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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: SKULDUGGERY (09/01/16)
The Sacrifice of Prayer

Skulduggery, or trickery, is something that we must all continually be on guard against. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) In Matthew chapter six Jesus exorted the disciples to pay their vows not to be seen of others but to be seen of the Father. And in II Corinthians 13:5 Paul advises us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. A humble and sincere heart God will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)

Thank God for Jesus. “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:2) Through faith in Jesus we have access to the very throne of God. (Hebrews 4:16) And in Revelation chapter eight the prayers of the saints are offered as an important part of bringing the righteous judgement of God into the earth.

It is important for us to ask God to hear and accept our sacrifices. “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2) We must not allow any hindrances such as unforgiveness, or hold on to any iniquity, in order for our prayers to be effective. (Matthew 6:14, Psalm 66:18)

What a blessed behind the scene encounter with the Almighty God in that secret holy place, mentioned in Matthew chapter six. Hebrews chapter eleven says that without faith it is impossible to please God. We could say that without prayer it is impossible to please God. Our whole born-again life is like one never ending prayer, an offering of sweet incense to God. That must be what it means to walk in the Spirit.

Blessed be the Lord forever
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/08/16
This is a nice collection of verses that make your point. It is important to be on the lookout for traps and dirty tricks from Satan. I'd urge you to go a step farther and include an experience where you felt like you were being tricked and how God helped you (or perhaps someone else) through that time. It will make it more personable and help the reader relate. I can feel your passion to share the Word with others. If you've never submitted a devotion to FW daily devotions, I'd urge you to consider doing so.
Larry Whittington
09/09/16
You did well with your topic on prayer, starting off with the key word of the week.One thing I would add would be to look at the command to examine ourselves each week as we remember the death of Jesus by taking the bread and juice.(1 Cor. 11:23-33)

good work putting it all together. We need to remember all of it.
Leola Ogle
09/12/16
A Great reminder on prayer. I needed this today. Thanks. God bless.
Noel Mitaxa 
09/12/16
Thanks for this devotional, which brings us a lot to think about.
Shann's point about adding personal experience is a good one. You certainly have room here, as you have used less than half the word-limit, and it would enable you to step into showing as well as telling.