Post by mommadee48 on Jun 21, 2023 10:33:03 GMT -5
1)THE RESULT of PRAYER; (JOHN 14:16-18).
Imagine what would happen if God gave us whatever we wanted as soon as we asked. We probably wouldn't spend much time with the Lord, which is essential for knowing Him having a relationship.
The biggest benefit of prayer is that we develop intimacy with God---not that we receive whatever we requested. Think of Paul, who asked three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed before God answered no(2Corinthians 12:7-8). Paul was probably disappointed, but eventually he realized the situation drew him closer to the Lord. Then he was able to say, "I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me" (v.9).
When we've been praying long and hard but don't feel our words matter, that time with the Lord is not wasted. It sustains our relationship with Him.
God is listening attentively to our cries, and His Spirit is our constant companion---even when we cannot "feel" His presence or involvement. So, if you're tempted to give up on unanswered prayers, remember that the Holy Spirit is there to teach us all things and even to intercede when we don't know how to pray (JOHN 14:26; ROMANS8:26). He will help you persevere and enjoy the real benefit of prayer--- time with your Father.
2) THE TRUTH of GRACE; (1PETER 5:10-11).
THROUGH GOD's GRACE, we've received everything we need for righteous living: forgiveness of our sins, peace with our Creator, the Holy Spirit within us, and access to our Father through prayer (HEBREWS 4:16). God promises to act on our behalf and meet our needs. Even His correction is an expression of love: "He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness" (12:10).
ASSURANCE. Our relationship with God is secure, and that status will never change. Nothing man says or does can affect our relationship with the Lord (JOHN 10:28).
CONFIDENCE. God is always working to carry out His good, pleasing, and perfect will---and His plan cannot be thwarted.
HOPE. One day we will receive resurrected bodies, take our place as co-heirs with Jesus, and dwell with Him forever.
as followers of Jesus, we remain in the grace of God no matter how many mistakes we've made. Even when we feel discouraged, these truths about His love remain unchanged because they were never based on our efforts in the first place. It is "by means of Christ Jesus" (1PETER5:10 NLT) that God is gracious and shares His goodness with every believer.
3) SERVING DILIGENTLY; (ROMANS 12: 9-13).
GOD SENDS OPPORTUNITIES EVERY DAY to positively impact lives around you. Your "service" may simply be an encouraging word, a listening ear, or a kind act. But for other situations, helping someone may involve the sacrifice of long periods of time away from your regular routine or giving generously of your resources. Whether serving in large or small ways, when God's love flows through you, you'll be able to unselfishly adjust your schedule or budget and not count the cost.
No matter what you do, your service should always be done "in Jesus' name." This means it is motivated by love, done in harmony with God's revealed will and in submission to His authority. And as today's passage urges, we are to be "fervent in spirit" as we serve the Lord and "not lagging behind in diligence" (v.11). To live out your faith in this way require dependence upon the Holy Spirit's power. Only by yielding to His control can your work produce real spiritual fruit.
As ambassadors of Christ, we must serve with humility so that God receives the glory He deserves. Whatever success we experience belongs to the Lord, whose Spirit is working through us. Pray for Him to make you alert to the service opportunities He places before you.
Imagine what would happen if God gave us whatever we wanted as soon as we asked. We probably wouldn't spend much time with the Lord, which is essential for knowing Him having a relationship.
The biggest benefit of prayer is that we develop intimacy with God---not that we receive whatever we requested. Think of Paul, who asked three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed before God answered no(2Corinthians 12:7-8). Paul was probably disappointed, but eventually he realized the situation drew him closer to the Lord. Then he was able to say, "I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me" (v.9).
When we've been praying long and hard but don't feel our words matter, that time with the Lord is not wasted. It sustains our relationship with Him.
God is listening attentively to our cries, and His Spirit is our constant companion---even when we cannot "feel" His presence or involvement. So, if you're tempted to give up on unanswered prayers, remember that the Holy Spirit is there to teach us all things and even to intercede when we don't know how to pray (JOHN 14:26; ROMANS8:26). He will help you persevere and enjoy the real benefit of prayer--- time with your Father.
2) THE TRUTH of GRACE; (1PETER 5:10-11).
THROUGH GOD's GRACE, we've received everything we need for righteous living: forgiveness of our sins, peace with our Creator, the Holy Spirit within us, and access to our Father through prayer (HEBREWS 4:16). God promises to act on our behalf and meet our needs. Even His correction is an expression of love: "He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness" (12:10).
ASSURANCE. Our relationship with God is secure, and that status will never change. Nothing man says or does can affect our relationship with the Lord (JOHN 10:28).
CONFIDENCE. God is always working to carry out His good, pleasing, and perfect will---and His plan cannot be thwarted.
HOPE. One day we will receive resurrected bodies, take our place as co-heirs with Jesus, and dwell with Him forever.
as followers of Jesus, we remain in the grace of God no matter how many mistakes we've made. Even when we feel discouraged, these truths about His love remain unchanged because they were never based on our efforts in the first place. It is "by means of Christ Jesus" (1PETER5:10 NLT) that God is gracious and shares His goodness with every believer.
3) SERVING DILIGENTLY; (ROMANS 12: 9-13).
GOD SENDS OPPORTUNITIES EVERY DAY to positively impact lives around you. Your "service" may simply be an encouraging word, a listening ear, or a kind act. But for other situations, helping someone may involve the sacrifice of long periods of time away from your regular routine or giving generously of your resources. Whether serving in large or small ways, when God's love flows through you, you'll be able to unselfishly adjust your schedule or budget and not count the cost.
No matter what you do, your service should always be done "in Jesus' name." This means it is motivated by love, done in harmony with God's revealed will and in submission to His authority. And as today's passage urges, we are to be "fervent in spirit" as we serve the Lord and "not lagging behind in diligence" (v.11). To live out your faith in this way require dependence upon the Holy Spirit's power. Only by yielding to His control can your work produce real spiritual fruit.
As ambassadors of Christ, we must serve with humility so that God receives the glory He deserves. Whatever success we experience belongs to the Lord, whose Spirit is working through us. Pray for Him to make you alert to the service opportunities He places before you.