Tag Archive | prayer

Know

Jun19

“Cease striving and know that I am God; — Psalm 46:10

Know: experience, understand
Cease striving, relax, wait upon the Lord and know. Know that He is our refuge: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.*It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.^ my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior — from violent people you save me.~

*Psalm 46:1
^Psalm 118:8
~2 Samuel 22:3

Know that we find rest in Him when we spend time in prayer with Him. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;* He bids us “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.^

*Psalm 37:7a
^Matthew 11:28

As we seek refuge and rest in Him we know forgiveness as we confess our sins. But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.* And experience His grace: But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.^ Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.~

*Psalm 130:4
^Psalm 86:15
~Hebrews 4:16

Being still and focusing on Jesus we find peace, love and wonderful fellowship. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.* For He Himself is our peace.^ He has given us peace: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.~ For He is the Prince of Peace+

*Philippians 4:6-7
^Ephesians 2:14a
~John 14:27
+Isaiah 9:6

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. And There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.* In this abiding we have fellowship with Him: that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;^

*1 John 4:16,18
^Philippians 3:10

We will know joy with time spent with Jesus in prayer and fellowship: Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him, That he may see His face with joy, And He may restore His righteousness to man.* For I will turn their mourning into joy And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.^

*Job 33:26
^Jeremiah 31:13b

That time you take to be still you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”* Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.^ Sitting with Jesus builds our confidence to follow Him without wavering. For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.~

*John 8:32
^John 14:6
~Proverbs 3:26

So in closing we can see that being still in the presence of God is essential to our lives. Jesus is our Refuge, Rest, and because of His grace and mercy we know forgiveness, His awesome love, and we have fellowship with Him as God planned. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.* Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. We need Him everyday. He bids us come.

*1 Corinthians 1:9

“The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. — Deuteronomy 32:4    

KNOW HIM!!!!!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Crowded

Jun16

Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 18 And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. — Mark 4:7, 18-19

The heart can be a crowded place when we try to make room for God’s will and our will. So crowded that the things of this world can choke out the fruit of the spirit.

The Word of God is filled with the promises of God which are reliable. We can trust God’s Word. We can trust Jesus who is the living Word. When the desires of this life outweigh the desire for God and His ways, we are not fruitful. When we are carried away by the riches that entice us instead of trusting Jesus for all we need, worrying, then we are not fruitful.

The ways of the world will choke out the ways of God. It is not enough to hear the Word of God, we must do the Word of God. Instill it in our hearts, practice it daily and trust God at His Word.

Don’t let the things of this world be more important than eternity. Let God transform you by the power of His Word so that your life is fruitful and abundant, bringing glory to God. Seek Him daily in His Word and in prayer.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Conviction

Jun11

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.strong>For,
“The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. “He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. — 1 Peter 3:8-17

Wow, what conviction when I read this. In the heat of the moment, when insulted, blamed, evil being flung at you, are you harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit? My reaction is usually opposite of this. I allow their intimidation and become troubled deep within my soul.

What I need is to sanctify Christ as Lord in my heart so I may turn away from evil. With Him I am able to keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which I am slandered, those who revile my good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to be riled for doing what is right than doing what is wrong.

Jesus suffered and died for us. Can we not hold our tongue and uphold our Lord? We must seek and pursue peace whatever the cost. So be a blessing and be blessed. “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer,”.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Attitude

May31

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; — Ephesians 5:19

Isn’t attitude a choice? When you rise in the morning is your attitude one of thankfulness to God for a brand new day of life; reverence of Him who IS; and seeking His wisdom to make the most of your time? (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Paul tells us to not be foolish but understand what the will of the Father is. Be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:17-18) How is this accomplished? By reading and studying the Bible and by prayer. Our attitude is greatly influenced by our involvement with the Lord Jesus.
Attitude is a choice and I choose to seek Jesus so that my attitude overflows into my day to touch the lives of others all the while singing and making melody with my heart to the Lord!
Are you ready for an attitude adjustment?
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon

Hope, In God or Riches?

May28

My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. — Psalm 62:1-2

My soul waits in silence for God only. In silence. Quietness to hear the still small voice of the Lord. To be filled with the peace of God that comes in the silence of my prayer closet. He is my rock and salvation, my stronghold.

My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. — Psalm 62:5-6

Addressing my soul, I say, “wait in silence for God only”. He is my hope, my rock and salvation, my stronghold, my refuge, my strength.

7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. — Psalm 62:7-8

On Him alone rest my salvation and glory. I shall not be shaken! I shall trust Him at ALL times and pour out my heart before Him in prayer.

