Christian Reflection and Prayer

Do you experienced God's presence when
you pray?

Scripture:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!… I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Philippians 4:4,12 NLT

Arise, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives.
Drive them off like smoke blown by the wind. Melt them like wax in fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God.
But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let hem be filled with joy.
Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.
His name is the Lord—rejoice in his presence.
Psalm 68:1-4 NLT

Reflection:

Often times many of us approach prayer with
a great deal of reluctance.  We often feel
that we are to busy to talk with God. It is
almost like we are fitting God into our
busy schedule.  Many people approach
God when they are in need, and then it
seems like a one way conversation.

I really love and admire King David's attitude
of joy when he approached God in prayer.
David knew what a privilege it was to
talk to Almighty God.  David was actually
astonished by the power of God, and he
was filled with joy, Why? because he was
allowed to enter in the presence of God.

How do you approach prayer?  Do you ever
consider it a privilege to be talking with
almighty God.  Do you ever feel that
inward joy of talking with God.  You
know what?  I not only feel it a privilege
to be talking with God and to feel real
joy in my spirit, I AM JUST SO
THANKFUL THAT HE CARES ABOUT
ME AND HE IS THERE FOR ME!

Prayer:

Almighty God I am so honored to
enter into Your presence and Lord I
thank You for listening to me.
Amen

Well the Government isn't shuttin down.

Do you feel a great sense of relief?
I know I did. 
Then I began to really think how I had
let this situation become so important
in my life.  I started to ask myself,
"Is it really that important?",
Then I began to remember who is our
source of supply, who is our guide in
good times as well as difficult times,
we are able to have peace because we
are trusting Him to direct us and guide
us through whatever difficulties we could
face. He is the only one we can trust.

I know there are people who have great jobs
and at the end of the month there is money
left over. But those jobs could be gone
just like that.  Your health may even take
a turn for the worse, you never know what
might happen.  The unexpected can show
up anytime in our lives.
I have discovered that security in my life
doesn't depend on outward circumstances.
MY SECURITY DEPENDS UPON MY
RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.
He can and does provide for me in ways that
I never expected. My Savior is my security.
ALL THINGS AROUND ME MAY FAIL BUT
JESUS WILL NEVER FAIL ME!!!! 

GOD....NEVER....FAILS....US!!!!!!

Lenten Meditation

Scripture:

Read John 21:1-19.

TEXT: "When they had finished breakfast,
Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son
of John, do you love Me more than these? ..."
(John 21:15a).

We are often cut to the core by our own
sins, by the hasty words and hurtful things
we have done and by our failure to do the
good things God put it in our power to do.
The scar of our personal failings can run
very deep in us, just as the scar of Peter's
three denials ran deep.

After His resurrection our Lord went to work
right away healing that wound. Luke tells us
that Jesus made an appearance to Peter on
the afternoon of His resurrection (Luke 24:34).
And in today's reading John records another
special conversation between Jesus and Peter.

On that dark night in Jerusalem Simon denied
His Savior three times. Now, on this bright
morning at the Sea of Tiberius, Jesus leads
Peter to confess his devotion to His Savior
three times. Then Jesus gives Peter a glorious
promise. In the future, when Peter's life is in
danger for Jesus' sake, he will not weaken in
denial. Simon Peter will remain faithful in his
confession and die as a martyr of Jesus Christ.

Jesus died and rose again for your sins-each
and every one of them. They are all forgiven.
This is something He constantly reminds you
through His Word, through the waters of your
Baptism and by the body and blood He gives
you in worship-the price He willingly paid for
your eternal salvation. His Holy Spirit will keep
you strong in the confession of His Name, until
our Lord welcomes you into paradise.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, let Your light continue to shine in
this dark world, that with boldness and confidence
I may live for You, until You come again and
scatter the darkness forever. I pray in Your holy
Name.                                Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries