Pray for All Believers Everywhere (Ephesians 6:18 - Day 5)

Ephesians 6:18 -- "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

photo credit

This is the final day in this series about Ephesians 6:18. This is a very powerful verse containing lots of wisdom so I wanted to spend this week breaking it down. This last devotion has a run down of the other four in it so I won't waste time here. So lets jump in...

"Pray for All Believers Everywhere"

God hears all prayers, but when you intercede for others, you are boosting their needs above your own, which is the meaning of humble prayer. I believe God smiles down when we show love for others, especially through prayer -- it means we are learning what He is teaching and like any parent, that makes for a proud papa.

Ephesians 1:16 -- "I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly."

Paul speaks simply in this verse in a  way we can truly understand. I thank God for you and I pray for you. I mean, how much more can a person mean to us by using those words? It is so powerful because it is more than just the words, it is the action they imply. I humble myself and thank God that you are in my life, I take myself out of focus and I pray with my heart, mind and soul that God will bless you!

Jesus' new covenant included two main commandments -- love God and love your neighbor. If we can thank God and pray for others we are walking in His light. If this becomes our focus we can do anything.

This simple task is not easy, but it is what God has called us to do. It is our purpose and it betters our life.

Ephesians 6:18 -- "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

Pray in the Spirit, with all your heart. Pray all the time no matter what. Stay alert and be weary of what's surrounding you. Be persistent in prayer -- never stop praying. Pray for others and show God's love to the fallen world we live in.

In all that you do pray because God wants to know you and for you to know Him. Keep the line of communication open and you will be amazed at what you see.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

Be Persistent in Your Prayers (Ephesians 6:28 - Day 4)

Ephesians 6:18 -- "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

photo credit

There is a lot packed into this one verse. That is why I am breaking it down and focusing on each aspect. First, pray in the Spirit. Put your heart into your prayer, don't use empty words. Second, pray at all times and on every occasion. Don't just pray when you feel like it or need something and don't pray because you are waiting to give God a formal address. Always pray, just like breathing. Thirdly, stay alert, temptation is everywhere but if your focus is on God the devil won't be able to get a foothold. Fourthly...

"Be Persistent in Your Prayers"

If God puts something or someone on your heart, keep praying , keep lifting it or them up to God. He wants constant communication with us and He wants us to express what is on our minds and in our hearts.

Romans 12:12 -- "Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Don't worry about bugging God, keep praying with all your heart. Don't use empty words, but open your heart and mind and pour it out to God.

At the same time, don't get discouraged if you don't get an answer immediately. God's timing is a mysterious thing; however, it is also perfect. God waits to grant desires for all sorts of reasons. He may be waiting for you to be ready or for the situation to positively affect someone around you. He puts puzzle pieces together in a way that we can't even imagine. Have faith that God will do what is best for you and it will happen at the perfect time in the perfect way.

In the meantime...
1 Thessalonians 5:17 -- "Never stop praying."

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

Stay Alert (Ephesians 6:18 - Day 3)

Ephesians 6:18 -- "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

photo credit

Pray what you mean and mean what you say. Prayer is simply communication with God. Don't wait until you have to confront God, pray at all times and on every occasion. God wants to know you and for you to know Him. This is what we have learned so far through Ephesians 6:18...today we learn about temptation.

"Stay Alert"

Temptation is everywhere. The subtle distractions of the everyday are powerful and misleading. You must stay alert so that sin doesn't surprise you when you least except it.

Matthew 26:41 -- "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

We get so caught up in what we want and need and feel that we invite the temptation in and then snuggle with it. Jesus explained to his disciples that he knows they really want to live in the Spirit and do what is right, but they let all the stuff get in the way. 

That's what we do, we let all the stuff get in the way. For us sometimes the stuff is material (competing over who has the most or the best), emotional (being so high or low that the narrow path is completely forgotten), financial (buying when we should save or saving when we should give), or spiritual (letting all the programs and obligations getting in the way of a real relationship with Christ). 

We often do to much when we should focus on what we have or not doing enough when we should be reaching out for more. We sleep when we should stay away and stagger restlessly when all we need is rest. The situations are always changing from person to person and from day to day. This is why it is so important to pray constantly, to stay in tune with what wants for us and needs from us at any time.

"The Spirit is willing, but the body is weak"

This is so true. We want to do good and right, but we will fail. We are human and living in a fallen world -- it is inevitable to sin. However, that should not stop us from trying. There is always room to learn and grow in our faith. This i s a journey, not an end game and every progression is a victory.

Christ's disciples did not give up, instead they got up, learning from their mistakes, and spread the Good News of Jesus across the land. Jesus lifted them up just as He lifts us up. Stay alert and always pray. God has wonderful things in store if you keep watch and pray.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

Pray At All Times (Ephesians 6:18 - Day 2)

Ephesians 6:18 -- "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

photo credit

Yesterday I talked about praying in the Spirit -- putting your heart into your prayers every time you communicate with God. Communicating with God is as easy as breathing. God wants open communication with you.

