“The disciples went to our Lord and said, ‘Lord teach us to pray’ (Luke 11:1). They did not ask Him how to pray; they weren’t looking for lessons on technique or an outline for ritualistic prayer. They had obviously heard our Lord pray, and they wanted to learn how to pray on the same high level as He did. This is a request many of us today need to make. ‘Lord, teach us to pray.” ~ J. Vernon McGee
“We seek out panaceas to resolve the conflicts of the world and to heal our own personal and private wounds. Many are consulting the psychiatrist, the doctor, the minister, and anyone else who will listen. But we do not seem to recognize that the great need in our own personal lives is prayer. Prayer is the greatest neglected resource that we have; it’s a power that we simply are not using today.” ~ J. Vernon McGee
“O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself” (Psalm 45:1 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
There are few more difficult disciplines for a human being than learning to abandon our desire to avenge injustice committed against us or those around us. The senseless violence, hurtful comments, or emotional injuries that I or others have suffered is not mine to rectify. The Bible declares that God is the avenger and He is well prepared to defend His children. God will restore what has been lost either in this life or the one to come. Our responsibility is to trust God’s timing, and to bless rather than curse those who despitefully use us.
Prayer: Lord, don’t allow hatred to gain a foothold in my life. I can and will live in victory! Amen.
Devotion by Julie Long
“Fall on your knees and grow there. There is no burden of the spirit but is lighter by kneeling under it. Prayer means not always talking to Him, but waiting before Him till the dust settles and the stream runs clear.” ~ F. B. Meyer
“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). The law is the law and it cannot be changed, but God’s grace is God’s grace and it is sufficient to enable me to fulfill His law. The law tells me what I should do, but God’s redeeming grace empowers me to keep it.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for buying my freedom from the slavery of sin, forgiving me, adopting me as one of your own and filling me with Your Spirit so I can choose to do what is right! Amen.
“The disciples went to our Lord and said, ‘Lord teach us to pray’ (Luke 11:1). They did not ask Him how to pray; they weren’t looking for lessons on technique or an outline for ritualistic prayer. They had obviously heard our Lord pray, and they wanted to learn how to pray on the same high level as He did. This is a request many of us today need to make. ‘Lord, teach us to pray.” ~ J. Vernon McGee
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). When others question you in the middle of your difficult situation saying, “Where will the money come from?”, “What are your plans?”, “Are you sure you really want to do that?”, “Why did it happen?”, “Who is to blame?”, “Can you do it?” – You can say with confidence, “My Jesus knows the answers and I will trust in Him.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, no matter what You ask me to do, or where You ask me to go, I am confident that You will be with me. I’m thankful I serve a trustworthy leader. Amen!
“For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel, The God of the whole earth shall he be called” (Isaiah 54:5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). We will never be truly forsaken, alone or widowed because God is the husband of our soul. Too often we are deeply disappointed with our relationships with others because we expect more from them than they are capable of providing. It’s important to remember that our earthly relationships are but a shadow of what it means to have the affection, protection, companionship, friendship, partnership and leadership of our Maker.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Everything I need from relationships with those closest to me, I find in You. You are the first and real love of my life!
“We seek out panaceas to resolve the conflicts of the world and to heal our own personal and private wounds. Many are consulting the psychiatrist, the doctor, the minister, and anyone else who will listen. But we do not seem to recognize that the great need in our own personal lives is prayer. Prayer is the greatest neglected resource that we have; it’s a power that we simply are not using today.” ~ J. Vernon McGee