Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Praise and Thanksgiving

PM#0106

Philippians 4:6-7

If someone says thank you, doesn’t that mean a lot to you?

Did you know that being thankful to God in prayer can bring peace? Many of us could use peace. Philippians 4: 6-7 says "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Many of us face situations that it is difficult to be thankful. The Lord will help us find a way and give us His peace when we do.

Father, in the Name of Jesus, may we learn to be thankful when we pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen



©2006 Lewis Turner

Devotional Time-Preparation

PM#0105


James 4:8

If I want to do something, but don’t make an effort to do it, will it get done? Probably not.

If we are to take time to have personal time reading God’s word, it will involve effort. There are a number of distractions that could stop you. It will take effort to find a time and place where you will not be readily distracted. That effort is done by focusing on God and asking God's help. Once you have done this, take time to read His word and let God speak to you. Let this encourage you. James tells us that in James 4:8 to draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Father, may your Holy Spirit help us to have personal time reading the Bible. In Jesus, Name, Amen.



©2006 Lewis Turner

Teachable

PM#0104

PS 25:4-5


When someone tells you John is set in his ways, how do you perceive him? Possibly you would perceive John as stubborn, refusing to learn. However, John may be actually completely different than you were told. Are you willing to consider this?

God is looking to people who are teachable and will allow Him to work in their lives. There is a prayer found in PS 25:4-5, that asks the Lord to show us His ways. Then it asks the Lord to teach us His paths. Finally it asks the Lord to lead us in His truth and that leading requires that He teach us.

This psalm or prayer shows the psalmist having a willingness, to submit to the Lord and accept His teaching us.

Father, help us to see Your ways and to let you teach us Your paths and to lead us and teach us Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
©2006 Lewis Turner

Never Connect?

PM#0103


I John 5:14

How many times have you prayed and felt no one was listening? It just seems like you never connect when you pray.

I for one, wanted connect time with my Lord when I pray, but that desire alone was not enough. When I discovered that prayer is about relationships, especially my relationship with God, then I saw results from my prayer. Relationship with God comes from learning God's word, putting God's word into practice. When we do, the Bible says we can have the confidence that God hears us. See I John 5:14.

If you do not feel like you are connecting when you pray, consider this prayer.

Father, help me and teach me to come into a close relationship with you. Help me to obey your word and to trust you as a friend. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

©2006 Lewis Turner