Do You Have to Pray Just Right for God to Listen?..... By Betsy de Cruz

 Do You Have to Pray Just Right for God to Listen?

By Betsy de Cruz

 “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)

Do you ever feel like you have to pray just right, or it won’t work? Have you felt like your prayer wasn’t answered because you didn’t have enough faith or pray long enough? I’ve felt that way too. Maybe that’s because we make prayer too hard. So often, we make it all about us finding the perfect words and approach. We think we have to pray just right for God to hear and respond.

Yet Jesus reassured his disciples with these words: “When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:7-8).

Prayer isn’t a formula you have to get right.

God’s hearing our prayers doesn’t depend on our praying long enough or hitting upon the right phrases. Prayer is an invitation to come before our Heavenly Father who knows our needs and longs to hear our voices. God hears and responds to us because He is faithful and has compassion on His children.

My prayer life grows deeper when I take a few focused minutes to pray each morning like Jesus did (Mark 1:35). This gets me in the right frame of mind to keep praying later in the day. I’m learning that prayer can be simple and natural as breathing.

Prayer isn’t a ritual that depends on closing our eyes and putting on holy faces. We don’t have to kneel or sit. We can pray while walking, driving, or working. God responds to a two word cry for help in the middle of a busy afternoon, just like He does to a focused prayer time after reading Scripture in the morning. Praying doesn’t have to be complicated. God delights in any simple words we offer Him.

Prayer gives us the opportunity to relate to God.

As believers in Christ, we have an amazing privilege; our Heavenly Father invites us to talk to Him! We can read God’s Word and talk to Him in the morning to align our hearts with His at the start of the day, and we can also talk to Him as we go about our daily routines.

We may think we have to pray with fancy words, but prayer is just talking to God. Throughout the day, God longs to hear our simple prayers:

Thank you for this breakfast, Lord.

Help me stay calm in this traffic jam.

Lord, help me love this person right now.

God, will you show me what to do?

Lord, I love you. Be with me.

Goodnight, Lord.

So whatever your need today, friend, look to God. Don’t wait for the perfect time to sit down and pray. Don’t wait until you have the perfect words. Let’s lift our voices to God in the morning quiet, on the way to work, and while we walk the dog, make dinner, or go shopping. All it takes is a few words. Let’s turn our hearts towards God in prayer today. He longs to hear us.

Love Forgives..... Denison Ministries

 Love Forgives

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

James 2:26 tells us, “Faith apart from works is dead.” If we are going to experience the fullness of life offered to us through our faith we must be those who put our words into action. We must not profess to love God on Sundays and live as if he isn’t present, real, or good on Monday. May your faith come alive this week as you seek to be a doer of the word.

Scripture:“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Devotional:

We’re promised forgiveness from our Father because his forgiveness is offered in complete grace. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” We have done nothing to deserve the forgiveness God so freely lavishes upon us. God offers us forgiveness because he is love; it is his very nature. And as Jesus demonstrated through his death, love forgives.

Sin stood between us and God like a great chasm separating a wanderer from an oasis; and so great was the Father’s love for us that he sent his only Son that we might be justly forgiven. Jesus fully bore the weight of our sin. In doing so, he received the wrath of God on our behalf that we might be afforded restored relationship with our heavenly Father. He set aside what was fair for himself and chose to give grace. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Christianity is the only religion where salvation is based on grace instead of works. God, in his love, has laid before us a path founded on mercy, and he calls us to do the same for others. As the children of God, brought into his family solely by his grace, we must forgive as God has forgiven us. Colossians 3:13 says, “[Bear] with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, [forgive] each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Jesus modeled forgiveness perfectly in laying down his own life for you and me. In order for us to forgive others, we must be like Jesus and die to our own rights for the sake of the person who has wronged us. Forgiveness requires humility. It is a decision to offer unmerited grace because “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Think about your own life for a moment. Who in your life do you feel has wronged you? It could be a small wound. It could be a life-altering sin committed against you. Maybe a parent left you. Maybe you were abused. Maybe you lost a job opportunity that should have been yours. Maybe it was a word someone spoke against you that hurt you. Whatever sin was committed against you, large or small, call it back to mind. Feel the injustice over it.

