Devotional Readings

[Pcola Girl]

Star did you gwet my PM message? I sent you my home email address.
I was feeling bad yesterday with something wrong with my stomach but today I am feeling better. Guess it was just a bug of some sort. Still alittle run down but other wise ok.
Take care everyone and God Bless.


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Listening to God

The Word of God is very rich with verses that teach us how to listen to God, and verses about communication with God.

God's Emphasis on Listening:

2 Chronicles 18:18 "Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD;..........."

Jeremiah 7:2 "Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD."

Isaiah 44:1 "Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:"

Ezekiel 37:4 ".....say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD."

Communication - the Trinity

Genesis 3:9 "And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" this is communication - the LORD God.

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This is communication - the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 3:7 "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice," This is communication - the Holy Spirit.

God's communication with his own:

Micah 3:1 "...Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel;" Micah is speaking the word of the LORD that came to him (Micah 1:1)

Joel 1:2 "Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land....." Joel is speaking the word of the LORD that came to him (Joel 1:1)

Jeremiah 2:4 "Hear ye the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel" Jeremiah is speaking the word of the Lord that came to him (Jeremiah 1:1)

Rev 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches..."

John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"

Some people in the bible that listened to the voice of God:

Mary Magdalene - recognized his voice when he spoke her name, in the midst of grief - John 20:11-18 and so also will he comfort us in the midst of our grief.

Job - the LORD God spoke to Job, and His words brought Job to repentance - Job 38-42

Peter - recognized the voice of the Lord Jesus in the midst of the storm - Matthew 14:25-31 When the storms come, you have to be able to hear his voice.

John - recognized his voice at a distance - John 21:1-7

How does God speak to us?

Old Testament - Job 33:14-23 - in a dream (V15)
- via pain and affliction (V19)
- at the coming near of death (V22)
- through a speaker led by God (V23)

(also brought to mind is Elijah whom God spoke to through a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12-13)

Other Ways God Speaks to us:

- through the creation (Romans 1:20)
- through the leading of the Holy Spirit
- through words of a hymn
- presentation of divine truth via preaching
- through circumstances and happenings of life.

But everything must be judged by the scriptures.

Listening to God was the attitude of the Lord Jesus:

He knew - what to say
- what the will of God the Father was
- he walked the path of obedience.

With regard to preachers, the truth that is preached from God's word might not be the message that God has for that church.. but a preacher that is led by God, preaches a message for that church and it will always be also the truth of God's word.

How to Listen to God

- Listen with understanding
- Respond to that which has been said
- Think about that which has been said
- Let it have an effect on your life

Qualifications for Listening to God.

Listen as a student, not a teacher. Our best teacher is the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-14) but we must be teachable.

[Star123]

Mary, I got your pm and sent you a pm too, plus a copy of this devotional below.

Riding Above the Clouds, by Mary L. Beaney

Sitting in the Airport that afternoon in April, I began to dread getting into the plane. The sky had darkened. The wind howled and roared, whipping at the workers' clothes, picking up debris and tossing it all around. Dust filled the air. Hail mixed with rain pelted onto the wings of my waiting plane. If only I could fly another day!
Yet, it was imperative that I take that flight. An uncle was making a lengthy drive to meet me and take me up the narrow, winding mountain road to where my elderly parents would be waiting. They were both sick and needed my care. Although I strongly preferred the security of the terminal, I squelched my fear and boarded the plane, taking a seat next to a window.
As the plane taxied out to the runway, visibility was poor. The pilot took the plane up, up, and up. I was not looking forward to what appeared to be a dark, dreary flight.
Then quite unexpectedly, we lifted up into the white glory of sunlight. We had risen above the storm clouds. What a surprise! I looked out the window and saw beautiful sunshine. Down below were the tops of fluffy clouds glistening in the sunshine. It was breathtaking!
There was an opening in the clouds. Peering down, I could see the earth I'd left behind. The rain fell in silver waves out of the bottom of the clouds, pouring down onto the earth floor. Immediately Hannah Whitall Smith's writings came to mind.
During the late 1800's, in The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, she tells of the chariots of God. She says that earthly cares are a heavenly discipline, sent to take the soul to its high places of triumph.
She tells of a time when she was in England, sitting under a sky heavy with fog. An opening came in the dark sky. Through the opening, she could glimpse a bird with sunshine on its wings, sailing along above the fog in the clear blue sky. She wrote that if we could just get up above the clouds of trouble in life, we would be in the sunshine.
If only she could have flown with me that day, she would have realized to a greater extent the truth of her message. I felt fortunate to actually see that the sun does shine above the storm clouds. I realized that the sunshine of God's love and grace is brilliantly shining for us. If we would just quiet our fears and climb into His chariot paved with love, we would be carried above the storm clouds of our lives.
As I watched the rain pour down onto the ground, I thought of all the people down there who were scurrying around, holding tightly to their umbrellas, hoping for the protection they could give, trusting their umbrellas to keep them dry. While they were struggling with minimal protection their umbrellas offered, I had been lifted up above the onslaught of the storm, and was sitting warm and dry and comfortable--and all because I had overcome my fear and stepped into the plane.
I had been fearful of getting into that plane and riding up into that storm. Hannah says that we can lie down and let the cares of life roll over us and crush us, or we can climb into God's chariot and be carried away from the low, earthly hurts, up into the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, where we can ride in triumph over all below.
Hannah's thoughts about sunshine and clear blue sky above the fog were right. So, too, was her thinking about our surrender to and trust in God carrying us above the trials of life.
Hannah had truly discovered the Christian's secret of a happy life! How grateful I am that she shared it with us!

