Only By Prayer

short meditations on scripture intersecting life Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. The backstory for this verse is that the Israelites had been released from exile and were back in Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of God. I can only imagine the feelings the older exiles must have felt after living for many decades as servants in Babylon. To set foot in their homeland again must have been such a joyful time. And I wonder about the younger ones who had been born in captivity, and Babylon was all they knew. I'm sure they had heard stories of their homeland and to see if for the first time was an experience they would never forget. The First Thing They Built Was ... After they were settled, they started building the temple. They needed to put first things first, and they did because the very first thi

short meditations on scripture intersecting life Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. Zechariah 3:1 Whether we have been "living in exile" as the Israelites were by pursuing a selfish, sinful lifestyle for a long time, or we had a fight with our spouse or other "quicker" sin, as soon as God calls us back to Him, Satan is right there doing what he does best to us: accusing and deceiving.  Join Only By Prayer today as Jane talks about this problem and how to overcome it.  To listen to the podcast, click below or subscribe to it on iTunes. Thanks for listening, and may your soul's meditation be fuel for Spirit-led actions today!  

short meditations on scripture intersecting life Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:12-13 Prayer is powerful. It changes situations, people, and events. Daniel was one of the most faithful pray-ers in the Bible. We can take away much from his example. Let's dive into these two verses to see how they can impact our prayers today!  Please subscribe to us on iTunes and leave a review too. Thanks so much for listening! Jane VanOsdol

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life Ezra 1:1-5 In today's podcast, we're talking about the phrase "stirred up." Have you ever felt stirred up about something? Yesterday you weren't the least bit bothered, but now all of the sudden it seems that a certain situation, person, or injustice is all you can think about. Well in these verses, and many other places in the Old Testament, we see God stirring up people to do something, and it just may be that God is doing the same thing in your life. Thanks for listening. What is God stirring up in your heart, in your life today? We'd love to hear about it in the comment section below. SaveSave SaveSave

As I read through the Bible, I can't help but be in awe of the amazing characteristics of God. In today's scripture focus in Ezekiel, it struck me how the Lord always strikes the right balance. As a parent, I know I sometimes struggled with finding the right tone. I could be overly harsh or too permissive. It was difficult at times to not be swayed one way or the other. But we can take our cue from God. Today we are going to reflect on Ezekiel 20:27-49, where we see God finding the perfect mix of righteous judgment and mercy. I can trust Him because I know He always has what's best in mind. Pray on!   SaveSave

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number. Jeremiah 23:3 Some of you may know that I am on a cross-country journey with my husband. He is riding his bicycle, and I am pulling the travel trailer. One of the things God put in my mind to do on this trip is to pray for our country while I'm driving. So I started Prayer Across America. Check it out if you'd like to join me in praying. Well, this week I was feeling a bit discouraged (read that as sorry for myself) as if I was the only one praying for our great nation ever. God used a few things to encourage me, including the above verse. Listen in to the podcast to hear the rest of the story. Listen in to the podcast to hear the rest of the story. You can also subscribe on iTunes. Thanks for listening and ... Pray on!    

  Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life Jeremiah 7:24 NLT Are you discouraged with your journey with God? Sometimes we need to step back at look at the big picture rather than just where we are at the moment. Assess your progress over one year, 5 years, 10 years for an accurate picture of your spiritual life. Join me today in Reflections as we talk about forward progress. Leave your thoughts in the comment section and thanks for listening!

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life 1 Corinthians 13 The #LoveTrumpsHate is being bandied around lately. I see it on signs, blog posts, Facebook, and Twitter. But it's often accompanied by words and actions that aren's so loving. No matter who you supported in the election, both sides are slinging nastiness back and forth. Clearly the love is missing from this hashtag.  Why? It's certainly a good intention. To find out, let's look to the Lord, the One who gave us the manual on love, 1 Corinthians 13. Join us for a short discussion on what this kind of love looks like. Be sure to write down your reflections and keep the conversation going with God throughout the day. May your soul's meditations be fuel for Spirit-led actions today! Pray on! Jane VanOsdol  

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. Show Notes When I am starting something new, there's the excitement and freshness of this new thing. Perhaps I've been thinking of it, dreaming of it, praying for it for a long time. I bring energy, zest, and enthusiasm to the table. I've researched and planned and am ready to go. And then when I'm nearing the finish line of said dream or project, I receive a fresh burst of energy because the end is in sight. I've almost reached my goal. But it's in the messy middle that dreams fade, marriages fail, jobs lose their luster, and parenting seems not quite so fun. "It's in the messy middle that we must "set our faces like a stone and determine to do His will."  Join me on this short podcast today to reflect about messy middles and how we can persevere through them.  And remember, messy middles lead to enduring endings if we persevere. May your soul's meditations be fuel for Spirit-led actions today!

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. Show Notes In today's Reflections we are meditating on Matthew 1:18-20. This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." Consider this: When ordinary people humble themselves, set aside their own agendas, and make room for God to work, the Holy Spirit "invades," fills their space, and turns the ordinary into the miraculous. Let's look at these verses in light of Joseph's life and choices. What can we learn from him to apply to

The simple act of living out their Christian faith is dangerous for so many Christians around the world. Because of extremism, many are part of underground churches that worship in secret. Other have no community support at all and worship on their own. Let's consider some facts on persecution. According to Open Doors, every month around the world the following occurs: 322 Christians are killed for their faith 214 churches and Christian properties are destroyed 772 forms of violence are committed against Christians (this includes beatings, abductions, rapes, arrests, and forced marriages) According to the Pew Research Center, among the world's 25 most populous countries, these five countries have the highest religious restrictions: Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey. 2016 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church This Sunday, November 6, 2016, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Please take some time to pray for those who are suffering for their faith. I hav

On today’s podcast I (Jane VanOsdol ) welcome Todd Daniels, the regional manager for the Middle East for International Christian Concern. With the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) coming up on November 3, 2013, we wanted to draw attention to this issue. Be sure to see the link below for your IDOP kit. The kit includes several resources to use for yourself, with a small group, or your church. You will even find a lesson for children in it. In this podcast’s session, we discuss several issues concerning the persecuted church, including the following topics: The scope of the problem of persecution Steps to take to make a difference to suffering Christians around the world How to pray for persecuted Christians Relevant scriptures Parts of the world where persecution exists Resources www.persecution.org IDOP kit: http://info.persecution.org/IDOP2013 Save Our Sisters: http://www.persecution.org/assistance/save-our-sisters/ Suffering Wives and Children: http://www.persecution.org/assist

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. Show Notes In today's Reflections we are meditating on Isaiah 61:2-3 To comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor. The loss of a loved one is the most devastating loss we can endure. It shakes us as nothing else can. We are left bereft, dealing with a toxic swirl of emotions. Like many of you, I know grief. I lost my second daughter when she was just 11 days old. God inserted Himself into the midst of my suffering, and walked through that time with my family and me. It was not easy, but as I held on to Him, He held me. For those of you who know grief as your constant companion right now, I want to give you hope. You will get through this. I hope toda

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. Show Notes In today's Reflections we are meditating on Luke 10:38-39: As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said.  As I read through the Bible, I see that Mary was not the only one who ended up at the Lord's feet. Many others did too. And it was usually for one of two reasons: They were desperate for healing. They has just received their healing from Jesus. What is it about being at the feet of Jesus that is so powerful? Let's consider that question today on Reflections. To listen to this short 5-minute podcast, just click on the arrow below. Or subscribe to us on iTunes. We'd love it if you'd leave us a review too. Be sure to grab your journal and record your own meditations after listening to and praying through the reflection. May your soul's meditation be

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. Show Notes In today's Reflections we are thinking about Numbers 6:24-26. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. It makes my heart full as I welcome, receive this blessing from the Lord. I must never forget that I am a child of His Light. In the Message Bible by Eugene Peterson called Conversations, he says "Since Christ has dawned in our lives, light not darkness, is the fundamental reality by which we live. And the radiance of His face bathes us with the blessings of new and emerging life." As Christ-followers, we need to be all about pushing back the darkness that is encroaching on our world, our countries, our states, our cities, our neighborhoods—and our families. Many people live in a spiritual state of darkness Join Only By Prayer in this Reflection by clicking the arrow below to see how we can reflect

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. Show Notes In today's Reflections we are thinking about Philippians 4:8 (NIV). Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Meditating is a bit like marinating. If you've ever soaked a piece of meat in a marinade, you know that the meat emerges from the process so much more flavorful and tender than when it started. God can do the same with us when we meditate on His word. Listen in to today's short reflection as I share why this verse was important to me this week. Pray on!

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. Show Notes In today's Reflections we are thinking about two scriptures, Matthew 7:7-8: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. These two verse are actually a template for persistent prayer and give us much to reflect on. I discuss some of my important takeaways—and I'd like to hear yours too! Just click on the triangle below to listen to this short podcast. You can also subscribe to us on iTunes so that the podcast updates directly to your account. If you enjoy the podcast, would you mind leaving us a review on iTunes? Thank you! Thanks for listening and be sure to leave any comments below! Pray on!  

In today's Reflections we are thinking about two scriptures: Isaiah 30:15 and Isaiah 32:17. As you listen to the podcast, you'll catch the similarities between the two right away. What place do you have for quiet and stillness in your life? That's the question I felt like God was asking me today, one that I need to answer. That may not be yours. As in any meditation, listen for what your message is from the Lord. What resonates with your soul? Write it down. Mull it over. Give some time to it. Pray over it. And keep the conversation going with God throughout your day. If you want to, share what was important to you in the comments below. May your soul's meditations be fuel for Spirit-led actions today.     SaveSave

i pray short podcasts to bring the sacred into your everyday Do you only have a few minutes for prayer today? You're in the right place! Try one of our new i pray podcasts. A few minutes is all you need to pray God's word into any situation by interceding for friends, family, and yourself.  This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you  that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord Your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Blessings or Curses? It was a revelation to me when as a young adult I finally realized that I got to choose what I let my mind focus on. Too often I was focusing on depressing thoughts that were dragging me down. I remember thinking, "I am the only one in charge of my thoughts." It was time for me to c

i pray short podcasts to bring the sacred into your everyday Do you only have a few minutes for prayer today? You’re in the right place! Try one of our new i pray podcasts. A few minutes is all you need to pray God’s word into any situation by interceding for friends, family, and yourself.  Show Notes I don’t think social media has improved our manners any. Our virtual, semi-anonymous world seems to bring out the worst in people, enabling them to say whatever nasty thing pops into their head. I’ve been horrified at comments from all sides. With controversial topics hogging the headlines and dominating social media, it feels that no matter what we say, we’re about to step on a landmine. As I’ve prayed about how to handle this, this verse from Matthew 10:16 seems especially appropriate: I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves. To pray with us through this topic, just click on the arrow below.You can also subscribe in iTunes. Feel free to add any help