Good Morning Folks! Sorry about yesterday, I didn't get a chance to send out the Daily Devotion so I will just combine yesterday's and today's lesson into one. This will be Part II and III of the Devotion, "Become God's Friend"
Today's Lesson: Become God's Friend (Part II/III)
Scripture Reference: John 15:15
“I have called you friends” (John 15:15)
In his book The Practice of the Presence of God, a French monk called Brother Lawrence suggests that we pray prayers that are short and are conversations with God. He says that we should do a lot of short ones instead of one long complex ones. By doing so, we can remain focused and counteract our wandering thoughts. He writes these words in his book, "i do not advise you to use a great multitude of words in prayer, since long discourses are often occasions for wandering". Makes sense right? Sometimes it best if we just Keep It Simple and just Pray all the time (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
So how do we accomplish this goal? Well, one way is to use Breath Prayers. Choose a simple phrase that can be completed in breath: "Lord your are with me" "I want to know you better" "Help me to trust you more" "I am depending on you"
Also, consider using short phrase scriptures: "You will never leave me" "For me to live is Christ" "You will supply all my needs"
Repeat these phrases until they are deep in your heart and it begins to show in your actions and your attitude. It's something you can continue to practice until it becomes routine. It's like when we're learning something new. Repetition is always the best form of learning. Discipline yourself to think of God at different times in your day. "But sometimes I don't feel God's presence" If you're seeking an emotion, you've clearly missed the point. It's not a feeling that should be your goal, it is a continual awareness that God is always with you!
With this awareness and continual meditation on God, our friendship with God is not only maintained, but it is also strengthened. You can't love God unless you know him. You know him, and learn him by reading the Bible. "He revealed himself to Samuel through his word" (1 Samuel 3:21) But I work Leslie? We know that, God knows that...that's why learning and memorizing and internalizing scripture is so important. recall verses you've read and meditate on them. They say if you know how to worry, you know how to meditate/ (Go ahead and let that marinate) The more you meditate on God's word, the less you have to worry about ;)
"Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his [covenant]" (Psalms 25:14
So what are the benefits of being God's friend? Answered prayers and abundant living.
Lesson of the day: Read, digest, and meditate in His word, that's how you become his friend.
Amen?
Today's Black History Moments:
Negro History Week began on February 1, 1926. It is now known as Black History Month, but was first celebrated on this date as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson. It became a month long celebration in 1976.
In 1927 Leontyne Price, world renowned Soprano was born (S/o To Shawna)
In 1966 Andrew Brimmer became the first black to serve on the Federal Reserve Board
In 1940 Roberta Flack was born
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1eOsMc2Fgg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kIjFCgtcoI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMCw_FjSQuQ
Have a blessed morning/afternoon and evening folks.
Pray for someone today!
May God bless and keep each and every one of you...
Peace and Blessings from your Sister in Christ,
: LA :
No comments:
Post a Comment