Category Archives: Devotional

Motivation to Pray

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There is no need to rush off into allegations of imbalance.  Without question some verses on prayer have been abused by people teaching weird doctrines.  This one may even get the prize for “most abused”.  Still, if we ever needed a motivation to pray, the following words of Jesus have to rank among the best.

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” – Matthew 21:22 (NKJV)

Christ wants us to pray.  He says this to encourage us to pray.  The main reason behind this encouragement is likely that the Father desires to answer our prayers and Christ knows that better than anyone.  He wants what is best for His people and, therefore, He wants us to pray, asking things, believing, so that we will receive. 

Recognizing Jesus

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Jesus often appears to us under strange circumstances, conditions in which we do not expect to see Him.  At those times our immediate, unneccesary reaction can be fear.  Eventually, however, He makes Himself known to us, our fear subsides and all is well.  Consider the experience of the disciples in the boat:

Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” – John 6:19-21 (NKJV)

The trick in our situation is to remember that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20).  He’s just as much there when we don’t expect Him as when we do.  If we’d keep that in mind, the initial, unproductive response of fear would be lessened.  Our minds would be at ease; our hearts would be at peace. 

The next time the wind blows and the sea rises, and you wonder what happened to Jesus, remember that He is there.  He’ll soon say, “It is I; do not be afraid,” and you’ll immediately get where you’re going.

All Things That Pertain to Life and Godliness

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There is so much more in the words of our title than our finite minds can grasp. As believers we already have everything that pertains to life and godliness. Why do we so often live like spiritual paupers? What more do we really need? In possessing all things can we possibly not have enough? Oh that He would help us to better take hold of our spiritual possessions; that our lives and character would reflect His perfect will.

“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” – 2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)

The key to being the kind of people God wants us to be is in putting to use all that which He has already given. The believer stuck in the swamp of sin is living below his or her capabilities. Living a godly life would not be that difficult, if we would learn to draw upon His resources. Growing in godliness is not a matter of obtaining something new, but of using what we have in Christ.

“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)

A New Song

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It’s hard to describe the excitement, joy, exhilaration that comes to us when God finally acts after putting us through a long period of waiting.  David does a pretty good job of it in Psalm 40.  In fact, he lays out the entire process wonderfully for us there.

First there is the waiting and crying out to the Lord. 

Then the movement from the pit and the mire to the rock.

That is followed by joyful praise – a new song.  It’s no longer a song of sadness, but of thankful, heartfelt rejoicing.

Finally there is the effect that all of this has on others.  Their trust in God is increased by observing what He does in our lives. 

May the Lord encourage each of us through David’s experience.

I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth-
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord.”
                              – Psalms 40:1-3 (NKJV)