The Prayer Project - No. 15

“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.”- Proverbs 28:9  

                  This verse in Proverbs shows a distinct contradiction to Proverbs 15:8 & 15:29 (shown below), in which both speak of how God is far from the wicked & detests their sacrifices. The author goes on to say the prayers of the righteous are heard & are pleasing to him. That is a sharp contrast between the upright & the wicked. 

            There are many people whom I would classify as CINO’s or “Christians In Name Only”. They ‘talk the talk but don’t walk the walk’ as the saying goes. Those type of people give Christians a bad name. Non-believers have a bad tendency to lump Christians in one group and call us all hypocrites. While that may be unfair, it’s the reality of the situation. We are judged by those who don’t know any better, but before we’re too harsh on them, shouldn’t we acknowledge that we do the very same thing?

God has much to say about drawing close to him and knowing the word. Because we have a free will we can do as we choose, as in do what pleases us. It would be one thing if what we chose to do was pleasing in God’s sight, but once the bridle and the reins are taken off, we have an odd tendency to do that which is displeasing to God. The temptation to sin is real and formidable, but it’s not without remedy.  If we live a life that has God at the center, then he sees and hears us and as scripture declares, God will provide a way of escape from any and all temptation. ^{[1 Corinthians 10:13]}

            Those who think they can fool the Lord by praying in Jesus’ name, yet live in the shadows out of sight, remember, nothing is hidden from God. Nothing. ^{[Hebrews 4:13]} Scripture is very clear; it is impossible to mock God. What you sew you will reap in the form of consequences that will not bode well for you. I’ve known believers who have slid back in sin. Sadly, the enemy has fooled them into believing that God is not who he says he is. Please understand that if you return to a life of sin, or perhaps you say all the right things, but never stopped sinning … God will not hear your prayers, unless they are prayers of sincere repentance. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

                  

Proverbs 15:29 “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”

Proverbs 15:8 “The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 - “We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.”

 

Hebrews 4:13 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”