WHEN WE RECEIVE CONFLICTING ADVICE PRAY

PROCLAMATION

“And Hushai said unto Absalom, ‘The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.  For,’ said Hushai, ‘thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men … and thy father is a man of war …’ ”  2 Samuel 17:7-8 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  After King David fled from Jerusalem and Absalom had occupied the city, Absalom first sought the advice of Ahithophel, who had been David’s advisor.  He advised Absalom to take two thousand men and attack David now while he is weary. (2 Samuel 17:1-3) Then he sought the advice of Hushai, who had been David’s friend.  He advised Absalom to gather all the men of Israel and then lead the attack on David from a position of superior numbers because David and his men were mighty men of war. (2 Samuel 17:4-13)  Absalom liked the plan proposed by Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:4) until he heard the plan offered by Hushai. (2 Samuel 17:14)  From a military perspective, the advice of Hushai was better than the advice from Ahithophel, but it was also better for David because it gave him more time to prepare for the battle.  David was warned of Absalom’s plan and he left the field and crossed over the Jordan river. (2 Samuel 17:15-22) 

 

APPLICATION

We should be very careful regarding who we listen to or seek advice from.  Almost everyone has an opinion, and advice is readily available everywhere from multiple sources.  However, when the well-respected experts disagree on a matter and offer us different advice, we need to give the matter prayerful consideration.  The “good advice” which we receive may very well benefit someone else.  More importantly, good advice is only “good” if we ask the right question.  That is why we need to take everything to The Lord in prayer. (Ephesians 6:18)

DECEIVED BECAUSE THEY DID NOT PRAY FIRST

PROCLAMATION

“And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying ‘Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, ‘We are very far from you;’ when ye dwell among us?’ ”  Joshua 9:22 (KJV)

 

“Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, ‘Why did you deceive us by saying, ‘We live a long way from you;’ while actually you live near us?’ ”  Joshua 9:22 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the words of God which were revealed to and written by Joshua under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After Joshua and the Israelites defeated Jericho and Ai, the kings in the surrounding areas heard what had happened and united to war against Joshua and Israel. (Joshua 9:1-2)  However, when the Gibeonites heard what had happened to Jericho and Ai, they decided to use deception to protect themselves.  They put on old clothes, packed their donkeys with worn out sacks, and filled their food sacks with dry moldy bread, then they went to the Israelite camp at Gilgal and said that they were from a far away land and wanted to make a treaty with them. (Joshua 9:3-6)  Joshua and the Israelites questioned them and sampled their provisions, but they did not inquire of The Lord and made a treaty with them. (Joshua 9:7-15)  Three days later, when the Israelites attacked the surrounding cities, they found out that the Gibeonites were their neighbors.  They did not attack the Gibeonites because they had sworn an oath and made a treaty with them but the Israelites were upset with their leaders for making a treaty with the enemy. (Joshua 9:16-19)  When the Israelites questioned the Gibeonites, they admitted what they had done and told them why they did it.  The Israelites did not kill them but made them servants, wood cutters and water carriers, for the nation of Israel. (Joshua 9:20-27)

 

APPLICATION

The Bible teaches us that we ought to always pray. (Luke 18:1 and 21:36)  In all things, before we act, or speak, or make decisions, we ought to pray.  We would not make so many bad decisions, or get in so much trouble, if we would just pray beforehand and ask The Lord God for guidance and direction.  In everything, before we do anything, pray first.

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING AND DO NOT WORRY

PROCLAMATION

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Philippi.  In this final chapter, Paul began by encouraging them to rejoice in The Lord. (Philippians 4:4)  He told them not to worry about anything and to pray about everything.  Then he told them to think about things which are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy, and to put into practice the things that they had learned from him. (Philippians 4:8-9)  He also told them that he had learned to be thankful whatever state he was in, whether he had plenty or had very little. (Philippians 4:11-12)  He said that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. (Philippians 4:13)  Finally, he ended his letter by telling them that God, The Father, will supply all of their needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

 

APPLICATION

It has been said, “If you pray, then don’t worry; but if you are going to worry, then don’t pray.”  As believers we are encouraged to pray about everything.  There is no need for us to worry about anything.  The Lord God is in control of everything.  We just need to rejoice and think about all of the good things that He has done and be thankful.  The Lord God is all powerful, and we can do all things through Christ who is our strength.  All that we need, He can supply.  So, don’t worry, pray and be happy.

 

GOD'S PEOPLE MUST BE A PRAYING PEOPLE

PROCLAMATION

“… You who call on The Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of earth.”  Isaiah 62:6-7 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah.  Some Bible scholars believe that here He was referring to prophets, pastors, and ministers.  Others believe that He was referring to all of the members of the church, especially the prayer warriors.  This group of people is encouraged to speak out, and to pray without ceasing. (Isaiah 62:6 and Luke 18:1)  They should also not let Him alone.  They should bother Him with incessant prayer as Moses did, wrestle with Him as Jacob did, (Genesis 32:24-26) and annoy Him as the widow with the unjust judge. (2 Samuel 14:1-20)  They should not let Him go without receiving a blessing.

APPLICATION

Prayer is our way of communicating with God.  We are all encouraged to pray regularly and frequently.  We are to pray about everything.  We should pray before we speak, make a decision, or take any action.  No problem or request is too big or too small to take to The Lord in prayer.  We have not received that which we want because we have not asked for it in the name of Jesus. (John 16:24)  Whatever we pray for, and believe in, we will receive if it gives God glory. (Matthew 21:22)  We should continue to pray multiple time daily until something happens.

WHEN WE RECEIVE CONFLICTING ADVICE PRAY

PROCLAMATION

“Ahithophel said to Absalom, ‘I would … set out tonight in pursuit of David.  I would attack him while he is weary and weak …’  But Absalom said, ‘Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.’ … Hushai replied to Absalom, ‘… You know your father and his men are fighters … So I advise you: Let all Israel … be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle …’  Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.’ …” 2 Samuel 17:1-14 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After King David fled from Jerusalem and Absalom had occupied the city, Absalom first sought the advice of Ahithophel, who had been David’s advisor.  Then he sought the advice of Hushai, who had been David’s friend.  Absalom liked the plan proposed by Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:4) until he heard the plan offered by Hushai. (2 Samuel 17:14)  From a military perspective, Hushai’s advice was better than the advice from Ahithophel, but it was also better for David because it gave him more time to prepare for the battle.

APPLICATION

We should be very careful regarding who we listen to or seek advice from.  Almost everyone has an opinion, and advice is readily available everywhere from multiple sources.  However, when the well-respected experts disagree on a matter and offer different advice, we need to give the matter prayerful consideration.  The “good advice” which we receive may very well benefit someone else.  More importantly, good advice is only “good” if we ask the right question.  The right answer to the wrong question may not help us, and it may send us in the wrong direction.  That is why we need to take everything to The Lord in prayer. (Ephesians 6:18)

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING AND WORRY ABOUT NOTHING

Proclamation:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Philippi.  In this final chapter, Paul began by encouraging them to rejoice in The Lord. (Philippians 4:4)  He told them not to worry about anything and to pray about everything.  Then he told them to think about things which are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy, and to put into practice the things that they had learned from him. (Philippians 4:8-9)  He told them that he had learned to be thankful whatever state he was in, whether he had plenty or had very little. (Philippians 4:11-12)  He said that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. (Philippians 4:13)  Finally, he ended his letter by telling them that God, The Father, will supply all of their needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Application:

It has been said, “If you pray, then don’t worry; but if you are going to worry, then don’t pray.”  As believers we are encouraged to pray about everything.  There is no need for us to worry about anything.  The Lord God is in control of everything.  We just need to rejoice and think about all of the good things that He has done, and be thankful.  The Lord God is all powerful, and we can do all things through Christ who is our strength.  All that we need, He can supply.  So, don’t worry, pray and be happy.

SOME THINGS CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE AID OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD

Proclamation:

“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived,’ the things God has prepared for those who love Him; these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.”  1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul began this chapter by telling the believers in Corinth that he only spoke to them about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  He said that his message and his preaching were not full of enticing words or reflective of human wisdom but they were a demonstration of the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)  He declared God’s wisdom and power and said that no man has seen, or heard, or imagined what The Lord God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:6-9)  Here Paul quotes from the Old Testament scriptures. (Isaiah 64:4)  It is by The Spirit of God that he preaches and not by anything that he learned from man. (1 Corinthians 2:10-14)

Application:

It is possible to learn some things by what we see or by what we hear.  However, there are certain things which can only be learned and understood through the aid of The Holy Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-13)  This is why we as believers should prayerfully read and study The Word of God.  There are some things which will never be understood by non-believers. (1 Corinthians 2:14)  Some things are only for those who love The Lord and who wait on Him.  “Wait, I say, on The Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)  “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

A WISE PERSON WILL ALWAYS LISTEN TO ADVISE

Proclamation:

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.  Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”  Proverbs 12:15-16 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  This twelfth proverb of Solomon continues the pattern which he started in the tenth proverb of presenting a series of seemingly unrelated sentences that compares and contrasts that which is good and righteous with that which is not.  This verse is a Biblical reference to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, who refused to listen to the wise counsel of the older men in the kingdom which resulted in his downfall.

Application:

Those who think too highly of themselves will condemn the ideas and advice of others.  They think that only their ways are right and everybody else is wrong.  When they are annoyed, they react and speak without thinking.  They fail to exercise any degree of self-control.  It is not wise to hastily express ones anger. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)  It is always better for us if we think, and pray, before we speak or act.  The prudent person will frequently keep their thoughts to themselves. (Proverbs 12:23)

TAKE YOUR BURDENS TO THE LORD AND LEAVE THEM THERE

Proclamation:

“Cast your cares on The Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”  Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Explanation:

The words of this psalm were written by King David under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  He begins this psalm with a prayer asking The Lord God to hear him and answer him because he is in distress and suffering because of his enemy. (Psalm 55:1-5)  He states that he wishes that he had wings so that he could fly far away and be at peace in a safe place. (Psalm 55:6-8)  He describes this enemy as a close friend who he used to worship with, probably Ahithophel, who turned on him. (2 Samuel 16:15-23, and Psalm 55:12-14 and 20-21)  His situation has been likened to Judas who turned on Jesus, The Christ.

Application:

It is not clear whether this is The Holy Spirit of God talking to David or if he is just encouraging himself when he says, “Cast your cares on The Lord and He will sustain you.”  Either way it is good advice for all believer to follow.  There are many things which occur in life that are difficult for us to handle.  It is especially difficult when we are “stabbed in the back” by a trusted friend within the family of God. (Psalm 41:9 and 55:13-14)  We need to know that we do not have to bear them alone or at all.  The Lord God can help us and heal us, protect us and provide for us, and He can lighten our load, our mental and physical anguishes.  As the song says, take your burdens to The Lord and leave them there.  All we have to do is pray and ask Him, and then trust Him. (1 Peter 5:6-7)  The Lord will repay those who do us wrong. (Romans 12:19)

BE OF GOOD COURAGE AND WAIT ON THE LORD

Proclamation:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? … One thing I ask from The Lord, this only do I seek: That I may dwell in the house of The Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of The Lord and to seek Him in His temple. … Wait for The Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for The Lord.”  Psalm 27:1-4 and 14 (NIV)

Explanation: 

The words of this psalm were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David.  It is believed by most Bible scholars that these words were written after David had been harassed and pursued by King Saul.  David knew that The Lord was the light of grace which was bestrode upon him that gave him his salvation.  Even though he ran from Saul to save his life, he knew that he should not be afraid.  His main focus, desire and prayer was not to return to Saul’s court, or his own home, but to dwell daily in the presence of The Living God.  This was not a reference to heaven, which would be his eternal dwelling place, but in the church house where he could continually worship The Lord.  David knew that if he was patient, kept the faith, and waited upon The Lord that his time would come. 

