Author Archives: lrbartel

A Prayer for Protection from Danger…

Praying HandsDuring this season of fear, uncertainty, disease, and even death, I’ve been so impressed with the power, passion and practicality of David’s prayers in the Psalms! I was especially captivated by his prayer in Psalm 31 yesterday – I labeled it in my journal, “A Prayer for Protection from Danger.” Read it over, look for the language that describes the situation and circumstances David envisions and is experiencing! And then turn David’s word into your prayer regarding what you’re facing right now… I did!
 
The prayer…
 
“O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced!
 
Save me, for you always do what is right!
 
Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly.
 
Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.
 
You are my rock and my fortress.
 
For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.
 
I find protection in you alone.
 
I entrust my spirit into your hand.
 
Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God!
 
“I am trusting you, O Lord, You are my God!
 
My future is in your hands! …
 
Let your favor shine on your servant.
 
In your unfailing love, rescue me!
 
“How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you!
 
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.
 
You hide them in the shelter of your presence!
 
“Praise the Lord!
 
He has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love!”
 
And then David’s admonition and encouragement…
 
“Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
 
For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him!
 
So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!”
 
(From Psalm 31: Adapted and formatted for personal prayer)

Needed: A broadened understanding of “Spiritual gifts!”

Spiritual Gifts
I’ve been so impressed with the significance of Bezalel and his “Spiritual giftedness” described in these Old Testament chapters: Exodus 35:30 – 39:42… Reference to his name (and Ohoiliab’s) appear over and over again in these chapters, along with personal pronouns referring to them (“he” – “they”) … and the reference is to “Spiritual gifts” that we do not usually associate with “Spirituality” … craftsmanship, artistic designs, etc.
 
And the result of their “Spiritual gifts?” The tabernacle was constructed “just as the Lord had commanded Moses” (another oft repeated phrase in these chapters)!
 
Perhaps… no, not “perhaps,” – we DEFINITELY need a broadened understanding of what “Spiritual gifts” are and consist of! And we need to re-read 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12:1-8, Ephesians 4:1-16, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 in light of this broadened, comprehensive, understanding.
 
Spiritual gifts enable the “Church” to be what it is called to be, “the body of Christ!” Through “Spiritual gifts” the Lord provides EVERYTHING that is needed for the Church to be “the body of Christ” in our communities and around the world through the Holy Spirit’s power and enablement!

“The voice of the Lord thunders!” -Psalm 29

“The voice of the Lord” – “The voice of the Lord thunders!” (Psalm 29)
Ever been outside (or inside for that matter) when a powerful thunderstorm is occurring? Frightening! terrifying, really! (Play the attached YouTube clip to jog your memory!)
David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, imagined it as the powerful, majestic, “voice of the Lord!”
And the appropriate response to the “Lord’s voice” (however it expresses itself? Verses 1-2: “Honor (NLT), “Ascribe worship (other translations),” and “cry out ‘glory! (vs. 9)’”
Listen! I intend to do precisely that… whenever and however the Lord speaks!