Life Class Day 43

Paul has undoubtedly become one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity because of his firm commitment to serve Jesus with all his heart.

His conversion was supernatural; when he received a heavenly vision, he became part of the mission that Jesus began: to disciple entire nations.

*Acts 9:4-22

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

Different stages Paul lived through when he met the Lord Jesus (Acts 9):

1. He was confronted with his past (vs. 4-5)

The answer to the question, "Why do you persecute me?" could have been very simple had Saul had the strength to respond.

Given what we know about his previous life, we can presume he would have said something like, "Because zeal for tradition consumes me".

Yet despite his zeal, when Jesus revealed Himself to Saul, all his great learning was left unfounded.

For the first time in his life, he was unable to run to that in which he had previously placed his hope.

2. He received a revelation of his own nature. (vs. 6)

Saul was shaking & afraid when the Lord appeared to him on the road.

When we are confronted by God, what was hidden in our heart comes to light & we feel ashamed because we can clearly see the reality of our own nature; we feel powerless in the presence of His Majesty.

This startles us & makes us tremble, because who can stand in His presence?

3. He had his 1st encounter (vs. 9)

He spent 3 days in intimacy with God. During that time, he did not want to eat or drink anything because the only thing he wanted was to pray.

4. A man of God prayed for him (vs. 17)

Through this act, Saul received his sight & was filled with the Holy Spirit. God always uses people to bless us.

5. He made the decision to get baptized (vs. 18)

Because Saul knew the Law, he understood that our God is a God of covenants.

He was able to understand that God relates to His Church through the covenant of baptism, which identifies us with the death of Jesus on the cross.

6. He spent time being discipled (vs. 19)

The time he spent with Christian leaders provided him with the foundation he needed to develop the ministry God had entrusted to him.

7. He preached tirelessly about Jesus (vs. 20)

As Saul went about sharing the testimony of his experience with Jesus, he caught the attention of all who had previously heard about his religious zeal. They were amazed that he had become a Christian.

8. He gave his all (vs. 22)

It is essential that everyone who has had a genuine encounter with Jesus makes every effort to tell others about His love.

*Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Now that you have been on an Encounter, it is important that you let others know about the changes God has made in your life - whether that be your family members, your work colleagues or your neighbors.

Tell them about your own experiences of asking Jesus into your heart.

Telling others about our faith is very important because it helps us pay careful attention to the way in which we are living & the example we are setting every day.

9. He believed that Jesus is the Christ.

Although Saul knew the supernatural prophecies about the Messiah, he was unable to understand them until he had a personal encounter with Jesus.

His personal experience helped him understand biblical teachings; John teaches us that it is the anointing itself (the Holy Spirit in us) that teaches us all things.

*1 John 2:27

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Being confronted in the past: During the time I was battling depression.

A revelation of your own nature: During the time I wasn't able to graduate on time & did not pass the licensure exam twice.

Your 1st encounter: During the 1st church attendance in Manila.

Being prayed for by a person of God: We are laid by our pastors in Manila.

Baptism: In 2016, at Logroño's Swimming Pool.

A time of discipleship: During closed cell & every trainings.

Telling others about Jesus: During our Revo in Gaisano Mall.

Giving your all: Every time I share gospel through social media.

Faith in Jesus: Every problems I encountered.

REMEMBER:

THE BEST DECISION WE COULD EVER MAKE IS LIVING FOR JESUS.

#lifeclass

#devotionals

#week7

#day43

Life Class Day 42

A notebook we used during our devotional times, where we wrote down our prayer requests, the date we received each miracle.

It pleases God when we describe our petitions in detail in prayer.

We describe in detail the things they want & they use images to represent each dream (often printing them from the internet).

The Lord always answers them, often much quicker than they were expecting.

*1 John 5:14

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Our requests should not be personal whims & unfounded lists made up of the first things that come to mind.

We should ask in accordance with the will of God has for us.

How to make your book of dreams:

1. You can divide your dreams into the following categories: spiritual (your relationship with God), personal, family, ministry & secular (studies, work).

2. Pray that God would reveal to you the dreams He has for those areas & write each one down.

3. Add images to each title (you can cut these out from magazines or print them off from the internet) & include a verse from the Bible that God has given you regarding that petition.

