The act of prayer teaches us our unworthiness, which is a very salutary lesson for such proud beings as we are. If God gave us favors without constraining us to pray for them we should never know how poor we are, but a true prayer is an inventory of wants, a catalogue of necessities, a revelation of hidden poverty. While it is an application to divine wealth, it is a confession of human emptiness. The most healthy state of a Christian is to be always empty in self and constantly depending upon the Lord for supplies; to be always poor in self and rich in Jesus; weak as water personally, but mighty through God to do great exploits; and hence the use of prayer, because, while it adores God, it lays the creature where it should be, in the very dust. Prayer is in itself, apart from the answer which it brings, a great benefit to the Christian. As the runner gains strength for the race by daily exercise, so for the great race of life we acquire energy by the hallowed labor of prayer. Prayer plumes the wings of God's young eaglets, that they may learn to mount above the clouds. Prayer girds the loins of God's warriors, and sends them forth to combat with their sinews braced and their muscles firm. An earnest pleader cometh out of his closet, even as the sun ariseth from the chambers of the east, rejoicing like a strong man to run his race. Prayer is that uplifted hand of Moses which routs the Amalekites more than the sword of Joshua; it is the arrow shot from the chamber of the prophet foreboding defeat to the Syrians. Prayer girds human weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenly wisdom, and gives to troubled mortals the peace of God. We know not what prayer cannot do! We thank thee, great God, for the mercy-seat, a choice proof of thy marvelous loving kindness. Help us to use it aright throughout this day!

“Heartlight” - Oct 11/07



Discouragement

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4, NIV).

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Joshua

"In the Old Testament, Israel had waited to move for 40 years. God gave them three days to get ready.

Wherever we go, whatever we do, will put us in contact with circumstances that are beyond our control. When the people of Israel were about to face enemies that had been described as giants, God told Joshua not to be terrified or discouraged. Terror is a response to that which strikes like lightning--something unexpected, something overwhelming, something before which we cannot stand. Terror also is a person trembling in anticipation of the worst-case scenario.

Discouragement is not so much a flash of lightning as a fog bank. It's what happens when we are alone, when hope is gone. Discouragement comes when we feel worthless and incapable. Though not as spectacular as terror, discouragement may be more lethal.

The people of Israel were about to face enemies that had been described as giants. We all face giants on a regular basis. What do we do when we feel trapped, when giants seem to be converging on us? We take our burdens to God and leave them there. Four truths from the life of Joshua underscore God's provision for the needs of His people.
. First, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we rest in God's presence: 'As I was with Moses, so I will be with you' (Joshua 1:5, NIV). God was with Moses, He was with Joshua, and He is with us. He won't forsake us. In the darkest night, He is there.

. Second, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we rely on God's power: 'No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life' (Joshua 1:5, NIV). No one! The universe is under God's control--He leads forth the stars. Not one star is missing.

. Third, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we believe God's promises: 'I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses' (Joshua 1:3, NIV). . 'You will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them' (Joshua 1:6, NIV). Note that God's presence provides us the power to appropriate His promises. God promises to get His people over the river. He will be with us when the river is calm. Enjoy His presence. When the river is a torrent, trust His power. When difficulty comes, rely on God's promises.

. Fourth, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we obey God's Word: 'Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. . Meditate on [the Book] day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful' (Joshua 1:7-8, NIV).

Success is predicated upon obedience to God. To do that we must grow in our personal relationship with God. We must trust His power, claim His promises and obey His Commandments" (Joe Aldrich).


Prayer

Lord, too many times we let the circumstances around us prevent us from looking to You. Thank You that at these times Your presence remains with us. Teach us to trust You more. Use the hard times to draw us closer to You. We want to be more trusting and obedient each day. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

"Decision" magazine Weekly E-mail Devotional
Wednesday, October 24, 2007



Encouragement for Today

How easily human beings rebel against God's authority! The owner left the vineyard to the tenant farmers for a while, and somehow they got the idea that they had a right to all the proceeds. Their greed led to violence and even murder. Make no mistake—sin leads to more sin, unless we catch it and turn toward God, rather than away. If there's any area of your life that isn't fully surrendered to God, won't you confess that now and give him full ownership to your life? Sin is always dangerous.

“Encouraging Words: Your Daily Devotional” Oct 22/07

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