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."

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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)

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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.

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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.

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“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

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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."

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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!"

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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."

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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!