Saturday, March 15, 2008

Fellowship

What keeps us from having real fellowship with people?

There may be many things that contribute, but often there are walls that can only be removed by the act of forgiveness. (Matthew 6:12) Forgiveness can open the doors to fellowship. When you forgive you are removing walls and making it possible for others to receive forgiveness and to forgive. Forgiveness frees people and that creates the environment for fellowship.

Father, show us where we need to forgive others so that fellowship can be restored. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

Leadership

PM#0085

Prov 3: 5 and 6

Matthew 6:13


Every one of us has been tempted and many of us want to overcome temptation, but is there help?

The Lord’s prayer says ‘And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ (Matthew 6:13)

When we submit to God, He will deliver us from evil. He will give us wisdom that keeps our paths straight. Prov 3: 5 and 6 says: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

God’s direction will deliver us from evil. If we ask for it in prayer, we can have that direction.

Father, we submit our hearts to You, and trust in You to deliver us from evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


©2005 Lewis Turner

Knocking

PM#0084

Is 26:3

Have you ever come to the Lord pleading? Such praying can be very focused, heart based, and comes from our wanting the Lord to help. Many times we will pray like this for a long time before we receive an answer. What is happening? We know that “God wilt keep one in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him: because he trusteth in Him.” Is 26:3.

The phrase ‘stayed on’ is like the word ‘steadfast’. God wants to know that our hearts are steadfast on Him. He may be testing us to see if we love Him enough to be steadfast with our hearts focused on Him.

Father, may we grow in our love for you, that our hearts will be steadfast on You. Thank You for Your help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

Seeking Prayer

PM#0083

Does it seem that prayer just doesn’t seem to work or answers are slow in coming?

When answers to prayer take more time in coming, don’t give up on prayer. This is a valuable period in our lives where God is allowing our faith to grow. It is time to search the scriptures for answers. You see, for our Christian faith to grow, we need God’s word in our hearts. God’s word helps our life to reflect our relationship with Christ and help us will see even more answers to our prayers.

Father, help us to let your scripture build our faith and guide our relationship with Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

Asking Prayer

PM#0082


John 16:23-24

Was there something you really wanted, but never asked for it? If you are like me, that is very true. Did you know the Bible encourages us to ask God for what we need.

John 16:23-24 encourages us to come to God in Jesus’ name, and to ask of Him. Let's hear what these verses say: "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

There is a reason why God wants to answer us, and the scriptures tell us that reason. The reason is that our joy may be full. At the same time those answers also encourage us to draw closer to God because of that joy.

Father, may your answers to prayer bring us joy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner