January 8 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:
The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. When the Lord finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way… Genesis 18:22, 33
I love the picture of God remaining with Abraham. Why? There was a conversation He wanted to have with Abraham. Can you see God and Abraham sitting down over a cup of coffee, having a conversation? Did you know that God wants to have a conversation with you? It’s true! There are some specific things about your day that God wants to talk to you about. There are some things about your future that God wants to talk with you about. Here are a couple keys to making the most of your conversations with God.
Seek the Lord… continually!
Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him (Psalm 105:4). The word “seek” means to beat down a path into His presence every day… continually! The secret place was never meant for occasional visits. You and I were meant to press into God’s presence and live our whole lives there.
Be Persistent.
Jesus said to keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7). As a young boy with a paper route, I learned the value of being persistent and not giving up every Friday when it was collection day. It didn’t take long to figure out that people didn’t want to pay their bill, but if I kept knocking, eventually they would come to the door. When it comes to prayer, the Lord invites you and me to have an attitude that refuses to give up.
Ask.
I know that sounds so simple. Yes, God knows everything. He knows what you need, but we are expected to ask. Here is a secret I have learned when having conversations with God – communicate with God as your heavenly Father. See Him as the great Dad that He is. Talk to Him that way. Listen to Him that way. Obey Him that way! Jesus said, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11).
Happy Fasting,
Pastor Kevin
