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

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.