As the New Year was approaching, I was convicted daily of (primarily--but not limited to) two things:
1) That I do not love the Word of God, as I ought
2) That I do not spend as much time with the Lord in prayer, as I ought.
It seems that God has placed this same conviction on the hearts of the authors of every single church and ministry website and/or blog that I follow--which is great affirmation and encouragement to my soul. Of course, as I read the sermons that were preached by the "dead men" down through the ages, the same convictions and desires were expressed by them as the New Year approached, back in their times, as well.
This should not surprise us, as this is the time many reflect back on the past year and realize that they had not made the best use of it in terms of God's means for spiritual growth. I am simply pleased that many of God's people are desiring to place Him first in the coming year.
With that in mind:
Continue steadfastly in prayer.
-- Colossians 4:2
It is interesting to consider how large a portion of the Bible is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. We scarcely open the Bible before we read, "People began to call upon the name of the LORD;" and just as we are about to close the volume, the "Amen" of an earnest supplication meets our ear.
Instances are plentiful. Here we find a wrestling Jacob--there a Daniel who prayed three times a day--and a David who with all his heart called upon his God. On the mountain we see Elijah; in the dungeon Paul and Silas. We have multitudes of commands, and myriads of promises. What does this teach us, but the sacred importance and necessity of prayer?
We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in His Word, He intended to be conspicuous in our lives. If He has said much about prayer, it is because He knows we have much need of it. So deep are our necessities that until we are in heaven we must not cease to pray.
Do you need nothing? Then I fear you do not know your poverty. Have you no mercy to ask of God? Then may the Lord's mercy show you your misery!
A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honor of a Christian. If you are a child of God, you will seek your Father's face and live in your Father's love.
Pray that this year you may be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter more often into the banqueting-house of His love. Pray that you may be an example and a blessing to others, and that you may live more to the glory of your Master. The motto for this year must be, "Continue . . . in prayer." 1Genesis 4:26
Taken from Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Devotions
1) That I do not love the Word of God, as I ought
2) That I do not spend as much time with the Lord in prayer, as I ought.
It seems that God has placed this same conviction on the hearts of the authors of every single church and ministry website and/or blog that I follow--which is great affirmation and encouragement to my soul. Of course, as I read the sermons that were preached by the "dead men" down through the ages, the same convictions and desires were expressed by them as the New Year approached, back in their times, as well.
This should not surprise us, as this is the time many reflect back on the past year and realize that they had not made the best use of it in terms of God's means for spiritual growth. I am simply pleased that many of God's people are desiring to place Him first in the coming year.
With that in mind:
Continue steadfastly in prayer.
-- Colossians 4:2
It is interesting to consider how large a portion of the Bible is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. We scarcely open the Bible before we read, "People began to call upon the name of the LORD;" and just as we are about to close the volume, the "Amen" of an earnest supplication meets our ear.
Instances are plentiful. Here we find a wrestling Jacob--there a Daniel who prayed three times a day--and a David who with all his heart called upon his God. On the mountain we see Elijah; in the dungeon Paul and Silas. We have multitudes of commands, and myriads of promises. What does this teach us, but the sacred importance and necessity of prayer?
We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in His Word, He intended to be conspicuous in our lives. If He has said much about prayer, it is because He knows we have much need of it. So deep are our necessities that until we are in heaven we must not cease to pray.
Do you need nothing? Then I fear you do not know your poverty. Have you no mercy to ask of God? Then may the Lord's mercy show you your misery!
A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honor of a Christian. If you are a child of God, you will seek your Father's face and live in your Father's love.
Pray that this year you may be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter more often into the banqueting-house of His love. Pray that you may be an example and a blessing to others, and that you may live more to the glory of your Master. The motto for this year must be, "Continue . . . in prayer." 1Genesis 4:26
Taken from Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Devotions
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