Listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity

What are you praying for? Are you asking God to give you more stuff--a bigger house, a new car, a bigger salary? What you pray for indicates what is important to you.

It is a great lesson to examine what the people in the Bible prayed for.

King David, in Psalm 27:4, prayed, One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. He asked God for just one thing: that he would dwell in God's presence. David clearly knew that in God's presence he would receive everything he needed (see Matthew 6:33).

Paul also didn't pray for worldly things. Instead, in Philippians 1:9, Paul prayed that the church would walk in love: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more. Paul knew the importance of love, and so he made it a point to pray that the church would grow more and more in love.

Furthermore, he prayed that believers would be strengthened spiritually: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16).

In short, your prayers can tell what you consider to be important. If you are only praying for worldly stuff, then you are neglecting what is of lasting value: knowing God, dwelling in His presence, walking in His love, and being strong spiritually.

Therefore, decide to adjust what you're praying for. Learn to listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity.

Weekly Wisdoms for the week of November 23, 2009
http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php?d=2009-11-23

Are you a leader?

‘If a man's gift is...leadership, let him govern diligently...'

Romans 12: 6-8 NIV

More and more schools, colleges and churches are giving opportunities to young people to be leaders. After a childhood of being told what to do by adults, some teenagers can't wait to have a turn at making their own decisions. But there is a lot more to leadership than wanting to be in charge: the Bible talks about leadership as a gift. People with a leadership gift can look at a person, problem or opportunity and can see a way of taking it forward. Do think you are a leader?

‘Not a chance'-If you know that leadership is not your thing, that's ok. God gives some people gifts that will support the leaders. Often these people put the leader's ideas into action. Without these people nothing gets done.

‘Not sure'-Maybe you've had an idea or you want God to use you to change or start something but you are not sure how. Don't worry! You don't need to know all the answers, you just need someone to help your leadership gift to grow. All leaders need other leaders who've ‘been there' to help them, teach them and inspire them. Think of some of the leaders you respect; ask if you can meet up and chat about your ideas.

‘Not a doubt'-Great! Remember Jesus, the ultimate leader, said ‘...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...' (Matthew 20: 28 NKJV)

Monday, 23 November 2009
http://www.word4u2day.com.au/200911221927/Are-you-a-leader.html

Listen to God

‘...your ears will hear a voice...saying, ‘This is the way...''

Isaiah 30: 21 NIV

Whenever you step out to try something new a voice within you will whisper, ‘You must be out of your mind. You're not capable of this. You just jumped in way over your head.' Don't listen to it! It's the voice of Fear, and it doesn't play fair. It loves to hit the rewind button on your past failures and feeds on your deepest insecurities.

But there's another voice: Faith! It says: ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' (Isaiah 41: 10 NKJV) Tuning out Fear and tuning into Faith doesn't mean your problems are automatically solved or that the other voice just fades away. No, it's more like having an intense conversation with a close friend in the middle of a noisy, crowded place. There may be other voices around you but you don't hear them because you're so focused on what your friend is saying. That's how it is with God's voice. Whether He speaks to you through the Bible, through a friend, or through your favourite podcast, He's always communicating with hearts that love Him. His promise to you is, ‘Your ears will hear a voice...saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it." One Word from God, just one, can totally change your mood. So today, take time to listen to God's voice.

Thursday, 19 November 2009 http://www.word4u2day.com.au/200911181923/Listen-to-God-1.html?bsb_midx=0

A Good Grooming

Our dog, Dolly, is a 7-year-old West Highland Terrier. She loves to dig in the dirt, which means she gets very dirty. We bathe her every week or so at home, but occasionally she gets so grimy and tangled that we have to take her to a professional groomer.

She used to hate to go to the groomer because the woman was always in a rush and inclined to be bad-tempered and harsh. Getting Dolly through the door was a struggle. Just the sight of the shop made her want to run away.

Last year we decided to try another groomer and discovered that our dog, though not always overjoyed at the prospect, was less reluctant to go. That’s because the groomer is kind to her even though she must wash Dolly thoroughly, causing discomfort.

When sin and defilement accumulate in our hearts, we need to be cleansed. Like the psalmist David, we must ask God to “examine” and “try” our minds and hearts, and to point out our wicked thoughts, attitudes, and ways (Ps. 139:23-24). Our Lord may cause discomfort, for exposure is often difficult, but we can approach Him without fear.

The Lord’s examination of us, though sometimes painful, is gentle and kind. — David H. Roper

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;

Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.

See if there be some wicked way in me;

Cleanse me from every sin and set me free. —Orr

Repentance is the hurt that leads to healing.

November 5, 2009
http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2009/11/05/devotion.aspx