Thursday Devotional - "Little" Prayers

Last week I mentioned how I lost our temporary paper license plate on a Saturday, with no way to replace it until we could get to the Secretary of State on Monday. So, of course, we prayed about finding it. After our first trip looking, James said something about God not helping us find it. I said God definitely heard our prayer but may not have thought it best for us to find it.

Then, Sunday night after the kids were in bed, I decided to go for a jog. Joe suggested that I run down the street where I lost the paper license plate. As I was running, I told God we didn’t “need” to find the paper, but it sure would be nice! Turning onto the street and coming up to the first house, guess what was in their ditch??? Yes, the paper license plate!!! I praised God most of the rest of my run!

In hind sight, God had me go for a jog and had Joe suggest a different route than normal. He cares about the big and small things, just as Jessica shared a couple weeks ago when God helped them find the lost check!

As I was reviewing some of my Romans memory verses this week, several of them tied into my recent experience.

Romans 8:26-34 ²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:26-34

How are you and I encouraged knowing God is at work in a situation that seems hopeless?

How are you and I challenged and motivated knowing God is always for us and Jesus is always interceding?

God helps us in prayer, answers both big and small prayers, and is always there for us!  

Alice

Tues Devo: Given the choice

Hello,

I read through the life of King Saul this past week. There was a part that stood out to me. Saul is fighting a battle as directed by God and destroys the Amalekites. But he doesn’t quite finish the job. He was supposed to clear it all out, but he left the King (though taken captive) and left alive several of the unblemished animals to be used for sacrifices to God. As Samuel confronts Saul about this, he reminds Saul what is more important.

1 Samuel 15:22 “Samuel said, Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” (NASB)

Disobedience dressed up in a gift is still disobedience. Though there were many laws and rules in the Old Testament, God was still most concerned about the hearts. Obedience from the inside out is more desired than sacrifice, an external display.

Hope this challenges you today,

Will Hill

Open Arms

Luke 15:21-24

 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Last week, a friend of mine had her son go missing.  He had moved to just outside of Detroit a few days prior to going missing.  She was beyond distraught.  Flyers were being shared all over Facebook. 

This morning I woke up to find out that they found him, safe.  I don’t know the details of what happened to him and I am not implying that he did anything wrong as I do not know that but I know how happy his mom was to know that he was safe! 

Think about your own life, have you ever gone days without talking to your parent?  Them not knowing where you were or why they hadn’t heard from you?  When you do talk to them again, they are happy to hear from you. 

Now think about how often you go without talking to The Father.  Even as a Christian, I would have to admit that I’ve got myself over busy some days and don’t spend that time talking to the Father that I should.  When we separate ourselves from our parent, they have every reason to be upset with us.  Yet that is not what our Heavenly Father does!  He welcomes us with open arms. 

Today I want to encourage you to find time to build your relationship with our Heavenly Father.  He is waiting with open arms for you!