Tag: Proper

Proper Prayer

Matthew 6:7-13

Prayer is a POWERFUL tool used by believers all over the world, as they communicate with God for different reasons. Some come to the Father with personal petitions, whereas others pray on behalf of those who require additional support during a tough season (intercessary prayer). Whether one comes to God with personal needs or stand proxy for someone else they have concerns for, God adheres only to proper prayers.

How can prayer be proper? Is there a right or wrong way to pray? Yes indeedy! Many who have a misunderstanding of what prayer is, often misuse their words when petitioning to God. “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:3 KJV). Praying only to satisfy lustful desires is the wrong way to get God’s attention, because we serve an unselfish God who commands that men pray according to His will. God blesses His people in order to sustain them in the earth, and allow for them to be a blessing to others.

When Jesus quoted the “model prayer” in our text to the disciples, He wanted them to first understand, there’s a proper posture and approach one must maintain when coming before the Father. We must always acknowledge the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, before we attempt to make any request. This way, we’ll keep ourselves humble, realizing that without God, prayer wouldn’t even be a possibility. After acknowledging God in all His glory, we should then be certain what we desire is in accordance with His will. It’s easy to ask for things we think we need, but God knows what we have need of, even before we ask. Furthermore, as we begin to make our requests known to God, we must do so in all humility and appreciation.

As I aforementioned, God’s knows what we need, but gives us the opportunity to ask anything, in faith, and He’ll freely bless us according to His own will. The next time you pray, consider your approach to God, and be sure your heart, mind, and motives are pure before Him.

Conditioned To Endure

Isaiah 7:10-15

The average athlete trains hard, putting their bodies through extensive and repetitive training, so that when the time comes to compete in their event, they’ll be conditioned to perform accordingly. It’s easy to tell whether or not an athlete of a specific sport has trained or conditioned properly, by how long they last while performing, or the effort they put forth during an event. A boxer who’s legs get weak and shaky halfway during a fight, probably decided not to take his training seriously. Another example is, when a swimmer gives up halfway through a lap, because their conditioning wasn’t up to par.

Throughout the years, I’ve often stressed, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”. The better we plan and prepare for what’s ahead of us, the better we’ll perform, when that time comes. This same fact holds true for the body of Christ. All our lives we train daily, showing love and kindness to others, shunning things that are evil, and resisting temptation when it comes, so that as the end-time prophecy continues to be fulfilled, we won’t cower nor fret, when times become more severe. God daily loads us with benefits, in order that we gird and guard ourselves against the evil one. In addition, every situation we overcome now, will increase our faith in God, and better prepare us to face what’s soon to come.

The world is suffering greatly because of sin, but the Bible plainly states that perilous times will indeed come, in the last days. Make it your business to grow daily in the knowledge of God, and ask for His wisdom to help you understand the times, and how you must conduct yourself, as these last days pass by. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

“The way may seem hard, but you’ll endure, by the power of God.” – Ell

Disconnected From The Father

Genesis 28:10-17

I’ve been having issues with my right shoulder for nearly 20 years, that dislocates whenever I extend it in certain ways. Even after surgery, I struggle to avoid experiencing another scary moment while working, exercising, or sleeping. When my shoulder dislocates, and is out of its proper position, my entire body reacts, and is affected by the problem area. No longer can I function properly, nor complete my daily duties, until my shoulder is set back in place, and the pain subsides to reasonable levels. My entire way of doing things is affected when I experienced a dislocated shoulder, but when I consistently avoid over-extending it to prevent injury, all things continue as they should.

God does His best work through His people, when they are in the right position. When we walk according to God’s will, it’s easier for Him to give us those things He desires for us to have, so that we can continue to produce fruit meet for repentance (Matthew 3:8).

In our text, God promised to bless Jacob, and his seed, even though he had been out of position for many years. Jacob was a trickster, and a master at deceiving others, in order to get what he wanted. God knew that in time, Jacob would use the same energy he exerted into manipulating men to succumb to his will, and amplify it while eventually fulfilling the will of the Lord.

All who are connected to God, have access to His divine glory, power, wisdom, protection, and provision, but when we are out of position, those things we so desire are stored up, until we get back on track. God is jealous when we desire things other than Himself, but His mercy is so unique, until He’ll wait a lifetime for you to come back to Him, and bless you abundantly when your heart is in His hand.

Are you out of position in God? If so, consider all the things you’re missing out on, and the time you’re wasting while wandering about outside of God’s will. Rejoin yourself to the Lord, and allow Him to bless you while operating in the right position.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell