Thursday, March 5, 2020

praying effectively: Believe in the Name of Jesus (1John 3:19-24)



(1 John 3:19-24)  We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him 20 in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

23 This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 24 The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we believe and abide in the name of God's Son Jesus Christ (3:23-24)
- that we are confident in God (3:21)
- that we know we are of the truth (3:19-20)
- that we are obedient and do the things which please God (3:22)
- that we love one another (3:23)
- that our prayers will be answered as we live in God's will (3:22)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for making salvation possible, because You want a personal relationship with us.  Thank You for being our strength, so that we may be confident in Your truth.  Deepen our desire to live in Your will and be obedient to Your will - knowing that You love us and want the best for us. 

As we grow in Your righteousness, cause our prayers to be more effective, knowing that You hear our prayers and that You will answer our prayers, as they are in Your will.

As the Almighty, thank You for being love, so that You may be our strength and love.  Help us to love one another in Your strength and love.  May this be proof and a testimony to all those around us, all to Your glory, amen.

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