Application:

It is important for believers to pray often and sincerely.  We need to thank God for our blessings and privileges, to tell Him of our concerns and problems, and ask for His help and perseverance.  When we are in the midst of our storms and troubles, we can cry out to The Lord and know that He will hear and answer us. (Psalm 27:7-8)   “Our God is bigger than our problems.” (Author unknown)  As the song says, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’ll be there right on time.  He’s an on time God, yes He is.”  We just have to be patient, be of good courage, and wait on The Lord, and know that our deliverance and our blessing will come. (Psalm 27:14)  We need to cultivate and express confidence in The Lord.

PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD

Proclamation:

“In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in Your righteousness.”  Psalm 31:1 (NIV)

Explanation:

This psalm of King David was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  It was written to the people of God to encourage them to love The Lord, keep the faith, be strong, and be of good courage. (Psalm 31:23-24)  David’s prayer life and his faith walk went hand in hand. (Psalm 31:5)  He was in trouble and he was distressed. (Psalm 31:9-10)  However, instead of giving in and giving up, he put his trust in The Lord. (Psalm 31:14-16)

Application:

It would be good for all believers to read Psalm 31 when things are not going well in our lives.  “In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Thy righteousness.” (Psalm 31:1 KJV)  “… Come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge … deliver me, Lord, my faithful God … I will be glad and rejoice in Your love … Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress … I have become like broken pottery … But I trust in You, Lord … Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me with Your unfailing love … How abundant are the good things that You have stored up for those who fear You … Praise be to The Lord, for He showed me the wonders of His love …”  (Psalm 31:1-24 shortened)  As I have said on more than one occasion, sometimes we just need to pray like David prayed.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

Proclamation:

"Rejoice in The Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.   The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

In his letter to the Christians in Philippi, the Apostle Paul wrote these words to encourage them to strive to be Christ-like.  Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, Paul said that their joy comes from The Lord and they should not worry about anything.  Paul reiterates what Jesus said in His Sermon on The Mount. (Matthew 6:25-34)  He said that they should pray and give thanks, and ask God for what they want.  Because they were believers, God would protect them and give them peace.

Application:

As believers we need to understand that all of our joy comes from The Lord and He is always with us.  We believe in Him and He blesses us.   When we pray we should thank Him for what He has done before we ask for more blessings.  We should not worry about anything.  Fret and worry indicate a lack of trust in God.  We should pray about everything.  Before doing or saying anything we should pray.  We should take everything to The Lord in prayer.  Because we belong to Him, He will protect us and provide for us as only He can.  He can give us an inner peace regardless of our situation.  He will protect us during and guide us through our situations.

Don't Worry Pray About It

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

In his letter to the believers in Philippi, the Apostle Paul told them not to worry about anything.  He said that instead of worrying they should pray about everything.  

If we would pray before we spoke or took any action, and asked The Lord for His guidance and direction and followed it, then we would live a more Christ-like life and we would enjoy the peace of God.  If we would pray first, there would be no need to be anxious or worry.  

Pray About Everything And Worry About Nothing

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

In a letter to the believers in The Church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul wrote while imprisoned in Rome to encourage them, (Philippians 4:1-5), to thank them for their gift, Philippians 4:14-18), and to warn them.  He told them not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything.  He told them that they should present their requests to The Lord God in prayer, with thanksgiving in their hearts.  He also said that if they prayed and did not worry, that God would grant them peace of mind and heart through Jesus, The Christ.

The old saying is: "If you pray, then don't worry; but if you are going to worry, then don't pray." (Author unknown)  The Lord God did not give us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)  Jesus said do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. (Matthew 6:34)  King David said do not worry about evil doers. (Psalms 37:1, 37:7, and 37:8)  His son, King Solomon also said the same thing. (Proverbs 24:19)  In fact, the phrase "fear not" is used sixty-three times in The Bible.  Additionally, we are encouraged to always pray. (Luke 18:1, Luke 21:36, and 2 Thessalonians 1:11)  If we pray and praise God continuously, then there is no need for us to worry about anything.  We should not let the devil steal the joy out of the present, by causing us to worry about the future, for we know who holds and controls the future.