And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23 (ESV)
Walking with Jesus is a daily event.
You need to keep your eyes on Him and on not the world.
The enemy will be constantly trying to distract you with media, flashy gadgets, friends, the latest and greatest cars, fashions, home styles, worries and cares of the world.
The enemy will distract you with negative thoughts, health issues and rejection by others whom you thought cared about you.
But these things are of no importance in eternity.
Keeping your eyes on Jesus and your focus on him, storing for yourself treasures in Heaven, surrendering all and following Jesus is what has eternal value and will lead you to the work He has prepared for you in His Kingdom.
When I think of communion with Jesus, that precious relationship with Him, these verses came to mind:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 (ESV)
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10a (ESV)
When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I want to do is be near to my Father, and so I pray.
A drowsy prayer of Thanksgiving and just relishing in the joy of who He is.
Prayer isn’t just a set aside time in the prayer closet (although the prayer closet is a good thing too).
Prayer is a constant communication with our King that goes on throughout the day, wherever we are.
It is a lifestyle of walking with Jesus.
We take our joy to Him when we see a sunrise just as we take our sorrows to Him when we are hurting deeply.
We must take these everyday moments to Him and allow treasure the interactions done with Him.
Prayer is a lifestyle of walking with Jesus.
I often pray when I run, it can be an entire run praying deeply over an urgent need or a struggle.
Sometimes I’m listening to praise music and simply rejoicing in God’s amazing glory and love!
Other times, I am plugged into a sermon during a run, agreeing and repenting in conviction.
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
Praying in the Spirit isn’t a mere suggestion; it is scriptural.
When you are in Jesus, the Holy Spirit fills you.
As you pray, the Holy Spirit leads you to have much to talk to Jesus about.
Sometimes, words aren’t enough and He leads you to pray through your groaning.
Other times, the words that flow out are in a different tongue.
Pray in the Spirit, and listen…
Yet more strikingly, God hears us and speaks back.
It’s in that still small voice that when looking for a sermon to listen to, you hear, “you need that one today”.
Or when in prayer over someone, you hear, “text or call this person”.
Ultimately, it is our privilege and blessing to obey, to walk with God in peace.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us each seek Jesus in everything and at all times, never wavering or taking our eyes off of Him in this loud, busy world full of distractions.
Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
Prayer & Reflection:
- In relation to the article, how has your walk with Jesus been lately?
- How can prayer be a part and parcel of your everyday life?
- Follow Jesus requires us to be in constant communion with Him.
Take some time to commune with Him now, recommitting your life/prayer life to God.
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