“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.“

~ Psalm 86:9-10 (NKJV)

In these verses, the Psalmist expresses his earnest belief that the ability of the Lord to save, and His being the only true living God, would yet pervade all the nations of the earth. David seems to rest this assurance of God to return the nations to Himself on the greatness of God and His wondrous works, concluding all nations would one day come and worship before Him.

The hope of the Psalmist is the hope of Scripture; that all peoples from every nation, tongue, and tribe would one day come to possess a saving interest in the Lord Jesus Christ and come to worship God in His holiness. In Isaiah 2:2 we read the Lord will establish Himself in Mount Zion that “all the nations will stream to it.” And earlier in the Psalms we have the promise of God to the coming Messiah to give Him “the nations as His inheritance“.

The testimony of Scripture and the promise of God is no less sure because these things may seem so long delayed. The Gospel of Christ has gone forth with power and authority into the nations and it will accomplish it’s purpose. Of the nature or duration of the powers and principalities of this world, none can be sure. Only one thing is certain – that the kingdom of God will be set up, and that the Redeemer‘s throne will be well-established over all the earth; and that “all nations shall come and worship before God, and shall glorify His name.”

~ apl

Note: In November of 2022, it will be 3 years to the month since I was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award. In gratitude and appreciation for this, I would like to repost the blog I published on that occasion. Thank you again for your readership of and participation in “A Prayer Life” blog over the past three years.

“A Prayer Life” was graciously nominated by Theodora at “Amazing Grace” blog for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I am very humbled and blessed by this recognition. (I didn’t know such an award existed). As part of the nomination process, and to get to know your fellow bloggers a little better, she posed the following 11 questions to her nominees. I will do my best to give my answers here. I pray all who read this blog are blessed for having done so.

1. How old is your blog?

I started ‘A Prayer Life’ in September 2019.

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Reaching others with the the hope and love of God in Christ.

3. How important do you think Social Media is for the success of a blog?

If used with integrity and discretion, Social Media can be a wonderful tool for reaching others with your message.

4. How would you define a successful blog? In other words, what do you think a successful blog looks like?

A successful blog accomplishes it’s purpose; whatever purpose the blogger has in mind.

5. Describe your feelings when you received your first blogging award nomination?

Surprised and humbled. 

6. Have you ever thought about monetizing your blog?

No, not at this time. (Note: I have since monetized this blog)

7. If so, what do you think is the best method for monetizing?

By providing a link or some other method for people to give or contribute. (Note: I’ve added a “Support” link at the top of my blog)

8. What kind of post do you find easiest or most enjoyable to write?

Brief Biblical, devotional and thought-provoking posts.

9. What do you think is best, long or short posts?

Short posts. I think brevity in writing makes the writer think more concise, and for the reader, the message more succinct.

10. Funny/weird Question: What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

A gnat. (Not intentionally)

11. What is your favourite way to unwind after a hectic day?

A quiet evening with soft music, beautiful weather and good conversation.

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.”

~ 1 Kings 19:3

The reason given in chapter 19 for Elijah’s fear and running is that Jezebel was in pursuit of him for his life (vs. 2). Elijah, in fear for his life, flees to Beersheba in Judah. From there, God’s prophet becomes depressed and despondent believing he was the last of God’s covenant people (vs. 4, 10). Yet, it was in this moment of utter despair, that the Lord comes to Elijah, strengthens him and reveals to His servant there were many more “seven thousand” who were still faithful (vs. 18). And it also in this moment, Elijah was to go and anoint Elisha to succeed him as God’s prophet (vs. 16).

From Elijah’s perspective, he was running from something. But from God’s vantage point, Elijah was running towards something. Elijah thought he was fleeing Jezebel, but he was in fact running towards God’s service. The road wasn’t easy and there was even great despair, but in the end, God was there. Sometimes it helps to pull back and look at our circumstances, not from our own view point, but from the high view point of heaven. To put on our “spiritual” glasses and try to see ourselves, not running from the things of this world, but running towards God’s will.

~ apl

Prayer Life Pause: Heavenly Father, move me ever towards You that I might know and sense Your presence going before me in every step I take – trusting Your hand of love and mercy guide me along the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.