CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH DATE: Monday, May 13, 2024

 

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH 

THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)

DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE 

DATE:

Monday, May 13, 2024

TOPIC:

KEYS TO ANSWERED PRAYER (V)

MEMORISE

      And whatever we ask we receive from Him because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22).

READ:

1 John 3:16-23

[16]. By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 

[17]. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

[18]. My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 

[19]. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 

[20]. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 

[21]. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 

[22]. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 

[23]. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

EXPOSITION

      God graciously assures us of answers to our request (Matt. 7:7). Asking is done through praying. When you pray, you are simply asking God to do one thing, or the other. Our prayers bring God's intervention for us. However, many people asked but don't receive. That will not be your lot, in Jesus' name.

       In order to be receiving answers to your sincere prayers, you need to understand the fact in 1 John 3:22. The Scripture ties answers to our prayers to our obedience to God's commandments and doing those things that please Him. Do you keep God's commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight? This majorly yields positive results when we pray. Just as true and loving parents do not deny their children who do their will and obey their instructions good things, God doesn't deny those who keep His commandments and please Him, the good and perfect things that come from Him (Jas. 1:17).

      The answer to your prayer is tied to doing God's will and keeping His commandments. Yes, _... the confidence that we have in Him (is) that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us_ (1 Jn. 5:14). Yet, He says, _If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you_ (Jn. 15:7). So, doing God's will and asking according to His will are two important things that guarantee answered prayers. Don't downplay them.

PRAYER POINTS 

1. Every impediment to my answered prayer, Lord by Your mercy, help me to uproot, in Jesus' name.

2. The power to do Your commandment and please You always, grant unto me, oh Lord Jesus, so that my prayers will not be hindered.

3. Lord Jesus, let Your authority back the heart desire of Your body in the land, to see the Gospel spread across like wildfire.

SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY: 

CAC GHB: 568

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus,

 All our sins and griefs' to bear

 What a privilege to carry

 Everything to God in prayer!

 O what peace we often forfeit

 O what needless pain we bear,

 All because we do not carry

 Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations!

 Is there trouble anywhere?

 We should never be discouraged

 Take it to the Lord in prayer.

 Can we find a friend so faithful,

 Who will all our sorrows share?

 Jesus knows our every weakness:

 Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,

 Cumbered with a load of care

 Precious Saviour, still our refuge

 Take it to the Lord in prayer.

 Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

 Take it to the Lord in prayer;

 In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

 Thou wilt find a solace there.

Amen.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 

2 Chronicles 32, 33, 34

AUTHOR 

CAC Worldwide 

Remain blessed