On the Go - December 3, 2008

Presumption has no place in prayer.

Live it
When the Israelites complained about the apparent lack of food and water in the desert, God gave them food from heaven and delivered it daily to their doorstep. But, it wasn't long before they complained about God's provision and having to trust him to deliver it daily. Isn't it basically the same with you and me? A few days ago we gathered around the lunch table with family and friends and thanked God for his provision of turkey, dressing, ham, potatoes, salads and sweet desserts. Yum! Then, later we enjoyed leftovers while watching football on television, but it didn't have the same appeal as it did at lunch. The next night faced with eating leftovers again, most of us found an excuse to go out to dinner.

The song says, "Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before." But, have you come to the place in your life where that song is true, or is spending time alone with Him now a scary thought, or perhaps obligatory and boring? May I ask when was the last time you poured your heart out to God for more than a few moments, day after day looking for an answer to your prayer? The truth is, most of us have long ago surrendered praying to having someone at church do it for us. We don't enjoy fellowship with God, but only with people at church. Do you really believe we're that different from the grumbling, disobedient and ungrateful Israelites in the desert?

Pray it
I'd like to say, Lord listen to your children praying, but I'm afraid to know how little we do it and with what intensity. You God, are the Creator of the universe and beyond. Your works are beyond magnificent and your love for man is beyond imagination. You deserve far more than we give You and are worthy of that and much more. Yes Lord. We need your Holy Spirit - right now.

Resources
Cymbala: The first step in any spiritual awakening is demolition. (2000)
Is your life a product of luck and circumstance or divine care? (2001)
Prayer is a relationship with God based on transparency, not outward appearance. (2003)
We should stop acting like we're saved and start doing what saved people do. (2004)
A horizontal relationship between two people should form a triangle where God is at the top, (2005)
Devotional (2006)
Men may not know what we're planning, but God does and His may differ from our's. (2007)
Is God's presence evident in your life? (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Teach both of us to trust your Word without compromise.

My children.
Remind my children of Scripture as they contemplate action today.

Their school.
Teach our children character as much as knowledge.

Their teachers.
Give my children teachers with godly character.

My children's friends.
Protect my kids from taking advice from ungodly friends.

My friends.
Teach me how to be a good friend to another person today.

My work.
Give my business a firm foundation on which to grow spiritually.

My city.
Guard our leaders from making laws that lead people to sin.

Governmental leaders.
Give our city godly leaders upon who you have influence.

My country.
Refresh our memory of the spiritual foundation upon which our country was founded.

My President.
Teach him to regard life as You do.

My church.
Humble us if we've taken our eyes off you and put them on men and programs.

My pastor.
Make our pastor a man of prayer that leads a people of prayer.

My church leadership.
Restore the joy of those church leaders who are serving without passion.

Sister churches.
Use all the Spirit-filled churches in this area to make a real impact on the lost.

Persecuted churches.
Provide the needs of persecuted brothers and keep moles away from the flock.

Missionaries.
Give them creative means to teach the Gospel that inspires a thirst for the Living Water

The sick..
Comfort those suffering from illness.

The lost.
Give me boldness to speak the gospel without compromise.

Those in despair.
Heal the hurt in the heart of those who have lost a loved one.

Those in the hospital.
Use doctors and nurses today to do your work.

Those grieving.
Comfort those grieving and build in them a spirit of trust to replace the doubts.

Widows.
Give us a heart for those in need and feet to move when your Spirit moves.

Orphans.
Place orphans in the care of godly men and women who know you.

Myself.
Magnify the work of my hands to bring glory to your Name.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.