Trapped, cornered, pinned against the wall?

“To whom do you go for help when you feel trapped, cornered, or pinned against the wall because of a situation you've fallen into? In moments like that, do you feel overwhelmed with a sense of desperation, or do you know where to turn for help?”

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Rick Renner – Greek Scholar and friend of Jesus in Russia, answers this question in the devotion below. It comes from his book, Sparkling Gems from the Greek. See http://www.sparkling-gems.com/ and http://www.renner.org/

I read “Sparkling Gems” regularly and I’m always touched by God. I found this writing particularly relevant to my life at present so I thought I’d share it and introduce you to this great Bible teacher, and lover of God. Bob Lipsys Australia.

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The Supernatural Intercessory Ministry Of the Holy Spirit by Rick Renner
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. -Romans 8:26

To whom do you go for help when you feel trapped, cornered, or pinned against the wall because of a situation you've fallen into? In moments like that, do you feel overwhelmed with a sense of desperation, or do you know where to turn for help?

I want to speak to you about the supernatural intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit. But today I'm not talking about prayer when I use the phrase "intercessory ministry." I am talking about a very special, unique work of the Holy Spirit that is available to help you every day - especially in times when you're feeling backed into a corner by situations in life.

Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." I would like to draw your attention to the word "intercession" in the middle of this verse. It is the Greek word huperentugchano, an old word that does not appear to exist outside early Christian literature. It is the picture of one who comes upon someone who has fallen into some kind of quandary. Upon discovering the trapped person's dilemma, he swiftly swings into action to rescue and deliver the one who is in trouble. Therefore, the word huperentugchano conveys the idea of a rescue operation.

Paul uses this word here to tell us about a special work of divine intercession - a special ministry performed by the Holy Spirit Himself when He sees that you are at a loss for words or that you are trapped in a situation and don't know how to get out. Suddenly and supernaturally, the Holy Spirit falls into that place with you. Now you are no longer facing the challenge by yourself, for the Holy Spirit has stepped into your dilemma and is initiating a rescue plan to get you out of that mess!

The Holy Spirit feels everything you feel. He understands the complete inadequacy you are experiencing. He knows about every battle you are facing. He willingly joins you in your circumstances, sharing your emotions and frustrations. Then He begins to put a supernatural plan of rescue into operation to get you out of your mess!

The middle phrase of Romans 8:26 conveys this idea:
"The Spirit Himself falls into our difficulty with us, initiating a supernatural rescue operation to get us out of the mess we've fallen into."

So the next time you get into trouble, there's no need for you to sweat it out by yourself. The Holy Spirit is standing by, just waiting for you to ask for His assistance. Helping you is a part of His ministry, so never hesitate to say, "Holy Spirit, help me!" This is what the intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit is all about!

What challenges are you facing today? What problems seem bigger than your ability to handle by yourself?

Come to grips with your need for supernatural assistance, and open your heart to the Holy Spirit's help today. As you do, you will liberate Him to release His mighty power in you. An answer to every problem is just around the corner as you allow the Holy Spirit to work His supernatural ministry of intercession in your life!

PRAYER
Lord, I thank You that the Holy Spirit joins me in the challenges I am facing in my life today. You sent Him to be my Helper, my Guide, my Teacher, and my Intercessor - the One who meets my problems head-on and helps me to overcome them! Rather than try to work out those problems by myself, I open my heart today for the Holy Spirit to join me as my divine Partner so I can be more than a conqueror in every situation!
I pray this in Jesus' name!

By Rick Renner http://www.renner.org/

The floods in Australia continue

With ¾ of the state of Queensland Wrecked by floods, the Capital City Brisbane and its surrounds are now flooding. In the next 2 days 7500+ homes and businesses are expected to go under water in the city. Yesterday an 8m (26 foot)wall of water hit the heart of the city of Toowoomba. 10 people have been confirmed dead, at least 78 are still missing. They only had 10 minutes notice. A super-storm released an enormous amount of rain close to the city. Toowoomba is a city of 90 000 people and serves a rural population of 250 000. Most of the area is under water. One third of Ipswich, a city of 162000 people, 40km (25miles) from Brisbane will soon be submerged. The river is running through this city at a height of 22m (72 feet). Some country towns have been totally submerged on 3 occasions since Christmas. The whole situation is totally unreal. Since Christmas 70 towns have been devastated. Many others have been damaged. The rain is still pouring down.

Please pray for us. What to pray?
In hours of TV coverage not one political leader has called for prayer or has prayed. God has not even been mentioned. This is Australia, “we will work it out for ourselves,” is our motto. Please pray that we will come to know the love of our Father, God. We need to soak in His love. We need to know Him. We are truly a lost and Fatherless nation. How much God wants to gather this nation in His arms and love them.
Lord call us into your arms.

Rick Renner, a missionary to Russia and Greek Scholar, translates John 1:5 as “Darkness does not have the ability to suppress or hold the light under its domain.” He adds “ Even in what seems to be the darkest or bleakest situation the efforts of evil will always be thwarted by the prevailing power of God’s light.” As Australian Christians lets pray for a revelation of the goodness, the light and the love of God over our suffering communities. God is not limited by the darkness of our circumstances. He shines out in the darkness…

Bob Lipsys, Australia

Praying like Paul....How it "sounds" in New Testament Greek

Have you ever wanted someone to pray for you? Or, ever felt you should pray for someone? Read the quote at the end of this blog entry. It may change your view on prayer.
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Rick Renner, a Missionary (Apostle) to Russia has a great grasp of New Testament Greek. His daily devotion book, “Sparkling Gems from the Greek”, is a valuable resource for anyone who would like a deeper grasp of the words used in the New Testament. In it, 1000 New Testament Words are studied, most in depth.

Today I read Rick’s devotion on 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, (NKJV)

After examining the passage from the NT Greek perspective, Rick comes up with his summary, or amplified version of the passage:
"Timothy, my intention is to pray, pray, pray, and pray for you until I have set the record straight about your activities and until I have stacked the throne room of God with your name! Anywhere God looks, I want Him to see a living memorial of you! I don't want God to ever forget you; therefore, I am loading Heaven with statues, monuments, and memorials of you. My prayers for you will stand as an everlasting memorial before God!" (by Rick Renner- Sparkling Gems)

See Rick’s Web site: http://www.renner.org/

Bob Lipsys, Australia