"[Pray] at all times and on every occasion"

How do you talk to your best friend? Do you only call on her or him when you need something? Do you begin every conversation with formal dialogue  God doesn't need the formalities  all He needs is you to reach out and communicate with Him.

 God wants to be your best friend -- the person you can't wait to talk to, the one you look for advice, the one you can't spend a day without thinking about in some way. Don't let the formalities and the way you "should" speak to Him get in the way of actually speaking with Him. He wants to know you and hear from you all the time about everything.

Prayer to me isn't a formula to memorize and rejuvenate  Prayer is just like breathing. It's something you don't really think about, but you simply constantly do.

One of the best examples of this is when I see a wreck on the highway, my automatic response is to lift that person (or people) up to God in a breath of prayer -- "Dear Lord please be with them now as they face this trial before them. Give them strength and peace."

That's it. God knows that I'm genuinely concerned because He knows my heart. I don't have to dwell on the formalities. I am in constant communication at all times with God and I pray during all occasions.

You don't have to put things on a list until you have time to make a formal request. I used to do this and the result was that I would never pray at all. All the parts of prayer -- the adoration, supplication, thanksgiving, intercession and confession -- are all important, but they are all there at all times. You don't have to go through them all every time you talk to God -- when you pray at all times in every occasion all of the parts are covered as they come up.

The point is this -- prayer is simply communicating with God, just like talking to a friend.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

Pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18 - Day 1)

Ephesians 6:18 -- "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

photo credit

This is a very intricate verse that I want to spend a few days breaking down and covering the significance of several points this verse brings up.

"Pray in the Spirit"

Have you ever had a conversation with someone and you know they weren't truly listening. It's a really frustrating experience that makes you feel sad because you aren't being heard. I imagine God feels this same way when we pray while we are distracted or simply because we are suppose to. At these times it is just empty words -- there is no heart behind our prayer or praise.

I believe God hears all of our requests and all of our prayers.

Psalm 116:1 -- "I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy."

However, if we are not in the Spirit, if we are not actively seeking to communicate and praise Him, it is empty. When you pray, mean it, don't just use empty words. Give your heart to God and He will respond.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

1 Corinthians (Bible in 90 Days)

photo credit

This book is a letter from Paul to the church in Corinth. It identified problems and offered solutions to the Corinthian church—to teach believers how to prosper in a corrupt society.

Corinth was a sea port and a major trade route. Partly because of this, the city was filled with idolatry and sexual immorality. The people of the church had a hard time avoiding compromises to fit into society.

photo credit

Paul writes very strongly and directly to the mostly gentile church that he founded on his second missionary journey. Paul focuses on sexual sin because it was their toughest challenge. Paul also talks about the church leaders’ responsibility, idolatry, worship, the Lord ’s Supper, women roles, spiritual gifts and love.

photo credit

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand it’s own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

photo credit

Paul tells the Corinthian people how he believes the Christians are suppose to be. Her calls the people to stand out instead of wanting to fit in.

  

God Grants Good Judgment

Proverbs 9:10 -- "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment."

photo credit

Life experience has taught me a very important lesson -- the less you think you know, the more wisdom you have.

Solomon teaches a similar lesson in this proverb. By fearing the Lord, yo admit that you don't have all the answers or often even know the right question to ask. When we put or faith in the Lord, He gives s the foundations we need for wisdom.

Wisdom leads to discernment and good judgment. We do not have to worry about having enough knowledge or wisdom. So long as you are diligent in reading and studying God's Word and having an active relationship with Him, He will give you good judgment and the wisdom you need when the time is right.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

Avoid Speaking Evil

Psalms 34:13 -- "Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!"

photo credit

Lying is very prevalent in our society We see lies and distortions of the truth everyday in politics and advertising  It's easy to adapt the mentality that small white lies or omissions of the truth can be dismissed. However, lies of any degree are speaking evil.

God is truth.

John 14:6 -- "Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

God can only speak truth, without any omission or distortion. Lies only come from Satan.

John 10:10 -- "The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

When we lie we are choosing evil and not God. Even subtle decisions like white lies leave room for the devil to manifest and create distance between you and God. Satan's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy, so choosing a lie over the truth allows that destruction to make a foothold in your life.

We can never be perfect because we live in a fallen world, but we can repent and ask God to help us cease lying and speaking evil. God can help us overcome the lies of the world and live in His truth.

Dear Lord,
Help me to stay apart from evil and not tell lies. Help me to rely on You and live only in Your truth.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

God is Everywhere

Romans 1:20 -- "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

photo credit

The evidence of God is everywhere the earth, sky, stars, trees, flowers, animals, even us. Seeing these things everyday provides a constant reminder of God's presence and His love for us.

