Wednesday, November 2, 2016
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops." (James 5:13-18 NLT)
THOUGHTS FOR TODAY
When we are hurt and frustrated by the actions and words of someone we care about, someone with a life-controlling problem whom we are trying to help, prayer is at the very heart of healing the hurt. In today's scripture, James offers insight about when and how to pray:
CONSIDER THIS . . .
Notice that James talks about things we can do, things others can do for us, and then what God will do.
What we can do:
What others can do for us:
What God will do:
Remember, you are not alone. Allow God to heal the hurt. Allow him to guide you to truth.
PRAYER
Father, help me get my focus back on you. I know I need to stop dwelling on my hurts and frustrations. Help me be faithful in prayer and put my hope in you. May the Holy Spirit guide and comfort and strengthen me. In Jesus' name . . .
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THESE THOUGHTS WERE DRAWN FROM . . .
Concerned Persons: Because We Need Each Other by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min.
This study is designed for the many people who have a current or past relationship with a person who has a life-controlling problem. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost but thought you may want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website. Thank you!
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