Thursday, November 8, 2007

Joy in God’s Presence

PM#0239

PS 24:1, Ps 22:3

I saw a father one day take his little girl for a walk. He took her hand and smiled and watched as she skipped with joy enjoying the moment of her daddy’s presence.

How often do we skip with joy in God’s presence? God wants us to rejoice and smile and enjoy what He has made and His presence. Do you enjoy the beauty of flowers, the songs of birds, or clouds drifting majestically in the sky? Truly “the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; “ PS 24:1

As we reflect on the beauty of God’s Creation, let us come in prayer with praise. Truly God does inhabit our praise PS 22:3.

Father, may we praise you for all that you have made in creation. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

©2007 Lewis Turner

Prayer for the Church

PM#0171

I Thes 5:16-18


One marriage counselor noted that a couple had little joy in their marriage. He knew that if there was joy then that joy would spark rejoicing in the relationship.


The Apostle Paul in I Thes 5:16-18 says "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks."


Let's apply the phrase 'rejoice evermore' in this scripture to prayer for our church. Do we rejoice over the members, or the leadership, or over other workers? What would happen if we did? I believe that it would enable many to reach their potential and purpose. We really should go to the Lord and rejoice for each other, for all our leaders. We should rejoice that they desire to grow in Christ and caring for others and reaching others for Christ.


Father, Help us to learn to rejoice over all that are in our churches. In Jesus' Name, amen.

©2007 Lewis Turner

Praise

PM#0160

Ps 22:3

If you were choosing friends, how would you choose them. Would you choose someone who is critical or someone who genuinely accepts you and appreciates you? You would probably choose the latter. God is the same way. He appreciates it when we given Him praise.

Ps 22:3 says "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." That means God looks for praise and that is where there is praise He is there. In praise we have fellowship with God.

If we look at our responses to criticism and how we respond to praise, we need to remember that God's response to praise is greater than any that we have.. He inhabits it.

Father, many of us have not learned to give you praise and worship. Help us to learn to do so and experience your presence. In Jesus' Name, amen.


©2006 Lewis Turner

Thanking God for Our Children

PM#0061

I I Thes 1: 12

Today, let's consider our children. Our children are important and we need to be thankful for them. They are a gift from God. When we remember good things about them it helps in appreciation of them. Children do need to hear us tell them, that we do love them and value them.

As we pray, lets consider praying with thanksgiving for our children and follow the example of the Apostle Paul in I I Thes 1: 12 who said "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers"

Father, we ask your help in being thankful for our children. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Humility

PM#0251

II Chronicles 7:14

Many of us have been taught to strive for success, but if we do not put God in to the equation, where does it get us? What God wants is for us to follow His way of humility, then our success will come from Him.

The Lord instructs us to be humble in II Chronicles 7:14. Humility should be our prayer. I believe we should consider a prayer like the following:

Lord, lead me in humbleness. Teach me not to judge, because in judgment in my heart limits your work. Let me find forgiveness through humbleness. As you lead in humility may mercy be companion, and grace my covering. Through humility, may love be seen in me. May I find God’s truth, Jesus Christ in humility. Lord, help me wear the cloak of humility. May it be my mantle. In Jesus’ Name, amen.


©2007 Lewis Turner