How do you talk to God?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
(John 11:41-42 (NIV))

Jesus knew, and still knows, human nature extremely well. When He resurrected Lazarus, He petitioned God verbally with prayer so that those around would hear Him and believe. He did not need to do this. God would have heard Him even if He had not spoken a single word. He would have heard His heart, His Spirit, and His anguish. Yet, Jesus spoke out loud so that those around Him would hear and believe. Everyone knows the outcome of this event.

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
(John 11:43-44)

When we pray, is it necessary for us to speak out loud? Jesus taught the following:

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
(Matthew 6:5-6)

Prayer is an important part of life. It is a conversation with your Creator, your Father. When you talk to your earthly father, do you do it loudly in a public place, or do you find a private place where you can speak quietly and freely with each other?

How do you think that God wishes for you to talk with Him? How do you talk to God?

Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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There truly is a reward for those who live for God

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

“Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.” ”
(Psalms 58:11 (NLT))

Do you live for the day that you can say this because it has come to pass?

Too many people don’t even believe in God and they live their lives just as they believe. They do not see the consequences of any of their actions. Perhaps, they even flaunt their actions because they don’t believe. Whatever the reason, too many people live as if nothing matters except them. Many of these people even go out of their way to make sure that the body of believers receives ridicule because of their actions.

It is good to know that the words recorded in Psalms 58:11 will come to pass. However, we must not gloat over this fact when we are confronted with people who do not believe. It is our task as the Body of Jesus to pray for God’s Will to be done in their lives.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9 (NIV))

We must remember the people that God is giving a chance to come to salvation before the events of Psalms 58:11 come to pass. We must not rush God and His timeframe. We must pray for those who still need to come to a saving grace through the blood of Jesus.

But, it is wonderful to know that “there is a God who judges justly here on earth,” even if it is not done according to our desired timeline.

Copyright 1998 – 2013 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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