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Trust Ministries Prayerline Summary

Leader: Anais Belgrave Topic: Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.”Text: 130:7 KJV

When we break down this particular verse, phrase by phrase, it gives us insight on the kind of hope we should have. The first clause “let Israel hope in the Lord” is talking to Israel, which is the Lord’s people. It deals with their experience, how they wrestled with God in prayer and also, how they prevail. Our God is the God of hope and we should put all of our hope in Him. Just like Israel, we should find hope in every situation - we can find hope in strength when we’re weak, direction when we’re lost, light in the midst of darkness, provision during times of lack and even triumph over death! The hymn tells us that “our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name”. The chorus goes on to say “on Christ the solid rock i stand all other ground is sinking sand”. Today, we cant afford to put our hope in the government, man or money. This is what we’d consider sinking sand. One minute the economy is up, then it’s down. One day folk love you, tomorrow they hate you. Our hope in Christ is what separates us from the rest of the world.

It’s usually during this time of the year where the suicide rate is at an all-time high. People are stressing about bills, not having enough money to buy gifts or where they’re going to lay their head. But, when you have a hope in God, you can say “Lord, I may not know where my next meal or paycheck is coming from, but I’m placing all of my trust and hope in You because you’re a God that provides.”

In spite of what things may look like, we have a comfort in God. Even in the midst of our sin, we can proclaim that hope is ours. His mercy does what man won’t: it receives the sinner, restores the backslider, and keeps the believer. It’s the mercy of God that blesses our prayers far beyond expectations. This is why it’s important not to think like the world does. When we, as the believer, think about the mercy of God, we understand that it’s not because of any good we’ve done. With the world, in order to receive, you HAVE to give something! But with God, His mercy supersedes any good we could ever do. This is why we can walk into an interview with no prior experience, expecting a cashier position and walk out being offered a supervisor position. That’s the mercy of God. He takes delight in fulfilling our hopes and dreams, beyond our hopes and dreams. But not only does it satisfy us as the receiver, but it exalts Him as the giver! When God does the inexplainable, it awakens the curiosity of others in either wanting to know who God is or saying, no one else could do that BUT God!

Trust Ministries Prayerline Summary

Leader: Minister Dollie M. Curry (https://www.facebook.com/dollie.m.curry?fref=mentions)Topic: WisdomText: Mathew 21:22

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Wisdom is a primary aspect in our relationship with God. As Christians, we must be mindful that we do not respond to matters of the world like the world. Earthly wisdom is deceptive and can exploit others. God gives us His wisdom so that we may discern the difference between right and wrong. The Word of God gives us instruction concerning how to live and how to respond to our life experiences. As represented of Christ, we should not say whatever we want to say or do whatever we want. Instead, we must seek Him for direction, especially in making difficult decisions. Doubt and fear will hinder our thinking, causing us not to trust the wisdom of God. We can only be wise if we walk with God and ask him for it (James 1:5). Therefore, when we pray, we will receive what we ask because our requests align with His will for our lives since we have sought His wisdom.

 

Trust Ministries Prayerline Summary

Leader: Ivana Payne Topic: The Good Shepherd Text: Psalm 23:1

In our relationships with others, it is easy to rely on people for needs that they are not intended or created to meet. If there is an interruption or disconnection in our relationship with others, there is a tendency to replace that person or at least fill that void. This never works because we already have everything we need in Christ - people were never meant to take God's place in our lives. Eventually, we come to a crossroad that may require a decision, either to make the same choices as before or learn from the past and rediscover the Lord as our Good Shepherd. In asking God for anything, we must remember to wait on Him and not lean on others for the answer. As we look up and not out, we will receive the desires of our hearts from the One who provides and is faithful. In doing so, we act in obedience to His Word and we release others from our unrealistic expectations. Trust that He is enough and will provide everything you need.

 

 

Trust Ministries Prayerline Summary

Leader: Minister Tammie WilliamsTopic: In the Place of TransitionText: John 14:1-4; Psalm 91:1-7

During times of transition, do not faint, do not give up, and do not give in to jealousy or comparison. This week, remember these words of encouragement:

1. Accept the transition.Instead of being a hindrance, come to peace with what is happening and choose to play a part in the process.

2. Appreciate what God is doing in the transition. Sometimes, you have to say, 'be still my soul'. Find a secret place in God so that you can more easily see how things are coming together.

Trust Ministries Prayerline Summary

Leader: Anais J. BelgraveText: Matthew 19: 16-30Topic: Eternal Life Comes at a Cost

What are you willing to give up in order to spend eternity with God? If God sacrificed, so ought we. Jesus explained to the disciples that it is hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of heaven. However, it's not about how much money you have in your bank account. Although sometimes, we are so focused on earning wealth and riches, that we lose sight of what is most important and that is keeping His commandments. If we're not able to let go of earthly things, how can we ever embrace God's true riches in Glory? Giving up our own wants for His desires for us may be difficult, but it's not impossible. Lady Tammie Williams reminded us that the only thing God requires us to give up is anything that will tear us away from Him. She went on to share that sometimes, our sacrifice is temporary, that God may release us to take part in it again, but not until His appointed time. Lady Joyce TerryTerry mentioned that we're never asked to give up everything, but rather the one thing we're holding onto too tightly - for example a safety blanket of sorts or a way of doing things. Nevertheless, we'll all be asked to give up something, but nothing will compare to the ultimate sacrifice Jesus paid for our sins.

If you were encouraged by this devotion, please share and/or follow the Trust Ministries Facebook page. Have a blessed week!

 

Trust Ministries Prayerline Summary

Facilitator: Joyce TerryTopic: Insecure PeopleText: Exodus 2:1-10

The definition of a fool is someone who acts unwisely. Insecure people frequently make misguided reckless decisions.

Insecure people want you to do good, but not better than them.The king was threatened by the potential of the Hebrews, they hadn't yet outnumbered them. He saw greatness in them. He too was great, yet chose to use his authority unwisely.Insecure people want you to grow, but not outgrow them.The king feared that the Hebrews would outnumber them and take over. Authentic leadership and relationship necessitates mutual growth.Insecure people want you to be guided by their thoughts and discourage independent, critical thinking.

A person can be in a position of power and still lack authority. When this occurs, their only recourse is to try and control how you think. They use tactics of intimidation and try everything in their power to keep you from thinking for yourself.

So, what do you do when you can't fix a fool? For one, Moses teaches us that you don't try. Each time he approached Pharoh, he wasn't trying to change his mind in his own strength. Instead, he always began by stating what God said. A fool can fight with you, but they have to face God!

Trust Ministries Prayerline Summary

Leader: Anais J. BelgraveTopic: Kindness Toward OthersText: Titus 3:3

God saw sin, brokenness, and despair in the world and chose to save us. We didn't deserve His kindness, yet He made the ultimate sacrifice. When was the last time you were kind to someone? Here are some things to remember about kindness:

Kindness isn't always comfortable.Acts of love are not based on what is convenient for us. If there is a problem, God may use you to meet the need, even if it requires you to make sacrifices.Kindness is contagious.When you're around people who are kind, it will affect you and cause you to impact others in the same way. If you love people, you will want to be kind.Kindness is to be clothed.Colossians 3:12 says to be clothed with kindness, compassion, and humility. Love binds our hearts together in unity so that we bear one another's burdens.

Kindness is listed as one of the Fruit of the Spirit and is to be expressed through our faith (Galatians 5:22). This week, find someone to show kindness towards and share the love of Christ!

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" This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says:Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. " Zechariah 7:9 NLT

Psalm 1:1–2,

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1 presents two (and only two) ways to live: the way of the world or the way of the Word. Those who “walk in the way of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, and sit in the seat of scoffers” are simply people oriented around the world’s values. This is the wide and easy gate leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13).

Be the Tree, Not the Chaff

“The wicked” of Psalm 1 are those who seek independence from God, those who have only a human or earthly perspective on life, those who live according to the world’s standards and not God’s. At times this way of life appears to be the way of success, acceptance, and prosperity (see Psalm 73). However, Psalm 1 helps us see things in ultimate perspective: the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, for they are like chaff blown away by the wind.

The alternative is a life of dependent delight in divine instruction. The “righteous” recognize the poverty of the world’s wisdom and values and so orient their lives around God’s revealed Word. This is the life of faith (see Jeremiah 17:7–8) that leads to blessing, fruitfulness, and fellowship with God now and forever. Think a beautiful, sturdy, well-watered, fruitful tree (v. 3). Be the tree, not the chaff.

John Piper and Darrin Patrick recently discussed the Bible's teaching on biblical manhood and womanhood. In this 15-minute video they get to the heart of our cultural epidemic and chart the way forward for how the church can help: