September 3, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Ezekiel 23–24

Common Theme

God uses a parable of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), to expose the deep spiritual adultery of Israel and Judah. Despite repeated warnings, their unfaithfulness leads to divine judgment, culminating in the sign-act of Ezekiel’s wife’s death symbolizing Jerusalem’s fall.

Questions

  • What does this passage reveal about God’s view of spiritual unfaithfulness?
  • How does the dramatic sign of Ezekiel’s loss reinforce the seriousness of God’s judgment?

God Shot

God is a jealous and just Husband who will not tolerate prolonged betrayal from His people. His holiness compels Him to judge sin, even when it breaks His own heart.

Deeper✝

Ezekiel 23

The passage describes the allegorical story of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. Both women are depicted as engaging in promiscuous behavior, symbolizing the unfaithfulness of the Israelites to God through idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. Oholah, the elder sister, lusts after the Assyrians and ultimately faces judgment, leading to her destruction and becoming a byword among women. Oholibah, her sister, witnesses this and becomes even more corrupt, lusting after the Babylonians and engaging in similar acts of infidelity.

God expresses His anger towards Oholibah for her blatant whoring and idolatry, promising to bring judgment upon her through her former lovers, the Babylonians and other nations. This judgment includes violence, loss, and humiliation, as she will be stripped of her beauty and left exposed. The passage emphasizes the consequences of their actions, highlighting the severity of their sins, including child sacrifice and profaning God’s sanctuary.

God commands the prophet to declare their abominations and announces that righteous men will judge them for their adultery and bloodshed. A vast host will be sent against them, leading to their destruction and serving as a warning to others against such lewdness. Ultimately, the passage serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of turning away from God and engaging in idolatry.

Ezekiel 24

In the ninth year, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the LORD instructed Ezekiel to note that Babylon had besieged Jerusalem. He was to deliver a parable about the city, likening it to a pot filled with meat and bones, symbolizing its corruption and bloodshed. The LORD declared woe to the "bloody city," emphasizing its uncleanliness and the inevitability of judgment. Ezekiel was also told that he would lose his wife, yet he was to refrain from mourning, symbolizing the fate of Israel. The people questioned his actions, prompting Ezekiel to explain that the LORD would profane His sanctuary and that their children would fall by the sword. He instructed them to act as he did, without mourning, as a sign of their impending judgment. On the day of their loss, a fugitive would bring news to Ezekiel, and he would finally speak, serving as a sign to the people that the LORD is God.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

September 2, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Ezekiel 21–22

Common Theme

God announces judgment against His people and the nations through the image of a sharpened sword and a refining fire. These chapters portray God as both Judge and Refiner, bringing justice upon sin and purifying His people through discipline.

Questions

  • How does God’s use of a sword and fire reshape our understanding of His justice and mercy?
  • What does it reveal about God’s character that He exposes hidden sin rather than ignoring it?

God Shot

God does not tolerate corruption or injustice; He exposes sin publicly and decisively. Yet even in judgment, He refines rather than destroys, showing that His discipline is driven by a desire to purify, not merely punish.

Deeper✝

Ezekiel 21

In this passage, the LORD commands the prophet to direct his message towards Jerusalem and the land of Israel, declaring His intention to draw His sword against both the righteous and the wicked. The sword symbolizes impending judgment, and all people will recognize the LORD’s authority. The prophet is instructed to express deep sorrow for the coming calamity, which will cause fear and weakness among the people. The sword is described as sharpened and polished, ready for slaughter, emphasizing the seriousness of the impending judgment.

The LORD reveals that the king of Babylon will approach two paths, using divination to determine his course of action, which will lead to the siege of Jerusalem. Despite the people’s oaths, their guilt will be remembered, leading to their downfall. The passage also addresses the prince of Israel, indicating that his time for punishment has come, and a significant change in leadership will occur.

Finally, the LORD proclaims judgment against the Ammonites, stating that they too will face destruction. The imagery of the sword continues, highlighting the severity of the judgment, and the passage concludes with a declaration of the LORD’s wrath and the ultimate fate of those who oppose Him.

Ezekiel 22

In this passage, the Lord addresses the son of man, instructing him to judge the city known for its bloodshed and idolatry. The city is condemned for its guilt from violence and defilement through idols, leading to its disgrace among nations. The leaders of Israel are accused of promoting bloodshed, disrespecting parents, and exploiting the vulnerable, including the fatherless and widows. The people are described as engaging in various immoral acts, including sexual violations and corruption through bribery and extortion. The Lord declares that He will act against them, scattering them among nations and purging their uncleanness. The house of Israel is likened to dross, indicating worthlessness, and the Lord promises to gather them for judgment, akin to melting metal in a furnace. The passage further describes the land as unclean and highlights the corruption of its prophets and priests, who have failed to uphold the law and have misled the people. Despite seeking someone to intercede for the land, none were found, leading to the Lord’s decision to unleash His wrath upon them.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

September 1, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Ezekiel 18–20

Common Theme

These chapters focus on personal responsibility before God, emphasizing that each individual is accountable for their own actions and not for the sins of their ancestors. Although Israel’s history is marked by persistent rebellion, God continues to call His people to repentance and offers renewal to those who turn from their wrongdoing.

Questions

  • How does God’s insistence on individual responsibility challenge assumptions about inherited guilt or blame within families and communities?
  • What do these chapters reveal about God’s patience with human failure and the possibility of restoration after repeated rebellion?

God Shot

God is revealed as unfailingly just, judging every person on their own merits, yet He is also abundantly merciful, repeatedly inviting repentance and return. His steadfast pursuit of His people even amid their disobedience highlights His unwavering commitment to both righteousness and mercy.

Deeper✝

Ezekiel 18

In this passage, the Lord addresses the people of Israel, challenging the proverb that suggests children suffer for their parents’ sins. He asserts that every soul belongs to Him and emphasizes individual responsibility for sin. A righteous person who follows God’s statutes will live, while a wicked person who commits various sins will die for their actions. If a wicked person repents and turns to righteousness, they will live, and their past sins will not be remembered. Conversely, if a righteous person turns to wickedness, their previous good deeds will not save them from death. The Lord questions the fairness of His judgments, asserting that it is not His ways that are unjust, but the people’s. He calls for repentance, urging them to abandon their transgressions and adopt a new heart and spirit. The Lord expresses His desire for the people to live rather than die, highlighting His lack of pleasure in the death of the wicked. Ultimately, He promises to judge each person according to their actions, encouraging the Israelites to turn from their sins to avoid ruin.

Ezekiel 19

The text is a lamentation for the princes of Israel, depicting their downfall. It begins by comparing Israel’s leaders to a lioness who raised her cubs, one of whom became a powerful young lion but was ultimately captured and taken to Egypt. Another cub also became a fierce lion, causing destruction and terror until he was ensnared by nations and taken to Babylon. The lament continues with a metaphor of a vine, once fruitful, now uprooted and withered, symbolizing the loss of strength and leadership in Israel.

Ezekiel 20

In this passage, the Lord addresses the elders of Israel, expressing His refusal to be inquired of by them due to their persistent rebellion and idolatry. He recounts how He chose Israel, made Himself known in Egypt, and promised to lead them to a prosperous land. Despite His guidance, the Israelites rebelled, clinging to their idols and rejecting His statutes. The Lord expresses His anger but refrains from complete destruction for the sake of His name, fearing that it would be profaned among the nations.

The Lord then speaks to the children of Israel, urging them not to follow the sinful ways of their ancestors. However, they too rebel, prompting the Lord to declare His intention to scatter them among the nations due to their disobedience. He emphasizes that their thoughts of wanting to be like other nations will not come to pass.

Despite their rebellion, the Lord promises restoration. He vows to gather them from their scattered locations and bring them into judgment, purging the rebels among them. He asserts that they will serve Him on His holy mountain in Israel, where He will accept their offerings and manifest His holiness. The passage concludes with a warning of impending judgment against the land of the Negeb, symbolizing the consequences of their actions, while the prophet expresses concern about being perceived as merely a storyteller.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

August 31, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Ezekiel 16–17

Common Theme

God exposes the unfaithfulness of His people using powerful imagery: Jerusalem is portrayed as an adulterous wife in chapter 16 and Israel’s political alliances are likened to broken covenants in chapter 17. Despite their rebellion, God promises future restoration through a righteous "sprig" who will reign with justice.

Questions

  • How does God’s depiction of Israel’s sin deepen our understanding of His holiness and covenantal love?
  • In what ways do we, like Israel, seek security through worldly alliances rather than trust in God?

God Shot

God is a faithful covenant-keeper who grieves betrayal but does not abandon His promises. He plants hope in the midst of judgment, declaring that He Himself will raise up a righteous king to rule with justice and restore what was broken.

Deeper✝

Ezekiel 16

In this passage, the LORD addresses Jerusalem, portraying it as a faithless bride who has turned away from Him. He recounts Jerusalem’s origins, highlighting its unworthy beginnings as a Canaanite city, and describes how, despite being abandoned at birth, He nurtured and adorned it, transforming it into a beautiful and prosperous entity. However, Jerusalem became prideful and unfaithful, using its beauty to engage in idolatry and promiscuity, symbolized by the metaphor of a prostitute. The text details how Jerusalem squandered the gifts given by God, creating shrines for idols and sacrificing its children.

The LORD expresses His anger at Jerusalem’s actions, comparing it unfavorably to Sodom and Samaria, which had not committed as many abominations. He declares that Jerusalem’s sins have made its sisters appear righteous in comparison. Despite this, the LORD promises to restore the fortunes of Sodom, Samaria, and Jerusalem, indicating a future reconciliation. He emphasizes that He will remember His covenant with Jerusalem, establishing an everlasting covenant despite its betrayal. Ultimately, the passage conveys themes of unfaithfulness, judgment, and the possibility of redemption through God’s enduring love and commitment.

Ezekiel 17

The passage presents a parable involving two eagles and a vine, symbolizing the fate of Israel. The first eagle, representing a powerful king, takes a cedar’s top and plants it in fertile soil, where it grows into a flourishing vine. However, a second eagle appears, and the vine turns its roots toward him, seeking support. The Lord questions whether the vine will thrive under this new influence, warning that it will wither if uprooted. The narrative shifts to a warning for the rebellious house of Israel, highlighting the king of Babylon’s actions in taking Jerusalem’s king and making a covenant. The king’s rebellion against Babylon by seeking help from Egypt leads to his downfall. The Lord declares that the king will die in Babylon for breaking the covenant. Ultimately, God promises to plant a new sprig from the cedar, which will flourish and provide shelter, signifying restoration and divine sovereignty over nations.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

August 30, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Ezekiel 13-15

Common Theme

The chapters of Ezekiel 13-15 collectively address the problem of false prophets, idolaters, and the unfaithfulness of Israel, culminating in God’s pronouncement of judgment due to persistent rebellion and spiritual barrenness. Through vivid imagery, God exposes deception, warns of inescapable consequences, and underscores that only a faithful remnant will be preserved.

Questions

  • What are some ways false assurance or idolatry can subtly influence a community or individual today, and how does God view such influences?
  • In what ways does the metaphor of the useless vine challenge assumptions about identity, value, and calling in relationship with God?

God Shot

God is shown as utterly sovereign and just, able to discern the truth of hearts and determined to uphold both His holiness and promises despite human failure. He is the one who brings judgment with precision but still preserves a remnant, making it clear that all will know He alone is the Lord.

Deeper✝

Ezekiel 13

The passage addresses the condemnation of false prophets in Israel. The Lord instructs the prophet to speak against those who prophesy from their own hearts, warning them of their foolishness and the consequences of misleading the people. These prophets are likened to jackals among ruins, failing to protect Israel and instead offering false visions and assurances of peace when there is none. The Lord declares that He will oppose these prophets, ensuring they will not be part of His people or the land of Israel. He promises to bring destruction upon their falsehoods, symbolized by a storm and a collapsing wall. Additionally, the text condemns women who use magic to manipulate and harm others, profaning the Lord’s name for personal gain. The Lord vows to free the souls they have ensnared and to end their deceptive practices. Ultimately, He emphasizes that the righteous will no longer be disheartened by these lies, and the wicked will be encouraged to turn from their evil ways.

Ezekiel 14

The passage discusses the condemnation of Israel’s elders for harboring idols in their hearts, which leads to estrangement from God. The Lord instructs the prophet to tell them to repent and turn away from their idols, warning that those who continue to consult Him while clinging to their iniquities will face His judgment. The text emphasizes that even if righteous figures like Noah, Daniel, and Job were present during times of divine judgment, they could only save themselves, not their families. The Lord declares that He will bring severe judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence—upon Jerusalem, resulting in widespread desolation. However, some survivors will remain, and their eventual return will provide consolation to those who witness the consequences of the Lord’s actions. Ultimately, the passage underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the necessity of genuine repentance to restore the relationship with God.

Ezekiel 15

The LORD compares Jerusalem to a useless vine, emphasizing its inability to provide value or utility. Just as the vine is consumed by fire, so too will the inhabitants of Jerusalem face destruction for their faithlessness, leading to desolation in the land.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

How Would You Rank These?

I met a good friend for lunch the other day and he posed this question:

How would you rank in order – sacrifice, dependence, and obedience?

Based on Scripture, here is my ranking of Sacrifice, Obedience, and Dependence, ordered by how I believe God prioritizes them throughout the Bible:

1. Dependence (Highest Priority)

Why: Dependence is the heart of faith. It acknowledges that apart from God, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Dependence precedes obedience and sacrifice. It is the posture of trust that fuels both.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding…”

Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

John 15:5 – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Dependence is the root; obedience and sacrifice are the fruit.

2. Obedience (Next in Priority)

Why: God desires obedience over ritual or offering. Obedience demonstrates love and reverence for God (John 14:15), and it is frequently elevated above sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

John 14:15 – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?”

God asks for obedience as an expression of love and fear.

3. Sacrifice (Lowest of the Three)

Why: Sacrifice is meaningful only when it flows from dependence and obedience. God often rejected sacrifices offered with disobedient hearts (Isaiah 1:11-17, Amos 5:21-24).

Hosea 6:6 – “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Psalm 51:16 – “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it…”

Conclusion (Ranked Order):

  1. Dependence – posture of trust
  2. Obedience – fruit of trust
  3. Sacrifice – expression of trust and obedience, but never a substitute

This order reflects not only the logic of Scripture but also God’s recurring emphasis on the heart over the outward act.

Called to Freedom

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 1:6

Embraced

Then I turned and looked down the corridor at the David, the statue fully chiseled by a master artist. As I walked toward it, I whispered,
“O God, chisel me. I don’t want to be locked in my hard places forever. I want to be free. I want to be all that You have in mind for me to be.”

It is beautiful when the Master chisels. God doesn’t want us to label ourselves and stay stuck. But He does want to make us aware of the chiseling that needs to be done. So instead of condemning myself with statements like, I’m such a mess, I could say, Let God chisel. Let Him work on my hard places so I can leave the dark places of being stuck and come into the light of who He designed me to be.

God is calling us out—out of darkness, out from those places we thought would never get better, out of being stuck. And with His call comes His promise that He will complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6).

Lord, You are the Divine Artist. Thank You for applying Your creativity to me—first in creating me, and now in continuing to shape me into who You designed me to be.
I surrender to Your work. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Excerpt from It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

How the Faithful Pray Differently

Great men of the faith think differently than the rest of us.

The reason some men and women of faith rise above the rest, you decide, is that they think and pray differently than those around them.

Many people wonder if it’s wrong or selfish to ask God for more blessings, fearing that persistent or bold requests might come off as greedy. But rather than being self-centered, such prayers can be a sign of spiritual maturity. In fact, these honest, faith-filled requests are exactly the kind our Father longs to hear.

Summary:

True spiritual growth involves boldness in prayer. We honor God not by holding back but by trusting Him enough to ask for great and abundant blessings, knowing that our trust pleases Him.

Excerpt from The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkerson

August 29, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Ezekiel 9–12

Common Theme

God’s judgment begins with His own people, revealing the depth of their rebellion, spiritual blindness, and refusal to repent. Despite signs, warnings, and prophetic acts, the leaders and exiles remain defiant, prompting God to scatter them and display His holiness among the nations.

Questions

  • What does it reveal about God’s character that judgment begins at His sanctuary?
  • How do we respond when God’s Word confronts us with hard truths we don’t want to hear?

God Shot

God is utterly just and sees all corruption with perfect clarity; He does not ignore sin, even among His chosen. Yet even in judgment, He acts with deliberate patience and sorrow, desiring recognition of His holiness and the restoration of His glory among His people.

Deeper✝

Ezekiel 9

In this passage, a voice commands executioners to mark the foreheads of those who lament the abominations in Jerusalem. Six men with weapons enter, and the glory of God departs to the threshold of the house. The marked individuals are spared, while the others, including the elderly, young, and women, are to be killed without mercy, starting at the sanctuary. The speaker, distressed by the impending destruction, questions God about the fate of Israel. God responds, highlighting the great guilt and injustice in the land, affirming that judgment will be executed.

Ezekiel 10

The passage describes a vision of the glory of the LORD departing from the temple. The narrator sees a figure resembling a throne above the cherubim and is instructed to gather burning coals from between them to scatter over the city. As the man in linen enters, the cherubim are positioned on the south side, and a cloud fills the inner court, signifying the presence of the LORD. The glory ascends from the cherub to the threshold, filling the house with brightness. The cherubim, described with human-like hands and multiple faces, move in unison with their wheels, which are full of eyes. The vision concludes with the glory of the LORD moving to the east gate, confirming the identity of the cherubim as the living creatures seen earlier by the Chebar canal. Each cherub has four faces and wings, maintaining a consistent appearance throughout the vision.

Ezekiel 11

The Spirit of the LORD brings the prophet to the east gate of the temple, where he sees twenty-five men, including Jaazaniah and Pelatiah, who are giving wicked counsel in Jerusalem. They claim that it is not time to rebuild, likening the city to a cauldron and themselves to meat. The LORD instructs the prophet to prophesy against them, revealing their thoughts and the bloodshed in the city. The LORD declares that they will be judged and removed from the city, which will no longer serve as their cauldron. While prophesying, Pelatiah dies, prompting the prophet to cry out to God about the fate of Israel. The LORD reassures the prophet that despite scattering Israel among nations, He will gather them back, giving them a new heart and spirit to follow His statutes. The vision concludes with the glory of the LORD departing from the city and the prophet sharing these revelations with the exiles in Chaldea.

Ezekiel 12

In this passage, the Lord instructs the prophet Ezekiel to act out a symbolic exile to illustrate the impending captivity of Israel. Ezekiel is to prepare baggage for exile and demonstrate this in front of the rebellious house of Israel, who are blind and deaf to the truth. He carries his baggage out at dusk, covering his face to symbolize the fate awaiting the people. The Lord reveals that the prince in Jerusalem will also face exile, and despite his attempts to escape, he will be captured and taken to Babylon, where he will die without seeing the land. The Lord will scatter the prince’s supporters and make them aware of His sovereignty. The inhabitants of Jerusalem will experience anxiety and despair as their land becomes desolate due to violence. The Lord declares an end to the proverb that dismisses His prophecies, asserting that His words will be fulfilled without delay. The people are warned that the visions they dismiss are imminent, emphasizing the certainty of God’s judgment and the fulfillment of His promises.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Scriptures to Remember When Considering How to Handle Conflict

Proverbs 6:16–19
There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.

Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

Proverbs 20:3
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

Matthew 5:23–24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

1 Peter 5:5–7
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Ephesians 4:1–3
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Proverbs 18:19
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

The Faith That Takes

Therefore I say to you, all things you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you will have them.” —Mark 11:24 (ASV)

What a promise! It’s so big, so divine, that our limited hearts can hardly comprehend it. We constantly try to shrink it down to what seems safe or likely. We don’t let it enter our lives the way God gave it—full of His power and energy. If we would let that promise shape our hearts, we would be ready to receive all that God’s love and power wants to do for us.

Faith is not just intellectual agreement with God’s Word or a logical conclusion. True faith is the work of the Holy Spirit in a heart prepared by God’s Word. When that happens, the answer is inevitable—because faith is the guarantee and preview of what’s coming.

“All things whatsoever you pray and ask for, believe that you receive.” Human reasoning wants to limit this with qualifiers like “if it’s God’s will” or “if it’s appropriate.” But that weakens the promise. Jesus meant what He said. He repeats “all things” often to stretch our hearts to believe more. He wants us to know how powerful faith is. The Father gives His power to the one who completely trusts Him. Faith is nourished and strengthened by the "all things" Christ promised. And when we weaken that promise, we weaken our faith.

The “whatsoever” is unconditional, except for the condition of believing. Before we can believe, we must know God’s will. Believing is the natural result of a heart surrendered to God’s Word and Spirit. Once we truly believe, nothing is impossible. So let’s pray with hearts that don’t limit Christ’s “all things” to only what seems possible.

When we pray and ask in faith, we will find the Spirit of faith helping us—most powerfully when we kneel at the throne of grace. Jesus said, “Believe that you receive them.” That means we are to believe we already have what we are asking for—even before we see it. This faith removes mountains.

There’s a kind of prayer where we lay all our requests before God and trust Him to decide what’s best. That kind of prayer gives us peace, because we rest in His will. But the prayer Jesus talks about in Mark 11:24 is different. It is bold. It believes God will do what He promised. It stands on the Spirit’s assurance and knows that it receives exactly what it asks.

When we don’t receive what we’ve asked for, we may not need more prayer—we may just need more praise. When we know the answer is on the way, we should praise God for what we’ve received, even if we haven’t seen it yet.

Sometimes, faith needs to grow through persistent prayer. Elijah knew God would send rain, but he still had to pray seven times. Faith and patience go hand in hand. Faith says, “I’ve received it.” Patience waits until the blessing is visible.

“Believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.” The key word is believe. Between the promise in heaven and its manifestation on earth, believing is the bridge. Praise and prayer are the link. And don’t forget—Jesus Himself said this.

Faith should define what we hope for. God’s Word is a seed; if we hold onto it, it will take root and bear fruit. “All things whatsoever you pray and ask for” are meant to be brought before God. The faith that asks is fed by prayer, and even more, grows through prayer. As we pray, we test our motives, surrender our desires, and grow in confidence. The Spirit helps us discern whether we’re asking rightly. Even when our faith is weak, God invites us to keep praying. Persevering prayer strengthens faith.

“Believe that you receive them.” That’s often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean you’ll see it right away. It means you accept it in prayer just as you accept Christ—by faith. It’s a spiritual action. When you ask God for something according to His Word, you believe it’s already yours. You thank Him as if you’ve already received it.

“And you shall have them.” The gift you held by faith becomes your experience. Once you know you’ve been heard, you don’t need to keep asking. You praise instead.

When we don’t receive what we ask for in faith, we should feel ashamed that we made so little use of the privilege. Maybe our faith is too weak to grasp what’s within reach. But there is hope: Jesus, who brought us this message from the Father, also lived by it. The disciples were amazed at what He did to the fig tree, and Jesus told them they could do the same—even move mountains.

Jesus is our life. He gives us everything He taught. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The faith He gives is for every child of the Father. It’s within reach of anyone who is childlike, surrendered to the Father’s will and trusting in His Word and power.

So be encouraged! This word comes from Jesus, our Brother and God’s Son. Let’s respond by saying:

“Yes, blessed Lord, we do believe Your Word that we receive whatever we ask.”

Closing Prayer

Lord, teach us to pray.

Blessed Lord, the Father sent You to show us the depth of His love and all the treasures He wants to give. You’ve given us overwhelming promises about the freedom we have in prayer. But we confess—our hearts have accepted so little of it. It’s felt too great for us to believe.

Teach us to take, keep, and use Your powerful Word: “All things whatsoever you pray and ask for, believe that you receive them.” Jesus, our faith must be rooted in You. Your work has freed us from sin and opened the way to the Father. Your love draws us into full fellowship with the Father’s glory and power.

Your Spirit keeps pulling us into deeper faith. We believe that through Your teaching, we will learn to pray in faith. You’ll train us to pray so that we will truly believe we have received what we ask. Teach us to trust, love, and live in You. Through You, may all our prayers rise before the Father. May our souls rest in the assurance that we are heard.

Amen.

Attribution: Adapted from With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray. Public Domain. Modernized and formatted.