Good morning to all of you my friends from snowy South Carolina (now, there is a paradox for you--snow and South in the same sentence).
As I awaken to a fresh snowfall, my memories take me back a few years ago and my winter visit to Ukraine. There is a great contrast between barren and dirty landscape and a fresh snowfall. The snow in Ukraine covered the unappealing with its beauty. This is what God does for His children.
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NASB95)
All of this is possible because of RELATIONSHIP. We can take great joy in knowing that He pursues us; He loves us; He wants us to know Him better. In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, the core value is Prayer. As we will soon learn, prayer is much more than a list we give to God. Prayer is founded upon a relationship with the Lord.
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #6
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1
Core Value: Prayer
Andrew Murray suggests that the prayer life of the believer is not about getting things from God, but a much more meaningful and relational experience than the Lord serving as some kind of cosmic bellhop for us. “Prayer is not merely coming to God to ask something of Him. It is, above all, fellowship with God and being brought under the power of His holiness and love, until He takes possession of us and stamps our entire nature with the lowliness of Christ, which is the secret of true worship” (Living A Prayerful Life, 1983, pg. 46). One’s prayer life must be more than just a vain ritual that has no meaning to it. Prayer, biblical prayer, must be deeply personal.
Principle #6 & Personal Application: The quality disciple fully expects God to answer prayer.
• This kind of dynamic prayer life is not founded upon a variety of man-made methods (works), but is founded upon having a vibrant relationship with the Lord Jesus (grace).
• It is because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ that the disciple can have a relationship with the One who does answer prayer.
• When the burdens of this world seek to crush us, Jesus Christ is the One who relieves us in our distress. Sometimes, He even chooses to remove that which is causing us distress. Always, He is with us in our distress.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray why do I expect God to answer me?
What kind of distress (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) am I facing this week? In what ways has the Lord been at work in me during this time?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, please remind me to come to You—first—when I am undergoing times of distress. Forgive me for the times when I seek to rescue myself using my own strength and wit. Grant me the faith to trust You with my life. May I truly believe that You will be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
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