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Developing a Passion for Prayer – Lesson 4

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Developing a Passion for Prayer – Lesson 4
January 25, 2012
Categories: Bible Study, Lessons, Prayer
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Developing a Passion for Prayer

Review from Lessons 1 through 3

Lesson 1. Understand the Reasons to Pray

  • Prayer is prescribed by God.
  • Prayer provides communication with God.
  • Prayer is a privilege for believers.
  • Prayer is a pathway to power.
  • Prayer promises answers.

Lesson 2. Recognize the Purposes of Prayer

  • Acknowledgment of God
  • Confession of sin
  • Thanksgiving to God
  • Supplication for others and self

Lesson 3. Realize the Need for Prayer

  • We Need to Pray for Redemption
  • We Need to Pray for Restoration
  • We Need to Pray for Realignment
  • We Need to Pray for Revival

Lesson 4: – Recognize the Model for Prayer

We all know about it and most of us know it by heart – that is, the Lord ’s Prayer, or the model prayer that Jesus gave to His disciples. Most of us can recite it by heart, like we do the Pledge of Allegiance, repeating the prayer while not considering the deep meaning of its words.

The Lord’s Prayer is a model that God gave us to help us learn how to pray. I don’t believe that it was intended to be the prayer to end all prayers. Also, I don’t believe that Jesus meant for us to vainly repeat it as a ritual or chant. (That’s not to say that memorizing the Lord’s Prayer and recalling it from memory is a bad thing. Actually, remembering what Jesus taught us is always a good thing.)

As we examine each element of the Lord’s Prayer, we will find a pattern for prayer that serves as the model for reaching out to God.

Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Let’s look at each of the elements…

1. Understand it as a Model: After this manner therefore pray ye

In these words we find Jesus introducing the Lord’s Prayer. It is an important phrase that precedes the prayer that Jesus used to teach His disciples. The words (as all of God’s Word) are carefully chosen with purpose. “After this manner therefore pray ye” indicates that Jesus is establishing a model or pattern for prayer with the example prayer that follows. It is necessary to note that Jesus did not say that we should pray the very words He spoke, but rather said to pray “after this manner” which indicates that the words that followed established a pattern for prayer.

2. Greet God as Heavenly Father: Our Father which art in heaven,

Next, we find Jesus addressing God the Father, to Whom the prayer is intended. Note that it is a personal greeting to the Father, recognizing the personal relationship one has through Christ. Also, note that the greeting is not only personal, it is relative. It establishes the relationship between the Heavenly Father and the one in prayer. It also signifies knowledge of His position (in Heaven) and His authority. The significance of God as Father and of God as royalty worthy of glory and praise is combined in this greeting.

3. Ask for Glory to God: Hallowed be thy name.

Immediately after greeting God the Father, Jesus shows us the manner in which we entreat the Father with our requests, by first praying for honor and glory to God’s name. By using the word “hallowed,” Jesus shows us that we should pray that God’s name would be holy, consecrated, sacred, and revered by all the earth.

4. Seek God’s Kingdom: Thy kingdom come.

Next, Jesus shows that we should pray that the Father’s kingdom would come to this earth. This signifies first a recognition that there is a King whose kingdom is near.  Secondly, it signifies a desire to see His kingdom. Thirdly, it signifies that the one who prays understands that the current world kingdom is not God’s but is the enemy’s (Satan’s). It indicates a desire by the one who prays to see Satan’s earthly kingdom overthrown by God.

5. Seek and Submit to God’s Will: Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

This phrase shows that we should be praying for God’s will to be accomplished on earth. It carries a message of submission to God as we seek His will. As such, it’s not simply a request that God’s will be revealed and be done in a general sense, but that His will be personally revealed to, received by, and performed through the one who prays. It is to ask God, “show me thy will, that I would know and understand it, and that You would accomplish it through me.” This request keeps in mind that as God’s will is done on this earth, we will have an attitude that exemplifies heaven – an attitude of contentment, pleasure, and privilege in doing the will of the Heavenly Father.

