Prayer In Secret (by Margaret Duran)

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Years ago, as a very immature, disobedient child of God, I would pray for all the things I wanted (more than what I needed). But, as we mature, we learn to pray for others and their needs. It is such a joy when we see those prayers answered. I also learned that as I prayed for others I received the blessing as well. All my needs are met, and I am being abundantly blessed spiritually. This is the wonderful joy of intercession on behalf of your family, friends and those you come in contact with daily.

The Father does know all that we have need of, and when our hearts are turned to the needs of others, He truly blesses us even more. I feel very comfortable with simply talking to Jesus as I would talk to a very dear, close, intimate friend. He is truly all of these and more. Practice makes perfect. The more we pray, the more comfortable it becomes, until we can just pour out our soul to Him with all the love in our hearts. That's when answers come from the Father. "… The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16 (NIV)

TEACH ME HOW TO PRAY

Teach me how to pray, Lord,

For I want to know Your way.

Draw me closer to You,

Be my guide for each new day.

Show me who is needy

Of a kind and gentle hand.

Let me be Your water

On this dry and desert land.

Fill me with compassion

For the hurt and lonely heart.

Fan the flame inside me

So Your light can pierce the dark.

Bless me with Your Spirit,

When I don’t know what to say.

Guide me as I witness,

So the lost can find the Way.

(© 7/12/10 Carolyn L. Marshall)

May you truly be blessed and find peace as you talk with our Heavenly Father in your quiet time today and always.



Israel - A Corrupt Generation (by Margaret Duran)

Moses is speaking about the Israelites in the following verses, but it applies to us today.

"Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. They have acted corruptly toward him; to their shame they are no longer his children, but a warped and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?" Deuteronomy 32:1-6 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

The meaning is very clear. We are guilty of the same sins as were the Israelites. We are absorbed with the things in this world with no conscience of any wrong doings. But we must wake up and face our sin and repent, for we want to be ready when Jesus comes for us.

We are truly a corrupt generation. We sin each day and fall short of what God would have us to be. Can we change ourselves? No. But, through the power of the Holy Spirit and our surrendered will, He can change us and keep us in the will of God. This doesn't mean that we will never sin again. But the Holy Spirit will be there to help us recognize the temptation and, through Him, we can resist it.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

I was given a business card that said "Put God in the center and everything will come together." I have found that to be so very true.

Reward For Obedience (by Margaret Duran)

©2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

“Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for He acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”       Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)

God's gift to us for our obedience, worship and praise is so great. When we make time to sit alone with Jesus, there are great rewards that we know not of. Here are just a few of the many ways we are blessed:

Ø      Peace that passes all understanding;

Ø      Joy that fills our hearts to overflowing;

Ø      Rivers of living water will flow through and from us to everyone we meet;

Ø      Financial needs are met;

Ø      Our life begins to come together.

When we love someone, we want time alone with them, and so does Jesus. We must show Him that we love Him through our obedience.

 “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:3 NIV

Our purpose in life is to give Him love and praise. That is why He created us … a real, personal relationship. It's time now to test our hearts because Jesus is coming again. Will our lamps be filled with oil so we will be ready when the Bridegroom comes?

In The Center Of His Will (by Margaret Duran)

“If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth. There is nothing false about him.” John 7:17-18 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Now, I would say that doing God's will and being in the center of His will is most important if we want to be successful in our walk with Jesus. If we are not in the center of His will, we miss His plan for our lives completely. Many times, our will fights against His will because we are not totally surrendered. This takes time. As we grow in His grace, little by little, and as we place our dependence on Him, we relinquish our will over to Jesus. Then we experience freedom, joy and peace and the knowledge that whatever happens will definitely be for our good.

If you have made a mess of your life, as did I, you would be happy to give your will over to Him. As a matter of fact, I begged Him to take it from me. All authority is His, and I allow Him total control. Many have said, “Well, God gave you a brain to use, so use it.” Yes, thank God, He gave us a brain to know where all wisdom lies, but will we recognize that? I have found that when I am in the center of His will, I am the happiest.