered. He send "an" angel. Now, before you get disappointed in that, you need to remember that God's provision is always sufficient. Always.

That one powerful angel killed the enemy army in one night. And everyone around heard about it. In fact, Hezekiah became famous for his miraculous answer to prayer.

But humans are often most vulnerable right after great victory. And Hezekiah was no exception. Notice what 2 Chronicles 32:25 says:

"But Hezekiah did not make return [to the Lord] according to the benefit done to him, for his heart became proud [at such a spectacular response to his prayer]; therefore there was wrath upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem." AMP

His victory (which was really God's victory) led to pride, which alienated him from the very God who had just saved him. Don't let that happen to you. Give God the credit He deserves for YOUR success, or it'll come back to haunt you in a bad way--an ETERNAL way.

Your Servant,

Steve

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ www.Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Hezekiah's Faith in the Face of Adversity

2010-05-19T08:12:00.000-05:00

Today, I read 2 Chronicles 32:7 in the Amplified version, and was encouraged by Hezekiah's faith in the face of great adversity in his world--much like the world I feel like I'm facing today...

"Be strong and courageous. Be not afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there is Another with us greater than [all those] with him." AMP

This statement of faith is even more impressive when you understand the context, and what had happened in Israel leading up to this moment.

Get the picture: The Assyrian army had defeated every other army they had faced. They were the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. All victories. No losses. No worries.

But now they were up against the people of the living God, not a group who prayed and bowed to idols. But Sennacherib (what a name) considered God to be just like all the others gods of the people he'd faced--and defeated. Bad assumption. Now he was up against the Creator, the Living God, the True King, and he didn't stand a chance.

His many victories in battle had swelled his pride and blurred his vision. He felt invincible. He was wrong. But it didn't seem like it at the time. He had won every battle, set his sights on Judah, and now had the capital surrounded with his might war machine. He was honed, confident, and already gathering the spoils in his mind. He'd probably heard about the gold items in the Temple, and could already taste the metal.

His army was also skilled at psychological warfare, whipping the people of Judah with insults and boasts designed to tear down their morale. But it didn't work on one man--one important man: the king, Hezekiah.

Picture this: an undefeated army masses outside the locked gates of Jerusalem, an enemy much less formidable than many they'd faced previously. They offer the people a chance to surrender and pay tax to Assyria forever, and one man (Hezekiah) stands up and says, "Guys, have courage! Dont be afraid of this bully from Assyria. Forget the facts (they are undefeated, bigger, stronger, well-armed, and confident). We have someone on our side that guarantees victory: The Lord God. And He is greater than any army."

Who do you think won this battle? Read the answer in 2 Chronicles 32. And let this story give you courage to face your own battles today.

Your Servant,

Steve

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Uzziah's Machine Invention to Defend Jerusalem

2010-05-18T08:21:00.000-05:00

This morning my daily reading included a verse that really got my attention: 2 Chronicles 26:15.

Nestled in the story about King Uzziah, I noticed something I'd never seen before (which happens on a regular basis). "In Jerusalem he made machines invented by skillful men to be on the towers and the [corner] bulwarks, with which to shoot arrows and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped till he was strong." AMP

Wow. Skillful men under the authority of the King of Judah who had invented a new and better way to shoot arrows and throw large rocks at the enemy. It was somehow mounted on the corner of the towers, and rained down destruction on their enemies. I found that fascinating!

Don't forget to ask the Lord what you can do for the Kingdom today...

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

19. The Curse God Put On Earth Caused Death - New Testament

2009-11-11T10:25:00.003-06:00

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death.” Romans 5:12 NLT

Can you imagine a world without death? That’s how it was in Eden.

God’s curse because of man’s sin allowed death to enter the world.

With Adam’s covenant with God broken, creation changed to a place of death.

Satan’s leading man to sin brought death to all life on the earth.

The curse on earth is from man’s sin brought death to all life on the planet.

Heaven and earth were both free from death before sin.

God’s original creation was a death-free zone, like it will be again in eternity.

