Text:
Jeremiah 30:18-22 (NLT)
18 This is what the LORD says: "When I bring Israel home again from captivity and restore their fortunes, Jerusalem will be rebuilt on its ruins, and the palace reconstructed as before.
19 There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving, and I will multiply my people, not diminish them; I will honor them, not despise them.
20 Their children will prosper as they did long ago. I will establish them as a nation before me, and I will punish anyone who hurts them.
21 They will have their own ruler again, and he will come from their own people. I will invite him to approach me," says the LORD, "for who would dare to come unless invited?
22 You will be my people, and I will be your God."
Observation:
When we pray we are having a conversation with God. Why do we need to pray? Where should our focus be when we pray; on me, or on God? Is my focus on telling God my needs, or is my desire to be near, and in close communion with the one who knows my needs, and is able to provide for all of my needs?
When I want to know God's will, and what I should do, I want to know what the LORD has to say. Notice what Jesus says, and what Jesus did.
Mark 1:35 (NLT)
35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Jesus sought communion, communication, and closeness with His heavenly Father; not just on this occasion, but always.
Jesus by His life and death has purchased for you the right to become the people of God.
Jeremiah 30:22 (NLT)
22 You will be my people, and I will be your God."
We have the privilege of direct access to God through prayer. Let's exercise our privilege to pray.
Prayer:
Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I pray that You would birth in Your people a burning desire to follow the example of Jesus in praying always, and value above everything else the value of living in close, and constant communion with You.
"Thou my everlasting portion,
More than friend or life to me,
All along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with Thee.
Refrain 1:
Close to Thee, close to Thee,
Close to Thee, close to Thee;
All along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with Thee."
Father, thank You for the lyrics of this wonderful hymn by Fanny Crosby; Close to Thee. Father, this Word from You today convinces me that my greatest need is for more of Jesus, and less of me. So, Savior, let me walk with Thee. When I am with You, and You with me, I can say that all is well. Father, let it be our practice to pray always, Amen.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:
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