Morning & Evening Devotional September 9th Saturday 2023
This morning thought reflects on the idea that there are reserved and special spiritual experiences in the Christian journey that are not easily attained. It emphasizes the role of prevailing prayer in reaching these higher levels of spiritual understanding and communion with God.
Morning & Evening Devotional September 9th Saturday 2023
The thought begins by highlighting the different translations of the phrase “I will show you great and fortified things.” These variations suggest that there are hidden and reserved aspects of Christian experience that not everyone reaches. While all believers share common experiences like repentance, faith, joy, and hope, there are deeper levels of spiritual insight and intimacy with Christ that are not common to all.
The writer acknowledges that not every believer can experience what John did by leaning on Jesus’ bosom or what Paul did by being caught up into the third heaven. However, there are heights in the knowledge of God that are beyond the reach of human understanding, and only God can take us there. The means by which we are taken to these higher realms is through prevailing prayer.
Prevailing prayer is described as victorious and powerful. It has the ability to connect believers with God’s mercy and strength. The example of Jacob wrestling with God and prevailing through weeping and supplication is cited as an illustration of how prevailing prayer can lead to divine encounters.
The writer also uses imagery to convey the idea that prevailing prayer elevates the believer to different spiritual “mountains” or levels of understanding. It takes the Christian to Carmel, where blessings are poured out abundantly, and to Pisgah, where the promised inheritance is revealed. Prevailing prayer also transforms the believer, making them more like Christ.
The thought concludes by encouraging readers to look to God, the Rock that is higher than them, and to engage in importunate prayer, which is persistent and fervent. It suggests that when believers open the window of prayer on their side, it will not be bolted on God’s side, indicating that God is ready to answer and reveal the reserved and special aspects of the Christian journey through prevailing prayer. Morning & Evening Devotional September 9th Saturday 2023
In summary, this morning thought underscores the importance of prevailing prayer in reaching deeper levels of spiritual experience and communion with God, highlighting that there are hidden and reserved blessings and insights that can be accessed through persistent and fervent prayer.
Evening Devo, Sep. 9th Saturday, September 9, 2023
This evening thought reflects on the nearness of glorified saints to Christ in heaven and draws parallels between their condition and the aspiration for believers on Earth to be equally close to Christ. It emphasizes the idea of equality among the saints and the shared experience of being in the presence of Christ.
The thought begins by mentioning the representatives of the saints in heaven, referring to the “four and twenty elders” who are described as being around the throne of God. It suggests that their proximity to the throne signifies equality among the saints. This interpretation is based on a passage in the Song of Solomon (Canticles) that mentions a “round table,” which some scholars interpret as a symbol of equality.
The writer goes on to describe the condition of glorified spirits in heaven, highlighting their nearness to Christ, clear vision of His glory, constant access to His court, and familiar fellowship with His person. It emphasizes that there is no distinction in this nearness; all the saints, whether apostles, martyrs, ministers, or ordinary Christians, are seated near the throne and enjoy the same intimate relationship with Christ.
The thought then encourages believers on Earth to imitate the saints in heaven by seeking nearness to Christ. It calls for Christ to be the central focus of their lives and suggests that living at a distance from Him is difficult to endure. The writer implores Christ to draw believers nearer to Himself, echoing the words of Jesus, “Abide in me, and I in you,” and evokes the imagery of Christ’s comforting embrace.
The concluding lines express a longing for a closer relationship with Christ, where humility leads to a deeper connection with Him. The desire is for believers to trust less in themselves and more in the blessed comfort of Christ’s love.
In summary, this evening thought encourages believers to aspire to be as close to Christ as the saints in heaven, emphasizing the equality of their access to Him. It underscores the importance of making Christ the center of one’s life and seeks a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him, where trust in self gives way to trust in His love and grace.
Morning & Evening Devotional September 9th Saturday 2023
