The devotional for today is "STANDING IN THE GAP." We learn about what that phrase means and how it applies to our lives. May we all find ways to stand in the gap for others.
Blessings,
Jan
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Today's Devotional:
"STANDING IN THE GAP"
by
Jan Andersen
Walls are built for many reasons. Sometimes it is to keep people or things out and other times to keep them in. We build walls of a house or building to support the roof and create separate spaces. Here in Arizona a lot of the properties are surrounded by cement block walls instead of fences. Those walls keep pets in and people or other intruders out… sometimes!
When there is a gap in a wall, it provides a passageway. It also could make the wall less stable and allow it to collapse if attacked at that point. If the wall is a dam, a breach allows water to spill out. Sometimes those holes can be repaired or filled in. Or a gap in a wall or fence can be guarded by a person.
God often became angry with His people for indulging in sinful activities without remorse. Sometimes He used the metaphor of seeking someone to build a wall around the people, and to stand in the gap of the wall to intercede for them. This was to keep God from destroying them for their sins. There are times where God says He does not find anyone to stand in the gap (Isaiah 59:16, Ezekiel 22:30). At one point Moses is found to stand in the breach (Psalm 106:23). God is looking for us to stand in the gap as intercessors for our fellow human beings.
The most important intercessor, however, is God himself in the Holy Spirit and Jesus. The Holy Spirit stands in the gap for us by planting faith in our hearts and by praying for us even when we don’t know what to say ourselves. He prays for us in wordless groans that the Father understands (Romans 8:26-27). Jesus also came to intercede for all people by dying on the cross in place of each and every one of us. He did that as payment for our sins so that we may have forgiveness of all our wrongs and have everlasting life with Him in heaven if we have faith in Him. So we have the greatest intercessor anyone could have or ask for!
Hebrews 7:24-25 Jesus lives forever… He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.
God does ask us then to pray for one another and promises that our prayers will be heard. His answers aren’t always what we want, but they are what we need! So let’s all stand in the gap for those needing prayer.
Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for hearing our prayers and answering them in the way that is in our best interest, even when we don’t understand that. Today we ask for you to soften the hearts of all unbelievers and bring them to faith. We also ask You to watch over all believers here on earth, to protect them from all harm and danger, and to lift them up so that they may rejoice in all circumstances. We give thanks to you for standing in the gap for us, giving us faith through your Spirit in the redeeming sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
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Song:
STAND IN THE GAP
by Michael Neale
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you
by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff
of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers:
Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Karen Bennett,
Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and Corinne Mustafa
Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola, Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez
Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola, Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez
Occasional Contributors:
Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker, Beverley Napier,
Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,
Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,
Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp.
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