Author: astherainandsnow

“Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.” 1 Samuel 3:19-21

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

When God’s words fell on the dark and chaos of a pre-created world, order came, light and life appeared, and all was very good. When God’s words issue forth in the present, He still gives life to the dead and calls into being things that do not exist. For those of us in Christ, we can chafe at judgment, gasp in horror, or marvel at His benevolent kindness, but in all things know that His word is good and works all things for good, according to His ultimate purposes. (Genesis 1; Isaiah 39:8; Romans 4:17; 8:28)

For us, the source of our words is the heart. God had developed in Samuel a heart for Him, placing him with God-honoring parents, and overseeing his being raised in the temple. When He called him, He trained Samuel to discern His voice, and empowered him for His messages. Like Samuel, when we meditate on the Word of God, it becomes us, and infiltrates our thinking and speaking so that not only we grow spiritually and flourish, but can aid others in doing so. (1 Samuel 1:11,19-20,24-28; 3:1-10; Psalm 1:1-3; 119:68; Matthew 12:34)

How well are we tending our hearts so they produce rich fruit in our words? Every input- reading, entertainment, a meandering thought-life- will influence our output. Have we fixed a filter for purity, checks of accountability with friends, limits on the barrage of media that clamors for our affection? Are we deliberately meditating day and night on God’s word, through set time in the Word, prayer, conversation, song? What are we doing to unite our hearts to fear and honor our Lord? (Psalm 86:11)

Once saturated with God’s truth and the divine qualities they impart, how intentional are we to upbuild, encourage, and console? When we encounter cantankerous people, do we have a ready word that brings common ground and peace? In anxious or complicated situations, are we prepared through soaking in the Word and praying ahead for every word, God’s direction, and humble receptivity? Do we waste words on superficial chatter, complaint, gossip, or boasting that detract from God’s higher intent? How are our words being used to instill hope, promote reconciliation, or offer salvation? (1 Corinthians 14:3)

Father, let me drink in Your words, and be daily enlightened and satisfied. Then may my words, at Your bidding and for Your pleasure, fall like rain in life-giving love, redemptive truth, and rich blessing to those with whom I speak. (Deuteronomy 32:2; Psalm 19:14)

“And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus…

“And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

“And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul… So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” Acts 19:1-5,8-11,20

Paul, whom God drastically saved and then transformed through a season of communion with Himself, knew the importance of gradual learning. He took time with the disciples, he asked and answered questions, he reasoned and persuaded, he spoke life-changing truth with boldness, consistency, and persistence. Paul taught intuitively, taking new believers step by step in understanding and process. (Galatians 1:11-18)

The Christian life is an ongoing exhale of what was and inhale of our new creation, learning to breathe and live as a child of God. Line upon line, precept upon precept, we take in, digest, and appropriate God’s word. We grapple, seek, discover, and apply. While we are counted righteous in Christ upon belief, our sanctification is an ongoing process in which we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to become like our Savior. (Genesis 15:6; Psalm 17:15; Isaiah 28:10; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21)

In our Christian journey, do we expect immediate removal of temptation, inside-out change in ungodly attitudes and proclivities? Do we berate ourselves, and envy, when others seem to conquer sin habits more readily than we? Are we willing to put in the work necessary for consistent growth and Christ-likeness? How diligent are we in the disciplines that redirect, renew, and retrain us? Our walk is a continual putting off and putting on that requires diligence and holy desire. (Colossians 3:1-17; 1 John 3:2-3)

How about others? Do we share Paul’s eagerness to help those younger in faith? Do we grow impatient when they don’t understand or make immediate life changes we would prescribe as vital? Do we criticize when they don’t appear to take holiness seriously, or demean or chide or nag when their resolve is weak? How could we come alongside to explain, encourage, and plod forward together with Christ? (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Father, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me steadily progress with You, and graciously bring others along, so Your word increases and mightily prevails, to the praise of Your glory.

“When they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely… He put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:23-25

“And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him…  When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets… He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” Acts 28:16,23,30-31

Paul was a man sold out to Christ. He lived on a higher plain, an eternal one. His circumstances always paled in comparison to his aim and drive: to make Christ known. Confinement for him was opportunity, simply where the Lord placed him to preach, sing, teach, or write. He saw the confines of a dungeon merely as bars through which the beautiful gospel could spread, and did all he could to make that happen.

It was in the very place of restriction that God opened Paul’s mind and time schedule to write to the churches, vital letters that instruct and encourage us still today. In chains and damp darkness, the resplendence of God’s mercies and blessings shone in brilliance from Paul’s soul. In lack and mistreatment, Paul learned contentment and unceasing joy in his Savior. Within impossible prison walls Paul’s singing brought hymn truths to a heathen jailer, and flooded his family with salvation. Paul seized every opportunity while confined to make known the freedom Christ offers. (Acts 16:25-33; Ephesians 1:1-3,16-17; Philippians 4:12)

When we not only recognize, but accept, that sometimes the Lord places us in earthly or physical restraints, our spirits begin to grow in new ways and put forth fresh shoots of faith. We learn that our freedom is internal, and the fount of untouchable hope and purpose.

In what difficult or restricting venue am I? Likely not actual prison, but a harsh or hard relationship, a challenging work situation or assignment, the confinement of an incurable disease? Do I realize that the freedom I have in this place is not a worldly sort, but freedom from sin’s bondage that gives impenetrable joy and unshakable peace I can from here uniquely proclaim?

From the very confines of pain, or grief, or restraint of activity and desire, we learn the secret that those Jesus has set free are free indeed. Are we exercising that freedom to trust our Lord more deeply, to grow in intimacy with Him, to speak of His fame and exemplify the beauties of His character? (John 8:36)

“My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

Good Father, help me relish, wherever I am, my freedom in Christ, and take advantage of the platform it offers to proclaim Your excellencies and glory.

“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you  always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.  I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles… I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” Romans 1:7-13,15

Paul’s affection for his churches is apparent in every letter he writes. He holds no favoritism, only genuine love for the churches God has planted. His opening words always point to the grace of Jesus, whose Spirit unites him with those he is addressing, and extends that grace in love to them. Here, he then sets out his intention for a fruitful visit in Rome. (Philippians 1:2-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4; 2 Timothy 1:2-4)

Paul prepares for that visit by reminding the saints at Rome they are just that: saints by God’s call, and loved. He paves the way to them with grace and peace whose Source is the Lord Jesus. He specifically thanks God for all of them, and for their faith that is growing and which he anticipates will continue to grow. He tells them he’s praying for them and that he hopes to see them soon, stoking that same expectation in their spirits too. Then he describes a visit that would include fellowship, the strengthening of spiritual gifts, mutual encouragement, discussions of faith and scripture, and eternal fruitfulness. Who would reject such a time together?

While we are moved by the affection felt in Paul’s words, and the comfort and excitement they would evoke, imagine the richness of the actual gathering that would ensue! Paul is describing true fellowship of the saints: acknowledging who we are in Christ in unity of Spirit, sharing stories of Christ’s deeds, imbibing in and refreshing one another with living water, and spurring each other on in specific gifts and ministries.

When we are intentional in our visits with others, taking thought and prayer ahead of time for how we can build one another up and contribute to a lasting harvest, the Lord will bless our time together in ways we cannot imagine. Would we take time to humble ourselves, thank God beforehand for each we will see, and ask Him to direct all conversation and connection to accomplish His bidding? How will we encourage faith, reconciliation, scriptural wisdom, and mutual spiritual growth when we gather with His people?

Lord, help me make the most of the relationships You have given. Fill me to flow forth with Your grace, love, and encouragement.

“In the Lord I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
    ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain,
for behold, the wicked bend the bow;
    they have fitted their arrow to the string
    to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
if the foundations are destroyed,
    what can the righteous do?’

The Lord is in his holy temple;
    the Lord’s throne is in heaven;
    his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man…
For the Lord is righteous;..
    the upright shall behold his face.” Psalm 11:1-4,7

“Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone;
    for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
    with flattering lips and a double heart they speak...

[They] say, ‘With our tongue we will prevail,
    our lips are with us; who is master over us?’

‘Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,
    I will now arise,’ says the Lord;
    ‘I will place him in the safety for which he longs.’
The words of the Lord are pure words,
    like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
    purified seven times.

You, O Lord, will keep them;
    you will guard us from this generation forever.
 On every side the wicked prowl,
    as vileness is exalted among the children of man.” Psalm 12:1-2,4-8

David had certainly seen his fill of wickedness, violence, crumbling moral foundations, deceit, broken relationships, haughty boasting, and the disenfranchisement of the poor and needy. Where did he go for relief and protection? He set his refuge in the Lord, spelled out each complaint from that secure vantage point, had his full say, and by an act of faith and will, put complete trust in God and His word to handle the mess. There is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

The psalms are so often a reflection of our own heart and a mimic of our voice. We are mocked and threatened for our faith stance, and find the foundations of our trusted institutions shaky, uncertain. The godly fall, the faithful deceive, and we are left wondering why, who next, and is this really real? As man advances, he pushes aside the divine, shaking off any higher power, authority, and accountability. Wickedness, vileness, and violence pepper our cities and headlines, and we cry for the Lord to arise.

And arise He does. He rides the winds to our rescue, and underneath are His everlasting arms. He keeps His promises, and our souls in safe harbor. Though evils are many, and many suffer, the Lord God surrounds His own and secures us forever. We need not be shaken, nor unsettled, nor afraid. (Deuteronomy 33:26-27; Psalm 3:3; Proverbs 30:5)

What is my list of complaint? Would I pour out all that concerns me in the world, my nation, my home, my own heart, and hide it in the inerrant and powerful promises of God? He is concerned with all that concerns me, and will bring His perfect resolution to my every care. He is trustworthy, and on my side. (Psalm 56:8-11; 138:8)

Father, turn my How long? into firm trust in Your steadfast love. From refuge in You, may my heart daily rejoice in Your salvation and Your bountiful dealing with all that disturbs. Increase my delight in Your pure, unshakable word. (Psalm 13:1-2,5-6)

“Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples… And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God…

“From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. He said, ‘You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials..; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God… For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God… For three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up…’ He knelt down and prayed with them all… ‘I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” Acts 19:1,8; 20:17-24,27,31-32,36; 21:13

Paul was a man on a mission, but he certainly had good reason to give up. Wherever he preached he met opposition, even threatened death. But a child of God with holy fire cannot be quenched, no matter the forces against him. And shrink he did not, he would not. Compared with the value of his life, the surpassing greatness of Jesus, and knowing Him, won, and this he was constrained to proclaim. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Philippians 3:7-9)

Paul did not shrink from argument, because he knew the truth. He could debate and explain since he not only understood the gospel and its grace, applied and appropriated personally, but had the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Paul did not shrink from difficulty, because the gospel message was more vital and valuable than comfort and ease. Persecution, difficulties, and suffering only served to press him to know his Lord better, and to experience and display His strength and power. (2 Corinthians 4:8-11; 11:23-30; 12:9-10)

Paul did not shrink from building up the churches he had planted and loved as his own children. He knew they faced temptation, false teaching, and spiritual attack, and so nutured them with needed ongoing encouragement. The Spirit continually led and constrained him to admonish, teach, pray for, and strive with the churches, with great love and passion. (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)

What discomfort or challenges cause us to succomb to fear, sloth, or complacency, and shrink from our heavenly call? Whom has the Lord given us to teach, upbuild, or disciple, no matter the cost?

