Pages

Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts

Monday, December 13, 2010

He Renews our Strength

Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.  His understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.  Isaiah 40:28-29

When we genuinely lift our hearts and prayers to God, He renews our strength.  Are you almost too weary to lift your head?  Then bow it.  Offer your concerns and your fears to your Father in heaven.  He is always at your side, offering His love and His strength.

Are you troubled or anxious?  Take your anxieties to God in prayer.  Are you weak or worried?  Delve deeply into God's Holy Word and sense His presence in the quiet moments of the day.  Are you spiritually exhausted?  Call upon fellow believers to support you, and call  upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life.  Your Savior will never let you down.  To the contrary, He will always lift you up if you ask Him to.  So what, dear friend, are you waiting for?

God wants to give you peace, and He wants to renew your spirit.  It's up to you to slow down and give Him a chance to do so.

Bible in a Year
Hosea 8-11
Revelation 5

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Beyond Worry

The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.  Proverbs 16:20

Because we are imperfect human beings, we worry.  Even though we are Christians who have been given the assurance of salvation - even though we are Christians who have received the promise of God's love and protection - we find ourselves fretting over the countless details of everyday life.  Jesus understood our concerns when He spoke the reassuring words found in Matthew 6: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life..."

As you consider the promises of Jesus, remember that God still sits in His heaven and you are His beloved child.  Then, perhaps, you will worry a little less and trust God a little more, and that's as it should be because God is trustworthy...and you are protected.

Bible in a Year
Daniel 7-8
Jude

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Answer to Adversity

I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. - 2 Kings 20:5

From time to time, all of us must endure discouragement and defeat.  And, we sometimes experience life-changing personal losses that leave us reeling.  When we do, God stands ready to protect us.  When we are troubled, we must call upon God, and, in His own time and according to His own plan, He will heal us.

Are you anxious?  Take those anxieties to God.  Are you troubled?  Take your troubles to Him.  Does your world seem to be trembling beneath your feet?  Seek protection from the One who cannot be moved.  The same God who created the universe will protect you if you ask Him...so ask Him.

In dealing with difficult situations, view God as your comfort and your strength.  And remember: Tough times can also be times of intense personal growth.

Bible in a Year
Daniel 5-6
3 John 1

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Voice of God

Be silent before Me - Isaiah 41:1

Sometimes God speaks loudly and clearly.  More often, He speaks in a quiet voice - and if you are wise, you will be listening carefully when He does.  To do so, you must carve out quiet moments each day to study His Word and sense His direction.

Can you quiet yourself long enough to listen to your conscience?  Are you attuned to the subtle guidance of your intuition?  Are you willing to pray sincerely and then wait quietly for God's response?  Hopefully so.  Usually God refrains from sending His messages on stone tablets or city billboards.  More often, He communicates in subtler ways.  If you sincerely desire to hear His voice, you must listen carefully, and you must do so in the silent corners of your quiet, willing heart.

Prayer is two-way communication with God.  Talking to God isn't enough; you should also listen to Him.

Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 40-41
1 John 1

Saturday, November 27, 2010

A Wing and a Prayer

Be cheerful.  Keep things in good repair.  Keep your spirits up.  Think in harmony.  Be agreeable.  Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure - 2 Cor 13:11 MSG

Mrs Charles E Cowman, the author of the classic devotional text Streams in the Desert, wrote, "Two wings are necessary to lift our souls toward God:  prayer and praise.  Prayer asks.  Praise accepts the answer."  That's why we should find the time to lift our concerns to God in prayer, and to praise Him for all that He has done.

John Wesley correctly observed, "Sour godliness is the devil's religion."  These words remind us that pessimism and doubt are some of the most important tools that Satan uses to achieve his objectives.  Our challenge, of course, is to ensure that Satan cannot use these tools on us.

Are you a cheerful Christian?  You should be!  And what is the best way to attain the joy that is rightfully yours?  Be giving Christ what is rightfully His:  your heart, your soul, and your life.

Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 28-30
1 Peter 5

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

An Attitude of Gratitude

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be ye thankful.  Colossians 3:15 KJV

For most of us, life is busy and complicated.  We have countless responsibilities, some of which begin before sunrise and many of which end long after sunset.  Amid the rush and crush of the daily grind, it is easy to lose sight of God and His blessings.  But, when we forget to slow down and say "Thank You" to our Maker, we rob ourselves of His presence, His peace, and His joy.

Our task, as believing Christians, is to praise God many time each day.  Then, with gratitude in our hearts, we can face our daily duties with the perspective and power that only He can provide.

Nobody who gets enough food and clothing in a world where most are hungry and cold has any business to talk about "misery." - CS Lewis

Developing an attitude of gratitude is key to a joyful and satisfying life.  So ask yourself this question:  "Am I grateful enough?"

Bible in a Year
Ezekiel 21-22
1 Peter 2

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A Man of Prayer

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Is prayer an integral part of your daily life, or is it a hit-or-miss habit?  Do you "pray without ceasing," or is your prayer life an afterthought?  Do you regularly pray in the solitude of the early morning darkness, or do you lower your head only when others are watching?  The answer to these questions will determine the direction of your day - and your life.

So here's your challenge:  make yourself a man of prayer.  Begin your prayers early in the morning and continue them throughout the day.  And remember this:  God does answer prayers, but He's not likely to answer those prayers until you've prayed them.

Prayer is the most important tool for your mission to the world.  People may refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers - Rick Warren

Bible in Year
Ezekiel 19-20
1 Peter 1