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



Showing posts with label Judgement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judgement. Show all posts

Foregiveness

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Luke 6:37, NIV

A friend sent me the following illustration: One of my teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes. For every person we refused to forgive for whatever they did, we were told to choose a potato, write on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag.

We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for two weeks, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to our desk at work, etc.

The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear what a weight we were carrying spiritually and emotionally, and how we had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget it and leave it in embarrassing places.

Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for nursing our grudges. Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person while it clearly is for ourselves!

So the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask yourself, Isn't your bag heavy enough?

Suggested prayer:

"Dear God, please help me to forgive all who have ever hurt me and to never nurse a grudge—no matter what others have done or have failed to do—just as you always forgive me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

"Daily Encounter" - Oct 31/07


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Judgement

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:1

The word prejudice means “prejudging” or “making an estimate of others without knowing the facts.” Prejudice is a mark of weakness, not of strength. Prejudice is measured by computing the distance between our own biased opinions and the real truth. If we would all be perfectly honest before God, there would be no prejudice.

Prayer for the day

You love each one of us with a love that breaks through all prejudicial barriers, Father. Forgive me for the times I judge others. Purify my heart, that I may be used to draw people together into the bond of Christ’s unifying love.


"Billy Graham's Daily Devotional" - Oct 24/07



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Promised Judgement

VERSE:

I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself
known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am
the LORD.

Ezekiel 38:23


THOUGHT:

In a time when God's people were in shambles physically and
spiritually, he promises judgment -- judgment on them and their
oppressors. But he also reveals why. He will show his greatness and
holiness so they will know him, YAHWEH -- God of "his people" and
also of all nations. I would love for God to show his greatness and
holiness in our day, wouldn't you? To have God honored for who he
is and what he has done would be marvelous. May that day come
quickly!


PRAYER:

Father, as your flawed and mortal child, I do fear your bold
revelation of yourself. We humans are mortal and frail in
comparison to your blazing glory. But I have confidence in my
relationship with you through Jesus, and dear Father, I want you
honored and your name revered in my day. I am tired of hearing your
name used in vain and your glory profaned. Exalt yourself before
the nations! Reveal your holy majesty so that everyone will know
that you are the only true and living God! In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

“Heartlight” - Oct 12/07

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