FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

Submitted by: Karen Conklin

PRAYER: Our prayer life should consist of the 5 elements below to provide a balance that establishes harmony and consistency with the Lord. The first element of true prayer is adoration. As we enter God's presence in prayer, we begin by expressing our worship and reverence for Him. Confession follows our praise. When Isaiah saw the Lord in His glory, he cried, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). We cannot praise the God of holiness without developing a deep sense of our own uncleanness. The Bible also teaches us that God graciously forgives us when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Only after adoration and confession do we offer our petitions to the Father. True prayer consists of the petitions of one who acknowledges his utter need, and the provisions of One who demonstrates His utter goodness.

Jesus gives us this promise: "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24). He encourages us to ask the Father for what we need. As we pray we should also include intercession for other people. What a ministry we can have at the throne of grace on behalf of others! The prophet Samuel told the people of Israel, "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you" (1 Samuel 12:23). Intercession for others is an important spiritual responsibility we must not neglect as Christians.

Thanksgiving should naturally fill the remainder of our conversation with God. Listen to these exhortations from the apostle Paul: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We experience God's joy when we talk with Him in prayer and thank Him for His answers.

The primary purpose of the Bible is not to tell us how the heavens go, but how to go to heaven. The Bible's great message is that God desires to transform the lives of His children through His Word, preparing them for eternity with Him in glory. God's Word has power to transform individuals from condemned sinners to redeemed believers. Conversion the transformation of an individual from a sinner to a child of God is impossible apart from God's Word. The Bible has the power to transform anyone, anywhere the high or low, the rich or poor, the educated or illiterate. The Bible has the power to save and then transform anyone, anywhere. That transforming work is known as sanctification. God's Word frees us from sin, cleanses us, and makes us holy in our walk before God. The Lord Jesus prayed to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17). His Word cleanses us (John 15:3). It isn't enough to know the Scriptures "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Paul goes on to say in verse 16, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (italics added). The Word immediately points out the sin spots on the altar of our soul. Dusty Bibles, however, lead to dirty lives. Scripture exhorts us, "Be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). To be filled with the Spirit is a command, a duty, and a privilege for the Christian. To be filled with the Spirit means to be walking in His light and to be controlled by the indwelling Lord. To do this we must spend time each day reading and meditating on the Bible, filling our minds and hearts with the life-changing, inspired Word of God (Colossians 3:16). May we not miss out on all the blessings that the Lord has in store for us, his children.

I pray that all of us would enter into the Lord's presence in prayer/fellowship and in his word/living word of life. Seek and you shall find. Be transformed and renewed in the love of our Holy God. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. God Bless!

By: Karen