God BLess,

[Pcola Girl]

Here is something interesting I thought you all might enjoy reading up on.
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*What are the Biblical titles and names given to Jesus?
Names and Titles Given to Jesus (God)*

Adam 1Corinthians 15:45
Advocate 1John 2:1
Almighty Revelation 1:8
Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8
Amen Revelation 3:14
Angel Genesis 48:16; Exodus 23:20, 21
Angel of his presence Isaiah 63:9
Anointed Psalms 2:2
Apostle Hebrews 3:1
Arm of the Lord Isaiah 51:9, 10
Author and Finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2
Beginning and end of the creation of God Revelation 3:14; 22:13
Beloved Ephesians 1:6
Blessed and only Potentate 1Timothy 6:15
Branch Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8
Bread of life John 6:48
Bridegroom Matthew 9:15
Bright and Morning Star Revelation 22:16
Brightness of the Father's glory Hebrews 1:3
Captain of the Lord's host (army) Joshua 5:14
Captain of Salvation Hebrews 2:10
Carpenter Mark 6:3
Carpenter's son Matthew 13:55
Chief Shepherd 1Peter 5:4
Chief Cornerstone 1Peter 2:6
Chiefest among ten thousand Song of Songs 5:10
Child Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:27, 43
Chosen of God 1Peter 2:4
Christ Matthew 1:16; Luke 9:20
The Christ (Messiah) Matthew 16:20; Mark 14:61
Christ, a King Luke 23:2
Christ Jesus Acts 19:4; Romans 3:24; 8:1; 1Corinthians 1:2, 30; Hebrews 3:1; 1Peter 5:10, 14
Christ Jesus our Lord 1Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:39
Christ of God Luke 9:20
Christ, the chosen of God Luke 23:35
Christ the Lord Luke 2:11
Christ, the power of God 1Corinthians 1:24
Christ the wisdom of God 1Corinthians 1:24
Christ, the Son of God Acts 9:20
Christ, Son of the Blessed Mark 14:61
Commander Isaiah 55:4
Consolation of Israel Luke 2:25
Cornerstone Ephesians 2:20
Counselor Isaiah 9:6
Covenant of the people Isaiah 42:6
David Jeremiah 30:9
Daysman Job 9:33
Dayspring Luke 1:78
Day Star 2Peter 1:19
Deliverer Romans 11:26
Desire of all nations Haggai 2:7
Door, the John 10:7
Elect Isaiah 42:1
Emmanuel Isaiah 7:14
Ensign Isaiah 11:10
Eternal Life 1John 5:20
Everlasting Father Isaiah 9:6
Faithful and True Revelation 19:11
Faithful Witness, the Revelation 1:5
Faithful and true witness, the Revelation 3:14
Finisher of faith Hebrews 12:2
First and last Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13
First begotten Hebrews 1:6
First begotten of the dead Revelation 1:5
Firstborn Psalms 89:27
Foundation Isaiah 28:16
Fountain Zechariah 13:1
Forerunner Hebrews 6:20
Friend of sinners Matthew 11:19
Gift of God John 4:10
Glory of Israel Luke 2:32
God (deity) John 1:1
God blessed forever Romans 9:5
God manifest in the flesh 1Timothy 3:16
God of Israel, the Saviour Isaiah 45:15
God of the whole earth Isaiah 54:5
God our Saviour 1Timothy 2:3
God's dear Son Colossians 1:13
God with us Matthew 1:23
Good Master Matthew 19:16
Governor Matthew 2:6
Great Shepherd of the sheep Hebrews 13:20
Head of the ekklesia (body) Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 24
Heir of all things Hebrews 1:2
High priest Hebrews 4:14
Head of every man 1Corinthians 11:3
Head of the corner Matthew 21:42
Holy child Jesus Acts 4:30
Holy one Psalms 16:10; Acts 3:14
Holy one of God Mark 1:24
Holy one of Israel Isaiah 41:14; 54:5
Holy thing Luke 1:35
Hope (our) 1Timothy 1:1
Horn of salvation Luke 1:69
I AM John 8:58
Image of God Hebrews 1:3
Israel Isaiah 49:3
Jehovah Isaiah 40:3
Jehovah's fellow Zechariah 13:7
Jesus Matthew 1:21
Jesus Christ Matthew 1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 2:38; 4:10; 9:34; 10:36; Romans 1:1, 16:18; 3, 6; 2:16; 5:15, 17; 6:3; 1Corinthians 1:1, 4; 2:2; 2Corinthians 1:19; 4:6; 13:5; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 1:8; 2:11; 1Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 13:8; 1John 1:7; 2:1
Jesus Christ our Lord Romans 1:3; 6:11, 23; 1Corinthians 1:9; 7:25
Jesus Christ our Saviour Titus 3:6
Jesus of Nazareth Mark 1:24; Luke 24:19
Jesus (of Nazareth), King of the Jews John 19:19; Matthew 27:37
Jesus, the Son of God Hebrews 4:14
Jesus, the Son of Joseph John 6:42
Judge Acts 10:42
Just man, Just person, Just One Matthew 27:19, 24; Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14
King Matthew 21:5
King of Israel John 1:49
King of the Jews Matthew 2:2
King of Saints Revelation 15:3
King of Kings 1Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14
King of Glory Psalms 24:7-10
King of Zion Matthew 21:5
King over all the earth Zechariah 14:9
Lamb Revelation 5:6, 8; 7:9, 6:16; 10, 17; 12:11; 13:8, 11; 14:1, 4; 15:3; 17:14; 21:9, 14, 22, 19:7, 9; 23, 27
Lamb of God John 1:29
Lawgiver Isaiah 33:22
Leader Isaiah 55:4
Life John 14:6
Light John 8:12
Light, everlasting Isaiah 60:20
Light of the world John 8:12
Light to the Gentiles Isaiah 42:6
Light, true John 1:9
Living Bread, the John 6:51
Living Stone 1Peter 2:4
Lion of the tribe of Judah Revelation 5:5
Lord Romans 1:3
Lord of Lords Revelation 17:14; 19:16
Lord of all Acts 10:36
Lord our righteousness Jeremiah 23:6
Lord God Almighty Revelation 15:3
Lord from heaven 1Corinthians 15:47
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2Peter 1:11; 3:18
Lord Christ Colossians 3:24
Lord Jesus Acts 7:59; Colossians 3:17; 1Thessalonians 4:12
Lord Jesus Christ Acts 11:17; 16:31; 20:21; Romans 5:1, 11; 13:14
Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour Titus 1:4
Lord of glory James 2:1
Lord of Hosts (armies) Isaiah 44:6
Lord, mighty in battle Psalms 24:8
Lord of the dead and living Romans 14:9
Lord of the sabbath Mark 2:28
Lord over all Romans 10:12
Lord's Christ Luke 2:26
Lord, strong and mighty Psalms 24:8
Lord, the, our righteousness Jeremiah 23:6
Lord, your holy one Isaiah 43:15
Lord, your redeemer Isaiah 43:14
Man Christ Jesus 1Timothy 2:5
Man of sorrows Isaiah 53:3
Master Matthew 23:8
Mediator, the only 1Timothy 2:5
Messenger of the covenant Malachi 3:1
Messiah John 1:41
Messiah the Prince Daniel 9:25
Mighty God Isaiah 9:6
Mighty one of Israel Isaiah 30:29
Mighty one of Jacob Isaiah 49:26
Mighty to save Isaiah 63:1
Minister of the sanctuary Hebrews 8:2
Morning Star Revelation 22:16
Most holy Daniel 9:24
Most mighty Psalms 45:3
Nazarene Matthew 2:23
Offspring of David Revelation 22:16
Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) John 3:16
Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) of the Father John 1:14
Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) Son (the best mss. have "God" instead of "Son" here) John 1:18
Only wise God, our Saviour Jude 1:25
Overseer 1Peter 2:25
Passover, our 1Corinthians 5:7
Plant of renown Ezekiel 34:29
Potentate 1Timothy 6:15
Power of God 1Corinthians 1:24
Physician Matthew 9:12
Precious Cornerstone Isaiah 28:16
Priest Hebrews 7:17
Prince Acts 5:31
Prince of Life Acts 3:15
Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6
Prince of the kings of the earth Revelation 1:5
Prophet Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; Matthew 21:11; Luke 24:19
Propitiation (expiation, our Sin-offering) 1John 2:2
Rabbi, Rabboni John 1:49; 20:16
Ransom 1Timothy 2:6
Redeemer Isaiah 59:20
Resurrection and the Life, the John 11:25
Redemption 1Corinthians 1:30
Righteous Branch Jeremiah 23:5
Righteous Judge 2Timothy 4:8
Righteous Servant Isaiah 53:11
Righteousness 1Corinthians 1:30
Rock 1Corinthians 10:4
Rock of Offence 1Peter 2:8
Root of David Revelation 5:5; 22:16
Root of Jesse Isaiah 11:10
Rose of Sharon Song of Songs 2:1
Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2
Salvation Luke 2:30
Sanctification 1Corinthians 1:30
Sanctuary Isaiah 8:14
Saviour Luke 2:11
Saviour, Jesus Christ 2Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:13; 2Peter 1:1
Saviour of the body (ekklesia) Ephesians 5:23
Saviour of the world 1John 4:14
Sceptre Numbers 24:17
Second Man, the 1Corinthians 15:47
Seed of David 2Timothy 2:8
Seed of the woman Genesis 3:15
Servant Isaiah 42:1
Servant of rulers Isaiah 49:7
Shepherd Mark 14:27
Shepherd and Overseer of souls 1Peter 2:25
Shepherd, Chief 1Peter 5:4
Shepherd, Good John 10:11
Shepherd, Great Hebrews 13:20
Shepherd of Israel Psalms 80:1
Shiloh Genesis 49:10
Son of the Father 2John 1:3
Son of God, See JESUS, SON OF GOD
Son of Man, See JESUS, SON OF MAN
Son of the Blessed One (God) Mark 14:61
Son of the Highest One (God) Luke 1:32
Son of David Matthew 9:27
Star Numbers 24:17
Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2
Surety (Guarantee) Hebrews 7:22
Stone Matthew 21:42
Stone of Stumbling 1Peter 2:8
Sure Foundation Isaiah 28:16
Teacher John 3:2
True God 1John 5:20
True Vine John 15:1
Truth John 14:6
Unspeakable Gift 2Corinthians 9:15
Very Christ Acts 9:22
Vine, the John 15:1
Way, the John 14:6
Which is, which was, which is to come (equivalent to the tetragrammaton (YHWH), the Eternal One, I AM THAT I AM) Revelation 1:4
Wisdom Proverbs 8:12
Wisdom of God, the 1Corinthians 1:24
Witness Isaiah 55:4; Revelation 1:5
Wonderful Isaiah 9:6
Word John 1:1
Word of God Revelation 19:13
Word of Life 1John 1:1

[Pcola Girl]

God does act in response to prayer.

Some people think that, if God does not do miracles, then He must not be acting at all. Others see only psychological benefits in prayer or perhaps just the fact that we have obeyed God's command to pray. Even though we pray Scripturally, they claim God does not actually intervene in the course of earthly events to bring about what we asked for. But the examples just listed show that God does act in response to prayer, acting in harmony with natural law, without miracle.

Note Matthew 18:19 - When we ask God to do something, it will be done by the Father in heaven. God does act. This is true of "anything" we ask. Every kind of Scriptural request is included. [Cf. John 14:13,14; 15:7]

If God does not act to change the course of events in response to prayer, the same effect could be produced by a person praying with sincere faith to an idol! The idol could not do anything, but the worshiper would receive the psychological benefits.

Yet the Bible clearly teaches that Scriptural prayer to God produces results that cannot be achieved by people who do not serve the true God (James 5:16; 1 John 3:22; Prov. 15:8,29; Psalm 34:15-19; etc.). These promises can be valid only if prayer produces results beyond psychological benefits.

However, we must also work, to the extent of our ability, to achieve what we prayed for.
God does act in response to Scriptural prayers, but He will not act if we are not willing to do our part.

Matthew 6:11 teaches us to pray for our daily bread, but we must still work for it (2 Thess. 3:10). God does not answer through miracle (as by manna from heaven). But He does work through natural law to bless our effort so the needed result is achieved where it may not have been achieved had we worked but not prayed.

James 1:5 says to pray for wisdom (cf. Col. 1:9), but we must still study the word (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:15-17). The prayer is answered, not by miraculous direct revelation, but through the natural process of study. God gives us opportunities to learn and blesses our study so we learn what we might not have known had we not prayed.

3 John 2 - A prayer for good health requires us to care for our bodies, not knowingly damaging our health for personal pleasures.

In a similar way, we should pray for the spread of the gospel, but we must also work to teach it to the lost. But because we prayed, God blesses our work so it accomplishes good that may not have been accomplished had we not prayed.

God gives, not necessarily what we want, but what is best for everyone involved.
Matthew 7:7-11 - Like an earthly father, God gives good things, not things that do harm.

Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus prayed to avoid the cross, but said, "Thy will be done." He still had to die, but an angel strengthened Him (Luke 22:43). God met His need while still doing what was needed for mankind.

Psalm 34:10 - Those who seek God will not lack any good thing. [Rom. 8:28; James 1:17]

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Paul prayed for his thorn in the flesh to be removed. God did not grant the request but instead did what was best for Paul.

[Matt. 6:8; Eph. 3:20; 1 Kings 3:5-13]

God is infinite, where our knowledge is limited. We may not know what is best, but God does. This is why we ought always to pray for God's will to be done. He can then give us what we asked, something greater, or something different, according to what He knows to be best.

We further may not understand how God can control the universe without miracles, yet the Bible affirms that He does (consider also the story of Esther). Those who believe in God must believe in His power to answer prayer, even though we cannot explain how He does it.

IV. What Conditions Must Prayer Meet?

God had promised to answer prayer, yet some prayers are not answered. How can this be? The only possible explanation is that there are conditions prayer must meet in order for God to answer, just as there are conditions we must meet in order for God to forgive our sins. What conditions must prayer meet in order for God to answer?

A. We Must Pray in Jesus' Name (though Him as Mediator).
Consider these verses:
John 14:13,14 - If we ask anything in Jesus' name, He will do it. [Cf. John 15:16; 16:23,24,26; Eph. 5:20]

Romans 1:8 - Paul thanked God through Jesus Christ. [Col. 3:17]

1 Timothy 2:5 - Jesus is the one mediator between God and man. The immediate context refers to salvation, but the broader context refers to prayer (see v1,2,8). Jesus is the mediator in prayer because He is our mediator in salvation. He is our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16).

What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name?
Are these just meaningless words we mouth at the end of a prayer to make it effective [like a magic spell - "Open, Sesame"]?

A person's name stands for the person and all that He is. God's name is "hallowed" because God Himself is hallowed (Matt. 6:9). More specifically, a person's name represents his will and authority. Your name signed on a check or other legal document authorizes it as acceptable to you. "Halt in the name of the law" means the authority of the law requires you to stop.

Further, Jesus is the mediator who makes it possible for us to approach God in prayer. We pray "through Him" because His authority enables us to be heard. Because of our sins, we could never approach God. We need a "go-between" to reconcile us to God so we can communicate with Him. Because Jesus died as our sacrifice, He is the only one who can authorize us to approach God in prayer.

Why then would anyone pray through Mary or a dead "saint"? They did not redeem us by their death, hence they cannot mediate our prayers. No one can mediate instead of or in addition to Jesus. He is the "one mediator" between God and man.

To pray in Jesus' name means we are appealing to His authority as the one mediator between us and God. We are trusting His power to make it possible for God to hear our prayer. We should understand this if we are to avoid praying with "vain repetition."

B. We Must Pray According to God's Will.
This follows from the concept of prayer "in Jesus' name." Note further:

1 John 5:14,15 - God hears us if we ask according to His will.

Matthew 26:39 - Jesus prayed for the Father's will to be done. [Matt. 6:10]

But God's will may fall into one of two categories:

In things essential to salvation, God's will is revealed in the Scriptures.
Note 2 Tim. 3:16,17; 1 Cor. 14:37; etc. Regarding such matters, we must never pray for things that do not harmonize with God's revealed will.

For example, God says we should not pray for things just to satisfy our selfish lusts (James 4:3). Such would not be praying according to His will.

Likewise, God's has revealed that sinners must meet conditions, including baptism, to be forgiven (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; etc.). We must never pray for God to save such people without them meeting these conditions.

Since the gospel came into effect, no passage ever tells an unbaptized person to pray for forgiveness of sins. Yet preachers often tell such people to "pray through" or "pray the sinner's prayer" to be saved. Such a prayer would not be answered because it is not according to God's will.

In things not essential to salvation, God's will may not be expressly revealed in Scripture.
Many events of everyday life may not be a matter of right or wrong, so we may not know God's expressed will. For example, we know God allows suffering and death, so in a particular instance of illness we may not know whether God would be willing for the person to get better or not. [2 Cor. 12:7-10]

In these cases we may pray for what we believe to be best, but then we should ask God to do what He knows to be best. Then by faith we accept the outcome.

C. We Must Pray with Understanding and Meaning.
1 Corinthians 14:15,16 - Pray with the spirit and the understanding. Think about the words to be sure you mean what is said. When you lead public prayer, help people understand so they can say "amen" (cf. vv19,26,40). Use words people can understand. Speak loudly and distinctly.

Matthew 6:7 - Do not use vain (meaningless) repetition. Even if we understand the words, if we repeat them frequently, we may be tempted to just mouth the words without meaning them. This does not prove it is wrong to repeat a request (Matt. 26:36-46; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Luke 18:1-7), but we should mean it every time we pray it!

D. We Must Pray with Sincerity and Earnestness.
1 Samuel 1:10,15 - Hannah poured out her soul in prayer.

Jeremiah 29:12,13 - God promised He would hear His people when they prayed with "all their hearts."

Luke 22:44 - In Gethsemane Jesus prayed earnestly.

Matthew 6:5 - Do not pray from hypocritical motives such as to be seen of men. Pleasing, impressing, and entertaining people are not proper motives for prayer. We must pray to please God and honor Him. [Mark 12:40]

Prayer must never become a mere formality or outward ritual that we go through without meaning what we do. Our hearts must be involved in fervent prayer, thanksgiving, and appeals to God.

[1 Cor. 14:15; Psalm 17:1; 145:18; James 5:16,17]

E. We Must Pray in Faith.
James 1:5-8 - Ask in faith without doubting. One who doubts will received nothing from God. First we must believe that God exists, then believe that He has power to answer prayer. The skeptic or agnostic who prays ("just in case there is a God") is wasting his breath.

Mark 11:24 - To receive the blessing we request, we must believe that God will answer. The context discusses miracles, which do not occur today (1 Cor. 13:8-10), but the principle still applies. God answers prayer today through natural law, but we must believe He does answer else we can be sure He will not.

Remember, as discussed previously, that there are some things God has expressly revealed that He is willing to give, such as forgiveness to a penitent child of God. Faith requires us to believe He will give what He has promised. In other matters He has not necessarily revealed what He will give (such as good health), so we must pray "Thy will be done." Then we must believe He will do what is best.

Praying in faith also requires us to accept what God sends as being what is best. Too often, when we do not receive exactly what we asked for, we complain or think God broke His promise. Faith requires us to believe He will give the best thing at the best time, and then believe that the result is what is best.

F. We Must Pray with Humility and Respect for God.
2 Chronicles 7:14 - God will hear His people if they "humble themselves" and pray.

Luke 18:9-14 - The self-righteous Pharisee praised and exalted himself in prayer, instead of exalting God. Such a person will be abased by God, not justified.

Matthew 6:9 - Pray, "Hallowed be Thy name." Prayer must express respect and reverence for God.

God should not be approached casually as another human ("Hi, Pop!"), nor as a servant at our beck and call. Our attitudes and speech should exalt His greatness while recognizing our weaknesses, sins, and human limitations. [2 Chron. 33:10-13; Gen. 18:27]

[Pcola Girl]

Star where have you been. I see you on other threads but not here anymore.
I will keep posting the daily devotionals so anyone who wants to can read them.
Hope to see you back here soon.
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5 Tips to Help You Reach Forgiveness


1.Recognize that forgiveness is an act of your will… not your emotions. If you wait until you feel like forgiving, you will live with bitterness in your heart-and that bitterness will destroy you.

2.Recognize that forgiveness heals you! Forgiveness is not necessarily for the person who hurt you-it sets you free. You're not submitting to their brutality, condoning their injustice toward you, or whitewashing the words or deeds of your offender. You are forgiving to bring cleansing to you! Forgive your enemies; it's the only way to liberate your mind and emotions from the toxic poison of that painful memory.

3.Recognize that forgiveness is your immediate priority! Jesus said, "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be recognized to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matt.5:23-24). Forgiveness must take place now! Jesus essentially said, "Stop praying! Forgive the one who has hurt you, and then return to the place of prayer! All the other good things you do in the name of the Lord are worthless until you decide to deal with your own unforgiveness."

4.Forgive totally! In Matthew 18:21, the apostle Peter asked Jesus the poignant question, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jewish teaching at the time said that if you forgive an offender one time, then you were a good man. If you forgive the same person twice, then you were a holy man. And if you forgive that individual three times, then you were God-like! No doubt, when Peter asked, "Shall I forgive him up to seven times?" he was fully expecting Christ to praise him for his magnanimous gesture and personal holiness. But Jesus shocked Peter by saying, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:22). That's 490 times! The message is: Forgive until it becomes a habit. Quit counting offences! If someone sins against you or offends you in some way, forgive them… and keep o n forgiving them. You don't have to be a doormat, but you do have to forgive totally, completely, and continually. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger and the high cost of hatred, which waste your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual energy!

5.Recognize that forgiveness is not optional! Forgiveness is not something you can do if and when you are "good and ready." God makes it very clear that if you choose not to forgive others, He cannot forgive you. Jesus said, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses"(Matt. 6:14-15).

The message is clear! Change your course or perish! Your choice determines your future. If you will not forgive someone else, God will not forgive you. If you stubbornly refuse to forgive others, your soul will be lost for all eternity. He who will not forgive others, burns the bridge over which he must pass to get into the gates of heaven.

We have no time to harbor grudges, bitterness, or resentments from the past. We must forgive from the heart and forgive completely. Forgive now! Forgive totally! Forgive and be free! - Pastor John Hagee

[Pcola Girl]

A preacher once gave a sermon on honesty. The next day, she took the bus into town and after taking a seat noticed she was given too much change. She tried to convince herself that the extra money was a gift from God but knew better. Before getting off the bus she handed the driver the extra money and said: "You made a mistake and gave me too much change?"

"That was no mistake," said the driver with a smile. "I was in your church yesterday and heard your sermon on honesty. So this morning, I gave you a little test!" "That was no mistake," said the driver with a smile. "I was in your church yesterday and heard your sermon on honesty. So this morning, I gave you a little test!"

People are watching. What will they see in you?

[Pcola Girl]

Where is everyone? Miss you all. Come back when you can and post and let me know how you are doing ok.

[terri73]

I saw this thread and deceided to give it a read. I am just beginning my journey to have God in my life again, and reading these words meant a lot.

[Pcola Girl]

Terri, I am so happy you joined us here.
If there is anything I can help you with on your journey to know the Lord let me know.
Jesus is so wonderful and He loves us all in spite of our sins, He died for our sins, thats how much He loves us.
Would we do the same for Him? I hope my faith is strong enough that if it came down to me dying for Him I would do it. I want to spend my eternity in Heaven with Jesus. I want to live the life that He would want me to live.
I want to serve Him and spread His word everywhere I go while I am still here on this earth. That is the great commission, that we go out into all the world and tell others of Jesus and His love for us all.

God Bless You All.


-----------------------------------------------------
"Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life, and he who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." (John 6: 35 )
"Focus on the feature that Jesus is the bread of life. The parable of Jesus began in the Old Testament because everything that is spiritual in the New Testament has its basis in the Old Testament. Every dynamic of New Testament spirituality is born in the symbolism of the Old Testament. The New Testament is the revelation of the Old Testament.

When manna fell from heaven every morning for the children of Israel, this was bread from heaven. Jesus was bread from heaven. When that manna fell every morning, the children of Israel had to go get it. If you were going to have a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ, it is


1. A daily experience
2. You go get it.
3. There's no such thing as getting on a spiritual high and overstuffing and not eating for four or five weeks.

One of the great spiritual mistakes is that people say, 'Well, I remember the revival of 1902 or '82 or something like that.' The fact is that when the manna fell if you got more than you ate, it would rot. So God says, even in the Lord's prayer, 'Give us this day our daily bread.'
The fourth principle here is that everyone who ate that bread in Israel was neither sick nor feeble for 40 years. There's very direct corollary to the Word of God. For the Proverbs very clearly says that 'those who feast on the Word of God, it is health to thy navel and health to the marrow of your bones.' Navel is the source of life and the marrow of the bone is where the red blood cells are reconstituted, and your physical body is restructured and strengthened. So the basis of the Word of God is that it is the source of life itself. It is the source of being physically and emotionally resuscitated, but you have to eat it everyday.

May the Lord add His blessing to the reading of His Word."

- Pastor John C. Hagee

[Pcola Girl]

DailyWay Bible Reading Calendars

Here is a web site where you can go to and it has a page that you can print out if you want to, on reading the Bible in a year.
Click on the CLICK HERE that is in RED and it will bring up the page for you.

[Pcola Girl]

"Searching For God"

In my lifetime quest
For peace and happiness,
I looked for the God of creation
Seeking my eternal salvation.

I sought God everywhere
Vainly searching in despair,
In no place could I find
This Savior to call mine.

I read the worlds religions
Trying to see a vision
Of where God might be
But the Lord escapes me.

I've searched for God in mind
But He eludes me every time,
My thoughts cannot make clear
Why the creator is not here.

I sought God from preachers
And world famous teachers,
I sought from priest and rabbi
But God's grace passes me by.

I studied the Bible and other books
And pilgrim journeys I took,
Searching for God in every place
But in none did I see his face.

I searched holy places and shrines
Looking for divinity signs
But each time I feel God is near
His presence disappears.

In desperation I fell to my knees
Crying, "why have you forsaken me?"
I've searched for you again and again!
I hear a gentle voice whisper----
" You did not invite me in"

[Star123]

Hi Ladies, sorry for being mia lately. Although I've been posting at other threads, I've been feeling fatiqued lately, but will make a better effort to keep this thread going. I love reading and sharing what God is doing, and encourage you to share what God has been doing in your lives as well.

Terri, this is a place where you can share your journey of faith, post a prayer, a devotional or whatever you wish to share, concerning what God is or has being doing in your life. I'm sure that you will find this thread helpful in discovering God in a fresh new way. God BLess You.

Mary, thanks for being faithful at posting your devotionals. I appreciate what you're doing and wish you all the best. Thanks.

Here's a prayer that I found online from Christian source: "The Dieter's Prayer Book" © 2000 by Heather Harpham Kopp. Used by permission of Waterbrook Press.

Show Me the Path to Health

Dear God,
I admit that I have come to both love
and hate the word "diet."
On the one hand, it represents hope for change.
On the other, it's like a sign flashing "Failure ahead!"
I don't want to embark on another faulty plan, Lord.
I want to embark on a journey with You
that is led by You and depends on Your power.
I can do nothing on my own!
Show me the path that will enable me to change.
Show me, as only You can,
what works for me, what is healthy for me.
I want to think of this venture in positive terms, Lord --
not that I am signing up to be miserable or in want.
I want to learn to feed my body what it truly needs when it truly needs it.
And to feed my soul with the Bread of Life -- You!
Today I place my future, my failures, my setbacks,
all of my hopes and plans into Your hands.
There alone will I find meaning
and true success in my life.
Amen.


God Bless and Keep You, amen.


- Heather Kopp

[Star123]

Hi, Happy Sunday!!!

Here's a tribute to all Mothers!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's day. Although I'm not a mother myself, I celebrated it with my mom. As usual we went to sunday service, and I sang in the worship team. We all worshipped and praised God in song and hymns, then they had all the mother stand up in the congregation, giving them chocolates. I noticed that each one had a big smile on their faces. From what I've observed in the past, I know it's not an easy task to be a mother. For those who are truly mothers, I lift you up and honor you today!!!

Although I've never had the priviledge of having children, I believe that I'm a mother in my own right. For all the people I've touched over the years, some even being children from broken and proverty stricken homes, God had used me in some way to touch those who may or may not have had a parent to lean on, even for just a moment.

I remember several years ago, when I meet a little girl that was diagnosed with leukemia, who had a sister who bullied her and who's mother was a drug addict. She had been playing with the neighbourhood kids and had a joyful countenance about her. She touched my heart deeply and I decided that she needed a doll to call her own. So, I crocheted an angel with golden hair, a white gown and a halo to comfort her. When I gave it to her she thought it was beautiful, and she ran and gave me her cherished scotty. I told her that her guardian angels were protecting her every moment of the day and thanked her for her precious gift. Then told her about Jesus. She said that she believed in God and heaven, and that she was going there some day. Then I had her say the sinner's prayer with me to accept Jesus into her heart, and she left me with much joy in her heart as she ran to play with her friends. I prayed for her and her family that night. It touched my heart knowing that she would be taken care of by my father in heaven. She moved away from that place shortly afterwards and I never found out what had happened to her, but I was assured in knowing that when God had taken her home, that she would be safe and at peace with Him forever. God must have had a reason for us to met that day, and I'm glad I was able to comfort a precious sick child and leave her in His loving care always.

I pray that you'll had a wonderful Mother's day and I thank you for all the children and people you have touched over the years, because God had a reason for it all to happen.