It is very easy to get lost in work, school, soccer practice, church activities and those many lists always in your head (at least they are constantly in mine). Keeping God as our focus is unfortunately not always the focus of our day. However, God gives us signs to help us remember to keep Him in our sights. All we have to do is open our eyes to the Majesty of nature around us.

It really is important to stop and smell the flowers. And when you do remember God wants to be the focus of our lives, and He wants to bless us everyday.

Dear Lord,
Help me to never take Your great reminders and Your great Majesty for granted. Help me to see the trees, the flowers and the stars and always remember Your love for me.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

Wordless Wednesday *Linky* Horse Ride

We went to a small carnival a couple weeks ago and Zoey got to ride a horse. She LOVED it! She was smiling the whole ride and also quite a while afterward. It was definitely a highlight of the week.

Link up and join me in the Wordless Wednesday fun!

  

Always Working

John 5:17 -- "But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.”

photo credit

Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you? I think we all have felt this way at some point in time. Perhaps you feel that way right now. Take comfort and know that God is always working, even if we can't see it.

One of my favorite quotes on this subject is: "A teacher is always silent during a test."

There are many reasons God could feel distant:

1. One is when sin comes between you and God. The solution here is to repent and be thankful for God's mercy. 
2. Another reason God feels distant could be to get your attention. Sometimes the best way to appreciate what we have is to know what it is like to live without it.
3. I have noticed personally, that when I don't pray as often I do feel Him as powerfully. When we close the communication with God, it is very difficult for Him to reach us.
4. One last reason, just like the quote above says, is because there are times of trials where God wants to see how you are going to handle a situation. During these times God is often in the background and we have to reach out to Him because He wants to know that we depend on Him.

Anytime you feel a distance from God, my first response would be to pray and ask Him to come near. he wants to know He is loved and that you want to reach out and have Him close to you. If He is still silent, then repent of any sin, perhaps you may even have to ask Him to show you the sin that is coming between you. Then it is time to persevere. 

Trust in God and have faith that there is a reason for the tests God gives us. Without struggles and trials we cannot grow in our faith or be equipped to handle more. When we preserve through the troubling times, our joy becomes greater. 

Even through our tests, know that God is always working. There is comfort in knowing God is always looking out for you and will not give you more than you can handle.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

Jesus Grants Eternal Life

1 John 5:12 -- "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life."

photo credit

Everything in this life is temporary. All the material stuff will fade away, our family and friends are only here on this earth for a short time, and even our bodies fail us. However, there is more to life than just the world we see. Jesus made a way for us to transcend this world and have a home waiting for us with God.

It is important to live a good life. A life where happiness follows you, where you help others in need and make the world a better place. God loves those who live a moral life, but that is not enough. We cannot enter heaven through acts alone, we must have faith and declare Jesus Christ as Savior. Because it is only through the Son that we have eternal life.

John 14:6 -- "Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

Dear Lord,
Thank you for providing a way for us to truly have life, eternal life with you, through your son Jesus Christ.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!

Romans (Bible in 90 Days)

photo credit

Romans was written by Paul as a formal recognition before he visited the Christian church in Rome. In this letter, Paul introduces himself and gives the believers a rundown of his message to them.

photo credit

By writing to the Romans, Paul gives a calculated set of foundations for the Christian church. He explains how, as humans, we all sin, but all are equally available for salvation through our faith. Paul also explains how through Christ we can have an intimate relationship with God. He talks about how to use spiritual gifts and how to love each other. Through a careful study of Romans, Paul sets forth everything Christians need to believe.

photo credit

Romans also shows us that Christian living is not abstract or unattainable. Instead, it is a way to live a better, more fulfilling life. Knowing God and truly accepting his grace will transform our lives.

“So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the Law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s, for Abraham is the father of all who believe.” Romans 4:16

photo credit

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-2

photo credit

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words.” Romans 8:26

  

Jesus Came For Sinners

Mark 2:17 -- "When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

photo credit

Jesus spent time with those whom wanted and needed to hear His word. Among those were all types of sinners -- the good, the bad, the poor, the rich -- it didn't matter to Jesus what their history was, He still loved them and wanted to share His message with them.

Jesus was ridiculed by the Pharisees, the self-righteous Jewish leaders, and was even questioned by His own apostles. However, He still continued on His mission and did what was right.

Have you neglected to speak to someone because of their reputation, how they dress or speak, or just because they were not like you? I can be uncomfortable to befriend someone who doesn't seem to be an ideal companion. However, that person in a child of God, just as you are. That person has hopes, dreams, struggles and fears just like you. Other around you may question why you take the time and make the effort, but is is what Jesus calls us to do, it is what He did. That person may need most to hear and see the message of Christ's love in and from you. And you never know, you may learn something valuable from them too.

Dear Lord,
Help me to put away my prejudices and see people as you see them, Your children. Help me to show them Christ's love.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!