In The Secret Place

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:6‬ ‭

When You Pray…

Do you have a quiet place to go into and pray? If not, you should find a place that is your quiet place that you can get away and pray. A place that is away from distractions and free from interference. Everyone needs their special place where they can speak with God in prayer.

While Jesus preaches the famous “Sermon On The Mount”, He addresses the subject of prayer. The idea behind finding a place to pray is so that you can keep your eyes on God and not anyone else. Your place should be somewhere you can go and no one knows you’re praying. Prayer time with God is not to impress anyone with big words or with impressive speech, but to impress God with a heart that is seeking His will and way. Jesus goes on to say that we should not use vain repetitions. If you are saved God hears your prayers. There is no need to use key words that have more power or impressiveness. Prayer is not the source of getting from God it is the act of becoming one with God. When our prayers align with the will of God then we have answered prayers. The Holy Spirit will teach us and instruct what to pray when we are controlled by Him.

When we pray we need to act like Jesus is in the room with us and we are speaking directly to Him. Say what is on your mind and what is on your heart and communicate the things you want to say to Him. This is when we can have the right fellowship with Him.

Prayer

Lord, I love you and seek you in all things. Help me to stay in constant prayer and meditation with Your Word.

The Blessing of Forgiveness

January 25, 2018 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Salvation

‍The Blessing of Forgiveness

“And he (prodigal son) arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:20‬

The Prodigal Son’s Father

Isn’t the response of the prodigal son’s father truly amazing? He had so much compassion for his son and was so happy when he finally returned home. Although, this joyous occasion was not what the son had expected to receive. According to jewish customs the son knew that he would never be accepted back as part of the family but could return as a hired servant. Boy was he surprised!

As Jesus spoke this parable to the religious leaders (the Pharisees and Scribes), an intriguing aspect would have to be considered for the fact that the father ran to meet his son. A first-century Middle Eastern man would never run. Running would have caused him to pull up his tunic (so he wouldn’t trip and fall) and expose his bare legs. This would have been embarrassing and degrading to a mature man. However, the Scripture says, he ran!

The motivation behind the father’s shameful demonstration reveals an important truth. The father ran to meet his son before anyone else could reject or insult him for his disgraceful sins. Also because the father ran, it would have caused a disturbing scene. The people watching would have noticed the emotional reunion and accepted the son back as well. Only the father could restore the son back into a right relationship with the family.

God, the Father, accepted the shame of our sins through His Son, Jesus. As Jesus endured the cross, the wages of sin was satisfied through His death. As a result, we are restored and reunited with God in an eternal relationship. No matter what we do or how far we stray, God runs to embrace His children with loving arms. We are forgiven! Isn’t God’s forgiveness a blessing?

Prayer

Pray and confess your sins so that you will experience the blessing of forgiveness just as the prodigal son did.