Now reflect for a minute on the sin of the world committed against God. The story of humanity is a fall from perfection because of pride. In every age thus far, man has chosen his own way over God’s and has thereby perpetuated the cycle of sin and destruction we live in today. God placed his judgement over the sins of all humanity, past and present, on the person of Jesus because he couldn’t take being separated from you and me. We have all been wronged, but no one more than God.Every day humanity turns away from God.

God weeps over what’s been done to you. He knows your pain because people wrong him every minute of every day. But still he chooses to forgive because there is no love without forgiveness. There is no abundant life apart from restoration of relationship. There is no joy for God or us when we harden our hearts and live for what is fair rather than what is good.

We aren’t called to forgive because someone deserves it. We forgive because love requires it.We forgive because abundant life requires it. Choose love today over your own sense of fairness. Choose to be like your heavenly Father and forgive those who have wronged you. Choose to be a doer of Colossians 3:13 and “[forgive] each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” You weren’t made to live with the weight of unforgiveness, so don’t bear it any longer. The Spirit will help you. He will give you the strength and courage to do what seems impossible. Spend some time in God’s presence today and forgive as he guides and directs you.

Guided Prayer:           

1. Meditate on God’s heart to forgive. Allow God’s forgiveness to be the foundation for your own.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” Psalm 116:5-7

2. Ask the Spirit who you need to forgive. Whether the wound was small or big, to whom do you need to offer grace today?

3. Forgive that person. Forgive them in your heart right now. If you can, set up a meeting with them to talk through what happened. The awkwardness or pain of the conversation will never outweigh the lasting peace you will experience from offering grace and forgiveness.

“[Bear] with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, [forgive] each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is a process. But it is a process worth going through. Assess your heart immediately after you’ve been wronged. Go through the process of forgiveness instead of allowing the wound to be reopened time and time again. The French proverb says, “Write injuries in sand, kindnesses in marble.” It’s ok to be hurt. It’s only harmful if you write your wounds in marble and let them linger longer than they should. God has designed you in his image and has given you his Spirit. You have the strength to forgive. So choose love today and every day. Allow the Spirit to work in your heart, healing the wounds people and life have caused you through the wonderful gift of forgiveness.

Extended Reading: Colossians 3

Already Judged..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Already Judged

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 3:17-18

As a society, Americans are fond of their rights. We're very protective of our liberties, even when they might bring harm rather than good. That can be true of spiritual matters as well. For example, exercising the "right" to reject God's plan of salvation leaves a person in a condemned condition.

I have heard the following phrase often in my years of ministry: "I don't believe God is going to condemn me to hell." I agree, but not with the comment's intended meaning--that a person is worthy of heaven on the basis of his own merit. You see, it is true that the Lord doesn't condemn people to hell. He allows them to opt for that eternal destination themselves. They have a right to choose.

God says that those who do not believe in Jesus Christ have been judged already (v. 18). In other words, by rejecting--or politely ignoring--their need for a Savior, unbelievers have chosen to remain unsaved and unforgiven. Scripture teaches that there will one day be a judgment, but God has already determined that those who trust in Christ will stand with Him while the rest will be sent away (Matt. 25:34-46). An unrepentant man or woman is not condemned by God but, rather, has chosen to remain in the company of all those condemned by their own free will.

God desires that everyone come to a saving knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9). To that end, He has granted each person the right to decide whether or not to follow in obedience. However, those who reject the Savior are forewarned that they have settled for condemnation.

When Guilt Steals Time You Don’t Have To Lose..... RENEE SWOPE

 When Guilt Steals Time You Don’t Have To Lose

RENEE SWOPE 

“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me …” Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV) 

While I was working one evening, I heard my husband, J.J., and our daughter, Aster, having “doggie playtime” with our two dachshunds. Soon he and Aster would read a book and say bedtime prayers. I longed to be with them, relaxed and carefree, connecting with my girl.

As I reminded myself that I had a deadline, which had already been pushed back, my thoughts were interrupted by a cruel and condemning voice of “mommy guilt” telling me I hadn’t spent enough time with Aster that week. Guilt had bullied me earlier that day, too, telling me I was irresponsible for extending my deadline, even though the extension was due to circumstances I couldn’t control.

Laughter and playful dog barks sounded from the hallway, making it even harder to keep working. I wanted to be with my family, but I didn’t want to be led by guilt. I wanted love to lead. As I started to form a prayer, today’s key verse popped into my head: “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me …” (Psalm 25:4-5).

So I whispered my prayer, asking God to show me the right path and lead me by His Truth …

After I prayed, I sensed God nudging me to take a short 10-minute break and trust Him to help me meet my deadline. I also sensed guilt had taken enough of my time, and He didn’t want me giving it one more minute. Unless I detected that Aster was upset, He didn’t want me to gush — “I’m so sorry I haven’t spent time with you, and I feel so bad about it” — or secretly hope she would say something to make me feel less guilty.

I wanted to give my daughter my undivided attention, hugs, laughter and love during all 600 seconds we had together. As a mom, I wanted to be compelled by love and not guilt.

When I got into Aster’s room and told her I wanted to be part of doggy playtime, she didn’t mention that she missed me. She didn’t ask why I hadn’t spent more time with her. She hadn’t been thinking, Where’s my mom? I can’t believe she isn’t spending time with me. She’s such a bad mom! We enjoyed that 600-second break without one second of it being consumed by “mom guilt.”

When guilt came that night, it tried to steal my focus and take time I didn’t have to lose. And I had gone along with it so many times before. But thankfully God helped me recognize what was happening and shift my focus off the time I didn’t have, so I could offer what I did.

Unlike conviction from the Holy Spirit, which lovingly urges us to turn from sin for our own good, guilt steals from the past and the present. Guilt steals our time, our energy and our focus by getting us to think about all we are not doing or “should” be doing — when we could just do the thing. Spend the time. Say the apology. Send the text. Leave the sticky note.

God doesn’t desire for us to live from a place of guilt. Instead, He wants us to live from a place of His love and grace, especially when it comes to spending time with our kids. He extends His grace to us so freely … whether we have 6 million seconds to spare or only 60.

Mama, God knows you’re doing the best you can. We can mother confidently when we unwrap ourselves from the chains of guilt and instead wrap ourselves in God’s love and grace for us.

“Mom guilt” tries to convince us we are not doing enough and our children think we’re the worst. But our kids are willing to give us so much more grace than we realize. We simply need to step into that grace and be what we can be.

We don’t have time to lose. And we don’t have to lose the time we have by giving in to guilt. Let’s live fully in what we can do while refusing to feel guilty for what we can’t do.

Lord, help me to give myself grace when I feel guilty. Instead of giving guilt my mental and emotional energy, help me to follow as You lead me with Your love. Help me do what I can to make the most of the minutes and moments You have given me with my children. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Prayer to Let Go of Your Fear of Death..... By Victoria Riollano

 A Prayer to Let Go of Your Fear of Death

By Victoria Riollano 

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

I hate fear.

I literally hate fear. From the age of six to twenty-six, fear encompassed my life. Fear of dogs, cats, riding in cars, speaking in front of people crossing the street, clowns, and being robbed, paralyzed me. So much to the point, that there were times I wouldn’t leave my home or would find ways to get out of planned family trips. Before long, fear had almost ruined my marriage and my life. After years of prayer for the Lord to remove this thorn in my flesh, the Lord spoke, 

“You have to be willing to let it go.”

 When I originally heard these gentle words from the Lord, I was convinced that maybe I misheard. After all, I had been praying for years to be free from the crippling bondage of fear. Yet, the Lord started to reveal that fear had become the foundation of my life. In my own way, fear was my way of remaining in control and not trusting Him. 

In my mind, if I did everything I could to remain safe I would preserve my life for longer. If it meant not getting in the car, avoiding people, or not crossing the street, I was willing to do it. Before long, the fear of death and the unknown were a part of every decision that I made. I had become a self-proclaimed “fear-aholic” and my choice to cling to fear was infiltrating every aspect of my life. I had to make a choice to let it go once and for all.

