Alexander II of Macedon, aka Alexander the Great, was arguably the wealthiest man who ever lived. A prolific military commander, he conquered a significant part of the civilized world in the 4th century B.C., accumulating a net worth estimated at around $500 billion in today’s currency.

One of the secrets of his success was his generosity to his soldiers and commanders. He surrounded himself with loyal and yet greedy subjects, who received a hefty cut of the spoils of the king’s conquests.

A story is told that among the people in Alexander’s royal court was a crafty philosopher who possessed a brilliant mind and outstanding abilities but lacked financial means. In his predicament, he decided to approach the great Macedonian leader to request financial help. Alexander referred him to the imperial treasurer to request the amount needed.

The treasurer became irate when the philosopher boldly requested an absurdly large amount, which no one had ever asked before. He refused the request and asked for an audience with the king.

When he told Alexander about the bold request, the ruler surprised the treasure with his answer: “Pay the money at once. The philosopher has done me a singular honor. By the largeness of his request, he shows that he has understood both my wealth and generosity.”

The moral of the story reminded me of a biblical account in the book of 2 Chronicles that I came across not long ago. The passage highlights a crucial moment in the life of one of Judah’s kings: Jehoshaphat.

Even though his life was full of mistakes and weaknesses, when facing a time where all the odds were against him, Jehoshaphat turned to God with the boldness and faith of a true believer.

Powerful enemies surrounded Israel, threatening war against Jehoshaphat: the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. Their numbers were great — fearless warriors and sworn enemies of the Jews.

Immediately after receiving the news, Scriptures say that Jehoshaphat “resolved to inquire of the Lord, and (he) proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”

As people came together “from every town in Judah,” Jehoshaphat stood up at the temple and prayed one of the most faith-filled prayers in the Old Testament.

He declared God’s sovereignty throughout the history of Israel, his supreme rule over creation, every kingdom and nation. He remembered the countless times when God provided, protected, and empowered Israel throughout the nation’s history, and the covenant He had made with Abraham, the patriarch of the Jews. Jehoshaphat then turned his prayer to the great challenge before him: a more powerful enemy approaches the country’s borders, and calamity was at their door.

He finished his prayer with a request filled with earnest expectation:

“Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you ~ 2 Chronicles 20:12 @AJC #Prayer #Prayerchangeseverything
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“Our eyes are on you.”

Jehoshaphat’s attitude when his resources were inadequate is a lesson on prayer.

First, he committed the situation to God, admitting that only he could save his people. He dared to come boldly asking for God’s help because he recognized Israel’s position as favored children of God. He continued by acknowledging God’s sovereignty over even the most helpless situation. He also praised God’s glory, taking comfort in his deeds in the past and promises for the future. And then, to finalize his prayer, he professed complete dependence on God, not his army, resources, or wisdom.

It’s a recipe for effective prayer, but one that is often missed amid fierce trials: acceptance of our limitations; a firm grasp of past situations when God showed up miraculously; a recognition of our need and helplessness; a declaration of trust that the one who spoke the stars into existence can defeat the most vicious enemies and send mana in the driest season of our lives.

This type of faith-filled prayer permeated the lives of giants of faith throughout the centuries. It is the mountain-moving prayer that shut the mouth of lions for Daniel, allowed one-hundred-year-old Abraham to bear a son, and caused Peter to walk on water.

Faith-filled prayer permeated the lives of giants of faith throughout the centuries. It is the mountain-moving prayer that shut the mouth of lions for Daniel, allowed one-hundred-year-old Abraham to bear a son, and caused Peter to walk…
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These faith-filled prayers made history when a simple man like George Muller provided care for 10,024 orphans, not with loans or by begging for men’s help, but by spending numerous hours each day on his knees, bringing his petitions to a God whose wealth and generosity are beyond what even the wealthiest king in history could ever amass.

When the enemy closes in and hope threatens to vanish from our hearts, may we be challenged by this simple prayer, its core ringing from Judah’s king closing words: “We do not know what to do, Father. But our eyes are on you.”

Pray Like You Believe There Is an Almighty God. @AJC #Prayerchangeseverything #Pray #prayerworks
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This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Click HERE to read it on the AJC’s website.

The post Pray Like You Believe There Is an Almighty God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Alexander the Great had three dying wishes. At the age of 32, this man had conquered the world and had unimaginable prestige and wealth as the most powerful emperor of the ancient world. Yet, when he died, his wishes reflected the realization of a life filled with victories and empty in eternal significance: Doctors could not save him; his riches could only follow him as far as his grave; and lastly, he was leaving this world the same way he entered it: empty-handed.

Alexander is not alone in the long list of sanguine leaders, who conquered kingdoms and enforced their reign through war or manipulation throughout the centuries. From Ramesses II to Julius Caesar, from Cleopatra to Adolf Hitler, these men and women marked history and made their names immortal by defeating their enemies, subjecting nations to their reign, accumulating great wealth and living as if they would never die.

It seems as if Alexander’s dying remarks are the typical realization of most people on their deathbed. One never hears of a dying man or woman wishing that they had accumulated more wealth… or found more prestige. You won’t hear a dying person wishing they had added another degree to their resume or that they had lived in a bigger house. Their regrets have nothing to do with their possessions. Dying regrets have to do with the things neglected while pursuing the biggest and greatest.

I have to wonder how different the world would be if we would live as if we were dying tomorrow. What if you had but a day on planet earth? Would you say goodbye to your child the same way you do every morning? Would you pray more? Love more? Forgive more? Would the economy still be an issue — or what is happening in the Middle East? Would you worry about what people think about you as much?

I didn’t think so.

I wonder how different the world would be if we would live as if we were dying tomorrow.
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These are the things in my heart as the sun shines on my keyboard as I type these words today: I am grateful for another day to live and for the people surrounding my life. No, my house is not perfect, and I am also often guilty of spending more time “conquering” than playing with my children. But I choose to live with the realization that life is but a vapor and each day is a gift from God. I want to learn to pause more often to look at the stars that He made, realizing that if He directs their orbit in perfect harmony, He is also directing my life. I want to hug more and fuss less. I want to learn to be content with fewer material things and seek to fill my cup with those things that rust and moth won’t destroy, nor thieves will ever steal.

I want to learn to pause more often to look at the stars that He made, realizing that if He directs their orbit in perfect harmony, He is also directing my life.
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Alexander’s hands and heart were empty as his casket descended to his resting place. May we learn to fill our hearts with eternal possessions — that our legacy may live on to the next generation, not as people whose feats are to be praised, but men and women whose faith in God and love and devotion to those around them cannot be forgotten.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Find a copy of the article HERE.

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LINKUP is open. This week, Alexander the Great's dying wish made me think about the importance of focusing on what truly matters. Join us and share your blog! #RechargeWednesday
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And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:

“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

(Revelation 16:11-16 – NASB)

I remember reading this passage not long ago while doing a study on the book of Revelation. As I read it, my eyes were filled with tears.

I imagined the scene:

All the Lord’s enemies, those who mocked His Holy Name, denied Him, lived wicked lives and disregarded His teachings – each one – defeated. Annihilated. Gone.

And we, His Saints, who were also mocked because of Him, persecuted and ridiculed for believing in the Word of His testimony. We, sinners, saved by grace, who fought our battles and crossed many valleys during our existence in this fallen world, we are invited to witness the overwhelming victory.

There will be no fight, for He has already fought the enemy and conquered hell and death as He breathed His last, resurrecting on the third day.

We will have to do N.O.T.H.I.N.G.

“From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations (…)” (v.15)

And just like that – It’s a done deal. The Word will defeat them all, once and for all.

And we will witness every bit of it!

He didn’t have to invite us, you know? He could have chosen to leave us in Heaven, rejoicing in the glory of the Father. But no – He wants us to join Him. Not to fight – but to witness Jesus, the Lamb, defeat all the armies of the world… as the Lion of Judah.

I don’t know about you – but that makes me want to shout for joy.

Not only because of what it means for our future and eternity, but also for what it means for us right now, as we face the battles on this side of eternity.

We have already won.

Yes – no doubt that victory marks the end of the battles on this earth as described in Revelation. But Scriptures do not confine our victory to the future.

Can we stop for a minute to remember that this victory – our victory – is not reserved for future events only? Can we pause for a moment to remind our hearts, that we ARE victorious, regardless of what we are going through right now?

Can we stop for a minute to remember that our victory is not reserved for future events only? Can we remind our hearts, that we ARE victorious, regardless of what we are going through right now? #MondayMotivation #MondayThoughts…
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Every battle has a Victor. Every War has a Conqueror.

Alexander fought the Macedonians in the Battle of the Hudaspes, and they became his subjects.

Napoleon fought the Russian and Austrian armies in the battle of Austerlitz, and his victory enlarged France’s territory.

The Allied forces defeated the Nazzi evil machine, ending history’s most dreadful war.

In every single battle or war, the Victor has countless casualties, nevertheless – HE WINS.

In every single battle or war, the Victor has countless casualties, nevertheless – HE WINS. #MondayMotivation #MondayThoughts #Morethanconquerors
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You may be going through a fierce battle right now.

It could be that you lost your job…

Or maybe your marriage seems to have become a playground for the enemy…

It could be your children, who are making all the wrong choices, leaving you heartbroken and feeling helpless…

There is no question that every battle we face brings along casualties…

Alexander lost over 1,000 men in his greatest battle.  Napoleon lost around 9,000 in his. The Allied Forces lost over 209,000 during WWII.

And yet… They won!

For us, our “casualties” may be different. They may be dreams that die, endeavors that fail, or relationships that come to an end. And yes, we can certainly (and have every right to) feel defeated for a moment.

Or for a while, even.

But today, that same Savior who will ride on the clouds one day, the same Jesus who will bring you along to witness His victory, the Lion of Judah, the Conqueror of all human wars and fears, the One who promises to wipe away every single tear that now falls… Your JESUS… He calls you to trust that He will give you victory over your current circumstances.

Not because you are able to overcome it… but because He already has.

Not because you are strong enough to take it… but because He is.

JESUS calls you to trust that He will give you victory over your current circumstances. Not because you are able to overcome it, but because He already has. Not because you are strong to take it, but because He is.
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Rejoice, child of the Most High! You have already won!

The post And the Winner Is… appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“My first desire is that my physicians alone must carry my coffin.” After a pause, he continued, “Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones that I have collected in my treasury.

Alexander the Great had three dying wishes. At the age of 32, this man had conquered the world and had unimaginable prestige and wealth as the most powerful emperor of the ancient world. Yet, when he died, his wishes reflected the realization of a life filled with victories and empty in eternal significance: Doctors could not save him; his riches could only follow him as far as his grave; and lastly, he was leaving this world the same way he entered it: empty-handed.

Alexander the Great's dying wishes the realization of a life filled with victories and empty in eternal significance
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Alexander is not alone in the long list of sanguine leaders, who conquered kingdoms and enforced their reign through war or manipulation throughout the centuries. From Ramesses II to Julius Caesar, from Cleopatra to Adolf Hitler, these men and women marked history and made their names immortal by defeating their enemies, subjecting nations to their reign, accumulating great wealth and living as if they would never die.

It seems as if Alexander’s dying remarks are the typical realization of most people on their death bed. One never hears of a dying man or woman wishing that they had accumulated more wealth… or found more prestige. You won’t hear a dying person wishing they had added another degree to their resume or that they had lived in a bigger house. Their regrets have nothing to do with their possessions. Dying regrets have to do with the things neglected while pursuing the biggest and greatest.

I have to wonder how different the world would be if we would live as if we were dying tomorrow.

What if you had but a day on planet earth? Would you say goodbye to your child the same way you do every morning? Would you pray more? Love more? Forgive more? Would the economy still be an issue — or what is happening in the Middle East? Would you worry about what people think about you as much?

I didn’t think so.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

These are the things in my heart as the sun shines on my keyboard as I type these words today: I am grateful for another day to live and for the people surrounding my life. No, my house is not perfect, and I am also often guilty of spending more time “conquering” than playing with my children. But I choose to live with the realization that life is but a vapor and each day is a gift from God.

I want to learn to pause more often to look at the stars that He made, realizing that if He directs their orbit in perfect harmony, He is also directing my life.
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I want to hug more and fuss less. I want to learn to be content with fewer material things and seek to fill my cup with those things that rust and moth won’t destroy, nor thieves will ever steal.

Alexander’s hands and heart were empty as his casket descended to his resting place. May we learn to fill our hearts with eternal possessions — that our legacy may live on to the next generation, not as people whose feats are to be praised, but man and women whose faith in God and love and devotion to those around them cannot be forgotten.

