Prayers of the Spirit, and the will of God in them

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Spirit Prayer

Do we say that we pray in the Spirit? When we say this it is not altogether true, we mis-speak, because in reality we do not control the Spirit; the Spirit prays of its own accord from within us, and gives utterance to prayer that is within God’s will, while our own prayers are predominately comprised of our will, and weaknesses. Sometimes the Spirit’s prayer is a restatement of ours, but most times it is an intercession that is far beyond our desires and wants. A reconciliation of our will with God’s... a pruning of our wants to conform with what God’s will has planned for us.

Choosing Jesus, a Decision of Blessing, and Suffering Alike.

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Cost of Faith

Following Jesus and His commandments is glorious, fulfilling, and brings us many blessings, but let there be no doubt... it also comes at a cost. We are told forthright that we must bear our cross to be His disciples. And if we look at the pain and suffering that His cross brought Him, we quickly realize what ours will bring to us... and when we become a Christian there is no escaping this reality.

Traveling our Road of Faith, and God’s Stories of our Journey.

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotional , Chosen by God

Do we think that we come to know Jesus because of some accident, or happenstance? Perhaps we think that we sought Him out, and that it was by our own doing, and will, but none of these are true... we come to Him by divine providence. We know Him because God first loved us and has a perfect plan for our lives. We are given into the Hands of Jesus to be redeemed, and made righteous.

Post-Christmas Depression, and overcoming it through Faith

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Christmas Depression, Christmas Depression

For some people the day after Christmas is like falling off of an emotional cliff; the exciting and often hectic days of preparation for Christmas are over, and the emotional and spiritual exhilaration of Christmas Day with all its gifts, family, food, and worship, return to routine daily living once again. Some of us are glad for the rest, peace, and quiet, but others fall into a deep depression. The good news is that Jesus is there for us regardless of how we react, and to help us through each and every day and emotion we feel.

Celebrating the Birth, the child, Emanuel, and praying from our Soul.

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotional , Birth , Prayer, Second Coming , S

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We remember the story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, and seeking a room where there was none available. We recall how Jesus was born there, wrapped in swaddling cloth like a newborn lamb being prepared for sacrifice, and placed in a manger. Then we go to the pasture and listen with the shepherds as they are told of this miracle child, but how do we pray today? Do we pray in His name for the simple things we desire, or like Mary whose soul was known to pray fervently in the Holy Spirit as she anticipated His coming?

Exhaustion and Pain- Mother Mary Prays the Child

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotional , Mary’s Prayer

Tomorrow we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but today my mind is on the exhaustion of Mary. Full with child, and bearing the punishment of Eve, she has travelled a long way by foot and donkey to arrive in Bethlehem... she is exhausted, but tomorrow that will all come to an end with the final pains of childbirth and the cry of God’s own Son. Was that first utterance of Christ a prayer, and did Mary join Him in it?

The Christmas Story, more than a Baby, it’s the Never Ending Story of Love

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Christmas Story, Christmas Story

Christmas Day is but two days away, and when it arrives we will celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, but as we lift Him up in joyous song we should never forget why He was sent to us. All stories have a beginning, and are meant to have an end, the redemption story of our savior Jesus is no different. So as we celebrate the child being born to a virgin, we need to keep in mind His ministry, the empty tomb, and the second coming that we are still longing for.

Choosing our Friends; Choosing Jesus; Placing God First

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Jealousy

Who, or what do we choose to love? Who do we seek out and call our friends? In what way do we come to love them? The answer to these questions tells us a great deal about who we are, and the direction we are inclined to go in our faith. It also tells God if He is the center of our life, or if we have placed something, or someone above Him. God created the garden, and put Adam in it, He meant it to please man and his wife, but never did He intend for it to be loved more than Himself, or for it to be chosen over Him.

Transformation, and becoming a New Creation in Christ; What does that mean?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , New Creation

We read scriptural references regarding our becoming a new person once we have accepted Jesus as our savior, and many of us think that this simply means we aren’t to sin anymore, but it is much more than that. Our transformation as Christians becomes complete, just like our love for God... we are to be transformed heart, soul, body, and mind. Every facet of our being is to become new, and our old self and life not just modified in some way, but put to death... it shouldn’t exist any longer. What was once ME having become what is now CHRIST.

Do We Pray in Jesus’ Name, within God’s will, and for His Glory?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Pray, God’s Will

A stranger asks you to pray for them, so what do you do? A fellow believer in your church is overcome by illness, and asks for prayer, how do you respond? A friend is stricken lame, or becomes blind... what is your recourse? When we are asked to pray for someone, or something, we should seek God’s Will in this request, and when the Holy Spirit affirms that this request is in conformance with God’s Will, then we should pray fervently, and expectantly.

Being Satisfied, Content in Jesus, and God’s calling for us.

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Calling, Following

Sometimes we get caught up in one of Satan’s most devious snares that comes disguised as spirituality, but in reality draws us away from following Jesus as we should. Have you ever been so concerned about how God, or Jesus, is treating someone else that it nearly becomes an obsession with you? Have you boldly asked Jesus why He is behaving a certain way, either positive, or negatively, towards someone?

Hope, Faith, and Jesus... our Vaccine against Sin

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Hope, Vaccination

Do we maintain a hope in God and Jesus Christ that is with us every minute of every day? Has our faith produced a transformation in us that is irreversible, or does the old person we once were continue to struggle against us as we are tempted to fall back into sin? Our hope in Christ is not like a tide that is meant to rise and fall within us, no, it is a living hope that is alive in us always. We are meant to lean on our faith; loving, praying, and hoping in the Lord as we push back against every worldly temptation.

Prepare Ye to know the Child of God

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotional , Knowing Christ

The day of the year is approaching when we will celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, but without the sin that Adam brought into the world, and imparted to us, Christ’s arrival would not have been necessary, and His home would have remained in heaven. We honor this month the birth of our Redeemer by feasting and with great joy, not because He is paid the earth a visit, but because He defeated sin, death, and saved our souls.

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