Hello my friends......Heart-felt greetings to each one of you today!
If you are like me, I depend on things to work when I need them to work--like my air conditioner in my Ford Explorer. Over time, we have lived with a love-hate relationship. When the AC is working on a hot day, I am pleased, very pleased with the outcome. But when, for no apparent reason at all, the AC starts blowing out hot, very hot air, (which never happens on a moderately cooler day) I sweat it out until either I get home or the cold air returns during my trip. Its a mystery.....hmmmmm.
In a way, my fickle Ford makes for a good illustration on what we can depend upon. We can depend upon the Lord. Our prayer life should be something we can depend on when we need it, when life gets "hot" and we need to keep our cool. If prayer depends upon us alone, we are not going to find much relief. But if we can deepen our relationship with the Lord, our prayer life will be the very thing that will keep us cool--even when it gets hot.
May we all experience the soothing coolness of His grace this week.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #18
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear Psalm 10:17
Core Value: Prayer
Where are we to pray? From the Scriptures shown below, the believer is given at least four examples of where they are to pray. One is to pray in secret (Mt. 6:5-6). One is to pray at home (Acts 12:12). One is to pray in public, for example in a church (Acts 3:1). One is to pray with a small group of other believers (Mt. 18:19-20).
The Christian life is portable, meaning that we are not bound to express our faith in only “religious” places. A disciple’s prayer life can be taken beyond the church building and into the streets—wherever one goes—where prayer can do the most good. Training a disciple to feel comfortable praying anywhere God leads them is a key part of spiritual growth. How does one do this? It is done by living it out before others with one’s own life and example. It is imperative that leaders set the tone when it comes to prayer. This is especially true as it pertains to discipleship.
“When it comes to prayer, leaders set the tone. What is important to them becomes important to the people. Prayer begins in the leader’s private prayer closet. Then it moves out to the people of God. Spiritual leaders must teach about prayer, model prayer, and lead others to pray. There is no right way to do this; there are many right ways. Leaders must choose a strategy and follow it.” (The Shape of Faith To Come. Waggoner 2008, 223)
Principle #18 & Personal Application: The quality disciple knows the Lord—is intimately acquainted with Jesus—and is known by Him.
When we live a prayerful life:
• Our deepest desires are intimately expressed to the Lord
• Humility is formed in our character, helping us to live out what we believe
• Our hearts are strengthened to persevere when everything around seeks to overwhelm and defeat us
• We have the ear, the focused attention, of the Lord of the Universe who intently listens to the heart cry of His people
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of practical things can I do that will enhance my knowledge of the Lord?
When my heart is weak and my faith is down, how does my prayer time with the Lord encourage me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You hear the heart and desire of the humble. I am grateful that through prayer You will strengthen my heart. I am so thankful that You have both the time and the personal interest in me to listen to the concerns of my heart. Teach me, help me, encourage me, to enrich my prayer life. I do want to know You better than I do. I want the kind of Christian experience where prayer is not just another thing to do, but a way of life.
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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