Monday Devo
Fast 2023 - Day 6
Scripture Reading:
1 John 5:14-15
“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”
“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”
Commentary:
Have you ever been frustrated by prayer? We can all admit to feeling disappointed when things don’t go our way, especially when we bring our requests to God and feel they go unanswered. After all, doesn’t the Bible say that God will give us what we ask?
John 15:7 says, “ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”
It is easy to focus on the second part of this verse. However, it is essential to understand what Jesus means when he says, “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you.” If we walk in step with the Lord, His direction is revealed to us. This verse lets us know we must fully submit ourselves to the Lord and His timing. Instead of holding on to our wants and desires, we must be open to God’s plan.
When the Holy Spirit is inside us, and we allow God to work in our lives, we often realize God’s plan is much greater than our own. Proverbs 19:21 says, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail...” While we may think we know what is best for us, our creator in heaven has a purpose for each of our lives that is beyond what we could imagine.
When we truly live for Christ, we pray according to His will rather than our own. That focus comes from a place of humility as we realize that we were created to glorify God. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
I encourage you to draw near to Christ and find hope in knowing that our prayers will be answered when we pray according to His will. When you may feel discouraged, remember that God works through our lives when we give our hearts to Him. How exciting that we can experience God and grow in our faith in Him through prayer.
John 15:7 says, “ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”
It is easy to focus on the second part of this verse. However, it is essential to understand what Jesus means when he says, “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you.” If we walk in step with the Lord, His direction is revealed to us. This verse lets us know we must fully submit ourselves to the Lord and His timing. Instead of holding on to our wants and desires, we must be open to God’s plan.
When the Holy Spirit is inside us, and we allow God to work in our lives, we often realize God’s plan is much greater than our own. Proverbs 19:21 says, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail...” While we may think we know what is best for us, our creator in heaven has a purpose for each of our lives that is beyond what we could imagine.
When we truly live for Christ, we pray according to His will rather than our own. That focus comes from a place of humility as we realize that we were created to glorify God. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
I encourage you to draw near to Christ and find hope in knowing that our prayers will be answered when we pray according to His will. When you may feel discouraged, remember that God works through our lives when we give our hearts to Him. How exciting that we can experience God and grow in our faith in Him through prayer.
Questions For Reflection:
- How are your prayers more effective when you are daily in God's Word?
- Am I understanding God’s will for my life by spending time in the Bible?
Prayer:
God, I submit my heart to you today. Please help me be consistent in studying your Word. I recognize that your Word helps me understand your will in my life. I realize that your ways are wiser than mine. I give my life situations to you. Let your will be done in every area of my life. God, thank you for working in me. I give you my anxiety. Thank you for listening to me. I put my trust in you today.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
No Comments