10/13/2024
Our scripture reading this morning is from Matthew 7 and leads us into our study. It speaks of judging others; seeking God's Word and will; then doing the things that He has asked of us. Praying within God’s will is more than simply speaking words, because it is not just giving lip service through speech and fancy oration, and calling it a prayer. If we pray from our heart, and within the will of God then He will recognize what we say as prayer, reward them, make our prophecy true, and before Him on judgement day, Jesus will acknowledge us, and not say "I never knew you, depart from me". Are we prepared to yield ourselves to the will of God? Let’s begin our journey towards true prayer.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 7:21 KJV
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
Hebrews 10:36
Pastor E.M. Bounds reminded us in the late 1800s, and early 1900s of this when he wrote:
"Remember that true praying is not mere eloquent speech. It does not consist of saying in sweet tones, "Lord, Lord." Praying is obedience." - E. M. Bounds
So, as we pray let's build our houses upon the rock and seek the will of God in all that we do. Our deeds are meant to reflect our faith and our faith should reflect Jesus, God, and God's will. Then, if we pray and act accordingly, our prayers will be answered and Jesus will know us before the Father. It all comes down to being obedient doesn't it? We should obey the will and Word of God... Then offer our prayers within that will.
Bounds said it well when he wrote further:
"If prayer does not inspire, sanctify, and direct our work, then self-will enters and ruins both the work and the worker." - E. M. Bounds
His will or our will... which have we chosen to follow? Studying God’s Word keeps us from confusing the two. Praying for and within His will cements us in our faith. And, doing those things He would have us do earns us His reward. So, how do we pray, and what do our work, and our lives look like?
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV
Prayer:
Father thank you for your Holy Spirit who leads us in prayer, and gives us remembrance and understanding of you and your Word. Thank you for loving us and allowing us to love you, for this is your greatest desire,, and the essence of your will for us; make it ours Father. Help us to know this, your will, then direct our every step as we pray and live out our lives within it. Give us the ability to discern, and to obey your divine desire in all aspects of our lives. Do this Father so that we will have the strength and determination needed to keep our own wills in check, and our desires in total obedience to yours. Help us in this way Lord so that your Son, Jesus Christ, will indeed know our name on the day of judgement, and you will say that you are well pleased with who we have become. Help us Abba to make our prayers to be expressions of you in word, deed, and love, for you are not impressed with our ability to deliver fancy words, or words that are meant to impress you, or those about us who hear them. Help us to conform ourselves to who you are, and what you wish for us to be, and do. Father, bring our desires under subjugation to you, and give us your peace, joy, and love, as we succeed in so doing. Let us be transformed by our faith into the image of Christ in all we do, and say… both in spirit and our physical behavior. Let us pray, love, obey, and live out your will always, by making everything about loving and pleasing you, and by doing most of these in secret so that our reward will be in heaven, not in and of this world and our selfishness. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose love and will in our lives is perfect. Holy are you whose mercy and grace are not only sufficient for us, but run down over us like a warm oil as we are sanctified, and anointed by them. We pray that your will be done, and give ourselves unto you for that purpose… even if our obedience means suffering, or being nailed to a cross, because our conformance to your will in this world, mind and body, increases our loving relationship with you, and insures our place in your eternal kingdom, and presence, forevermore. Praised be your name Father, for great are you, and perfect your love, your Word, and your will.
Amen, Amen, Amen
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
“It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!”
Psalm 133:2 ESV
Rich Forbes