By repenting of our sinful lifestyle and believing
in Christ as our Savior, we are made children of God (John 3:16-18). We are set
free from the law of sin and death by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus (Romans 8:2).
Exchanging our old nature for a new nature in Christ
creates true righteousness and holiness in us (Ephesians 4:24). God helps by disciplining
us for our sin, in order for us to share in His holiness (Hebrews 12:10).
Submitting to His discipline allows us to exhibit
His fruit to the world around us. We know that when Christ does appear, we will
be exactly like Him, because we shall see Him in all of His glory (1 John 3:2).
Growing in our union with Christ starts each new
day in a time of aloneness with God. Night owls do this before they go to bed,
and morning doves pray when they wake up.
God also created the earth in such a manner that
half the world is awake while the other half is sleeping. This way, we keep God
company twenty-four hours a day!
We enter a realm of oneness with His Spirit and
pray according to His will. We thank Him for His daily provision of our needs
and appreciate Him for who He is.
Then we share our apprehensions and questions with
Him. We feel His presence in our spirit; and sit quietly, listening for His
still, small voice in answer to our prayers (Philippians 4:6; 1 Kings
19:11-13).
Once we make our requests known to God,
we release all anxiety. Discarding all doubt and fear, we feel the peace of
God, which transcends human reasoning and protects our soul and spirit in
Christ (Philippians 4:6-7).
Prayer:
Father God, Jesus is part of Your Trinity, yet He
spent hours communing with You while He lived on this earth (Luke 6:12). Prayer
is essential, but the way that we insist on praying could prevent us from
walking in Your Spirit. You taught the disciples how to pray and never told
them stay in their prayer closet.
You love our focused attention during our times
alone with You in our prayer closet; yet You also encourage us to pray
throughout our day and walk as Your Spirit directs each moment. You may lead us
to sit in our prayer closet to remove us from all distraction; but remind us
that we do not stop praying when we leave our secret place.
Thought for the Day:
The Lord draws near to everyone who comes to
Him with sincerity and integrity as the motive of their heart.
- Psalm
145:18
