In Psalm 119:165 we read, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Ever have to ask yourself what part of "nothing" don't we understand? I know I do. Like many, I find it's a daily battle not to be offended. Someone said something or did something that just didn't set right. "I can't believe you said that!" or, "Did you see what that guy did? He cut me off!" A myriad of things that we find ourselves offended by, however, the Scripture still rings true, "Great peace..."
The book of Psalms is a wonderful read and it's in its own pages that we find the recipe for rational living in an irrational world plus instruction for living resolutely in a manner that pleases our Lord.
In Psalm 119:165 we're instructed not to be offended and in Psalm 37 verses 1-8 we find the recipe on just how to do it. It's a quick read and may I encourage you to read it for yourself. I will, however, give you the main ingredients. 1) Fret not, 2)Trust in the Lord, 3) Delight thyself also in the Lord, 4) Commit thy way unto the Lord, 5) Rest in the Lord and 6) Cease from anger.
Over the next few weeks we will look at each ingredient individually and "smell the baking of the cake" so to speak as we anticipate the final result. Till then, may the Lord bless and keep you in all areas of life.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Resource of Prayer - Toby Digrugilliers
Prayer is essential to a Spirit-controlled life. As His children, we are to be devoted to prayer according to His will. Prayer gives us the opportunity to praise God and request His divine intervention in our lives and in the lives of others. It allows us to glorify His name and provides us with an avenue to be filled with His joy and peace.
Ever wonder while you're praying, "God, are you hearing me?" My friend when we find ourselves at such a place it's time to take inventory. "Am I praying meaninglessly repeated request?" "Am I asking according to God's will?" "Am I being obedient to His will?" "Am I asking in doubt?" "Is there any unconfessed or unforsaken sin in my life?"(Psalm 66:18). How about relationships? Many fail to realize that if our relationships are not what they should be, God will not hear our prayers and many times they are hindered because of an unrepentant attitude. Husbands, read I Peter 3:7 for an eye opener!
Scripture is filled with examples of how Jesus prayed, what He prayed, when He prayed and what He taught concerning prayer. Matthew chapter 6 is a wonderful place to start when learning what our Savior had to say regarding the subject of prayer.
In the life of the believer, prayer is vital, as air is to life and water to fish. Without it we're choked up and floundering in a sea of despair. May I encourage you to study the matter more fully as this a one of God's resources for daily living in a manner that pleases Him.
Ever wonder while you're praying, "God, are you hearing me?" My friend when we find ourselves at such a place it's time to take inventory. "Am I praying meaninglessly repeated request?" "Am I asking according to God's will?" "Am I being obedient to His will?" "Am I asking in doubt?" "Is there any unconfessed or unforsaken sin in my life?"(Psalm 66:18). How about relationships? Many fail to realize that if our relationships are not what they should be, God will not hear our prayers and many times they are hindered because of an unrepentant attitude. Husbands, read I Peter 3:7 for an eye opener!
Scripture is filled with examples of how Jesus prayed, what He prayed, when He prayed and what He taught concerning prayer. Matthew chapter 6 is a wonderful place to start when learning what our Savior had to say regarding the subject of prayer.
In the life of the believer, prayer is vital, as air is to life and water to fish. Without it we're choked up and floundering in a sea of despair. May I encourage you to study the matter more fully as this a one of God's resources for daily living in a manner that pleases Him.
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