NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

January 5

Scripture focus: But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. Galatians 5:22-26, The Message

I rarely know the outcome of my prayers. I guess part of praying requires trusting. It also involves believing that if one lives in community, part of the responsibility to love others might best be delivered on bent knee.
When Jesus prayed, sometimes God said “No!” (Remember when Jesus petitioned his father in the garden of Gethsemane?)

Unlike the Hebrews in the Old Testament, Jesus consistently expressed confidence in his father/son bond. He claimed that he had been sent by God. He believed so deeply in his calling that he was able to bend his will in obedience, even as he cried out to his father for a change of plan.

Jesus prayed on the cross.

Jesus saw prayer as a weapon of war against Satan.

Jesus prayed that the kingdom of God would come, and that the glory of God would be revealed.

In total God-confidence and with complete commitment to living out his own grand epic adventure within the confines of the prevailing purposes of God, Jesus prayed.

Since every detail of our lives is in need of working out – let us pray. Let’s pray whether we know how it works or not. Let’s pray whether we see the results or not. Let’s pray whether we are in the mood or not. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence whether we feel confident or not.

Just do it.

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