Tag: daily devotional

Question #4 – Do you make prayer a priority?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬

Writing to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul reminded them that prayer should not just be a reaction to crisis or blessings, it is meant to be an ongoing dialogue with God. Constant communication with God involves praising Him, asking Him, and thanking Him.

Communication with God should be an important part of our day. Further, it should be a natural thing to pray to our Heavenly Father. He desires to fellowship with us.

We should always be ready to turn to God, whether in praise, thanksgiving or with supplication. Often we turn to God for last resorts or when we are desperate or nowhere else to turn. Does this sound familiar?

Paul’s instruction should challenge us to seek God in all things. Making prayer a priority transforms our outlook on life, sets a positive foundation, and includes His presence in our activities.

To make prayer a priority in your life, start with incorporating short prayers throughout the whole day. Start with praising God for a new fresh day, ask Him to keep you from evil, and thank Him for His grace and mercy. Keep an ongoing conversation reflecting on what comes to your heart and mind.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the gift of prayer. Help me to make prayer a priority. Teach me to pray. Guide me through this day as I seek Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Question #3 – Is Jesus “Lord” of your life?

The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭19‬

Many Christians say that Jesus is Lord. And they are exactly correct. Revelation 19:16 says, “He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

It’s one thing to say that Jesus is Lord but it is another for Jesus to be head of your life. Jesus is not only our Savior; He is Lord and Master over us. Jesus has all authority in a believer’s life.

As “Lord” of our lives, Jesus obtains the position as Master and we are His servants. We submit to His Lordship and obey His commandments. We know that Jesus deserves this right to be Lord.

Making Jesus “Lord” means to allow Him to direct every area of life including our thoughts, decisions, relationships, and actions. Often we can be tempted to compartmentalize our faith, giving Jesus control over some areas while keeping others to ourselves. But if He is truly Lord, there is no part of your life that is off-limits to Him.

Consider your life today. Is there an area where you’ve been holding back from giving Jesus full control? Is He Lord in your career? What about your personal habits? Is He Lord of your fears and doubt? Surrender it all to Him.

Pray

Lord, I not only call You Lord but I surrender to Your Lordship. I give You my heart and mind, trusting in Your wisdom and goodness. Give me grace to let go and fully submit to Your will. Lead me and guide me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Question #2 – Do you have a repentant heart?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬

Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for your sinful behavior. It is the act of turning away from sin and turning to God. Repentance requires a change and cleansing of the heart.

After being confronted of his sin, King David prays to God in a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and restoration. He recognized that his actions had brought harm to others and grievance toward God. He was deeply repentant.

David asked God to cleanse his heart and renew his spirit. He knew that a change of heart and attitude needed to happen. He didn’t try to justify his actions or minimize his guilt. Instead, he acknowledged his need for God’s grace and pleaded for inner renewal.

True repentance is a humble recognition of sin and a desire for God to create a pure heart within us. We must realize that sin distorts our relationship with God and others.

However, when we have a repentant heart, God will not only forgive us but He will restore us and renew us. A repentant heart opens the door for God’s healing work in our lives. God is both willing and able to cleanse us and make us whole again.

What areas in your life do you need to seek repentance? Take time today to humbly confess your sin and ask God to renew your heart.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with an open heart and confess my sin unto You. Forgive me and create a renewed joy in my life. Help me to notice the areas of my life that need a change of heart. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. In Jesus’ name, amen.