6. Ask for Daily Needs: Give us this day our daily bread.

After honoring God, giving glory to His name, and recognizing that His will comes before our will, we should request supplication for ourselves and others. Note that Jesus prays  that God would provide “this day our daily bread”. In other words, supply sufficient for the day should be our request. God’s Word tells us that we should not be anxious for anything and not worry about tomorrow. Our prayers should focus on our immediate needs, according to God’s will. It is important to note that this request is made in humility and thanksgiving, as we recognize that without God’s daily provision we would be impoverished spiritually and physically. Therefore, the “daily bread” that we seek should encompass both our spiritual and physical needs.

7. Ask for Forgiveness: And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Next, we are shown that it is important to focus on our spiritual condition and the relationship we have with God through Jesus Christ. In this element of the Lord’s model prayer, we seek forgiveness for the debt we owe. This forgiveness is needed for the sin debt owed for all of our trespasses. This requires inspection and revelation as we examine our hearts and actions to determine our failures and missteps and reveal those honestly and humbly to God. It is a request for mercy and grace to cover us and recognition that without the Savior we could not hope to clear our indebtedness. Also, it is a reminder that just as we fall short of God’s glory, others around us fall short of our expectations, at times failing us and creating difficult situations for us to deal with. However, just as we are forgiven of our debts by God, we commit to God that we will have a forgiving spirit toward others.

8. Seek God’s Protection and Deliverance: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

The last request is for protection from temptation and deliverance from the evil deeds of this world. God has promised that He will not tempt us, nor will He allow us to be tempted beyond that which we can bear. With that in mind, we should ask God to lead us along paths that are away from temptation. We should seek God’s light upon our path to illuminate the way so that we do not stray into darkness. And, we should seek God’s hedge of protection to shield us from Satan’s attacks.

9. Acknowledge God with Praise: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

In closing, we find acknowledgement of God for His kingdom, His power, His glory, and His eternal being. Although this verse of the Lord’s Prayer as recorded in Matthew does not appear in Luke (Luke 11:2-4), it is a favorable manner to conclude our prayers, by recognizing God for Who He is and for His ability to answer our prayers. It is a declaration of our belief in God, in our faith in Him, and in His singular ability to meet even our greatest needs, not only now, but forever and ever. Fittingly (and so much more the tradition even now), Jesus concludes the prayer with “Amen”, a word that reaffirms all that has been said to this point in glory and honor to God.

Understanding what Jesus taught as He taught His disciples to pray, and using the Lord’s Prayer as a model, we can pray with confidence and power, acknowledging God and seeking His intervention in our lives. It is a good thing to memorize the Lord’s Prayer. It’s a better thing to use that prayer as a model for our personal and intimate conversations with God.

Summary

The Lord’s Prayer provides a template for talking with God. If we remember the prayer that Jesus taught, we can pray in a manner that matches the Bible model. While this is not the only way to pray, it can be argued that it is a proven and effective way to pray, since Jesus provided the instruction. This week, as you pray, recall the Lord’s Prayer and contrast your prayer to the model that Jesus provided.

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Knowing these things, two questions beg to be asked: Do you have this treasure? If you do, are you showing it and spreading it around?   A Few Thoughts about Finding Heavenly Treasure… If you are missing out on heavenly treasure, there’s one sure place to find it: in Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s only Son, who came from Heaven to earth to give His life as a ransom for you and me. He substituted His perfect life as payment for our sin debt. You see, the Bible clearly states that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Because we owe that sin debt, we have a price to pay. That price is death and eternal separation from God in a place that’s utterly undesirable, called Hell (Romans 6:23). But God, because of His great love for us, even while we were sinful, paid the price for us by sending His perfect Son to die in your place and my place (Romans 6:23 and Romans 5:8). That was God’s gift to you and to me – eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is a gift of grace – something that you and I don’t deserve. In order to have that gift, you must claim it and receive it. That happens by calling upon Jesus to save you (Romans 10:13) and believing on Him for everlasting life (John 3:16). That belief must be a complete faith and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice because there’s nothing else that you can do to be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). Do you want the treasure described above… Here is a simple way to find it and receive it: Admit that you are a sinner and that you deserve to pay the price for that sin. Believe that God loves you so much that He paid the price for you with His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Call upon Jesus Christ to save you from your sin, believing that He will do it. God promises that if you do the above, truly believing and trusting in Jesus Christ with all of your heart, soul and mind, you will be saved or “born again” in Christ. You will experience a new life with many more treasures found in the unsearchable riches of Jesus.   [...] Read more...
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)April 19, 2019Digging deep into the audio vault looking for something that would help recognize Resurrection Sunday, I found this song, “Don’t Let Them Fool You,” by Lou Hayles from her first solo album Don’t Hide Away. The album is a UK release that came out of Great Britain’s “Jesus Music” movement of the mid-to-late 1970’s. The entire album features quality orchestration along with acoustic instrumentation accompanying Ms. Hayles’ captivating voice on original compositions. Although the album is a rare find in the US, it’s definitely worth the effort required to locate a copy and listen. “Don’t Let Them Fool You” speaks of an encounter with the empty tomb on the first day of the week after Jesus was crucified. The song challenges you to avoid listening to doubters and believe that He is risen! Praise His name He’s alive… He’s alive… He’s alive… Don’t let them fool you. Taken from the original vinyl release of Don’t Hide Away, “Don’t Let Them Fool You” is the first track on the album. Don’t Hide Away was published in 1977 on Myrrh Records (UK) (MYR1055). Ratings:   Note: Audio is provided for education and review purposes in accordance with US copyright law provisions.   [...] Read more...
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)July 24, 2019For quite sometime now, Roby Duke has been my favorite Christian/Gospel artist by far. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I connect with his music, both in style and in content. Writing, recording, producing his own recordings as well as other artist’s recordings from 1982 through 2006 made Roby Duke somewhat of a legend and a collector’s item among serious Christian music fans. His music stopped in 2007 when he passed from earth to Heaven on December 26, 2007, only two days after his final performance with his son at Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, California. For years before that, his music became a rarity as Christian labels stopped printing and distributing his recordings. His original vinyl, cassette tape and CD recordings have been out of print and unavailable for some time now. They also are not available in any digital format. Two later independent releases are available, but the classic material is difficult to find. As a result, I have located vinyl and cassette tape versions of Roby Duke’s first three albums, Not the Same (1982), Come Let Us Reason (1984). and Blue Eyed Soul (1986). My favorite album by far, Down to Business was released on CD and cassette only (no vinyl!) in 1989 (I have copies of both versions). Another fine album, 1994’s Bridge Divine was also only available on CD and cassette tape, although I’ve yet to locate a cassette copy. Again, the songs on these albums are no longer available in any format, either analog or digital. Two later CDs, 2004’s Ghost (a very personal, mostly instrumental album that provides an intimate look at that time of Roby Duke’s life) and 2006’s Relaxed Fits, which includes a few re-makes of his originals along with some arrangements of classic hymns (his version of “Be Thou My Vision” is a standout on this album), were both released on CD and digital formats and are available today through the usual music marketplaces. While it’s hard for me to choose a single track from the classic albums that aren’t available, I picked “Not the Same,” the title track from Roby Duke’s first album of the same name. Taken from the original vinyl release of Not the Same, “Not the Same” was published in 1984 on Firewind/Sparrow records. Ratings:   Note: Audio is provided for education and review purposes in accordance with US copyright law provisions. [...] Read more...
How to Live Without Worry
How to Live Without WorryMarch 15, 2020DAY 1: Why Worry? (Read Matthew 6:25-34) Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV) 25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27   Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. This week’s devotion is quite simple: Know what you believe, know it’s the truth, know Who it’s from, and trust in Him! Even when the going gets rough and the truly unexpected and unimaginable happens, trust in what you know is true! The apostle Paul put it this way: “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Sometimes it seems that the whole world around you might be going crazy and you’re not sure what the next hour will bring, much less what tomorrow will be like. While it’s hard to not get anxious and to worry about the situation, recall what Jesus said in Matthew 6:34: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. Certainly, we live in days of where the evil is sufficient. Yet, we can still live worry free with a peace that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ and understanding that He has this all covered. Over the next week, look at the following principles to help you live worry free in these troubled times: Have faith Exercise trust Practice prayer Be prepared Live in the reality of today’s blessings Be thankful Day 2: Have faith. (Romans 8:28-39) That means believe what God has promised, especially through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you read Matthew 6:25-34, you can’t help but sense God’s provision and protection for you. Add to that what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28-39… Phrases like: all things work together for good; nothing can separate us from the love of God, and in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us. Read it, remember it, and believe it. Romans 8:28-39 (KJV) 28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Day 3: Exercise trust. (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33-34) Believing is one thing. Living by what you believe is a whole different matter. Take what God promises and apply it to your daily living. Allow God to show Himself through your faithful obedience. As the writer of Hebrews says: Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Exercising your trust in God means that you act on your faith. If you believe that He is in control, then you will give Him whatever it is that worries you. He will take care of it. Matthew 6:33-34 (KJV) 33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Day 4: Practice prayer. (Philippians 4:4-7) In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul provides the perfect formula for peace in troubled times: Philippians 4:4-7 (KJV) 4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The key here is prayer… Not worrying or being anxious, but through prayer in every situation, turn it over to God and let Him supply what you need – peace! Day 5: Be prepared. (Philippians 4:8-9) You can also see from the same passage in Philippians mentioned above, that there are steps you can take to prepare your though life for whatever may come. When you think the right thoughts, its a lot easier to flee anxiety and worry. But not only prepare your thought life… Also, be prepared by doing what’s right. Know that when you’re obedient to God’s will, He will honor your obedience with His peace and a right relationship with Him. Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) 8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Day 6: Live in the reality of today’s blessings. (James 4:13-15) Even today I heard this phrase as the world was turning upside down: “in everything there’s a silver lining.” Look for the blessings in the midst of hardship. Life’s too short to worry about what could be. Take advantage of what God gives you here and now. The book of James puts it this way: James 4:13-15 (KJV) 13  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. When you live in the reality of today’s blessings, you won’t have time to worry about tomorrow. Day 7: Be thankful. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24) No matter how bad things may seem, there’s always something to be thankful for. Look at what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” He follows that up in verses 23 and 24 with these words: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (KJV) 16  Rejoice evermore. 17  Pray without ceasing. 18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19  Quench not the Spirit. 20  Despise not prophesyings. 21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22  Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. You can be thankful because “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” you can go to God and seek His perfect peace to survive yet another day in these troubled waters called life. Living a worry free life starts with knowing not what the future holds but by knowing WHO (That WHO is God, not the World Health Organization) holds your future. You can know that by trusting in God’s promise of salvation through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. If you haven’t done that already, then receive the gift by calling on Him for salvation. Then and only then will your worries begin to cease. In conclusion, consider the following reasons to be thankful even when circumstances aren’t what you’d like them to be… 1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV) 57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) 14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV) 15   Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. [...] Read more...
The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)
The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)December 20, 2019READ: Luke 2:11-14, Romans 16:25-27, and 1 Timothy 3:16 KEY THOUGHT: What kind of answer would you get if you asked the average person, “What’s Christmas all about?” I suppose for some, the answer would be based on the cultural message sent out by media, marketing, and mass promotion. Sadly, the answers would mostly miss the mark. We’ve done such a great job of blending the secular with the sacred that we seldom separate the two enough to give Christmas its true identity. With that in mind, there’s so much of the season that Christmas is not about… It’s not about… Santa Claus, St. Nick or an elf named Buddy… Rudolph, a red nose, or a reindeer running over someone’s grandmother… Snowmen, magical hats and scarves, or ugly sweaters… Snowflakes that glisten, warm apple strudel, or any other favorite thing, Carols with or without jingling bells, even if they’re silver… Dickory dock, hanging a sock, or climbing down the chimney at 12 o’clock… Packages wrapped in pretty paper, pretty ribbons, and bows… Cookies, puddings, punches, or candy kisses… Friends, family, fancy dinner parties or memorable moments spent roasting chestnuts (or boiling peanuts) by the fire… Snow (real or otherwise), even if it paints a picture like one by Currier and Ives… Mangers, cattle, sheep, or even their shepherds on a midnight clear… Gold, frankincense, myrrh, or gift cards… Or those who bring them… Stars in the night sky, silent or not… Trees and lights, glitter and sparkle, or tinsel and garland… Poinsettias, holly, ivy, evergreens, or even mistletoe… Dot com (Amazon or any other), Black Friday, cyber Monday, or any of the twelve-plus days of Christmas… So many other things that give opportunity to distract us from the Truth about Christmas… While most of these things are part of the Christmas season experience, these things are not what Christmas is truly all about… It’s important to note that none of those things listed are wrong or bad, but each of them must be kept in perspective so that they don’t overshadow what true meaning of Christmas. Keeping Christ first at Christmas requires us to recognize that Christmas is a birthday celebration and a reminder… It’s also much more than that. So, what’s Christmas really about? It’s about: A plan from the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Genesis 3:15) Prophecies fulfilled in the person of Christ as God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, 53:1-12) Grace to God’s fallen creation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:34) Sacrifice by God’s only Son on a cruel cross devised by man (Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25) Salvation by the blood of God’s unblemished lamb (1 Peter 1:19-21) Life everlasting given by grace and received by faith (Ephesians 2:1-10) The gospel of salvation spread, taught, and realized around the world (Matthew 28:18-20) The power of God given to man through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) An eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28-29) A Mediator, a Savior, a Redeemer, a King all in one name – Jesus , God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Philippians 2:9-11) When you carefully consider Christmas, you’ll find the true meaning of Christmas, and why God sent His Son as a Gift… It’s as much about the cross as it is about the manger. CONSIDER: How much of your Christmas celebration is focused on Christ as compared to all of the other “trappings” of Christmas? How do some of the traditions of Christmas distract both believers and unbelievers from the true meaning of Christmas? What can you do to help promote the truth of Christmas and help others see its real meaning? APPLICATION: Let the truth of Christmas add real meaning to the holiday season!   [...] Read more...
A Lesson of Grace (Titus 2:11-12)
A Lesson of Grace (Titus 2:11-12)November 18, 2019READ: Titus 2:11-12 KEY THOUGHT: The lyrics of the classic hymn, “Amazing Grace,” describe the role that the grace of God has in the Christian’s life: Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found T’was blind but now I see T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Grace is the means to salvation – “for the grace of God that bringeth salvation…” (Titus 2:11). It is also the means by which those saved by grace learn Christ. Grace teaches us that we should live an honest, self-controlled (or Spirit-controlled life) that demonstrates Christ-like behavior to the world. We all need to learn a lesson of grace. It’s a lesson that teaches: God demonstrated His love to us by grace when He sent Jesus Christ to die for us. Without grace we would have no hope of salvation. Without grace we would be blind to the truth. Without grace we would be lost and dying in our sin. With grace we have the righteousness of Christ. With grace we have confidence and security in Christ. With grace we have the Holy Spirit to help guide us to a life that honors and glorifies God. With grace, we are led to a heavenly home that we don’t deserve. When we learn the lesson of God’s grace, we believe and trust in God’s provision to open our eyes to the truth, bring us into His family, and give us the gift of new life that we don’t deserve. CONSIDER: How does the grace of God appear to all? How has the grace of God impacted your life? What does grace teach you about God’s unmerited favor toward you? APPLICATION: Trust God to help you have a testimony of the high standard of Christ!   [...] Read more...
Recent and Popular Devotional Posts
Stay True to Obedience (1 Timothy 5:8-16)
Stay True to Obedience (1 Timothy 5:8-16)
Devotional
Following instruction requires obedience and compliance to the instruction received. Staying true to obedience means that you consistently comply with the instruction received from the Word. Today, many Christians live compromised lives in semi-obedience to God. [...] Read more...
A Life by Mercy (Titus 3:5-7)
A Life by Mercy (Titus 3:5-7)
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I remember distinctly the day that I came to the realization of my mortality. Before that day, I lived blindly and free as a young man, enjoying all that life offered me and counting on my own ideas, schemes and resources to sustain me. I was a lot like what the apostle Paul described in Titus 3:3. But then, Titus 3:4 happened… [...] Read more...
The Greatest Hero of All
The Greatest Hero of All
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What’s your favorite type of book or movie? Usually, we like stories with happy endings, with some kind of tension leading up to that ending. Maybe it’s the story where the human race is trying to overcome some great challenge and the super hero comes just in the nick of time to save the day. [...] Read more...
A Good Thing (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
A Good Thing (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
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When God saved you, He did a good thing in you. That good thing was accomplished by Jesus Christ. After that, He commits the Holy Spirit to you to help you continue the good thing He has for you going forward. [...] Read more...
The Much-Anticipated Christmas (Luke 2: 8-20; Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7)
The Much-Anticipated Christmas (Luke 2: 8-20; Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7)
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The days building up to Christmas are filled with anticipation and wonder. But perhaps the most anticipated and most wonder-filled day of all is not a day but a night – Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas. [...] Read more...
Beware of Counterfeit Christians (Supplemental Devotion)
Beware of Counterfeit Christians (Supplemental Devotion)
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The second chapter of the apostle Peter’s second letter to the churches of Asia Minor is difficult for me to break into a week of daily devotions, so I’m including a supplemental devotion this week based on this entire chapter . Its focus is on false teachers, false doctrines and God’s just treatment of those who choose to imitate genuine Christianity [...] Read more...
A Helpful Love (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)
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Love is a supernatural motivator for helping others. That supernatural motivation was demonstrated by God through His Son Jesus to you when He gave all and died on the cross so that you could be saved from sin. God’s love is freely offered and given. [...] Read more...
Audio Resources and Posts
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)April 19, 2019Digging deep into the audio vault looking for something that would help recognize Resurrection Sunday, Read more [...] Read more...
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)July 24, 2019For quite sometime now, Roby Duke has been my favorite Christian/Gospel artist by far. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I connect with his music, both in style and in content. Writing, recording, producing his own recordings as well as other artist’s recordings from 1982 through 2006 made Roby Duke somewhat of a legend and a collector’s item among serious Christian music fans. [...] Read more...
Sonlight – Day of Salvation (1973)
Sonlight – Day of Salvation (1973)January 21, 2019Here is a track from Sonlight’s 1973 vinyl LP. This early Christian “pop” song has Read more [...] Read more...
Neale & Webb – At The Cross (1995)
Neale & Webb – At The Cross (1995)May 28, 2019Most of the Audio Vault is filled with vinyl records. However, there are a few CDs that find a spot there. At The Cross by Neale & Webb is one of those rare CDs that fits into the vault. Out of print for some time now and (as far as I can tell) not available in any digital format, At The Cross was released in 1995 on CD and cassette (no vinyl!). [...] Read more...
Wendy & Mary – “Around the Walls” (1985)
Wendy & Mary – “Around the Walls” (1985)February 28, 2019Here is a track from Wendy & Mary’s 1985 vinyl LP, “Battle of the Heart.” Read more [...] Read more...
John Fischer – Leavin’ It All To You (1982)
John Fischer – Leavin’ It All To You (1982)April 9, 2019John Fischer’s first album was released in 1969 at the advent of a new wave of Christian music striving to bring the message of the gospel to the rapidly changing youth culture of the day. His first album, The Cold Cathedral, is considered by many to be the first contemporary Christian music album released in the United States. [...] Read more...
 
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