Diligence

PM#0102

Is 62:1

Many of us want things to happen quickly, but those things which bring satisfaction often take much work and diligence.

Prayer too involves much work and diligence. It is like planting the seed of a tree which may take years to mature, but when it does, it brings great satisfaction. Don’t give up on prayer. Continually pray God’s blessings to others including for our spouse, our children, our pastor, and our friends. We should want to see the love of Christ and His righteousness in their lives.

Is 62:1 says "I will not rest until the righteousness thereof go forth the as brightness"

Father, May Your Spirit rest on us so that righteousness for people, whom we pray for, will go for the as a bright light and lead people to You. May we be faithful in prayer in seeking this for others.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Asking

PM#0101

James 4:2


Here is a point to ponder. Many, when they pray, will pray "Lord bless Uncle Jim". If you were the Lord, wouldn’t you be wondering what you meant when you asked the Lord to bless Uncle Jim? How did you specifically want the Lord to bless Uncle Jim?

The Bible says in James 4:2 that "you have not because you ask not."

Now let’s consider the following prayer: "Lord, Your word says in Is 53:5 that "by your stripes we are healed." I ask you to bless Uncle Jim with good health." This blessing request is specific and it is based on God's word.

We should be praying specific blessings for others; blessings that are based on God's word.

Father, help us to ask for blessings for others that are based on your word. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Easily Offended

PM#0100

Romans 7:19, Ps 119:9, Eph 5:26

Do we ever get into the pattern of complaining?

Frequently I hear many complaints, and very little constructive talk. I sometimes fall into the same trap of complaining. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:19 "The good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."

Ps 119:9 gives us a solution of how to correct our ways. It says "wherewith all shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to the word" (the word is the Bible).

It is important to read and lean the word of God. The Holy Spirit will help us if we ask God's help, how to apply the word to our lives so we can have joy and not complain. Consider this prayer:

Father, we ask you to help us to take time to read your word. Teach us how to apply it to our lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Listening Prayer

PM#0099

PS 46:10

Did you know prayer involves listening? So often we do all the talking in prayer, and that doesn’t leave much time for listening.

In our relationship with the Lord, it is necessary to hear God's voice. The Psalmist instructed us in Psalms 46:10 “to be still and know that He is God”. We need to take time to be silent before the Lord in prayer. When we do, it helps us to sense His presence and hear His voice.

As we quiet ourselves our heart can tune to the Lord and listen., and His Spirit can speak to our spirit.

Listening to the Lord in prayer helps develop a relationship with God, which comes from an interchange of love and thought between God and your soul.

Father, our lives are so busy, that we need your help to listen to you. Thank you for that help. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Listening Prayer

PM#0098

Acts 13:2 , Ps 42:6

God speaks to us in two primary ways. One is through the written word, the Bible. The other is through the Holy Spirit speaking to us. In Acts 13:2 the Bible says "As they ministered to the Lord (worshiped) and fasted, the Holy Spirit said..."

What can you expect to hear when the Holy Spirit speaks? A verse is brought to mind or you could hear a song. Ps 42:6 says "in the night his song shall be with me” At times like this your spirit is hearing from God. When God speaks, it will always be in agreement with the word of God. Remember, what ever the form, the prompting of the Holy Spirit will always be in agreement with the Word of God. If it doesn’t, then my friend, I do not believe you are hearing the Lord.

Father, may the ears of our hearts be open to Your voice. In Jesus’ Name., Amen.

©2006 Lewis Turner

Listening in Prayer

PM#0097

Psalms 46:10

Ever want to know God’s will and His way of doing things?

God reveals His will to those who pray and have learned to listen in prayer. In Acts, chapter 10, we find that God spoke to Peter in a vision. When Peter was praying and fasting, the Lord spoke to Him in that vision through an Angel.

To learn to listen to the Lord, we need to learn to be quiet before the Lord and to listen, quieting our minds and hearts and be sensitive to hear the voice of God. God will confirm over and over what He speaks to us, and what He speaks always be in agreement with the Bible. In Psalms 46:10 it says "Be still and know that I am God."

Father, help us to be still and to let go of distractions, so we can hear You when we listen in prayer. In Jesus’ name.

©2006 Lewis Turner

Coming Together

PM#0096

Acts 1:4

Does waiting ever accomplish things? Waiting is probably one of the hardest tasks to follow through on.

Jesus in Acts 1:4 commanded His disciples "That they should not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father." The disciples went to an upper room and prayed and waited as Jesus told them. I can imagine they had many thoughts if the wait was worth the wait, but they obeyed Jesus and waited. The results were seen in a great move of God bringing many to Christ.

This command to the disciples also applies to us. We need to come together in our churches and seek all that God wants to do through our churches by waiting on Him in prayer. This should be our first responsibility before we make any plans or take on any project. The upper room pattern of waiting on the Lord is the secret to a healthy church life.

Father, create in our hearts a desire to come together in prayer. In Jesus’ name.

©2006 Lewis Turner