A Key to Effective Prayer

By Joyce Meyer - Posted May 03, 2017

I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father.… 
—John 15:15

One of the most important keys to effective prayer is approaching God as His friend. When we go to God believing that He sees us as His friends, new wonders are opened to us. We experience new freedom and boldness, which are both things to be extremely grateful for. 

If we do not know God as a friend, we will be reluctant to be bold in asking for what we need. But if we go to Him as our friend, without losing our awe of Him, our prayers will stay fresh, exciting, and intimate. 

A friendship involves loving and being loved. It means knowing that God is on your side, wanting to help you, cheering you on, and always keeping your best interest in mind. God loves you and desires your friendship!  

Prayer of Thanks: Father, I am thankful that You have promised to be my friend. Help me to come to You in prayer, knowing that You love me and You are for me. Thank You, God, that I am never alone. You are my friend, and You are with me.

 God the Father

By DR. David Jeremiah – Posted May 3, 2017

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:15-17

The word father occurs more than 500 times in the Old Testament, referring almost exclusively to human fathers. It was Jesus who popularized the term “Father” as a reference to God (Matthew 5:16; Malachi 2:10) and gave His disciples permission to do the same: “Our Father in heaven . . .” (Matthew 6:9a). It is the Holy Spirit who bears witness to our human spirit that we are God’s children and that He is our Father (Romans 8:16).

It is that same Holy Spirit, indwelling Jesus (Matthew 3:16; John 3:34), who created the life of intimacy between Father and Son during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Because we have the same Spirit dwelling in us, Jesus’ relationship with the Father is a model for our own relationship with the Father. Jesus said, “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak” (John 12:49; see also John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 7:28; 8:28, 42; 14:10, 31). Jesus withdrew often to discern, then do, the will of His Father (Luke 5:16). And He did nothing else.

Prayer serves the same purpose in our life—to draw near to the Father so that we may fulfill His will.

What is a Christian?... The richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God as his Father. 
J. I. Packer

JESUS HAS THE FINAL WORD

By Joseph Prince – Posted May 3, 2017

Revelations 1:18

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord…

The doctor has just told you that you have an incurable disease. The X-rays and blood tests confirm it. Your worst fears have come true and you feel like your future has been sealed.

My friend, the doctor’s report is not final. Jesus declares to you, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 1:8) He has the first word as well as the final word in your situation. The experts and medical reports don’t!

Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. But Jesus did not speak Greek. He spoke Aramaic or Hebrew. So He would have said, “I am the Aleph and the Tav.” Aleph and tav are the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. So what Jesus is declaring to us is this: “I have the first word in your situation. And I have the final word in your situation!”

Each Hebrew letter has a corresponding picture. Interestingly, aleph is associated with an ox and tav, a cross. Together, they make up a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us—He is the sacrificial “animal” on the cross. It was for us that He suffered, bled and died.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. (Matthew 8:17) That is why your sickness does not have the final word in your life.

Jesus does, because He took your sickness upon His body and paid for your healing

with His blood.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He took our curse. (Galatians 3:13) We were supposed to be cursed because of our sins, but He took our place and the curse fell on Him.

Today, we take His place and His blessings fall on us!

So why settle for the curse of sickness or even poverty when the price for your healing and provision has been paid by Jesus? Sickness and poverty do not have the final word in your life. Jesus does because He redeemed you from every curse!

Beloved, when man says that it is impossible, Jesus says that it is possible. The Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, has the final word in your situation!

Thought For The Day

Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, has the final word in your situation!

When God is Your Boss

By Joel Osteen – Posted May 3, 2017

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

For exaltation (promotion) comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another
Psalm 75:6-7, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

I know this man who was upset because his boss was really against him. The boss was always trying to make him look bad and would never give him any kind of recognition. The truth is that his boss was jealous of him. But, this man just kept being his best, working unto God. There were several promotions that he should have received, but because of this unfair boss, he was passed over. 

One day the CEO of the corporation was in town, and this man had to make a presentation. The CEO was very impressed. About a year later, a position became available that should have gone to the man’s boss, but the CEO bypassed the boss and called this man directly. Today, instead of working for the unfair boss, the tables have turned. The boss is working for him. 

Always remember, promotion comes from the Lord. When you stay faithful and keep a right attitude, that’s when God will promote you. One touch of His favor and things will totally turn around! Keep abiding. Keep being faithful. Stay on that high road. God will make your wrongs right and promote you in your due season!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, today I humbly submit myself to You because You are good and faithful. I choose to work and live according to Your Word because I love You and desire to honor You. I receive Your mercy and grace today so I can live a life pleasing to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.