4. The idea is not that you would take your dream book & then put it away. You should use it to help you pray every day.

5. Write down the date each prayer is answered, & tell others about what God has done.

Make your 1st dream book. You can ask your cell leader or Life Class guide to help you.

REMEMBER:

AS I START TO PUT MY DREAM BOOK TOGETHER, I WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD & HOW HE ANSWERS PRAYERS.

#lifeclass

#devotionals

#week6

#day42

Life Class Day 41

Our devotional time is like an appointment with God - it is time we set apart everyday to be alone with Him.

It is where we can tell Him what is on our heart through prayer & where He reveals His will to us through the Word, demonstrating His great love for us.

The new habit is of vital importance for each one of us - it is best to decide a specific time when you can be alone & in intimacy with God every day.

Suggestions for your devotional time:

1. Find a quiet & private place. If possible, switch off all distractions.

2. Decide what time you will begin & how long you will spend doing your devotional.

3. When you pray, be honest with yourself & with God.

4. Have the Bible & a notebook at hand so that you can write down what God speaks to you through His Word.

5. Write a list of request to bring before the Lord in prayer.

How to do your devotional:

1. Start with a time of prayer (remember that thankfulness is the key that opens the door into the presence.)

2. Take some time to read the Bible. Write down in your notebook the things that God speaks to you everyday. Keep an eye out for promises for your life & commandments you should obey.

3. Set aside some time to think about what you have read & how you can apply that to your life. It is also important that you write those thoughts down in your notebook.

Organize your agenda to set apart some time to do your devotional everyday. Write down the time you will begin & how long you will spend doing it: "I commit to setting aside time between 7:00-8:00 AM everyday to be alone with God."

REMEMBER:

MY DEVOTIONAL IS A PERSONAL APPOINTMENT WITH GOD.

#lifeclass

#devotionals

#week6

#day41

Life Class Day 40

Remembering & confessing the things for which we are thankful to God opens the door into His presence & yet, that is only the tip of the iceberg.

We have been praying & we are guaranteed that there is nothing more exciting & incredible than being in His presence.

*Psalms 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Throughout our entire Christian life, we have been able to relate to God personally because He is as real as the people around us. If we are able to love those who see, we will also be to love God, who we do not see.

*1 Timothy 2:5

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.

When we come before God, we should come in the name of Jesus as He is the bridge that connects us to the Father.

When we come before God in the name of Jesus, we are placing our trust in what Jesus has done & not in our own merit. Clothed with His righteousness & holiness, which Jesus won for us on the cross, we can confidently enter into the presence of God, just as a beloved son goes in to speak to his father.

*John 14:13-14

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

The Scriptures teach us that we can come to God the Father directly.

Every prayer you lift up should be directed to the Father in the name of Jesus.

Lord, I come before You in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, & I present my needs (specify each one), trusting that by Your divine grace, I will receive the answer to each one of them.

God is the Lord of everything.

All abundance is found in Him & He is always generous toward His children.

His kindness & favors know no bounds & He wants you to begin to enjoy all the blessings He has prepared for you.

The difference is that we speak someone we do not know with utmost respect & little bit reserved, while we speak to our fathers with respect & begging to him politely.

Needs: Stable jobs, spiritual breakthrough, salvation for my family & friends, peace, provision & protection in the house & provision to join all conferences.

REMEMBER:

BECAUSE OF JESUS, WE CAN SPEAK TO GOD AS SONS & DAUGHTERS

#lifeclass

#devotionals

#week6

#day40

Life Class Day 39

The Lord longs for us to be close to Him, just as a loving father enjoys spending time with his children.

When we need the Word of God, He speaks to us: He leads us, teaches us & shows us His purpose & will for our lives.

Just like in any other conversation, there are moments when we also need to speak; & we speak to God through prayer.

The Lord never taught His disciples how to preach, but He did takes the time to teach them how to pray.

*Matthew 6:9

This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name'".

He gave them clear instructions about how to pray so that their prayers would be effective.

If you are a disciple of Christ, it is important that you learn how to communicate with God.

Start by praying joyfully with thanksgiving.

*Psalms 100:2,4

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Nothing is able to cause greater joy in our hearts than being in the presence of our God.

Our attitude determines the success we have in prayer.

It is important that we are always joyful so that we can persevere in prayer.

A thankful heart is one that knows how to recognize the work of God in every aspect of life.

The gates that lead us into His presence are called "thankfulness".

Think about all the things for which you can thank God.

It helped us to go on to identify many other things for which we could be thankful to God.

Gratitude should flow out of our hearts at all times, in both good & bad situations, because we know that everything that happens to us works together for our good.

*1 Thessalonians 5:18

Before starting Life Class:

Faithfulness to God

Simple things in life

Beauty in nature

We barely freely

Whole & perfect body

After starting Life Class:

Spiritual breakthrough

Increase love & grace

Increase strength from God

Provision

Humility

These are the things God has done for me & He had done & before that, for which I can be thankful.

Decide to write down things for which we are thankful before going to sleep, especially the things that have happened during the day.

Thank God for everything.

REMEMBER:

GRATITUDE IS THE KEY THAT OPENS THE DOORS SO THAT WE CAN COMMUNICATE WITH GOD.

#lifeclass

#devotionals

#week6

#day39

Life Class Day 38

*1 Peter 2:2

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

Just as a newborn baby needs the milk their mother provides, a spiritual baby needs to feed them on the Word of God as this is the only thing that can help them grow.

When we started to take our first steps in the Christian life, we had a great desire to know the Bible more; this led us to spend at least 2 hours studying the Word everyday.

We were not reading it because somebody told us to, but we were reading it because we understand that it was food for our spirits & that we should equip ourselves with it regularly.

We should love the Word & its teachings, obeying its instructions & following its direction, just like the captain of a ship with his compass.

The Bible is the greatest of all treasures & holds the answer to all our needs.

It is the greatest literary work in existence because it contains the revelation of God for man.

Within the covers of that single Book are all the answers to all the problems that face us today. - Ronald Reagan

Just as our body cannot live if we do not eat, our spirit needs sustenance to remain alive.

If someone goes about their daily activities without eating properly, they can suffer a number of symptoms, including tiredness, fatigue, weakness, headaches a bad temper, etc.

Whoever does not properly feed their spirit daily, suffers similar symptoms.

We should make studying the Word of God a habit that is as natural to us eating.

Doing this requires us to be disciplined & consistent.

Suggestions:

Set time aside to pray & read the Bible - sometime every day (no matter how long you decide to set apart, what is important is that you set time aside for this specific purpose every day)

Find a quiet place - where you can "disconnect" from the world & switch off all distractions (phone, notifications, television, radio, etc.)

Have a notebook (paper/digital) - to write down what you understand & what God speaks to you, as well as any questions that might come up as you read.

If you are using a cellphone/tablet, to do this, it would be helpful to put them an airplane mode for the time you have set aside, so as to avoid distractions.

Set a goal of reading the Bible.

There are many Bible reading plans that can help you do this. (you will be given 1 at the end of Life Class)

The Word of God is not there to simply satisfy our curiosity or our intellect.

It is the compass God has given us to guide us in this world.

As well as reading the Bible, we should apply what we learn to our every day lives.

*Mark 12:30

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

*Psalms 62:8

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

We shall trust in the Lord every day & we shall pour our life unto Him.

*Psalms 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

We shall cast our worries to the Lord & He will sustain us with everything.

REMEMBER:

THE WORD OF GOD IS THE SPIRITUAL FOOD THAT GIVES US STRENGTH & HELPS US GROW.

#lifeclass

#devotionals

#week6

#day38

Life Class Day 37

The most exciting thing about a relationship is being able to get to know the other person.

This happens when we spend time with them & talk to them. The more we do those things, the more we can get to know them.

We can hear about someone a lot, but it is only when we are able to share experiences with them that we really start to know them as a person.

There is a huge difference between knowing about someone & actually knowing them.

In our devotional times (time alone with God), we can have a conversation with Him. When we pray we speak to God; but when we read His Word, God is the One who speaks to us.

The main difference between the Bible & other books is that the content of other books springs forth from the minds of people - they record their ideas, findings, dreams, research, etc. on paper.

But the Bible is different: it is no ordinary book. It is not the product of human imagination or made-up stories.

It contains the words of the only true God - words of truth loaded with authority & power. Despite having been written over a period of 1600 year by 40 different people, it has an unified message & a defined purpose & it has remained applicable throughout the history of humanity.

*1 Peter 2:25

For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The Bible is considered to be the 1st book ever printed & has more copies in circulation around the world today than any other literary work.

Astoundingly, portions of the Bible have been translated into at least 2883 languages.

Just as all God had to do was speak & the entire universe was created without any prime matter, the words of God contained in the Bible are enough to transform lives & change circumstances.

*2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

4 Benefits of studying the Bible:

1. Teaches - The Word of God reveals to us the will of God, His heart, His laws & commands, & the way in which He wants us to live our lives.

2. Rebukes - This means that the Scriptures show us when an area of our lives is out of line & needs to change.

3. Corrects - The Bible does not only reveal the bad things - it also shows us how to live & how to change the direction of our lives.

4. Trains - It guides us so that we can make the right decisions of our lives.

Right attitudes towards the Word:

1. Pay attention to the voice of God

*Deuteronomy 28:1-2

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.

It is not just anybody speaking - it is the Almighty God. He is so great & majestic that the highest heavens cannot contain Him & He knows all things completely, including the depths of your heart. It would be crazy not to pay attention to what He has to say to us.

*1 Kings 8:27

But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!

2. Obey the Word

*Luke 6:46

Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

Jesus compares those who hears the Word of God & ignores it, to a foolish man who built his on the sand. At the first sign of trouble, his house crumbled & the ruin of that man was very great.

There is only 1 solid foundation upon which we can build our lives: obedience to the Word of God.

3. Share what it says with others.

*Deuteronomy 6:6-7

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

The world has a great need that is evident to all.

Despite good intentions & human effort, this need continues to grow day after day.

The only hope for the world is Jesus.

All those who know Him have the responsibility of sharing what they know & what they have received from Him with others.

Commandment:

*Psalms 69:34-36

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it; the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.

Promise:

*Romans 4:7-8

“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

I obeyed the command in my life.

The promise of the Lord is conditional. It is through ask the Lord for forgiveness of our transgressions & iniquities, & repent to the Lord every time we commit sin. It is so that the Lord will never count against us.

REMEMBER:

THE BIBLE IS NOT AN ORDINARY WORD. IT IS THE WORD OF GOD

#lifeclass
#devotionals
#week6
#day37

Pray Effectively Part V

 YIELD: The Fourth Step in Effective Prayer

 

Psalm 37:4 provides us the “Y” in the acronym P-R-A-Y, the four elements to effective prayer we have been discussing over the last few devotionals. 

Here is what Psalm 37:4 says,

Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Now the Hebrew word for delight in this verse literally means to become soft or pliable. This means that “delighting” in the Lord is assuming a yielded posture before God. 

So the “Y” in P-R-A-Y stands for yield. The question is: How do you practice yielding to God when you pray? Yielding is when you stop talking, and you wait, listen, and seek to hear from God. 

In my own practice of prayer, I will often bow before God and ask Him, “God, is there anything You want to say to me? Do You have any instructions for me? Is there anything You want me to change?” 

Then I silently wait for Him to speak to me.

As you assume this posture of being yielded and waiting quietly before Him, you will be surprised at some of the things that come to your attention: “You need to spend more time with your daughter,” “Take your wife out on a date,” “Bake your neighbor a pie and build a bridge over which the gospel can travel,” “Spend more time praising Me,” “Show your gratitude and appreciation for those who have been helping you in your life.” 

You will indeed hear from God if you ask Him to speak into your heart, and wait silently before Him. 

That is the last element of effective prayer: praise, repent, ask, yield. Your prayers can indeed be effective if you commit to these four principles. That is how to P-R-A-Y.

*Psalms 37:4

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Pray Effectively Part IV

 The Conditions for Answered Prayer

 

Last time we talked about the “A” in the acronym P-R-A-Y, which is our way of understanding the steps in effective prayer. That “A” stands for ask, and I have come to believe that too many Christians don’t believe that God wants them to ask.

God wants you to ask. He really does. But there are some conditions He gives in order to answer your requests. In John chapters 14-16 we find a number of these conditions.

We need to remember that these are Jesus’ last hours with the disciples; and He wants them to understand how prayer really works. Over and over He emphasizes the need to ask, but His answers will be based on three conditions.

First, in John 14:13, Jesus says your request must glorify God,

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Second, in John 15:7, He says your request must be consistent and in harmony with His Word,

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

And finally, in John 16:23-24, Jesus sets the condition that your request bring you joy,

“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Over and over, Jesus commands you to ask. But when you ask, make sure your request will glorify God, that it is consistent with His Word, and that it will bring you joy.

*John 14:13

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.

*John 15:7

But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

*John 16:23-24

At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.  You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

Pray Effectively Part III

 ASK: The Third Step in Effective Prayer

 

In the last two devotionals we discovered that praise and repentance are the first two steps to effective prayer. Today I want to show you the very important third step of asking.

Last time we talked about how repentance is searching your own heart and asking God to put the spotlight on it, and then repenting of anything that He shows you. When your heart is clean, you can have confidence before God when you ask. As 1 John 3:21-22 says,

Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus tells us,

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Pretty clear, isn’t it? God loves you and wants the very best for you. Be careful not to water down the words of Jesus, or somehow try and explain them away or complicate them. He meant just what He said.

But there are some conditions. And next time we will look at those conditions for receiving what you ask God for.

*1 John 3:21-22

Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.

*Matthew 7:7-11

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?  Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Pray Effectively Part II

 REPENT: The Second Step in Effective Prayer

 

In the last devotional we began to look at what makes for effective prayer by using the acronym P-R-A-Y. The first step is praise. Today, I want to focus on the second letter of our acronym, “R”, which stands for repent. 

By repentance in prayer, I mean taking the time before God to search your heart and repent of anything that has come between you and Him. Psalm 19:12-13 expresses it well,

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.

Verse 12 begins with the question, “Who can understand his errors?” The psalmist is telling us, “You will not always know when you do something wrong. You will not always know when you get into an area that is not right.”

What David is pointing to are the secret faults and presumptuous sins which can still have dominion over you—even though you may not be aware that what you did was wrong. 

For example, sometimes we can allow attitudes to get into our hearts that we don’t realize are inconsistent with God’s character. Or sometimes we can do and say things that are detrimental, not only to us, but to others, and not really understand the damage we have done. 

How do you deal with these sins? You come before God and say, “God, put the spotlight on anything in my life that has raised a barrier between You and me, and I will repent of it.” 

So when you pray, ask God to reveal any sin in your life you may be overlooking. God will honor your heart of repentance.

*Psalms 19:12-13

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

Pray Effectively Part I

 PRAISE: The First Step in Effective Prayer

 

Praying consistently will change your life. In fact, many of the blessings God wants you to enjoy will never be realized unless you pray.

I think all Christians know they are supposed to pray, and all Christians want to pray. But many of God’s people, if they are completely frank and transparent about the issue, would have to admit their prayer life is somewhere between mediocre and non-existent.

Over the next few devotionals, I want to share with you four simple points which I have put into an acronym: P-R-A-Y. If you can spell the word pray, hopefully you will be able to remember how to make your prayer life more effective, and you will be inspired to pray more consistently.

Psalm 100 helps us understand the first letter, “P”, in the word P-R-A-Y, which stands for praise. Psalm 100:1-4 states it well,

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Verse 2 tells us, Come before His presence with singing. And in verse 4 notice the words “enter into.” In other words, praise is how you are to enter God’s presence. It is the best way to begin your prayer.

When you want to come to God, you start with thanksgiving. You start with singing. You start with praise. Or, as The Message says, Enter with the password: “Thank you!”

Today, and every day, make praise the starting point of every conversation with God.

*Psalms 100:1-4

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

Finding Rest Part V

Find Your People

 

Community—a body of individuals who unite together in fellowship, sharing attitudes, interests, and goals.

Intimacy with God doesn’t mean shutting yourself off from other people. In fact, sometimes it means making space for them. Rest is the perfect time to celebrate life with people you love. We’re not made to do life alone. We need each other.

Think about the kind of people you want in your life—people who inspire you to be better, to be more like Jesus. You are directly influenced by the people you spend the most time with. Are the people you’ve allowed into your life helping you grow?

Reflect: Reach out today and invite a friend to get together. Meet in person if you can, or at least connect on a video or voice call. Don’t set an agenda. Just show up and enjoy one another’s company. Afterwards, write down anything God showed you during your time together.

*Proverbs 13:20

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

*Galatians 6:2

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

*1 Corinthians 12:25-27

This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

*Hebrews 10:24

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.