Do you believe inn the Power of Prayer?

Mark 11:22-24  “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.  “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

 Promise:  God promises that faith-filled prayer will result in answers.

     Jesus emphatically says that prayer changes things and can be the cause of mountains being moved.  When you think about it, do you see things you prayed for that seemed impossible at the time like broken relationships being healed, healings, job offers, moves, an unsaved person you have prayed for coming to know and serve Christ, mission trips and the gospel being spoken in ways you never dreamed possible, happening.  Prayer warriors, those that constantly and consistently pray for themselves, their families and others, know for a fact that prayer changes things.  When my children were younger, I belonged to a Mom’s prayer group.  We met weekly to pray for our kids, teachers and their school.  Over months, I found that the worries I had about school and feelings I had towards the teachers changed.  They had not changed as a result of prayer but I had.  My attitude was soften, heart opened and I saw their needs from a different perspective. I found that prayer works on those we are praying for and our own hearts as we pray.  Jesus says here that believing God can accomplish anything is essential to effective prayer.  There is no room for doubt.  Will you seek to pray this week believing God for the results?  Will you allow God to move mountains for you by trusting Him to accomplish His work in and through you?

Lessons and Truths:
1.     Prayer requires faith in God that He can accomplish what is being asked.
2.     Prayer changes things.
3.     Prayer shows God’s power to me.
4,     Effective prayer requires the absence of doubt in the results.

Prayer:  Lord, open my eyes and my heart to greater faith.  Remove all doubt from my mind and help me to resist Satan’s attacks of unbelief.  Hold me close and show me your love as I pray for others and myself.  Allow me to see answered prayer in the little things of life so that I can build my faith and trust in you.  Amen.

What is my response to God’s promise?
Am I not seeing answered prayer due to my lack of faith?      If so, ask God to increase your faith and trust in Him.
When I pray, am I only looking for answers my way or am I really openly seeking God’s answer in God’s time?        If you see this happening, pray directly for God’s will to be done so your thinking does not even enter your mind.  God’s way is always better than anything we can even imagine.

Promise Confirmation: Matthew 21:21-22, Philippians 4:6, James 1:5-8 and 5:15-16,  1Peter 3:12

The mountains around Masada in Israel would have been formidable mountains David would have encountered as he hid very near there when fleeing from Saul. Moving mountains is a God thing as David later found himself king after 14 years of waiting. God moves mountains in His time and in His way.

Motivation, what drives you?

Flags flying as a memorial to those who gave their lives at Normandy, France during WWII.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Promise:  God promises blessings and an eternal reward to those who persevere during difficult times with love for Him.

     What motives you to ‘hang in’ when times are hard?  Do you persevere because you are hoping for monetary compensation, a better education, advancement potential, family commitment or self-enhancement?  Do you persevere because of loyalty, patriotism or love? The Bible tells us in James 1:2-4 that perseverance builds our character, but here God reminds us that our perseverance brings blessings and eternal rewards.  In a world that is driven by ‘self’ promotion and advancement, isn’t it important that we look at our motives and see what is really driving us.  Are you looking for godly blessings?  If so, do you have godly goals for your life?  How much time do you spend in God’s Word meditating and studying?   This summer, why not look into God’s Word and see what you can learn about Him.  He promises that you will be rewarded now and in eternity.  My final questions are:  are you motivated by the love that God showed towards you by sending Jesus?    Do you seek to show  godly love towards others?

Lessons and Truths:
1.     God blesses steadfastness and perseverance.
2.     God’s tests have a time limit, they will not go on indefinitely.
3.     God’s rewards have eternal valuable.
4.     God loves us and desires that we show our love for Him in our lives.

Prayer:   Lord, create in me a steadfast character so that I can withstand the trials of life.  Show me ways that I can love others as you would love them.  Give me the desire to establish goals and habits that are glorifying to you.  Guide me in your ways so that I will reflect Jesus in all I say and do.  Amen.

What is my response to God’s promise?

What goals can I set that will reflect Christ in my life?

Where or to whom do I need to show God’s love today?

Promise Confirmation:  (Where else in the Bible do we find a similar promise?)   2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-13 and  5:4,  Revelation 2:10 and 3:10-11

     I pray you find this promise thought provoking and encouraging.    More to come this summer as I am preparing to launch my new book, Promises for Dynamic Living.

Blessings,
Linda

The cathedral in Burgos, Spain began construction in 1221 and was completed in 1567. 
This stands as a testament to godly perseverance and determination to glorify God.

 

Summer Adventures in God's Word

Summer,  I’m so glad this season of the year has arrived.  I was exhausted by my yearly commitments and teaching responsibilities.  I was able to travel a bit and regain my focus and rest.  Now I can get back to writing and studying.  My new book, Promises for Dynamic Living, will be out in the fall.  I am just putting the finishing touches on it, and then it will be ready to print.  God in his graciousness, has blessed me with this second book.  I am praying that many will be find it a tool to strengthen and grow their faith.  In preparation for the launch of this new book, I will be blogging this summer about God’s promises.  I know that we can all use as much assurance and hope as we can get,  so that will be my focus each week.  I hope to faithfully blog each week and give you a nugget of scripture to consider, meditate on and memorize as you travel, rest by the pool, or drive home from work.
Summer fun in God’s word.  Look for my blogs each week.

Blessings,
Linda

Here is the scripture I am standing upon for my new book.      2 Peter 1:3-4    “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world cause by evil desires.”

God’s promises enable us to understand and know Him better and keep us from falling into sin.  What a wonderful assurance of His power in our lives.