Father, may I never weary or shrink back from pursuing and doing Your will, for the sake of Your church and Your great name. (Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 1:28; Hebrews 12:3)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?  Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?..

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-35,37-39

The love of God for His own is beyond measure, in heft and breadth, in depth and grip. It surpasses human imagining and description that we can be so closely, unceasingly, strongly, inextricably held, and yet we are. Truly, our God is ever-present and for us, and that means He is with us, all around us, hemming us in behind and before, upholding us with His everlasting arms, gripping us with His hands, and covering us under His wings. His love takes on everything that would separate us from Him, and wins. We cannot escape His love, and once we grasp what that means, never want to. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 91:4; 103:11; 139:5-6; John 10:28-29)

“O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee.
I give thee back the life I owe, 
that in thine ocean depths its flow 
may richer, fuller be.” ~George Matheson (1882)

What does this love mean for us day to day? It means that when we awaken to a new morning and face fresh challenges, He loves us in them. His love gives purpose to our rising, our communion with Him, our planning, our deciding. He wants what is best and cheers us on. His love infuses the divine into our relationships and conversations, and meaning into our industry and ministry.

What does this love mean for us hour to hour? It means we will never escape His eye or care. As we move from task to task, and vitality spurts and wanes, His love is steady and steadfast, giving insight, strength, stamina, and sweetness in every happenstance and the bitterest of responsibilities. His love orders and blesses our interactions, and inspires what we see and seek. His love soothes our loneliness, and is the balm to grief and pain. His love sings over our consternation and our weeping. (Zephaniah 3:15-17)

Since these things are true, how will we live differently, more securely, in greater solace and passion and courage?

Father, let me this day rest in, rejoice in, marvel in, and vibrantly live in Your love that knows no bounds. May I never let go of You as I extend Your love to others.

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the days of Jehoiakim, king of Judah:  ‘Go to the house of the Rechabites and speak with them and bring them to the house of the Lord..; then offer them wine to drink.’  So I took Jaazaniah.., and his brothers and all his sons and the whole house of the Rechabites…

“I set before the Rechabites pitchers full of wine, and cups, and I said to them, ‘Drink wine.’ But they answered, ‘We will drink no wine, for… our father, commanded us, “You shall not drink wine, neither you nor your sons forever. You shall not build a house; you shall not sow seed; you shall not plant or have a vineyard; but you shall live in tents all your days, that you may live many days in the land where you sojourn.” We have obeyed [his] voice in all that he commanded us…

“Thus says the Lord… Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? ¹⁴ The command that Jonadab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me. ¹⁵ I have sent to you all my servants the prophets,.. saying, ‘Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them..,’ But you did not incline your ear or listen to me. ¹⁶ The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command [of] their father, but this people has not obeyed me.” Jeremiah 35:1-3,5-8,13-16

God is marvelous in the ways He sovereignly intersects individuals and situations to teach His children. The Rechabites were a simple people committed to obedience, and He appointed them as an illustration for Jeremiah to use to distinguish between obedience and rebellion: The Lord knows and blesses the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1)

What we glean is not so much that we take no wine and live in tents, but that God calls us to follow Him for our good, His glory, and to be an example. As His own, we are to show a weak and waffling world that, though not necessarily easy or popular, obedience is possible, and is always attended by blessing. We mix and mingle with all, but stand out in obedience to show forth His loveliness in grace.

When life revolves around me, I make short-sighted decisions that do not take others into account. But we don’t live as islands. People are watching. If we fix our eyes on Christ, not on others’ approval, our devotion and desire to please Him grow, inform, and motivate our choices. Others will be drawn to the peace and joy we have in our communion with Christ and His word. (Matthew 5:16; Romans 14:7)

When will I stop living for myself and wholeheartedly cast my lot with Christ? He who calls is faithful to enable. In what areas need I take stock and reorder, so I’m following His way and living a clear example for others? (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Lord, sharpen and deepen my allegiance to You, that Your grace and sufficiency in me draws others to You.

“Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You have permission to speak for yourself.’ Then Paul [said]: ‘I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews… I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers…

‘I myself was convinced that I ought to [oppose] the name of Jesus… I not only locked up many of the saints in prison.., but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury I persecuted them…

‘In this connection I journeyed to Damascus… I saw on the way a light from heaven… I said, “Who are you, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting… I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and witness… so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [and] receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

‘Therefore, O King Agrippa, I… declared… that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying… King Agrippa, do you believe? ‘” Acts 26:1-2,6,9-13,15-16,18-22,27

After trauma, imprisonment, and several hearings, Paul was brought before King Agrippa and his wife, the military tribunes, and prominent men of the city. With all the pomp and appearance of importance, they actually had no valid charges against him. Paul was allowed to speak for himself. (Acts 25:18-19,24-27)

Given the opportunity, Paul described who he had been, how Jesus saved him, and what He had called him to do. His testimony made clear the gospel of Christ in taking him from enemy to friend, from reprobate to repentant, blasphemer to anointed preacher. (Romans 5:10)

Every day we have chances to speak for ourselves. Whether we are asked specifically the reason for the hope we have, or are simply mingling in community conversation, God gives us a platform to talk about Him. We can spend time and words on ourselves and detract from Him, or tell how He works in our lives or helps us see differently. Outlining who we were, and how He has made a difference brings honor to His transforming power. People may not know what questions to ask, but we can pray for discernment to know what answers they need. (1 Peter 3:15)

Are we taking every opportunity God gives to speak for him? Do we retreat, or hide in the crowds, letting louder voices and worldviews reign supreme? Or will we make time with individuals, and zero in on biblical truths? Will we step forward, and boldly proclaim Christ the public arena? When we do not speak, others will. God has given us our mouth, and will fill it with good things when we’re willing to be His instrument. This day, how will we speak for ourselves, for Him? (Exodus 4:11-12; Psalm 81:10; Isaiah 50:4;

Father, may my words be few, but potent. Fill me with your love and truth, to be ready and courageous always to tell the glories of your gospel.

“Jesus answered, ‘Have faith in God. Whoever… does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him… Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:22-25

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him… As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’” Acts 7:54-60

Prayer is a privilege for the believer in so many aspects. The Lord’s promises of what we can access through prayer astound even young believers. They flow from His vast well of goodness and grace, with the end that our faith would grow. His parameters for prayer prepare in us the proper mindset for coming to Him in the first place.

We often think of prayer as a time when we lay out our needs and ask for God’s help, favor, or blessing on what we have already planned. Our only prerequisite is a ready list. But Jesus gives the conditions of faith and forgiveness to help us realize the very foundation on which we are able to approach him. We must believe in the rent veil, the access into the Holy of holies Jesus made available to us at His death. This is faith in our Savior and very salvation. Coming in faith is coming humbly, and gratefully, for the reconciliation we have in Christ. (Matthew 27:50-51; John 14:6)

With that as a backdrop, we must come having forgiven others. We cannot approach the cross if we have not applied the cross to our own relationships and situations. A lack of forgiveness renders our communication soiled and ineffective. We come not just to get, but to acknowledge with praise and gratitude that we have been forgiven much. This reality shapes and orders our reason, our motivation, and our requests.

When we come in faith, forgiven and having forgiven, there is no limit to the power and effectiveness of our prayer. We approach the throne of grace with confidence because of Jesus- who we know Him to be and what we know He has done on our behalf. He teaches us how to pray, and we learn to desire what He desires and align with His will. (Luke 11:1-4; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 5:15-18)

What needs changing about the attitude with which we approach God in prayer? How committed are we to growing in faith and the willingness to extend grace as Jesus has? How will we boldly pray for ourselves and others today? (Ephesians 1:16-19)

Father, purify me that my prayers tap into Your greatness and grace, for the furtherance of Your purposes on earth and in heaven.