How do you discuss everything with God, everywhere?
You thank God for what is good: the beauty of nature, finding the lost item, a blessing for the driver who lets you into traffic.
You ask for wisdom in solving a problem, for safety on the road, for words in a tricky situation, for the well-being of friends and family.
You praise the great God who runs the universe, listens to you . . . and answers back.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMP)
Be unceasing and persistent in prayer.
Are you in a prayer rut? Same time, same place?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
Pray continually.
Continually. All the time.
Not “all the time,” as in never sleeping or eating. But “all the time,” as never a situation where you cannot pray. Eyes open, not necessarily out loud (God hears your thoughts).
God is listening. All the time.
Peace, even in troubled times . . .
can’t buy it, can’t get it from the government.
John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid.
Best peace ever. And it’s free.
Christ sets us free. You can be sure that those whispers of slavery (as CelebrateRecovery puts it, “our hurts, hang-up and bad habits”) come straight from the mouth of the enemy:
“They’re all out to get you.”
“Just one more won’t hurt you.”
“You’re too stupid.”
“Have it your way.”
John 8:44 (MSG)
When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies.
Truth wins. Christ beat up the liar. You’re free!
“There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.”
Charles Kingsley (1819 – 1875)
Independence Day. Think freedom. Think spiritual freedom. What is holding you back from full spiritual freedom?
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Christ sets us free.
Don’t feel free? Remember, the Israelites were free from slavery in Egypt for 40 years before they stepped into the freedom of the Promised Land.
Maybe you’re still in the wilderness, on your way to the Promised Land.
It’s not complicated.
Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