Over the years, the Lord began to point me to His Word about fear. Over and over, we see God speak to His people and tell them not to fear.

In Joshua 1:9, He says it like this: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks a similar sentiment as He says, 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

As you read the Bible, you will not find an instance when the Lord calls His children to live in terror. Instead, He encourages us that He is present amid trouble and reminds us that He gives us peace. God goes further in 1 John 4:18 to say that His perfect love drives out all fear. I believe that this verse is a reminder that when we accept His love for us it would be impossible to live a life of fear. 

Those who have accepted Him know that when their life ends, it is just beginning with God in eternity. This is why the Bible says O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Yes, we can live a life in complete peace knowing that God is with us from life to death and beyond! Fear has to go when we are in right alignment with Jesus and He is our safe place. My prayer for you today is that if you’ve been plagued with fear that God can bring you peace and that you would be willing to completely surrender those fears over to Him.

Lord, I thank you for your love. Help me to receive that love and maintain an awareness that you are with me. I pray against fear and every attack of the enemy against my life. Teach me to run to you when fear overtakes me. 

Lord, I recognize fear as a tool of the enemy to rob me of the life you have ordained for me. Teach me to be wise and no longer allow fear to be my resting place. I thank you that you are with me at all times and I cannot outrun your love or your protection. Help my mind to rely on you above all. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Should I Fight or be Still?..... by Debbie Holloway

 Should I Fight or be Still?

by Debbie Holloway

You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! (Psalms 119:4)

Do you often find yourself confused, unsure of how to best live according to God’s will? This is a struggle for me. Should I speak or stay silent? Will this action offend or edify? Is this a time for action or inaction? Should I fight? Or should I stay still?

Though every situation is different and every person unique, the Bible paints both stillness and action as pleasing to the LORD, depending on the variables at hand.

One example is when the Israelites were fleeing from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The LORD had fought for them in Egypt by displaying horrors and miracles through Aaron and Moses. Finally their oppressors relented and the Israelites were free – but not for long. Pharaoh changed his mind, and Exodus tells the account of their suspenseful chase after the newly freed slaves. “What have you done to us?” the people cried to Moses (Exodus 14:11). They knew there was nothing they could do to protect themselves from the mighty King of Egypt.

But then God made his will known through Moses. No, the Israelites would not be able to defeat Pharaoh.

But the LORD did not ask them to.

“The LORD will fight for you,” Moses proclaimed. “You need only to be still.”

But there are other times, are there not? Times when we have the choice to stretch out our hands to either right or wrong, and there is no in-between.  Paul writes to Timothy,

“But you, man of God…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

Sometimes we must fight. And make no mistake; this is not a direct call to fist-fights or military service. It is a direct command to use the Ephesians 6:10. We must fight to keep righteousness in our own lives, refusing choices which lead to sin and death. We must fight for love, which means making really hard choices and overcoming our natural selfish inclinations. We must fight for endurance, keeping promises, covenants, and our integrity in a way worthy of Christ Jesus.

Sometimes God calls us to fight, and sometimes he tells us to be still. How can we decipher it?

Sometimes it will be hard. But from these passages, I would risk saying that God knows when we are facing a foe that’s too big for us. Sometimes we ache and long to fight, but we know the battle is beyond us, out of our hands. It is those times we must remember that God is a God of the weak, the poor, and the broken. The LORD will fight for you. You need only to be still.

Other times we can and must fight. When we are faced with injustice, and we have some measure of control, we must fight for the small ones. When we are faced with personal crises, we must fight for our children, parents, marriages, relationships, churches – not against them. We must use every weapon in our spiritual arsenals to build the Kingdom of God and protect it from the ever-watchful forces of darkness. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance. Fight the good fight.

Intersecting Faith and Life: What are you struggling with now in your life, or your walk with the LORD? Spend some time in prayer to see whether God wants you to fight, or lay down your weapons and give the battle to him.

Further Reading:

Ephesians 6:10

Exodus 14:1

Hebrews 12:3