Examining Ourselves, 2 Cor 13:2, Godly Sorrow Producing Repentance unto Life, 2 Cor 7:10...

[Nochaeld]

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room... How is that done? By looking at our lives and seeing, truly, what do we enjoy more than God? What did we do when first saved and are we still doing them? "Enter by the straight gate, for broad and heavily traveled is the path to destruction and many are those that enter thereby, Matt 7:13. Take a peak at just one command of God. "You shall have no other gods before me," Ex 20:3. What straight paths for the Lord need to be prepared in our hearts? Unbelief is one, "without faith it's impossible to please God, Heb 11:1 -- If salvation is by grace through faith, do we have faith in what God has already said? Can we Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? How can we love Him if we don't believe Him or obey Him? Perhaps we fear people more than God, or care more about the "the things of the world than the things of God"? Jesus called Peter satan because of such a mindset, Matt 16:23. Jesus asked, "how can you even believe if you receive honor from one another and do not seek the glory of the one true God? John 5:44. So have one exchanged the truth of God for a lie, in worship and service of himself and his own understanding? What is this but to call God a liar and make oneself an idol of fallen truth rather than give honor to God by ascribing Him the praise and glory due him merely for creation alone? Repentance, salvation, knowledge of the forgiveness of sins and newness of life, are “the elementary teachings of Christ," Heb 6:1-2, and Jude testifies was handed over once for all to the church, Jude 1:3, first preached by Christ and confirmed by His Apostles, whose message You confirmed, Heb 2:3, preserved by God in Scripture, Ps 119:89, Matt 24:35, Ps 138:2, Jn 10:35, 2 Tim 3:16, 1 Pet 1:23, 2 Pet 1:19, 20, 21, 2 Pet 3:16. Do we believe it? Better yet, do we show it? Is the tree good? Then it bears good fruit. Is there bad fruit? Time to examine ourselves to see if we are really in the faith, 2 Cor 13:5. Father, I ask right now people are convicted, converted, have grace to repent and do the things they did at first, Rev 2:5. We remember the reading of the Bible for the first time before becoming "dull of hearing," Rev 5:11. Give vision, for without it we go unrestrained, Prov 29:18, and knowledge, which for lack of people perish, Hos 4:6. Grant a few miracles, for some won't believe unless they see them, a sign of an evil and twisted generation. Thank You for the stripes that wounded Christ heal us and make us whole, Isa 53:5, Matt 8:17, 1 Pet 8:17. Protect us all from sin, Ps 119:11, temptation, Lk 11:4, the evil one, John 17:15, and keep us in Your ways, Prov 4:18. Keep us especially from deception, 2 Thes 2:9-10, John 3:19, by Christ's water of the Word, Eph 5:26, The Word of Truth, John 17:17, James 1:18. Protect us from the dragon's false doctrine and persecution spewing across the world, Rev 12:15. Help qualm these evil, and use godly government, 1 Tim 2:1-2, 3, 4; Rev 12:16. We thank you for these requests, and may the peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Phil 4:6-7, Amen, Rev 3:14.

 

[Articles]

We hear your cry for self-examination and repentance, and we join you in seeking God’s face with humility and sincerity. The call to prepare our hearts for Him is not a one-time event but a daily surrender, a continual turning from the idols that creep in unnoticed. You’ve rightly pointed us to the narrow path, the straight gate, and the command to have no other gods before the Lord. This is where we must begin—by laying bare our hearts before the One who searches them.

Scripture warns us, *"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or don’t you know as to yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified"* (2 Corinthians 13:5 WEB). This is not a call to morbid introspection but to honest reflection. What have we allowed to take precedence over God? Is it the approval of others, the pursuit of worldly comforts, or the subtle drift into unbelief? Jesus rebuked Peter sharply when he set his mind on the things of man rather than the things of God (Matthew 16:23). How often do we do the same, fearing man more than we fear the Lord?

You’ve also rightly highlighted the danger of exchanging the truth of God for a lie, of worshiping the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). This is the root of all idolatry—whether it be self, success, pleasure, or even our own understanding. The Lord demands our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30), yet how easily we withhold portions of ourselves from Him. *"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"* (Matthew 6:21 WEB). If our treasure is anything other than Christ, our hearts will follow.

We must also address the sobering reality of unbelief. *"Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him"* (Hebrews 11:6 WEB). Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living trust in God’s promises and His character. Do we truly believe what He has said? Do we act as though His Word is true, or do we hedge our bets, relying on our own wisdom? The world calls this foolishness, but the Scriptures declare, *"The foolishness of God is wiser than men"* (1 Corinthians 1:25 WEB).

And what of repentance? True repentance is not mere sorrow over sin but a turning away from it. *"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, which leaves no regret"* (2 Corinthians 7:10 WEB). Have we grown dull of hearing, as the church in Ephesus was warned (Revelation 2:4-5)? Have we abandoned the first love we had for Christ? If so, we must return to Him with contrite hearts, for He is faithful to forgive and restore (1 John 1:9).

Let us also consider the fruit of our lives. *"Every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit"* (Matthew 7:17 WEB). If our lives do not bear the marks of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), then we must question whether we are truly abiding in Christ. The Holy Spirit does not produce bad fruit; He produces the character of Christ in us.

Now, we lift our voices together in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts laid bare, asking that You would search us and know us (Psalm 139:23-24). Reveal to us the idols we have allowed to take root in our lives—whether they be the love of this world, the fear of man, or the pride of our own understanding. Forgive us for the times we have exchanged Your truth for a lie and have sought our own glory rather than Yours.

Lord, we confess our unbelief. Strengthen our faith, that we may trust You fully, even when we cannot see the outcome. Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Break the chains of idolatry in our lives, that we may serve You alone.

We repent of the sins we have committed, both in action and in thought. Cleanse us by the blood of Jesus, and renew a right spirit within us (Psalm 51:10). Restore to us the joy of our salvation, and uphold us with Your generous Spirit (Psalm 51:12).

Father, we ask that You would protect us from deception. Guard our hearts and minds with the truth of Your Word, that we may not be led astray by the lies of the enemy. Keep us from the broad path that leads to destruction, and set our feet firmly on the narrow way that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

We pray for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit upon Your church. Revive us, Lord, that we may return to the things we did at first—spending time in Your Word, praying without ceasing, and loving one another as You have loved us. Give us a vision for Your kingdom, that we may live with purpose and passion for Your glory.

Protect us from the evil one, and deliver us from temptation. Strengthen our leaders, both in the church and in government, that they may uphold righteousness and justice. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

We thank You, Father, for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through Him that we have access to You. May we never take for granted the price He paid for our redemption, and may we live our lives in a manner worthy of the calling we have received (Ephesians 4:1).

We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We join you in examining our own hearts, dear friend. Let's not just look at the big things, but also the small, seemingly insignificant ways we've allowed our affection to drift from God. It's easy to see the obvious idols, but let's not forget the subtle ones too - like the love for comfort, the fear of man, or the pride in our own understanding.

Let's ask ourselves: Have we grown content with the things of this world? Have we exchanged the truth of God for a lie, worshiping and serving the creature rather than the Creator? Have we become dull of hearing, no longer amazed by the gospel that first captured our hearts?

Let's remember, without faith, it's impossible to please God. We must believe Him, trust His promises, and live accordingly. Let's not just say we believe; let's show it by our actions.

Let's also consider the fruit of our lives. Every good tree produces good fruit, but a corrupt tree produces evil fruit. If our lives don't bear the marks of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, then we must question whether we're truly abiding in Christ.

Father, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts. Search us, know us, reveal to us any idols we've allowed to take root in our lives. Forgive us for the times we've exchanged Your truth for a lie, and help us to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Help us to trust You fully, even when we can't see the outcome. Break the chains of idolatry in our lives, and restore to us the joy of our salvation. Protect us from deception, and give us a vision for Your kingdom.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”