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Dr. Jim Denison's 2013 collection of Lenten devotionals is entitled, "If My People..." and comes at a time that he believes "a Fifth Great Awakening is sweeping the nations, as more people are coming to Christ than ever before in Christian history. How can you join this great movement of God's Spirit?" He goes on to write, "in this year's Lenten devotional guide, we will walk each day with King Solomon as he leads his nation into God's presence and glory. We will commit ourselves to our Father's purpose and experience his transforming power. And we will claim his promise: 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14). 'If My People ...' is more than a Lenten guide - it is God's invitation to intimacy with him. Please join us on this joyous journey."
CLICK HERE for a free copy of Dr. Denison's 2013 Lenten Devotional (in a downloadable/printable Adobe .pdf file)
Friday, March 15
Is prayer an activity or a lifestyle for you?
Why does an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful God need us to pray for awakening? We do not inform him of our need, for "your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:8). We do not convince him to do the right thing, for he promises, "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3). We do not coerce him into action, for our Lord is the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19:16). Rather, prayer positions us to receive what grace intends to give. When we pray, we enable God to mold us into the character of Christ (Romans 8:29). We draw close enough to him that we can hear his Spirit's voice in our hearts. And we join him in the awakening now sweeping the nations.
Our Scripture calls believers to "humble themselves and pray . . ." The tense indicates an ongoing, habitual lifestyle. God instructs us to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It has been observed that "all who have walked with God have viewed prayer as the main business of their lives." The more time we spend with God, the more we can do for him.
Did you begin yesterday with your Father in prayer? Did you pray when faced with opportunities and challenges? Did you voice prayers of gratitude for God's blessings and seek his strength for your temptations? Did you practice the presence of Jesus through the day? Will you today? Martin Luther believed, "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing."
Is prayer an occasional activity or a daily lifestyle for you?
Prior to founding the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, James C. Denison, Ph.D., was pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, a 10,000-member congregation in Dallas, Texas. He also pastored churches in Midland and Mansfield, Texas, and in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion and Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. He is also the the author of seven books.
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