Friday // 16th February 2024
Praying with Reverence!
Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
Psalm 33:8
We must learn to enter God’s presence with the right spirit, approach, and preparation so we can commune with Him and offer effective prayers as God’s priests. Never misunderstand the nature of grace or be casual about our obedience to God. Sometimes people commit sin, and then hurriedly ask for forgiveness on their way to church or prayer meeting. By the time they get to the door, they think they are ready to join with other believers in prayer. They treat the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed for our deliverance, as if it’s some temporary covering for our messes so that they can sin all over again. Sadly, such people don’t really love Jesus. They use Him. Then they wonder why God doesn’t answer their prayers.
The truth is that grace is superior to law in only in this sense that the grace we receive in Christ enables us to FULFILL God’s law. Do not obey God because of the things you want from Him. Obey Him because you love Him. Jesus said ‘If you love me, you will obey what I command’ (John 14:15). If you love Me, you won’t need chastisement and discipline to do what I ask of you.”
God doesn’t want us to use Him merely as safety insurance from hell. He wants a relationship, not a religion. He wants to be a Father to us. Let us strive to enter the very mind and heart of God, in order to become one with Him and His purposes.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin