JULY 5, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

JULY 5 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: DANIEL 9:3-19

The Scripture tells us that there is power in prayer and that our prayers make a difference. Not because of us, but because to Whom are prayers are directed and because of Who is directing our prayers. Some have the misconception that prayer starts with us and in them we decide what we want God to do and He is required to do it because we prayed. Powerful prayer always has its origin from the Holy Spirit. You see, there is NOTHING we do in the Christian life that is of eternal value that does not start with God. Scriptural prayer begins with the Holy Spirit...it is directed by the Holy Spirit in content...it brings about the will of the Holy Spirit...and it allows us to get to know the heart of our God.

The key component in prayer, as with everything in our lives, is FAITH. The Bible says "without faith it is impossible to please God." Faith is not believing something hard enough that your faith makes it happen. Many years ago, one of the "prosperity preachers" wrote a book called, "Have Faith In Your Faith"...that's not biblical faith, that's idolatry. Another wrote a book called, "Write Your Own Ticket With God"...again that's not biblical faith, that's witchcraft where you say the right words and you make God do what you want. In faith, God is in control. He is always the first mover...our faith is demonstrated as we respond to God's moving with complete trust and obedience.

In prayer, fervent prayer, we listen to God, we respond to God's voice, we obey God's command, we trust Him completely as He answers and speaks. In prayer, we get to have genuine communion with Almighty God...and we get to see His mighty hand change our world!

Please share your thoughts.