Designs From The Heart

Jesus Prays for You!

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:04:00 +0000

By Jon Walker on May 11th, 2009 at 2:00 am

Wondering about unanswered prayer?

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message” John 17:20 (HCSB).

During the Last Supper, Jesus prayed for himself, and then he prayed for the disciples.

And then, with the hour of his death approaching, he took the time to pray for you. He prayed for all those who would believe through the ministry of the disciples, and that means you.

Jesus prayed for you, and this is what he said to God:

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message. May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.”

“I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

“Father, I desire those You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they will see My glory, which You have given Me because You loved Me before the world’s foundation” (John 17:20–24, HCSB).

What does this mean?

• Jesus cares for you – And, in fact, he still prays for you: “Therefore He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25, HCSB).

• Jesus wants you with him in heaven – “Father, I desire those You have given Me to be with Me where I am” (John 17:24, HCSB).

• Jesus empowers you to follow God’s purpose – “I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:22–23, HCSB).

Questions: Does the fact that Jesus prayed for you make it easier to pray to Him? What difference does it make to you that Jesus is praying for you?

The Wisdom of Depending on God

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:56:00 +0000

By Gail Rodgers on April 30th, 2009 at 2:00 am

Have you lost all heart in expecting God to answer your prayers? Talk to someone who will listen.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EDT.

Frustration and even anger can play at the edge of our hearts when it seems that God does not hear us nor rescue us in situations as we think He should.

We begin to pray less. We find our hearts have quit expecting anything from God. Trust in His goodness can melt away in the heat of our struggle and God’s silence.

Countless Christians have experienced their prayers erode to a trickle of empty words of habit or panic button prayers. Some lose faith when life’s hard circumstances make no sense and God fails to intervene as they think He should. Others simply get too busy to bother. Many experience feeling let down and disappointed by the church or other Christians and paint God with the same brush.

It’s easy to begin depending on our own best thinking when we lose heart in expecting God to answer our prayers. Trusting God, when our path in life grows muddy, is not an easy task. The mud of weariness, busyness and hurt can cause us to trip and even fall. We wonder how we will ever get up again. Faith can feel like a thread that threatens to break.

Trusting God with your life, even when it makes no sense to you, is to choose to grab hold of the pearl of wisdom. As Christian women we know the vital connection prayer is to our God, yet we can let it slip away from fingers muddy from falling. We must be deliberate in choosing to cling to it. There is great wisdom and reward in depending on our God even in the silence.

Maintaining that vital connection to God in prayer is a choice. Step by step, through the fog on our pathway, we can choose to trust that God has our best interest at heart and lean on His strength to get us through our day… or … we choose to shrug Him off with little expectation and lean wearily on our own understanding.

When we live our lives with prayer on the fringe we are really telling God that we don’t trust Him. Often with our lips we declare trust but with our lives we show that we really don’t believe He will see us through. Ask yourself the hard questions…

* Do I really trust God to have my best interest at heart?

* Do I really believe He will strengthen me today to walk where I need to walk…even in the dark and the silence?

Choose to increase your trust in God and to bring prayer into focus from the fringe of your life. These steps will help you firmly grasp that treasured pearl…and you will discover the wisdom of depending on God. Choose to TRUST.

* T - Thanks
Thank God for the things He has done in your past. Go back as far as you need to.

Begin to chart His track record in your life. Ask Him to remind you of times past when He was there for you. Then find something in your life today to be grateful for. Living thankfully is God’s will for your life.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

* R - Repent
Say you are sorry to God for intentionally allowing things in your heart and your life that you know would disappoint Him. Having a rebellious heart toward God’s ways in one area of your life can cause your prayers to hit the ceiling in other areas. Take an inward look and ask for God’s help in changing attitudes, thoughts, motives and actions that need a correction.

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened: but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer” (Psalm 66:18 & 19).

* U - Unify
Unify broken relationships. Whether you have offended someone or have been offended, God leaves the ball in your park to seek restoration. If restoration isn’t possible give God the broken pieces and ask Him to root resentment out of your heart. Bringing peace to fractured relationships brings blessing.

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

* S - Share
Share the journey. When times are tough and trust wears thin, find a friend to pray with you and for you. Tell someone your struggle and ask her to walk with you awhile on the road of life. Getting help in our weakness leads to healing and to power in praying.

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

* T - Take time
Take time to spend with God. If your heart is dry set aside some time to listen to praise music and use the words of the songs as prayers from your heart. Till up the ground that has become hard from the worries of life. Learn to spend time in the presence of the Lord and find refreshing beyond what you can imagine.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1 & 2).

Depend on God in new ways today. Trust Him… even in the silence and in the dark. The wisdom of depending on God will bring results in your life that will surprise you.

“My God, in whom I trust”… with expectation!

Questions: Do you really trust God to have your best interest at heart? Do you need to give God the broken pieces and ask Him to root resentment out of your heart? What can you do to refresh your soul?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The Grandest Subject, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

He is not Here; He is Risen

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:37:00 +0000

Devotional for Women from TheLife.com
By Darren Hewer on April 12th, 2009 at 2:00 am in

Not sure if Christ’s resurrection is good news for you personally? Talk with a mentor, confidentially.

A Discover Channel documentary boldly proclaimed that the “Lost Tomb of Jesus” had been found, including an ossuary (bone box) which purportedly contained the remains of Jesus himself. The documentary was derided by both Christian clergy and secular scholars as being misleading and deceitful, the critical conclusion being that this was not, nor was it ever, Jesus’ tomb, and rather another example of sensational journalism in order to get ratings.

As believers in God’s Word, we know that this sort of discussion is foolishness from the start. In Matthew’s gospel we read:

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earth-quake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven … The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. … So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Matthew 28:1-10).

