Your Voice

10 ways to pray Scripture over Ukraine

By Rob Jackson
Prattville, Ala.

1. As with Solomon, I ask God to give the Ukrainian leaders (and all leaders in these difficult times) wisdom from above (1 Kings 3:5–12).
2. As with David, I ask God to show Himself as Ukraine faces their Goliath (1 Sam. 17). I am asking that the world will see “some trust in chariots, others in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Zech. 4:6).
3. As with Gideon, I pray God will confuse the Russian army (like the Midianites) so they will turn on each other, become demoralized, flee and desert (Judg. 7).
4. As with Hezekiah, I ask that “Sennacherib” will return in defeat to his homeland (2 Kings 19:32–37).
5. As with Moses, I pray the “chariots” or tanks and all vehicles will get stuck in the mud, run out of gas and break down.

Furthermore, may God so thwart the Russian army that their rockets, missiles and bombs malfunction
and cause minimal damage (Ex. 14:21–29).

6. As with Elisha, I ask God to blind the enemies surrounding the cities, so they are rendered ineffective (2 Kings 6:11–23).
7. As with Daniel, I pray God will remove the leader(s) who mocks the Lord our God. I pray Vladimir Putin will fear and see the writing on the wall (Dan. 5).
8. As with Peter, I pray Baptist churches (and other churches and relief organizations) will feed the Ukrainian “sheep” in the name of Jesus.

I pray the refugees who are flooding the neighboring countries seeking food, shelter, transportation, spiritual help and so forth will see Jesus in us (John 21:15–17).

9. As with all Christians, I pray we will be shown what each of us can do (individually and collectively) to help alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine (Matt. 25:35).
10. Finally, I pray Ukrainians, Russians and the entire world will be amazed at what God is doing, resulting in a worldwide revival and awakening as people repent and believe the good news of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41). There will be no lasting peace until the world acknowledges the Prince of Peace!

EDITOR’S NOTE — Rob Jackson is director of the office of church health for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and president of Romanian-American Mission, an organization that works with churches across Europe.

Alabama Baptists to send aid, receive gifts for Ukraine

The Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions is committing $100,000 from Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief funds to assist with Ukrainian relief efforts through the International Mission Board.

“The IMB is already working with local Baptist partners and churches in Ukraine, Poland and other border nations,” said SBOM Executive Director Rick Lance. “This contribution comes directly from Alabama Baptists through the Cooperative Program, the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering and designated disaster relief gifts.”

Lance expressed appreciation for IMB President Paul Chitwood and his leadership in the massive relief effort.

“The needs of refugees displaced by war in Ukraine will doubtless be great for many weeks and months to come,” Lance said.

Any gifts received through the SBOM will be given over and above the $100,000 gift, Lance said.

Checks should be made payable to: State Board of Missions, P.O. Box 681970, Prattville 36068-1970, and designated for IMB Ukraine Relief. Gifts by credit cards may be made at alsbom.org/ukraine. (SBOM)

Trusting during times of waiting

By Megan Harris
The-scroll.com

When I think about waiting, it always feels passive and static, like I’m stuck somewhere unable to reach whatever good things are to come.

The dictionary defines waiting as: “to stay in place in expectation of,” “to remain stationary in readiness or expectation” or “to look forward or hold back expectantly.”

When we talk to friends and family about waiting, it’s easy to vent and complain. We might feel like the time is wasted and our expectations will never be fulfilled.

But Scripture offers a different picture, full of meaning and trust. We don’t have to merely wait alone, trying to move forward in our own strength. Instead, we are called to wait on the Lord.

I hold onto Psalm 37:4–5 when I’m trying to make sense of waiting: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

This passage isn’t saying God is going to give us everything we want, but I see these words as a prayer that He would shape the desires of my heart to be more like Christ.

When I’m in a time of waiting to understand His direction, I know He orders my plans, even if His answer takes time or in the end is “not yet” or simply “no.”

Overthinking, doubt and anxiety try to snare me and weaken my trust when I’m waiting to make a big decision or hear an answer. I often fall into the trap of thinking I can or should handle it by myself.

But the truth is we can’t do this life in our own strength, and seasons of waiting point us back to a comforting reminder — we are safe in the True Vine.

“Actions speak louder than words, and as I tell others about my faith in Christ, that has to be backed up by actual action,” said Grace Carter of University Hills Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carter was named by WMU to the 2022 National Acteens Panel.

“We will make it through. The question is how we’ll get through it and what the SBC will be on the other side,” said Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, citing controversies in SBC life ranging from political divides to racial issues and sexual abuse. “A denomination perpetually at war with itself cannot survive.”

“But the more time I spent in isolation,” said Ashley Huffstutler, who wrote “When I Hold You” about her ongoing battle with cancer, which included contracting COVID-19 in 2021, “I realized this isn’t about me. It isn’t about COVID. It isn’t about cancer. It is about trials. It is about hardship. It is about knowing God more intimately. I pray God would continue to use these trials to grow my faith, to increase my hope and to build my confidence. I’ve asked Him to teach me more of who He is.”

Once you are a Christian in Nigeria, your life is always at stake.

Manga
A believer in Nigeria, a country ranked No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List

“The testimonies shared from these precious [people] whose lives have been transformed by the power and love of Jesus Christ never fail to bring tears of joy from my heart,” said Deb Lowery, TAB’s financial assistant, who has volunteered at North Jefferson Women’s Center/Sav-A-Life in Fultondale, Alabama, for the past three years. “I am thankful for all the churches and individuals whose hearts are knitted together with Christ’s love for the unborn and their mothers and fathers.”

I don’t need next week’s grace. I know next week’s grace will be there, but I don’t need it right now. I just need God today. … It breeds dependence from us. … The mark of a mature child of God is that they become more and more dependent. … We have to go open handed to God and say, “I need everything from You.”

Pastor Erik Reed
The Journey Church in Lebanon, Tennessee
Amplify podcast excerpt

If a home is child-centered rather than husband/wife-centered, then when the children leave, there will be two very lonely people who do not know or love each other.

Morris Murray Jr.
Jasper, Alabama

“For me, living a missions lifestyle means constantly being on the move for God,” said Taylor Glover, who was named to the 2022 National Acteens Panel and is a member of Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. “In this lifestyle, it is understood that wherever one goes, there is always an opportunity to share the word of God. Missions-minded people are quick to meet human needs while sharing the redeeming love of Christ.”

“We’re all tempted some days, some weeks to give up,” said Brian Hobbs, editor of the Oklahoma Baptist Messenger and immediate past president of the Association of State Baptist Publications, who spoke during ASBP’s recent meeting. “I just encourage us: Stay close to the Lord. … Let’s remember in everything we do that our work is ministry.”

From the Twitterverse

@daneortlund
My two greatest sermon prep tools:

1. Original language text and resources
2. Tears

Sometimes a commentary or two. Once in a while hunt for a needed illustration. But mainly just stick the original text and my tears into the blender of my heart and preach what comes out.

@PaulTripp
Your security is not to be found in your obedience, but in the fact that the Lord hasn’t just saved you, He guards you moment by moment until you are on the other side.

@howertonjosh
When a church worships passionately:

1) God is glorified

2) You are empowered and blessed

3) Other Christians’ faith is strengthened

4) Non-Christians experience the reality of God

Win-win-win-win

@ethicist
Remember your job is not to win theological debates, but to speak truth to those who need hope.

@pastorrolland
Grateful for the @SBCExecComm officers, members and staff. By God’s grace, mercy, kindness and love, you have made me a better man. It is an honor to serve with each of you.

@JackieHillPerry
As a new Christian, I might’ve assumed that I’d struggle with the same stuff over and over again. As time has gone on though, I’ve seen how each stage of life brings a new set of idols. Disheartening as it might be, I know that for every new struggle, I am kept by the same God.

@philipnation
Father: Come and defend those in danger of earthly terrors. Grant grace to all who are overwhelmed by sorrow. Break the will of evil men who terrorize the innocent. Grant peace where no earthly power can ensure safety. Show us Your glory and let us see Your power.

@peterlinkjr
The faithful, prayerful study of the whole Bible and the proclaiming of its message remain the priorities of one who seeks the mind of God.

@kellydking
If you want to work on your sanctification, keep 4 & 5 year olds. Preschool teachers are the unsung heroes of our churches.