God BLess,

[Star123]

Martin Luther and Salvation by Grace - by Frances Simpson

Grace is a beautiful word. It lifts us above the earthly to help us see inside the heart of God. All have sinned; but, at the foot of the Cross, we find forgiveness. In death, we have the promise of resurrection. Though we deserve separation from God, He is preparing heaven where we can live with Him forever. Grace takes us from "where we are" to "what we can become."

In the 16th century, Martin Luther challenged the church hierarchy and traditions to open the window of grace. he came to believe what Paul had written earlier, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8-9.

While ostracized and imprisioned, Luther translated the Bible into German and composed a hymnbook in the language of his people. The rallying cry of the Reformation became Luther's powerful hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," which points to God as our helper in all the circumstances of life. The song was sung at Luther's funeral. The first line is inscribed on his tomb in Eisleben.

God's grace is at work throughout the Old Testament as He rescues His chosen people and reveals himself to them again and again. In the New Testament, the Cross spells grace in flaming colors.

The focus of the sanctified life is the Trinity, not us. God set the stage. Christ, through His death, bought our redemption. The Holy Spirit leads us daily as we research the riches of divine grace.

In faith, look up. God has a truckload of grace headed your way.

[Pcola Girl]

Hope you had a great mothers day. Children are a gift from God and we are to care for them with our very best care we can.
God bless us in many ways and children are just one way He sends us His love.
__________________________________________
"The Bible Came from God."
"Its origin is Divine. It is a message from God to man."

John 16:13; [14:26] - Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth. As these men spoke and wrote, the teachings they revealed were not human in origin, but were the very will of God.

1 Corinthians 14:37 - The things Paul wrote were the commandment of the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God.

When we follow the Bible, we are following God's will for man, not human ideas.

[1 Corinthians 2:10-13; Ephesians 3:3-5; John 16:13; Matthew 10:19,20; Galatians 1:8-12; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Luke 10:16

[Melle]

Subscribing to this thread.

[Pcola Girl]

MELLE, IT IS SO NICE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US HERE.

Here is our devotion for today.
If you have a devotion or Bible Study you want to post please do so, its interesting to see different ones and study them.
We all here can post one daily if we want, there is no limit to how many we can have in a day.
I print them up to study later, you may want to do the same.
I know it has helped me know my Bible and God alot better by studying our devotionals.
________________________________________
What IS the gift of God?

Perhaps one of the poorest translated passages in the New Testament is Ephesians 4:11-12. It reads as follows in the KJV:

"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ. "

"To some God has given the gift of apostleship, to others that of prophecy, and to others still the gift of evangelism. Some are equipped to be shepherds and some to be teachers. All of these special abilities are granted in order to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry, building up and strengthening the Church of God."

"No Ungifted Believers"
Every child of God has a spiritual gift or gifts. Our gifts are assigned us when we are begotten by the Holy Spirit into the family of God. At the moment of a believer's baptism into the Body of Christ, he or she is given a gift which should be exercised for the health of the whole Church. Though gifts may and often do lie dormant for many years, each of God's true people has at least one and probably more.

Paul emphasized the universality of the spiritual gifts, saying,
"Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Eph. 4:7).
"The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal " (I Cor. 12:7).
So, brethren, you and I are gifted children of God. Since we are also given an outlet for our gifts, we are ministers too. For every gift that is bestowed, God has planned a sphere of service. Just as many notes are required to make harmonious music, and many colors to make a painting, so many gifts are essential for the proper functioning of the Body of Christ, "for the body is not one member, but many" (I Cor. 12:14).

How many gifts are assigned to each believer? At least one, perhaps several. Could this not be inferred from Christ's Parable of the Talents in which one man was given a single gift, another two and yet another five? Though one servant had only one, the other two had a total of seven talents. We can also observe multiple gifts in operation in individuals described in the New Testament. For example, Philip had the gifts of wisdom, showing mercy, evangelism and possibly others. And, of course, the apostle Paul was undoubtedly gifted in many areas of spiritual service.

"The Purpose of Gifts"
Not only are we appointed diverse gifts, but we are allocated differing ministries or spheres of service. Since each believer likely has a different combination of gifts and ministries, it only follows that each of us is in some way unlike any other believer in the arrangement of spiritual abilities and outlets to serve. We may not be created equal, but we are indeed unique and very significant in God's scheme of things.

Because God has given spiritual gifts as it has pleased Him, no one can or should boast of his or her own particular abilities. All such gifts come through the grace of our Father, not by personal merit. Neither should we ever follow, idolize or become devotees of any human leader out of mere admiration for his gifts. Paul strictly warns against this error in I Corinthians 3, pointing out that those who exercise the gifts must never be allowed to eclipse Him who gave the gifts.

Your gift is not primarily for your sake. All spiritual abilities are granted to build up one another, thus enabling us all to better serve and glorify Christ together. Gifts are therefore for the common good, and never for personal glory.

No one is gifted enough, wise enough, or strong enough to live apart from other believers.We are all gifted children, and we will answer for it! Therefore, "As every man has received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (I Pet. 4:10).

"Discovering your Gift"
So many modern-day Christians go through life blissfully unaware of what wealth God has given them in the form of spiritual gifts. There will unquestionably come a day of reckoning in which we all will be judged on how we utilized what God gave us. Therefore we are to discover and develop those gifts.

A sensible estimate of our abilities is a spiritual ne