Psalm 5:3 says, "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to you, and I will look up." Some years ago I began to wake up very early (4-5 AM). I wanted to keep sleeping, but I felt uncomfortable staying in bed. So I got up to relieve the inner discomfort, and decided to spend that early time reading my Bible and communing with God. After a while it dawned on me that God was calling me to get up and meet with Him early in the morning. Since then I've found this to be the best part of my day. My mind is fresh and sharp (after my first cup of coffee, of course. I set the pot to come on at 4:00 AM.) As I read through the Bible I gain new insights. I can review my prior day and see where I need to thank God, and where I need to repent and cleanse my heart. I can consider the day to come and make sure I let God into all the coming events. I can pray for the people I saw yesterday, and for the one's I will encounter today. It's wonderful to watch the day dawn and rejoice in it, because I know that "this is the day the Lord has made." Now I understand what the Psalmist meant.
|
|
|
Praying in the Spirit
May 12, 2011
This morning the Father reminded me that I had been neglecting one of the most powerful spiritual weapons in our arsenal -- praying in the Spirit. I remembered that after we put on the armor of God, described in Ephesians 6:10-17, we are then to employ the two weapons, the Word of God and praying "in the Spirit." Not everyone would agree as to what sort of prayer that refers to, but 1 Corinthians 14 tells us that at least one aspect is praying in the Spirit language He has given me. I remember that when I was first filled with the Spirit, I would pray for long periods in that "unknown tongue," and great things would happen as a result. I took His reminder to heart and committed myself to take more time apart to let the Holy Spirit pray through me according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26) And I believe I need to remind others when we gather next Sunday. Thank you Father for caring enough for me to correct me when I'm even a little off track. Amen!
|
|
|