If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. — Psalm 62:10b
He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf. — Proverbs 11:28

Where is your trust today?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Walk In A Worthy Manner

May26

be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:9b-10

We cannot neglect the reading of the Word of God and expect to know or do God’s will. Without prayer we cannot be freed from the encumbrance of sin that entangles us. (Hebrews 12:1) Fixing our eyes on Jesus as we read His Word and pray, we are filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Want to know how to walk through life with fulfillment — bearing fruit in all good work — and increase in the knowledge of God? Read the Word and pray so that you walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. You won’t regret it and you will please God in all respects.

Don’t wait. Starting today make it a priority in your life to seek God through His Word, Jesus, and pray for understanding, spiritual wisdom and the knowledge of your Creator.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

How Can I Say Thank You?

May16

How can I say thank you to the One who loves me so?
Who chastens me when I’ve done wrong to make me purely whole
Who strengths me when I am weak to show His glory true
And draws me to His loving arms to hold me when I’m blue

How can I say thank you to the One who loves me so?
Live each day of life for Him and pray for every soul
Touch a life for Jesus and I never will regret
I’ve shown the Lord my thankfulness by how my life is spent

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Salvation, Then What?

May12

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:41-42

Hallelujah for every soul who is saved. That is reason for celebration! But is there more to this salvation thing? For many years it seems salvation was the focus — get people saved. Many who made decisions to accept Jesus as Savior, repenting of sin, were left there.

There is more to salvation. So much more — wonderful, fulfilling, exciting, challenging, adventurous, faith growing, surrender, dependence — a relationship with the Savior. This takes continual devotion to the teachings of Christ. Being mentored by a mature Christian. Fellowship of the saints is necessary because iron sharpens iron, gleaning fruit from the mature tree, receiving encouragement in the faith and learning from others.

Gathering of the saints to break bread together and pray is a time of drawing closer to God, one another and learning how to do that.

This devotion is for the new babe in Christ to encourage them to be in the Word — joining a Bible Study group — to gather with the saints and learn — gather fruit — from them. Learn to pray by watching and learning from godly people. Step out in faith so your faith will grow.

This devotion is also for the seasoned person in Christ to encourage you to take someone under your wing by inviting them to join you in Bible Study, pray with them, and allow them to gather the fruit of your walk with Jesus.

We must not settle for just salvation when there is so much more!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. John 4:36

Our Hope Is God

May6

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. — Psalm 42:5

So it seems that all at once things get out of your control, you lose your grip, all your plans seem to come falling down around you. This can’t be!!! I am walking with the Lord. He knows the plans I have — I shared them with Him. How could this be happening?

Sounds like life, doesn’t it? Well, how are we to react? Anger? Tears? Retaliation? Uncontrolled tongue? Emotional reactions are okay if they do not make us sin. Let us remember that we have Someone who loves us, cares for us and wants the best for us. So doesn’t it make sense to humble ourselves and go directly to the Lord?

Our hope is God. Taking it to Jesus in prayer we are ushered into His presence. There we praise Him because we trust that He is God and believe that He is in control. In the presence of the Lord our perspective can come under review of the Holy Spirit and change our hearts to God’s will and perspective. We have no idea what God’s plan is. All we can do is draw near, trust and hope in the Almighty God of the universe who works in us for His glorification. Remember it is all about Him but also remember He loves us and wants the best for us.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” — Lamentations 3:24
How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. — Psalm 89:15

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Prayer of Supplication

May4

What is a prayer of supplication? A humble prayer spoken with earnest entreaty and petition.

God desires us to pray (He also commands it) for our benefit. What is our need, desire, anxious way in us? Don’t hold on to it and fret about it. Go humbly to the Father. He does not want us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.*

Why take it all to the Lord? For peace. We don’t need to carry fear, uncertainty, pain, difficulties, burdens, worry, etc. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful”.«

Some don’t pray because of pride. We won’t ask God for the things we need or want because we believe it is up to us to supply those things or we think prayer is for others who really “need” it. Our faith is dependent on trust in Jesus. Prayer is showing Him our dependence on Him. Humble prayer is a surrender of our will to His. Surrender and dependence go hand in hand.

So let loose and pray. Pray for your everyday needs, “Give us this day our daily bread”.» Pray for deliverance, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil”.< Our need is daily so our prayers need to be daily.

The great thing about praying to Jesus is that He knows what we go through on a daily basis. “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”.> “For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted”.~

Prayer brings us into a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. So close that He abides in us and “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”.#

Our prayer life is evident in our daily walk. We walk in peace, and how we live shows fruit. “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you”.’

So we pray asking for what we need to bring us to a point to ask for what will glorify the Father through His Son. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son”. — John 14:13

Please don’t neglect prayer for yourself. It is necessary to glorify God.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

*Philippians 4:6-7
«John 14:27
»Matthew 6:11
Hebrews 4:15-16
~Hebrews 2:18
#John 15:7
‘John 15:16