LINKUP PARTY opens at 6 am EST!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

LINKUP PARTY is open! One of history's greatest conquerors had three dying wishes that will make you stop & think. What if you had one day to live? Join us & share your blog!
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The post A Reflection on a Famous Man’s Dying Wish {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:

“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

(Revelation 16:11-16 – NASB)

I remember reading this passage not long ago while doing a deeper study on the book of Revelation. As I read it, my eyes were filled with tears.

I imagined the scene:

All the Lord’s enemies, those who mocked His Holy Name, denied Him, lived wicked lives and disregarded His teachings… each one of of them – defeated. Annihilated. Gone.

And we, His Saints, who were also mocked because of Him, persecuted and ridiculed for believing in the Word of His testimony. We, sinners saved by grace, who fought our battles and crossed many valleys during our existence in this fallen world… we are invited to witness the overwhelming victory.

There will be no fight, for He has already fought the enemy and conquered hell and death as He breathed His last, resurrecting on the third day.

Nothing will we have to do.

“From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations (…)” (v.15)

And just like that – It’s a done deal. The Word will defeat them all, once and for all.

And We.Will.Witness.It.All.

He didn’t have to invite us, you know? He could have chosen to leave us in Heaven, rejoicing in the glory of the Father. But no – He wants us to join Him. Not to fight – but to witness Jesus, the Lamb, defeat all the armies of the world… as the Lion of Judah.

I don’t know about you – but that makes me want to shout for joy.

Not only because of what it means for our future and eternity, but also for what it means for us right now, as we face the battles on this side of eternity.

Unquestionable, Undeniable, Overwhelming Victory… IN THIS LIFE.

Yes – no doubt that victory marks the end of the battles on this earth as described in Revelation. But Scriptures do not confine our victory to the future.

Can we stop for a minute to remember that this victory – our victory - is not reserved for future events only? Can we pause for a moment to remind our hearts, that we ARE victorious, regardless of what we are going through right now?
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I know, I know – many of us don’t feel quite “victorious” right now.

But, Hey! God is not asking how you “feel.”

Today He wants to remind you of what you must KNOW.

And this is what Paul told the Romans, and invites us to remember today. It’s the Truth that every Christian should grasp deep within, every time his or her heart threatens to yield to a sense of defeat or restlessness:

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (…) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8: 35,37 (NLT – emphasis mine)

Yes, dear friend. Every battle has a Victor. Every War has a Conqueror.

Alexander fought the Macedonians in the Battle of the Hudaspes, and they became his subjects.

Napoleon fought the Russian and Austrian armies in the battle of Austerlitz, and his victory enlarged France’s territory.

The Allied forces defeated the Nazzi evil machine, ending history’s most dreadful war.

In every single battle or war, even if the Victor has countless casualties, nevertheless – HE WINS.

You may be going through a fierce battle right now.

It could be your marriage that seems to have become a playground for the enemy…

It could be your children, who are making all the wrong choices, leaving you heartbroken and feeling helpless…

Or it could be your finances that steal your peace.

There is no question that every battle we face brings along casualties…

Alexander lost over 1,000 men in his greatest battle.  Napoleon lost around 9,000 in his. The Allied Forces lost over 209,000 during WWII.

And yet… They won!

For us, our “casualties” may be different. They may be dreams that die… endeavors that fail… or relationships that come to an end. And yes, we can certainly (and have every right to) feel defeated for a moment.

Or for a while, even.

But today, that same Savior who will ride on the clouds one day… the same Jesus who will bring you along to witness His victory over every evil thing that has even been … the Lion of Judah… the Conqueror of all human wars and fears… the One who promises to wipe away every single tear that now falls… Your JESUS… He invites you to believe that you’ll have victory over your current circumstance.

Not because you are able to overcome it… but because He already has.

Not because you are strong enough to take it… but because He is.

Lift your head, child of the Most High! Your Defender is on the move! Call upon His Name – the Name above all names – and tell your heart to trust and believe!

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.

Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)

Facing a fierce battle today? Lift your head, child of the Most High! Your Defender is on the move! Call upon His Name - the Name above all names – and tell your heart to trust and believe!
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