Live and Pray in the Spirit

Live in the Spirit the way God does (1 Peter 4:6).

Pray at all times in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).

Living and praying in the Spirit go together.

An Observation about God’s Will

We can live for the will of God (1 Peter 4:2).

We can pray for the will of God (from Matthew 5:10).

Our living and praying can be done for God.

Walk with God

Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9).

Noah did all the Lord commanded him (from Genesis 6:22; 7:5).

People who walk with God do what he says.

Faithful Love

The Lord is for me; he will help me. His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 118:7,1).

We can trust God’s faithful love and pray, “You have done what you promised, for you are always true to your word (Nehemiah 9:8).”

Prayer and Action

We prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves (Nehemiah 4:9).

Tell God what you need and do what you can to get it.

Give God Glory

Our prayers can give God glory. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power (Revelation 4:11).

What we do can give God glory. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

You can give God glory!

Much more than what we asked

God had given us four. Rachel, Jonathan, Sarah, and Jacob were and are so very loved, so very wanted, so very wonderful.

We asked for just one more.

That was 27 years ago and we’re still thanking God for giving so much more than what we asked. To Him be the glory (Ephesians 3:21)!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Anneliese!

The Way to Wisdom

God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found, for he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens. . . . And this is what he says to all humanity: the fear of the Lord is true wisdom (Job 28:23-24, 28).

He also says: If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you (James 1:5).

Fear of the Lord and prayer are the way to wisdom.

Consider God when you pray

Nehemiah considered God when he prayed. “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands . . . You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to became angry and rich in unfailing love (Nehemiah 1:5, 9:17).”

Jesus considered God when he prayed. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name (Matthew 6:9).”

Do you consider who God is when you pray?

Wondering What to Pray?

“Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you (Psalm 66:3-4).'”

This prayer suggestion comes from one who had been tested and tried, who had carried a crushing burden, and been through fire and water (See Psalm 66:10-12).

Let your trials inspire praise. God will bring you to a place of abundance.