Grace for Española
 
We turn again to 2 Chronicles 20 where we have been learning principles of prayer. We can learn much from the great story of revival. Let’s remember these principles as we go to God in private prayer.

D. God delivers His people from their distresses (vv.14-17, 20).

And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel . . . , in the midst of the assembly. And he said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you. . . . And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed" (vv. 14-17, 20, ESV).

In response to Jehoshaphat's prayer, God inspires Jahaziel to deliver the prophecy to the Jews that God will deliver them. The content of his message contains reassurances, reasons for confidence, and instructions. The reassurance is simple and direct: "Do not fear" (v.15). The reason for the confidence is the presence of God in their distress: "The Lord is with you" (v. 17). The instructions tell the time and place of the action: "Tomorrow go down against them" (v. 16). Perhaps the most difficult instruction to follow was: "You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf . . ." (v. 17).

God promised to win the battle and commanded the people of Judah only to stand still and watch God act on their behalf. Clyde Francisco wrote, "Does man have nothing to do? 'Yes,' said the Chronicler, 'he must have faith in God and follow his word.' In the face of an overwhelming enemy, it would take more faith to stand still than to fight."

Those who go to God in earnest prayer will find deliverance. How easily Christians can forget to wait on God for answered prayer. All too often, many believers are quick to seek an immediate result in their own ability and understanding. Rather, when distresses come, believers can follow the pattern given here in chapter 20—seek the Lord and trust Him to deliver. God delivered the Israelites from Pharoah's army at the Red Sea (Ex. 14) telling the Israelites to "stand still" (Ex. 14:13). No human activity could have aided them. So too, believers today must learn to cease from trusting in their activity and watch the salvation of God in their lives as they wait upon Him in faith.

Now take some time to think through or write down your interaction with this fourth principle:

* Recognize the truth of the principle.
* Reflect on or meditate on the truth of the principle.
* Relate the truth to real concerns.
* Rehearse the principle in prayer or pray according to the truth.
* Respond to or take action on the truth of the principle.

E. God deserves our praise and thanksgiving (vv. 21-22).

And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, "Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever." And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed (vv.21-22, ESV).

Jehoshaphat appointed the temple choir to sing praises to God before the procession into the wilderness. The Jews were singing God's praises for deliverance before it had occurred. This shows their great faith in God and His Word with which God was pleased. Music has had a large role in the warfare of ancient and modern times and it is helpful for believers today to incorporate singing praises to God as they face their distresses. Singing God's praises during prayer is profitable because God deserves it, but also because it helps to remind us about the greatness and faithfulness of God. As we focus on God's character and works, our faith is strengthened and joy increases.

Christians, following the example given in 2 Chronicles 20, should be encouraged to praise and thank God for His numerous past victories. The more thought given to past victories, the more thankful we become. However, Christians should not limit their praise and thanks for past victories only, but also for those victories that are anticipated for present distresses. An interesting note is that in verse 22, when the Jews began singing is when the Lord acted to defeat their enemies. Perhaps more victories would be had if Christians today trusted God and praised Him before they saw the answered prayer.

Now take some time to think through or write down your interaction with this fifth principle as you recognize, reflect, relate, rehearse, and respond to it.

Next time we will consider the final two principles of prayer. If you are struggling to maintain a prayer life, can I encourage you to just take a few minutes right now and talk to God? Usually, just starting is the biggest hurdle. Think of it: God welcomes our prayers. He is glorified as we pray. Don’t you need His power in your life? His help is only a prayer away.
 
 
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Did you know there's an entire book of the Bible devoted to romantic love? Yes, God's Word does address love life and if you've never been through a study of the Song of Solomon now is your chance with one of the best teachers of this Old Testament book.  Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church, Seattle will be in Albuquerque on Saturday, October 9th Love Life – the Song of Solomon conference.  Tickets went on sale yesterday and you can get them here.  The conference will run from 10am-4:30pm on the Saturday. Donovan Medina of Mars Hill Church, Albuquerque will be leading worship for the event.  In partnership with Calvary of Albuquerque, Levi Lusko will be Emceeing the event.  Tickets are only $25 a person.  The event is described as follows:

The Song of Solomon Events feature passionate and dynamic speakers who walk us through the 8 Chapters of The Song of Solomon.

They are geared for: Adults 18 years and older, Married Adults, Single Adults and College Students.Perfect for a small to medium-sized churches to bring a group for a turn key Bible-based relationship conference.

Whether you are newly married, married for years and may think that your marriage can’t get any worse, or better, or perhaps you are a college student or single and want to have the most fulfilling marriage possible, the Song of Solomon is for you. It is God’s foundational and most intimate writing about how to:
  • Attract and become the right kind of a person
  • How to Date and then moving towards a serious relationship
  • The Gift of Intimacy and Sex, and why and how it can be such a blessing or such a struggle
  • How to fight, because we all do, and how to grow closer through fight, not build a bigger wall between us
  • Romancing our spouse after years, fighting boredom and “this is as good as it’s going to get” pitfall
  • Commitment and why it is God’s desire and command, and why it is the most satisfying, simple and fulfilling model ever
For more information about the event and to buy tickets, please check out the web site.  Start telling your friends.