Disobedience literally brought death to earth for every living thing.

Lord, I praise You as Ruler over life and death. May I honor You in both. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

18. The Curse God Put On Earth Brought Thorns & Weeds

2009-10-19T10:31:00.003-05:00

“The ground will produce thorns and weeds.” Genesis 3:18 NCV

Thorns and weeds appeared as a direct result of the curse.

God’s curse on the ground caused thorns and weeds to appear.

Satan’s leading man to sin brought thorns and weeds to the earth itself.

The curse on earth brought thorns and weeds to the planet.

God’s original, perfect creation had no weeds or thorns.

Disobedience literally caused thorns and weeds to appear on earth.

Lord, give me the strength and courage to make it through this life that full of thorns and weeds, and help me to remember that You are in charge of it all. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

17. The Curse God Put On Earth Made It Hard To Grow Food

2009-10-16T15:51:00.002-05:00

“You will have to work very hard for your food. In pain you will eat its food all the days of your life.” Genesis 3:17b NCV

Food was provided in the beginning with no effort on Adam’s part, but sin changed that.

God provided food without man’s hard work before sin.

God freely provided sustenance for Adam, His covenant partner, until Adam disobeyed.

Satan’s leading man to sin lead to difficulty in getting food from the earth itself.

The curse on earth required man to work hard for sustenance throughout life.

In God’s original creation, food was freely provided for His creatures.

Disobedience literally caused man to have to work hard for food throughout life.

Lord, until the day we’re free from the curse, I thank You for my ability to work and provide food for my family. May I honor You with my words, my deeds, my example, and my abilities. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

16. Cursed Earth, The 2nd Of 5 Earths In Scripture

2009-10-15T10:39:00.004-05:00

“Then God said to the man, ‘You listened to what your wife said, and you ate fruit from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat. So I will put a curse on the ground.’ ” Genesis 3:17a NCV

Sin caused God to put a curse on the planet, changing everything good into something cursed.

God cursed the ground when man disobeyed in Eden.

Adam broke his covenant with God by disobeying, causing paradise to be cursed.

Satan’s leading man to sin lead to a curse on the earth itself.

The curse on earth was a direct result of man’s disobedience to God’s only command.

Heaven on earth and direct fellowship with God ended when the curse was pronounced.

God has the right to put a curse on the creation He made.

Disobedience in Eden literally caused a curse to be put on the planet itself.

Lord, I honor You as the One with the power to create or destroy, and I worship You as King and Lord of all creation forever. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

15. God Walked Regularly With Mankind On The Original Earth

2009-10-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

“They heard the Lord God walking about in the garden.” Genesis 3:8 NLT

Adam and Eve knew exactly what it sounded like when God was walking in Eden.

God walked regularly in Eden with Adam and Eve.

Satan has always worked to sever your personal relationship with God.

God walked on original earth without fire (after sin, that’s not the case).

Heaven will probably be like original earth; walking in relationship with God.

God literally walked with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.

Lord, I look forward to the day I can actually hear you walking close by. Until then, let me hear Your voice; guide me in Your ways each step of the way. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

14. The Original Earth Was Physical & Very Good

2009-10-08T17:40:00.003-05:00

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31 NIV

Earth and all creation was physical, yet “very good.”

God’s entire physical creation was “very” good.

Satan worked to corrupt the “very good” place God had made.

Being “physical” doesn’t negate the characteristic of being “good.”

“Very good” things don’t “eat each other,” like natural selection suggests.

The original earth was literally good in every possible way.

Lord, thank You for creating such a “very good” place for us to live. I pray for resurrection and restoration to come soon; make it “very good” once again. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

13. Original Earth, The 1st Of 5 Earths In Scripture

2009-10-08T12:37:00.002-05:00

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface. Then God said, Let there be light, and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3 NLT

The original earth was good and perfect in every way possible. Yet physical.

God created original earth as a place to be with His favorite creation, mankind.

Satan wants you to believe everything happened by accident instead of by God.

Earth is God’s personal creation, and He spoke it into existence by His power.

Heaven and earth were both created at the same time, the beginning or our time.

Evolution isn’t how earth came into existence; God created it out of nothing.

God literally created earth in the beginning; it’s didn’t form from an explosion.

Lord, I praise You for Your creation! What a great artist & scientist You are!

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

12. Prayer Prevented A Law Suit

2009-10-06T20:26:00.004-05:00

I own a copier business in Longview, Texas. We also serve Mt. Pleasant. One day, I got a call from a ministry outreach there who had recently leased a new machine on a 3-year lease. Steve was quite upset on the phone, and wanted his machine picked up as soon as possible. He said, "Your salesman promised that we could cancel this lease at any time, so I'm calling now to get it picked up." I took down his number, and promised to locate his paperwork and call right back.

I discovered he was 6 months into a 3-year lease, and that he was 4 payments behind. In addition, he owed us over $300 in service and supply charges. It seemed obvious to me that he was in a bind financially, but there wasn't much I could do at that moment. We had already been paid by the leasing company, and he owed them the balance of the payments.

I returned his call, armed with this new information, and was greeted by a rather cold response. I apologized that he had the misconception that he could cancel at any time, because we go to great lengths to train our salespeople NOT to say that. However, since I was now aware that he needed out, I promised to make every effort to find someone else to take over the payments for him, thus relieving him of the obligation. He then asked what I was going to do for him "today". I suggested that all I could do "today" was recommend that he catch up on his payments, since he was four payments behind.

His response was curt and rude. He said, "I have already talked to my lawyer about your salesman's promise, and he said that it was definitely a verbal contract. So you will be hearing from my lawyer SOON!"

"O.K.", I said. "But before we hang up and you go see your lawyer ... you're in the ministry, right?" "Right", he said. I asked if we could pray about it together on the phone before we hung up. He said, "... o k ...". I have been in situations before where conflict was involved and he other person offered to pray, and they prayed a very condescending prayer. So I said, "I'll tell you what, I will start the prayer and you can finish it." He agreed.

"Dear God," I prayed, "please bless Steve in his ministry work there in Mt. Pleasant. I feel like he is in some financial trouble right now, and I pray that whatever you want him to learn from this that he will learn QUICKLY, so that his life, his work, and his ministry can be a blessing to you. And if I have done anything wrong or unfairly, I pray that you will put it on my heart to make that right. In Jesus Name, ... ".

There was a short pause, then I heard Steve quietly say, "God, ... I agree with everything he said. In Jesus Name, Amen."

I never heard from Steve again, OR his lawyer. And he paid us for the toner. Prayer worked ... again.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

11. David Reigned 40 Years

2009-10-06T16:33:00.003-05:00

“David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all.” 2 Samuel 5:4

“He had reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.” 1 Kings 2:11 NLT

40 is often a purifying number in scripture. 40 Years was how long King David reigned.

God gave David 40 years as king of Israel.

David reigned over Israel for 40 years.

David literally reigned over Israel for 40 years.

Lord, thank You for the example of a life of faith we see in King David. After You anointed him King, he spent 20 years running for his life & living in caves. He waited on YOUR timing for his duties as king to begin. Give ME that kind of patience. Help me to trust You and wait on Your timing in MY life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

10. God Made The World In Six Days

2009-10-06T14:13:00.002-05:00

“For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.” Exodus 20:11 NLT

The very best commentary on scripture is other scripture. Just as He said in Exodus 31:16-17, God reveals the truth here about how long creation took. God invented language, so we can probably count on Him using the right words to teach us the truth. Note the context compares and equates the six-day work-week with the six-day creation week. The idea of millions or billions or years doesn’t come from anywhere in scripture. It’s a man-made idea. Do you really believe in millions of years and “From Goo to you by way of the zoo?”

God says the 7th day is to holy because of the 6-day creation week.

Satan wants you to doubt the truth revealed by God in the Bible.

God created the 7th day of rest as a weekly reminder that creation took 6 days.

Heaven and earth were both created during the six-day creation week.

God created heaven and earth in six days.

God literally made everything in six days and rested on the seventh.

Lord, give me faith to believe everything You’ve revealed in Your word. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

9. God Made The World In Six Days

2009-10-05T13:54:00.002-05:00

“Israel must keep the Sabbath day forever. It is a permanent sign of my covenant with them. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but he rested on the seventh day and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:16-17 NLT

The very best commentary on scripture is other scripture. Just as He said in Exodus 20:11, God reveals the truth here about how long creation took. God invented language, so we can probably count on Him using the right words to teach us the truth. Note the context compares and equates the six-day work-week with the six-day creation week. The idea of millions or billions or years doesn’t come from anywhere in scripture. It’s a man-made idea. Do you really believe in millions of years and “From Goo to you by way of the zoo?”

God reveals that the 7th day is to rest--just as He rested from creation on the 7th day.

The Sabbath day was created as a sign of God’s covenant with Israel.

Satan wants you to doubt the truth revealed by God in the Bible.

God created the 7th day of rest as a weekly reminder that creation took 6 days.

Heaven and earth were both created during the six-day creation week.

God created heaven and earth in six days.

God literally made everything in six days and rested on the seventh.

Lord, forgive me for doubting Your Holy Word. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

8. Jesus Said Belief + Baptism = Salvation

2009-10-05T08:01:00.002-05:00

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16 NLT

Belief + Baptism = Salvation. Some discuss belief and omit baptism; others talk of baptism but de-emphasize the heart change needed. Jesus states here that both are required.

God wants everyone to believe, be baptized, and be saved.

Baptism is irrelevant without belief, and salvation is incomplete with baptism.

Baptism seals our covenant with God and prevents condemnation.

Satan discourages faith, because it leads to baptism and salvation.

Salvation is achieved when a believer submits to water baptism.

Heaven is reserved only for baptized believers.

God literally wants you to believe and be baptized so you can be saved.

Lord, help me to truly take this command to heart. Help me to take Jesus to lost people I know personally, and help me to support missionaries to other countries with my prayers, my support, and my money. Forgive me for not doing these things in the past. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

7. Always Consult God

2009-10-04T20:09:00.003-05:00

“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he and his men marched out to meet them. The Philistines had arrived in the valley of Rephaim and raided it. So David asked God, Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”

1 Chronicles 14:8-10 NLT

God gave David a great victory over Goliath the Philistine. Odds were against him. He was inferior in size, strength, and experience. But David had God. But did this mean that every time the Philistines posed a threat that David automatically assumed a Divine Mandate from God gave him assurance of victory in battle? No. Even though he had just become king, David asked God what to do. So should you.

God wants you to get in the habit of consulting Him in all things.

God always wants His covenant partners to seek His direction.

Satan wants you to think that God already approves of what you want to do.

God wants you to seek His advice in daily decisions of life.

Heaven knows the future, and offers direction that’s in your own best interest.

God literally wants you to get in the habit of consulting Him regularly.

Lord, remind me to always consult You before making the final decision. Don’t let me be deceived into thinking I automatically have Your approval for whatever I want to do. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

6. Pray For Your Enemies

2009-10-04T13:43:00.002-05:00

“Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44-45 NLT

Don’t “cast stones” on your enemies; Jesus wants you to pray for them. This may be one of the hardest things in the world to do, but it’s also probably the most Christ-like think you can do. Try it. When you’ve trained yourself in this invaluable art, you’ll be glad you did. It’s also a very “freeing” experience.

God wants us to act like His true children by praying for our enemies.

Enemies will persecute you in this life if you’re a child of God.

Praying for an enemy reveals that you’re a true child of God.

Heaven is where God is right now.

God literally wants you to pray for people who do you wrong.

Lord, right now I choose to pray for my enemies. You know who they are. Bless them in the way that You know is best for them, and best for the Kingdom. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

5. Pray When You’re Afraid & God Will Help

2009-10-04T12:34:00.002-05:00

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NLT

Fears paralyze us. Prayer frees us. Participate in the latter.

God answers our prayers and frees us from all our fears.

Satan and his forces work to paralyze us through a variety of fears.

Fear can enslave you, but God can deliver you from it.

Prayer to God can literally free you from any fear that enslaves you.

Lord, I confess that fear often paralyzes me. Help me overcome. Give me the peace I seek and help me to rest in the assurance that You are greater than anything I could possibly fear. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

4. Look To God For Help And Freedom

2009-10-02T12:24:00.002-05:00

“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6 NLT

God is close by, but don’t wait. Seek Him out and you will find Him.

God is near and easily found by those who seek Him; for now.

Satan wants you to neglect seeking the Lord until it’s eternally too late.

God is nearby, but unless you seek Him, that won’t always be the case.

Heaven is God’s abode, but it’s apparently not a far-away place.

God is literally nearby, close to each of us.

Lord, I seek You now, while You’re near and findable. Reveal Yourself to me. Give me eyes to see Your presence right here around me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

3. Defeating Evil In The World

2009-10-02T08:16:00.002-05:00

“For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
1 John 5:4-5 NLT

You can defeat Satan by trusting Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

God wants us to defeat evil in every possible way in our daily lives.

Belief in Jesus as God’s Son is the key to winning the battle against evil.

Faith is the key to winning your personal battle against this evil world.

Heaven’s residents will be those who learned to defeat evil.

Evil is literally defeated by trusting Christ as Son of God.

Lord, I choose to defeat Satan and this evil world by trusting Jesus. Lead me to You. I pray in His Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

2. Devote Yourself To Prayer

2009-10-01T15:07:00.001-05:00

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Do not forget to pray.” Colossians 4:2-3 NLT

Your eyes do not have to be closed. Pray as you go. Pray continually

God wants us to pray with a thankful heart.

Pray with an alert awareness of the true enemy, Satan.

If you’re not careful, it’s easy to forget to pray.

Heaven deserves our thanks.

God wants you to literally be devoted to prayer.

Lord, remind me to pray; don’t let the cares of this word keep me from this most important task. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

1. Learn To Pray

2009-10-01T13:15:00.004-05:00

“One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, ‘Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.’ ” Luke 11:1 The Message

The disciples never asked to learn how to preach, but they recognized how important it was to learn to pray.

God notices your devotion to prayer.

Satan does not want you to learn to pray.

Jesus practiced regular, often extended, prayer.

Prayer is literally one of the most important things you can ever learn.

Lord, help ME to learn to pray. Help me to trust You as I begin learning how to have a continual, daily, personal relationship. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Steve is author of a book featuring an in-depth study of heaven called, "My search for the Real Heaven." It's available @ Amazon.com and on His www.PrayerThoughts.com web site.

Welcome

2009-09-17T12:57:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Prayer Thoughts blog, by Steve Hemphill.

This site is dedicated to the study and thoughtful consideration of and meditation on the Bible, God’s Holy word.

I believe the Bible is the literal, inerrant word of God. I believe Jesus is the only way to heaven. I believe in baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

I am focused on the evaluation of scripture in light the major themes in scripture: What does the verse or passage teach about God, spiritual warfare, prophecy, heaven, creation vs. evolution, the literal nature of scripture, and about our covenant with God. If we can’t trust God to reveal truth in Genesis 1, when can we trust Him? For easy reference, throughout the exploration of each Bible passage, I will use the following colors to discuss insights in these important, specific categories:

Insights about God will be in black.

Insights about baptism will be in purple.

Insights about our covenant with God in brown.

Insights about spiritual warfare & sin will be in red.

Insights about prophecy will be in green.

Insights about heaven will be in blue.

Insights about creation & evolution will be in orange.

Insights about women in scripture will be in grey.

Insights about the literal nature of scripture in burgundy.

Thanks for visiting. Keep praying, keep studying, and keep reading God’s word. The benefits are enormous. In fact, they’re eternal. Your Servant, Steve.