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” When the women heard this, they were “afraid yet filled with joy”. This is because, while they had knowledge of the events that had occurred, they had not yet met the risen Christ. When Jesus appeared to them for the first time in his renewed, transformed body a short time later, he said to the “Do not be afraid.”

As you reflect upon Jesus’ resurrection during this Easter period, consider his glorious re-appearing which assures us that “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also” (1 Corinthians 6:14). In repudiation to the “Lost Tomb of Jesus”, the angel proclaims “He is not here; He is risen.” Do not be afraid, as someone who does not know Jesus personally, but instead open your heart to experience the joy that flows from a fully formed relationship with the God who lives.

Thank you Lord, that the grave is empty, You are alive and You walk with me daily. I praise Your name! Amen.

Questions: Take time to reflect on what Easter is really all about and how it has affected your life personally.

About this Author Darren Hewer

Daily audio podcast: Hear today’s daily devotional, He is not here; He is risen, read aloud, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

I Am – The Resurrection and The Life

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:45:00 +0000

Devotional for Women from TheLife.com

By Dorothy Brown on April 7th, 2009 at 2:00 am in About Jesus Room, Devotional, Devotional For Women

8 Comments

Does the fact that Christ rose from the dead make any difference to you? This Online Study will help you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EDT.

Has someone you love died? Then you know the feelings death detonates in your body: anger, self-pity, depression, confusion, grief, anguish.

Scripture tells of Jesus’ close friend, Lazarus, who was sick. Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, quickly sent word. “Come, Lord, and save him!” But incredibly, Jesus didn’t come. Lazarus died. The sisters entombed Lazarus and sank into grief and confusion. Where was the Lord? Jesus could’ve saved their brother! Weren’t they his closest friends? Four days later Jesus finally showed up! Martha, beside herself with grief, accused, “Jesus, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” John 11:1-43

Jesus quietly answered, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this” (John 11:25-26)? I don’t think Martha had a clue what He meant. Would you?

They walked to the tomb and Jesus commanded the stone sealing the entry be rolled away. Then, stunning everyone, he commanded, “Lazarus, come out!” Instantly Lazarus stood before him! Alive! Jesus ordered the grave clothes removed and mayhem followed as incredulous onlookers gawked and shouted, pushing and shoving to get a better look. Did anyone pinch Lazarus to see if this miracle was real? I would’ve.

Jesus’ name is The Resurrection and The Life. His dying is mankind’s only hope, then and now.

Resurrection in Greek means anastasis: literally a resurrection from the dead; a standing up again. Can we wrap our minds around that? Jesus promises to stand us on our feet again. Not just when we die but when we fail or sin. Faith in Him opens the door for this miracle of new life, eternal life.

Lazarus is Jesus’ ‘show and tell’ of His power to stand men up again. Jesus later demonstrated His power over His own death by rising on the third day after crucifixion. He has the authority and power to lay down his life and stand up again alive. John 10:18 He is resurrection. He is life. No other god has that power.

Jesus gives eternal life to those who believe Him. “For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9).

Jesus wakened Lazarus from death so Jesus would get glory, people would see His glory and believe, and so Lazarus would live again.

Do you know this astonishing God who raises dead folks? Who lifts us into abundant newness of life now no matter our trials and heartaches and promises a tomorrow seated next to Him in Heaven?

Ask Him if He’s real. Test Him and see if He answers. But watch out, Jesus will call your name, remove your grave clothes and stand you on your feet. Forever.

Father of Life, resurrect me from my grave and unwrap me to newness of life. I believe, help my unbelief. Thank you, amen.

Questions: Do you know this Jesus who is ”The Resurrection and The Life”? If you know Him, what difference has He made in your life?

by Petey Prater

God’s Timetable

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Devotional for Women from TheLife.com

By Lillian Penner on April 6th, 2009 at 2:00 am

Does it seem to you that God is slow in answering your prayers at times?

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EDT.

Is God’s timetable too slow for you sometimes? In John 11, we read about the death of Lazarus. Mary and Martha sent word to their dear beloved friend Jesus to let him know their brother Lazarus had become very ill. They expected him to come heal their brother but he did not come and they wondered why. However, Jesus had different plans, He told the disciples, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it”. He loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus very much but stayed in Galilee teaching and healing the sick.

Two days later Jesus told his disciples that it was time to go to Judea to see Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. When they arrived, they learned that Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha told Jesus that if he had come sooner her brother would not have died. Nevertheless, Jesus went to the grave deeply moved, asking to have the stone removed from the tomb. Martha said, “But Lord, he’s been dead four days and stinketh”. Jesus told her “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God.” Then Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out” and Lazarus came out of the tomb.

We can learn several lessons from this story. When we pray asking God for something, we get discouraged as Mary and Martha did because he does not answer immediately or on our timetable. However, think of all the people that had the opportunity to be healed and hear Jesus teach during those two days, who would not have been healed, if he had left Galilee right away. Jesus was the God’s Son and knew the Father’s plan and His timetable. It was not God’s plan to heal Lazarus. He wanted to glorify his Son by raising Lazarus from the dead. Isn’t it great that when we think God is four days late by our timetable He is still on time?

Our finite minds simply cannot grasp God’s infinite ways of answering our prayers. We have no idea how many times we have prayed and He is waiting for the proper time to answer. Sometimes God needs to work on our hearts our character or another person before he can answer our prayer.

Are you getting tired of waiting on God to answer your prayers? Are you disappointed and frustrated because God is not answering on your timetable? Does God want to develop character in your life or in the lives of those for whom you are praying before He is ready to answer? We often have to remind ourselves that God’s way and timing are perfect. He knows best!

Dear Father, I want to thank you for privilege of bringing my concerns to you. Give me patience as I wait for you to work out your plan and your timing to answer my prayers. Help me to trust you and your Word as I grow in my confidence as I wait for you to answer. In Jesus Name, Amen

Questions: Is God’s timetable too slow for you sometimes? How do you respond when God does not answer your prayers according to your plans?

About the Author Lillian Penner

Peace in a World of Turmoil

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Devotional for Women from TheLife.com

By Helen Lescheid on April 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 am

Is peace alluding you because of the turmoil in the world? We have mentors that would love to talk with you.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

When we look at the world news, our hearts tend to get frightened. So much unrest, violence, fear! Jesus predicted it would be this way. “In this world you will have trouble,” He said. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

How can we as Christians make a difference in our world? Paul gives us some practical steps in Colossians 4:2: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1. Devote yourselves to prayer for your families, church leaders, and governments. Is there a friend or neighbor you could team up with for prayer on a weekly basis?

2. Being watchful–instead of looking at the problems, keep your eyes on Jesus. As long as Peter kept looking at the Lord Jesus, he walked on water. The moment he focused on the waves, he began to sink. Readjusting our focus may mean cutting back on news watching. Smile.

3. Be thankful for your blessings–for the things that are going right. Write them down in a gratitude journal. Pray them out loud in thanksgiving.

No matter what happens in the world, Jesus Christ is still the victorious One and Our Sovereign Lord. “I know that you can do all things,” says Job. “No plan of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2 ).

Remembering this, we can have the peace Jesus spoke about.

Father, I thank you that You are working out your good plan in my life and in our world.

Questions: What steps can you take to put your heart at ease about the future?

About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid

Filled to the Brim

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:04:00 +0000

Devotional for Women from TheLife.com

By Gail Rodgers on April 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 am

Can we trust the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life? This Online Bible Study will help you with some of your questions.

“Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine…” (John 2:6-9).

I love the picture painted for us in the account of Jesus’ very first miracle when He turned water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. The very story of Easter is imbedded in this telling of the miracle. The thoughtful examination of the details of this amazing miracle are brought to light by author Doug Emberley in his book “Simply Water to Wine?”

Imagine the heavy, cold stone jars, laboriously filled with water by the servants. Imagine the ceremonial washing that took place as the water from these jars was poured out in cleansing rituals as the Israelites followed the rules of the old covenant to purify themselves before God.

Then imagine the wedding goers’ astonishment as Jesus called for these jugs to be filled and then changed the contents from water to rich wine! Wine is often used as a symbol of life and of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture. Here, at Jesus very first miracle, we see the amazing symbolism of exchanging not just one element for another, but the exchanging of something much deeper. Our own efforts to become holy and clean before our loving God are exchanged for His forgiveness. His blood is the only cleansing we need. His filling of new life, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is complete and right “to the brim”.

Yes, Jesus death bought our forgiveness at the cross and His resurrection brought us new life filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no room to add our own good works to try to earn the forgiveness that Jesus brings! Anything we try to add merely pollutes and displaces His blessing of grace. No. His work alone brings the new life our hearts hunger and thirst for. He fills us to the brim as we believe and receive His gift of forgiveness and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us – right to the brim of our lives!

Lord Jesus, this Easter refresh my heart with the truth of Your sacrifice in death and with a new realization of the power that is mine through Your resurrection. Thank you that what You did is complete and “filled to the brim”; I need only believe and receive. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Order this little book to share the life-changing story of Easter through Jesus’ first miracle.

Questions: Who can you share the Easter story with this year? Won’t you begin praying for them right now? Make a commitment on the blog today to pray for someone you desire to come to know Jesus life giving power and forgiveness.

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Poured out like Water, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Hold On

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:19:00 +0000

Women's Devotional from TheLife.com

By Suzanne Benner on April 1st, 2009 at 2:00 am

Are you facing a huge crises in your life? We would love to pray for you.

Lately there has been so much chaos and crisis in our lives, that instead of moving forward, we are simply trying to hold on to God.

The Bible urges us to do just that:

“But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast” (Hebrews 3:6).

“”We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first” (Hebrews 3:14).

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14).

We are instructed to hold on to our courage, to hold on to the hope we have in Christ, to hold firmly to the confidence we had when we first came to Christ and to the faith we profess.

These are good reminders, but what if I feel like I can’t hold on any longer?

Then, it is time to recall that it was God who first took hold of me. “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12b).

My survival does not depend on me; as I cling to God I remember that before I chose Him, He chose me, before I loved God, He loved me, before I held on to Him, He held me.

When darkness and evil surround us, we must consciously call to mind that God gave Jesus Christ all power and authority; in Him and through Him we find salvation, courage, hope and faith.

“[Christ] is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

Holy God, thank you that You are the One who holds me, help me to hold on to You.

Questions: Why is Christ the only one worth holding on to? How have Scripture or prayer or fellow believers helped you to hold on to Jesus?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Songs of Deliverance

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:44:00 +0000

By Lydia E. Harris on March 31st, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

6 Comments

Are you facing a raging river in your life today? We would love the opportunity to pray for you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.

“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:6-7 NIV).

Read Psalm 32: 1-11

From their living room window, Roger and Gail watched the churning water rush down the Skagit River in western Washington. Due to record rainfall, the rising river, filled with limbs and debris, threatened to overflow its banks. Would their home flood?

Together Roger and Gail cried out, “Lord, please protect us and our home! Keep the river within its banks.”

The river raged nearby, but God gave them peace. Although the river did overflow its banks, God’s mighty hand held back the floodwaters, and the muddy water did not come inside their home. That day Roger and Gail experienced Psalm 32:6 in a personal way: “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.”

David penned these reassuring words in a psalm that focuses on instruction and repentance. He acknowledged his sin and accepted God’s forgiveness. David encourages us to follow his example and pray to God, assuring us that God’s love surrounds those who trust Him.

When swirling situations threaten to engulf our lives, we too can cry out to God. Although we don’t know how He’ll answer, He promises to surround us with “songs of deliverance” (verse 7).

Almighty God, You are my hiding place. Thank You for Your strong hand of protection. Remind me to call on You in every storm of life.

Questions: How do you face troubled times in your life? Do you trust God to be with you when troubles surround you and threaten to engulf you?

About the Author Lydia E. Harris

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, God of Love, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Do All To the Glory of God

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:44:00 +0000

By Helen Lescheid on March 30th, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

3 Comments

Are you facing a difficult time in your life? We would love the opportunity to pray for you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might …” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

How do you define serving God? Are you like me, tempted to think that certain works, like teaching Bible studies and speaking to crowds, are more important than having someone in for dinner?

In the movie, Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddle’s sister, Jenny, felt her brother was putting too much emphasis on his running and not enough on mission work in China. A confrontation between Eric and his sister ensued. “Jenny, I know God made me for a purpose,” Eric said. “He made me for China. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

I think what Eric was saying is that all of life is sacred and whatever God gives us to do at the time, let’s do it whole-heartedly to the glory of God. It may be going to school, raising children, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, writing magazine articles, speaking to women’s groups, visiting those in a Care Home, inviting someone home for lunch …all of it, if done whole-heartedly, is a service to God. The Bible says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Eric Liddle lived that way. After the Olympics in 1924, he went to China where he taught school and organized sporting events. During WWII he was placed in a Chinese prison camp where he continued to serve God whole-heartedly by helping the elderly, teaching Bible classes, arranging games and teaching the children science. He died in the camp on February 21, 1945 at the age of 43, just four months before liberation.

Father, whatever this day brings, I want to live it whole-heartedly for Your glory.

Question: What has God given you to do today? How can you serve Him with all your heart?

About the Author Helen Lescheid

Daily audio podcast: Hear today’s devotional read aloud. Hear Do All to the Glory of God today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

A Call To Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:42:00 +0000

By Patricia Psooy on March 29th, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

No Comments

Life is a journey and it is best shared with others. We want to be there for you when you go through life’s struggles. Let us walk this path together.

The Invitation
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17).

Prayer is a gift, priceless and free.

My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me” (Songs of Solomon 2:10).

Prayer is a place of relationship and intimacy.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

“Ask of me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your possession” (Psalm 2:8).

Prayer is a place of kingdom growth.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Prayer is a place of rest, a place where we can lay our burdens down.

The Responsibility
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians. 3:10, 11).

That church is us. The manifold wisdom of God is the word of God fulfilled in Christ. These rulers and authorities are the angels of God and the powers of darkness. God has given us the mandate, and the privilege, of using His word and claiming His promises to impact the unseen battles which are taking place in the heavenly realms.

“Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word” (Psalm 103:20).

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).

“In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from the Father” (John 16:26, 27).

Jesus has given us His name, His identity, so that we may come boldly and confidently before the Father, but has left the asking up to us.

The Promise
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened ‘ (Matthew 7:7, 8).

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

“You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2).

God has so much more for us than we can think or imagine but we must ask Him.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

God has new depths of fellowship that He wants to take us into but we must seek Him.

“Call unto me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

Father God, You have new places and new spiritual heights that You want to take us to. Teach me to knock at Your door and call out to You. Teach me to pray. Amen

Questions: When you feel weary and burdened, do you take your burden to God? Do you ask God to help you believing that He will?

About the Author Patricia Psooy

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, You are not an Accident, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

God is Waiting for an Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:29:00 +0000

Devotional for Women at thelife.com

By Lillian Penner on March 28th, 2009 at 2:00 am

Have you ever earnestly prayed for something, only to have your prayer seemingly go unnoticed?

Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:20 “Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”

Have you given God the opportunity to accomplish infinitely more than you would ever dare to ask or hope for in your life?

We try to be self-sufficient and get so busy that we don’t invite God to get involved with our needs, dreams, desires, and hopes. God is waiting for us to ask for His involvement in our daily routines and the future. I wonder if He doesn’t get frustrated with us because He wants to give us so much but we don’t ask Him for it. Our prayerlessness denies Him the opportunity to show us His awesome power.

The next time you come into a situation that is too big for you to solve, or seems hopeless, invite God to get involved. He is waiting for an invitation. In The Prayer of Jabez devotional book, Bruce Wilkinson writes, “It doesn’t matter whether you are short of money, people, energy, or time. What God invites you to do will always be greater than the resources you start with.” When the hand of God is upon you He may ask you to do things you don’t think you are capable of doing. However, that is when He can show His awesome power as we stretch and grow in our spiritual lives.

If we do not “ask or imagine” what limit does God have to exceed? Our finite minds simply cannot grasp what God has in store for us as His beloved children. We have no idea how many times we have prayed and God has answered our prayers but is waiting for the proper time to give the answer.

Do you notice when God answers your prayers? Ask God to adjust your spiritual vision so you will recognize when He is working in your life. Pray about the little concerns in your life then stand back and watch God answer, you will be amazed.

Father God, Please help me to thank You for the answers to my prayers. At the end of the day remind me to recall the many answers you have given, even the little ones throughout the day. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see Your power at work in my life.

Bruce Wilkinson, The Prayer of Jabez devotional, (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, Inc., 2001), p 68.

Questions: Have you given God the opportunity to accomplish infinitely more than you would ever dare to ask or hope for in your life? Is God involved in your daily routines and the future?

About the Author Lillian Penner

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Dealing with Fear: A Lesson from a Two-Year Old, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Identity

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:17:00 +0000

By John Grant on March 27th, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

1 Comment

As you listen to the daily news does that make you feel depressed? We would love to talk with you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:22-23).

