October 29, 2024 -- Matthew 6:7 -- Power to change your life
/And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do,
for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Matthew 6:7 ESV
All the power Christians need for their walk with God is supplied by God Himself. Jesus invites His followers “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 ESV). So, how should we ask God for the help we need so that we will be restored on our journey to freedom from addiction and life-controlling issues?
Ask, knowing He can help you. Remember the first step of the twelve, we admit we are powerless and the second step is to confess God is the source of all power.
The passage today reminds us that we don’t need a certain formula, no exact phrasing of words as if by the precision of our words we manipulate God to doing our bidding. He is willing, loving, and able to change us from the inside out. Ask with simple words, naming your need.
Ask Him persistently. In Luke 18 Jesus taught His followers to pray persistently and not to lose hope as they pray. Even in the asking His Spirit refines people so that they are conformed more and more to the will of God.
Ask trusting Him that He will more willing to give than we are even willing to ask. Jesus noted that if earthly fathers and mothers know how to give their children good gifts, how much more, infinitely more, does their Father in heaven know how to give good gifts to His children!
The text today speaks of Gentiles, that is, people who are not Jewish. In the Old Testament, before Jesus walked this earth, God primarily worked through the Jewish people. They were to be a light to the nations shining the love of God. Now, through Jesus, people from all over the world are light-bearers shining the love of God to all who walk in darkness. Pray for opportunities to tell others about the recovery God is giving you. You'll be amazed to discover as you share God's healing power in your life, others will be drawn to Jesus, and Jesus's healing work in your own life will be confirmed.
God thank You for the new life You are giving me. Life in Jesus's power that proves to me there is freedom from the addictions and sinful patterns of my past. I admit how strong temptations are in my life. Be stronger still so that I won’t fall into old sins and bad patterns of behavior. Spirit lead me to greater freedom through the rising-from-the-dead power of Jesus, the Captain of Salvation. Amen.
https://youtu.be/PLpB-dE2DHM?si=ThZtcfyZxSCR_OJ1 Lead Me, Guide Me
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