Identity theft is a major and growing problem and as the economy deteriorates and people get more desperate, they are turning to electronic thievery. Identity theft is one of the most serious crimes in the United States - one that can take hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars for victims to clean up. According to the Federal Trade Commission, as many as 9 million Americans have their identity stolen each year, including 400,000 children. A person’s identity is valuable to them and to a thief. We should all take care to protect our identity from getting into the wrong hands.

But, as Christians, there is another identity that is more important and more valuable and that is our Christian identity. When we are saved, we are set apart. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20) That is my spiritual identity and far more valuable than any other identity a thief could take from me.

Much like “dumpster divers” who sort through trash to find a receipt, check or anything else that would reveal our financial identity, Satan dives into our heart with his intention to steal our spiritual identity, our moral purity and he does it subtly by using a morally corrupt secular world to do his bidding for him to lure us into compromising our spiritual identity.

If you ever wonder about the kind of world we live in just look around and look at the news. Here are just a sample of headlines from my local paper over the past few days: “Judge Charged in Stripper Inquiry,” “Former State Official Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography,” “Most Floridians Okay With Gays and Lesbians Adopting.” The incoming Secretary of the Treasury, the top financial post in the federal government admits that it was an oversight that he did not pay his taxes over a number of years, notwithstanding repeated notices from the IRS and now he going to be in charge of the IRS.

The most dangerous word for Christians is the “C”, word “compromise.” I can handle it. It’s okay to watch an “R” rated movie. After all the story line is great, the acting superb and I can overlook the profanity and close my eyes during the morally impure scenes. It’s okay for me to regularly go to lunch with my secretary. I can make sure that nothing gets out of hand. And, the list could go on and on.

We are twice born creatures trying to live in but stay apart from a once born world. There are traps everywhere we look and the bait is so tantalizing. We live in a world of moral arrogance and it is spiritual adultery to pursue the pleasing values of this world while pledging our love for God.

That which we observe, we soon focus our lives around and then we accept as acceptable behavior and then embrace it and ultimately participate in it. That is the normal progression for moral degeneration and don’t think for a minute that Christians are immune from Satan’s temptations. I am not and neither are you.

So how shall we then live? The wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure (James 3:17), not the wisdom of the world. If we surrender our lives to God and resist the devil, he will run from us. (James 4:7) James best sums it up, saying that we aren’t faithful to God and are in love with the world then we are God’s enemies. (James 4:4)

The writer of Hebrews summed it up pretty well saying “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:22-23).

Don’t risk losing your spiritual identity for it is the most valuable thing any Christian has, more valuable than anything in this world.
(a thought on life from John Grant)

Questions: How can we keep ourselves pure? Do you spend time watching “R” rated movies or are you indifferent to news articles that oppose the principles set out in the Bible?

About the Author John Grant

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Joy and Gladness, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Beware of Conficker Worm come April 1st!

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:25:00 +0000

In an event that hits the computer world only once every few years, security experts are racing against time to mitigate the impact of a bit of malware which is set to wreak havoc on a hard-coded date. As is often the case, that date is April 1.

Malware creators love to target April Fool's Day with their wares, and the latest worm, called Conficker C, could be one of the most damaging attacks we've seen in years.

Conficker first bubbled up in late 2008 and began making headlines in January as known infections topped 9 million computers. Now in its third variant, Conficker C, the worm has grown incredibly complicated, powerful, and virulent... though no one is quite sure exactly what it will do when D-Day arrives.

Thanks in part to a quarter-million-dollar bounty on the head of the writer of the worm, offered by Microsoft, security researchers are aggressively digging into the worm's code as they attempt to engineer a cure or find the writer before the deadline. What's known so far is that on April 1, all infected computers will come under the control of a master machine located somewhere across the web, at which point anything's possible. Will the zombie machines become denial of service attack pawns, steal personal information, wipe hard drives, or simply manifest more traditional malware pop-ups and extortion-like come-ons designed to sell you phony security software? No one knows.

Conficker is clever in the way it hides its tracks because it uses an enormous number of URLs to communicate with HQ. The first version of Conficker used just 250 addresses each day -- which security researchers and ICANN simply bought and/or disabled -- but Conficker C will up the ante to 50,000 addresses a day when it goes active, a number which simply can't be tracked and disabled by hand.

At this point, you should be extra vigilant about protecting your PC: Patch Windows completely through Windows Update and update your anti-malware software as well. Make sure your antivirus software is actually running too, as Conficker may have disabled it.

Microsoft also offers a free online safety scan here, which should be able to detect all Conficker versions.

All Day Long

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:17:00 +0000

All Day Long

By Gail Rodgers on March 26th, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

7 Comments

Do you feel like you are in a situation that is hopeless? We can pray for you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.

“Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long” (Psalm 25:4 & 5).

Father in Heaven, thank you for the promise and hope of Your word. Thank you that You can be counted on to guide me through my day. Today I need to walk in the hope that only You can give. My way is unclear, my path sometimes feels like it twists and turns in confusing and busy ways as I wind my way along my journey.

Show me Your ways, Lord. Show me how You would walk in these places. Teach me Your paths of grace and mercy and integrity and love. Help me to grasp Your ways so I can walk securely in them even in insecure places. I need Your perspective today.

Guide me in Your truth, Lord. With out Your Word active in my heart and mind I cannot know Your truth. Help me to make time to read my Bible. Help me to take time to think on it and let it penetrate my heart. Lord, Your Word will guide me as a beacon and a light. I need Your word to guide me. Forgive me when I have left it on the shelf or have simply grabbed a verse and run off for the day, quickly forgetting what I read.

Thank you that You promise to guide me and teach me as I let Your truth impact my heart and my mind.

Oh Lord, You are my Savior, my rescuer and my redeemer. You alone are the One who restores and renews my spirit and brings meaning to my life. You bless me. May my heart overflow with thanksgiving to You for Your hand in my life.

I will put my hope in you today, all day long. Remind me by Your Holy Spirit to look to You to guide me. Call me into Your quiet presence to think on Your truths and may I not be distracted. This is the oxygen of my soul. Thank you that You give the hope and help and peace I need today. Thank you that You never cease to call me to Yourself. Help me to respond afresh to Your presence in my life. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

Questions: How does your life reveal to others that all your hope is in God? How does that hope make a difference when you are faced with financial or other losses?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: Hear today’s daily devotional, All Day Long, read aloud today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Pushing Buttons

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Pushing Buttons

By Linda Goodhand Rodgers on March 25th, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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Are you in a panic mode? We would love to talk with you and pray with you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.

Our technological world is one of instant answers with the push of a button. Life also affords us the opportunity to choose our internal “button pushing” responses. Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today will allow you a choice of what button to push. Your choice will affect the outcome. Can you identify with each of these buttons in life?

1. Panic Button
I am sure you have experienced being in a parking lot when someone has accidentally hit the panic button of their vehicle. It is a head turner. If you are like me, I have found myself hitting the panic button of life’s situation more times that I care to recall. It is those panic-mode situations that cause stress and make our thought process look like something in a blender. In the Bible, Jacob fled because he stole his brother’s birthright; Peter denied he knew Jesus and left, and Adam and Eve hid when they disobeyed God. During times of panic, we sometimes have difficulty processing what is Truth and that is when problems begin. Timothy wrote, ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.’ (2 Timothy 1:7) When panic strikes, we then need to take our hands off the panic button and breathe! Let God take that situation from you. Ask Him for His wisdom, His comfort, and His next step. Then, hit the….

2. Reset Button
Take a step back. Reset your life. Take stock in what just happened and begin your journey again with God as the driver.

“…but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him” (Romans 12:2b). Hitting this button will place things into perspective. It is not the time to hit the escape button, but face life head on. This is the moment to make a definite effort to start again. Reset and remember ‘Whose’ you are. The Apostle Paul had his reset button pushed through various circumstances and look at what God allowed him to accomplish. So, hit this button then get ready to push the….

3. Default Button

Make the default button in your life, God! Let Him be the one who controls your thought pattern.

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

Without a doubt, we will face situations where panic is inevitable. That is life. For some, it may mean hitting the default button numerous times a day or week. Fill your mind with God’s Word. Let those verses of promise and comfort fill your mind so that when panic does strike, you can claim His promises. I have repeated those to myself many times and it gives me great comfort. God is still on the Throne…how amazing!

Pushing buttons is a part of our lives just like breathing. I encourage you to take your finger off the panic button, reset it, and let God be your default button today. Rejoice in the fact that God is your answer; He is the one who help you get your life back on track. What button will you choose to hit today?

Father God, I praise You for being my Default Button. You are so patient. When situations cross my path, I pray that I will have the courage, from You, to hit the Default Button and claim Your help. For this, I truly thank You. In Your Power, Amen.

Questions: Are you prone to press the panic button as a reaction to your circumstances? What do you need to “reset” today and “default” to God?

About the Author Linda Goodhand Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, When you Speak, God Hears, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Totally

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Totally

By Suzanne Benner on March 24th, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

2 Comments

Here is an online Bible Study that will help you to be totally committed to God.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.

What is your definition of totally? The dictionary uses words like completely, entirely, and wholly to describe it.

There is a sad story in 1 Samuel about when God removed His Spirit from King Saul. It’s sad because Saul had convinced himself that he was serving God. It’s sad because many of us have fallen into the same trap that Saul did.

In 1 Samuel 15, God instructed Saul, through the prophet Samuel, to totally destroy the Amalakites. When Saul failed to carry out God’s instructions, Samuel confronted him.

Saul’s response is revealing. “But I did obey the LORD … I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal” (1 Samuel 15:20, 21).

How can you totally destroy an object or people and still have something to bring back? Isn’t that impossible?

Now, Saul probably didn’t consciously think that he had a better plan than God, but his actions proved that to him, totally didn’t mean one hundred percent. Saul believed it was possible to obey God (mostly) and still do what he wanted.

But obedience isn’t obedience unless it is total.

Do we also think we can serve God and get our own way?

Little compromises, an ounce of pride, a smidgen of selfishness and soon we are thinking that a sacrifice in one area will make up for a lack of “total” obedience in another area.

Like Saul, we have convinced ourselves that it is okay.

Samuel’s words to Saul are words that we too must heed:

“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of ram” (1 Samuel 15:22).

Heavenly Father, I want to obey You totally. Reveal to me any area where I have convinced myself that I am obeying but am not.

Questions: How do you try to justify partial obedience? What stands in the way of total obedience?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The Stones Cry Out, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:49:00 +0000

A Prepared Place

By Lydia E. Harris on March 23rd, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, _, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Do you have difficulty sharing God’s love with others? We invite you to talk to us about it. One of our Women Today e-mail mentors will respond to you personally.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.

“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself ” (John 14:2-3 (KJV).

Read John 14:1-14

Together with other church women, I worked hard to prepare a lovely setting for the church dessert to welcome newcomers. To make it special, we draped the tables with colorful tablecloths, added fragrant flowers, and fluffed napkins into the cups. Then we set out a wide variety of irresistible, mouthwatering homemade desserts. I couldn’t wait to welcome the forty-five guests who had signed up. They trickled in slowly, so we delayed starting, hoping more would come. When only twenty-five attended, I felt disappointed.

The Lord Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. We’re all invited, but so few accept His offer. Those who neglected our dessert simply missed a pleasant evening; those who reject the Lord’s invitation miss out for all eternity.

Will we accept His invitation? Are we burdened and praying that others will respond?

Lord Jesus, thank You for preparing a heavenly mansion for those who believe. I pray that many will respond to Your invitation. Help me share my faith and invite others to know You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Questions: What could we do differently so that more people would be attracted to the Lord’s invitation? How does your life reflect God’s love and forgiveness?

About the Author Lydia E. Harris

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, How to Handle our Weakness, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:35:00 +0000

Stopping for Tea

By Marilyn Ehle on March 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

4 Comments

Do you need help with scheduling your time so that you have more time to spend with the Lord? We would love to pray for you. http://christianwomentoday.com/prayer/share.html

“Stop!” Samuel said to Saul “Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night” (1 Samuel 15:16).

We found it by accident. After a brisk winter walk in a park north of New York City, we were ready for a hot cup of tea or coffee. After parking the car, we began walking toward the town center. And there it was—a cozy tea room with small tables, friendly staff and quietly conversing customers. The thick menu described hundreds of teas and several appetizing food items. With our selections finally made and the aromatic brews poured, we visibly relaxed. With a plaintive sigh, our daughter asked, “Why don’t I stop for this every day?” She is a high school teacher and her many responsibilities and relationships seem to fill every waking moment.

Time for a cup of tea—or coffee or hot chocolate—or it may not involve any beverage at all. The importance of the ritual involves stopping. For the follower of Jesus, stopping is crucial—stopping the whirl of activities, stopping the ever-present household or career responsibilities, stopping well-meant ministry. Just stopping. Stopping to hear and drink in the quiet voice of God.

We read that Jesus often left the crowds with their deep physical and spiritual needs to stop. He even stepped away from his disciples to whom He would soon entrust the Kingdom. We must do no less. When will you stop for your cup of tea today?

Lord, stopping seems so unproductive! I have been trained to believe that to stop means an interruption in moving forward toward success. Please continue to remind me that I will only hear “what the Lord said to me” if I stop.

Questions: What are some ways that you take the time to “stop” and listen to what God has to say to you? Why is it important to you to take that quiet time with God?

About the Author Marilyn Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Becoming like Jesus is a Slow Process, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:28:00 +0000

Will the Rope Hold?

By Mike Woodard on March 20th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

3 Comments

If you need encouragement during difficult times, someone is always here to pray with you!

The summer between my 3rd and 4th year of university I worked at Yellowstone National Park. It was a great summer, full of adventures and new experiences.

On a day off, I had signed up for a day long class in rock climbing. I was successfully making my way up the side of a mountain when the instructor surprised me with an unexpected challenge, when he said, “I want you to push yourself off and fall on the rope!” Questioning why he would ask me to do this, I hesitated, and he wisely pointed out that, “You will never be a good rock climber until you can trust that the rope will hold you. Push yourself off and fall on the rope.”

I was afraid. Obviously, my trust was in my ability to use my hands and feet to scale the mountain. The rope was a secondary source of security, in case I slipped (which I did not plan to do!). I eventually did let go of my hand holds, and I’m here to tell you that the rope held!

There are times when God seems to say the same thing to me as my instructor did that day. “Take the step, release your hands on what you are holding and see that I’m trustworthy.” The writer of the Psalms wrote, “O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the person who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8

Just as I would never be a good rock climber without experiencing that the rope will hold. The same is true of my spiritual life. I will never be a responsive Christ follower if I am unwilling to let go of whatever I am grasping when God says, “Let go, trust me.”

Are you willing to let go of the things that give you security? We can only experience God’s goodness when we take those, sometimes scary steps that take faith. Do you trust God is able to hold you securely when you let go of the things that provide comfort or security? What step is God asking you to take? Could it be he is asking you to let go of a relationship, finances or a position … A thought that comforts me is God holds the universe together it is likely He can provide all I need to hold life together … Enjoy the adventure!

Father God, Help me today to truly trust You and to let go of the things I have been putting my trust in. You alone are able to hold me securely! Thank you.

Questions: What step is God asking you to take today? What are the things we look to, other than God, for our security?

About this Author: Mike Woodard

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Second Chances, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:19:00 +0000

Getting Through to God

By Dr. Muriel Larson on March 19th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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Try our online study “Why isn’t God Answering my Prayers?“

“Why do some people get their prayers answered—and I don’t?” you may sometimes wonder. When you have a problem, you may talk with some godly person about it. “Pray for me,” you ask. If anyone can get an answer from God, you figure he or she can! Actually, if you are a Christian, you can, too. Let’s look at the conditions for getting prayer answered.

REPENTANCE is the first essential for answered prayer. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we read, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Obviously sin certainly keeps prayers from being answered. But did you know that bitterness, bad temper, anger, harsh words, and resentment can come between us and God? How can we make things right? The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

RIGHTEOUSNESS also helps us get prayers answered. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective,” James 5:16 says. Righteousness refers to a daily, steady walk with the Lord. We try not to let anything come between Him and us. Christ has first place in the righteous person’s life, and others can see it. That’s how they know who to go to when they need someone to pray.

FORGIVENESS is necessary for answered prayer. Jesus said, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25).

Sarah was sorry for things she had done wrong, and she wanted to get right with the Lord. So she asked Him to forgive her. But when she finished praying, guess what she still carried in her heart? Bitterness, anger, hostility, and unforgiveness toward the friend who had deserted her. Then she wondered why she still didn’t feel right with God!

Hard to forgive some people for the way they have hurt us? Sure it is—for us! Let God help you. Hold up those destructive self-centered feelings to God and say, “Lord, take these hurtful things. I don’t want them. Cleanse me, I just want your peace, joy, and love. I forgive those who have wronged me!” Then you will get through in prayer.

OBEDIENCE is another requirement for answered prayer. First John 3:22 says that we receive from the Lord whatever we ask when we obey His commands and do what pleases Him. God’s two great commandments call for love and cover every relationship and every circumstance: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart…and your neighbor as yourself.” Obedience isn’t hard when you truly love God and others.

AGREEMENT with others on requests adds power to prayers. PERSISTENCE prevails. And FAITH is an absolute necessity. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
Believe God will work—and He will!

Now here is a special promise for you: “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Question: Has it seemed like God hasn’t been hearing your prayers lately?

About this Author: Muriel Larson

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Evidence Against a Proud Heart, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Run in Such a Way

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:44:00 +0000

By Suzanne Benner on March 18th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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Be encouraged by joining our daily online chats and talking with others!

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

I’m not a runner, but the picture Paul paints of an athlete captures my imagination.

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)

I know what it is like to sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal, to scrimp and save, to spend hours studying, to labor for weeks on a project, to imagine and then create.

Anything worthwhile takes effort. If work is done haphazardly, or thoughtlessly, or sloppily, it is visible in the end result.

Paul urges us to remember that principle and apply it to our spiritual lives.

We are called to purposefully pursue a life pleasing to God, not only purposefully, but fervently and diligently.

I say to my kids, “Do your best.” The Bible exhorts us to “Make every effort.”

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door (Luke 13:24)

Make every effort to do what leads to peace (Romans 14:9)

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)

Make every effort to live in peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14)

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; (2 Peter 1:5)

Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with [God] (2 Peter 3:14)

You are in a race. Make every effort. Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Holy God, thank you for reminding me how important my spiritual journey is. May I pursue You and Your righteousness with all that I am.

Questions: Where have you become lazy in regard to your spiritual race? Do you put more importance on being diligent in earthly things, than spiritual things? If so, why?

About this Author: Suzanne Benner

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, God of Hope, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Hope for the Harried

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Hope for the Harried

By Gail Rodgers on March 17th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

Feeling harried? Talking to a mentor online can help!

We talked over a pot of tea. Together we read these stark words from the Bible …

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1)

The frenzied pace she kept was taking a toll on her home. Life just seemed to be fraying around the edges.

When we live at a pace that continually drains us we end up taking it out on those closest to us. Complaining, frustration and lack of patience can surface all too often. As women we can actually be tearing down relationships by our own hand and not even be aware we are doing so. A wise woman will take note of her reactions and make a choice to be a builder.

If your quiet time with God has slipped to the wayside of your life it won’t be long before you notice the tell-tale reactions of complaining, negativity and frustration in your life and relationships.

Ask God to come in a fresh way into your life to help you make time with Him a priority. Choose to make some changes in your schedule so God can make some changes in your heart. Invite His Holy Spirit to be the change agent in your life today. Ask for what the Bible calls the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) It’s “The Great Exchange.” He will help you build your relationships. You can depend on God to be your source for all your needs.

- Exchange your weakness for His strength.
- Your unhappy heart for His joy.
- Your annoyance with His love.
- Your anxiety with His peace.
- Your impatience for His patience.
- Your complaining for His contentment.
- Your harsh attitude for His gentleness.

Father in Heaven, Today I ask that You would forgive me for foolishly reacting in ways that can tear my relationships down. Fill me afresh today with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. May I be a wise woman filled with the wisdom and revelation that Your Spirit offers me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Question: If your life feels harried these days, what’s causing all the stress?

About this Author: Gail Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, How Knowledge Strengthens You, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

You're a Gem!

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:32:00 +0000

You’re a Gem!

By Marilyn Ehle on March 16th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

4 Comments

Do you feel like you’re going through a particularly tough “polishing” process right now? Feel free to contact a mentor to pray with you!

“Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure;
genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.” 1 Peter 1:8

Two young women walked out of a meeting where they had listened to wise comments made by an older woman. “She is such a gem!” said one of the women. Her friend enthusiastically agreed.

Curious about what is included in the gem-making process, I did some research. Words such as cut, hammer, fracture, knock off, grind and drill were used to describe the means by which a rough stone is turned into a brilliant, light reflecting stone that can cost thousands of dollars.

I discovered that all gems are cut and polished by progressive abrasion using finer and finer grits of harder substances. After a stone has been sawed and hammered, ground and drilled, it is polished with further rubbing so that it will magnificently reflect light.

This description fits well with the process God uses in our lives to make us into “gems.” Lost jobs or promotions, illnesses, misunderstandings, broken relationships—all part of the sawing, hammering, grinding and drilling God allows in His loving determination to mold us into reflections of Christ.

We wonder at the process—how can God be loving and yet allow such pain? It is exactly that love we depend upon, especially during crises. When we make it a holy habit to learn more of the nature of our God, we are more apt to simply cry out, “Yes, Father,” knowing that we are gems in the making.

Lord, I want to be reflective of Jesus to a world around me desperately needing a glimpse of such heavenly light. Help me be willing to be a gem in the making.

Questions: Think about one person who has shined as a gem in your life? What about that reflection would you like to see in your own life?

About this Author: Marilyn J. Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Let God’s Light Through, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Let Go to Grow

noreply@blogger.com (Kris4God) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Let Go to Grow

By Vonette Bright on March 15th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

2 Comments

How can you grow in your faith? One way is to explore our selection of online interactive life lessons.

Margaret McSweeney wrote,
“A mother’s heart knows how to stretch and to grow.
A mother’s heart knows when it’s time to let go.”

Letting go is an essential part of being a mother.
“Let go to let grow” should be your motto as a mother too.
A mother lets go of her baby’s hand so he can learn to walk.
She lets go of the bicycle handlebars so her child can learn to ride alone.
And she lets go of the apron strings so her young adult can mature.

But especially, a mother needs to let go and let God grow her son or daughter.
In the Bible, Hannah is a fine example. She gave her son Samuel completely over to God.
She said “he will belong to the Lord his whole life.”

Yes, friend, let God have control over your children… no matter what age they are!

Father God, Give me grace and courage to release my children to You. Amen.

Question: What relationship do you need to release to God today?

About this Author: Vonette Bright

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Start with the Faith You Have, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog