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Lord, Teach Us To Pray

Post author By devotionsdonedaily
Post date June 16, 2025
Categories In Prayer

Lord, Teach Us How To Pray

Lord, teach us to pray. Jesus showed us how in Matthew 6. Discover His perfect prayer and how to pray without ceasing.

“Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY,'” — Luke 11:1 (ESV)

Lord, teach us how to pray. This humble request by the disciples shows they recognized prayer as essential.

Where to Pray

Jesus didn’t just tell us to pray—He taught us how to pray and where. He said, “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” — Matthew 6:6 (ESV)

Prayer is personal and sacred. We don’t need a public stage or fancy words. God hears us in the quiet moments.

What Not To Pray

Jesus warned against thoughtless repetition: “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” — Matthew 6:7-8 (ESV)

God already knows our hearts. We don’t need to impress Him—only trust Him.

How to Pray — The Lord’s Prayer

Jesus gave us the perfect example:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” — Matthew 6:9–13 (ESV)

This prayer is not a ritual—it’s a blueprint. It begins with worship, invites God’s kingdom, asks for provision, seeks forgiveness, and requests guidance and protection.

Pray Without Ceasing

Once we know how to pray, Jesus calls us to pray constantly. Every moment is an opportunity to connect with God. Even short, whispered prayers matter. As we walk through our days, let’s keep our hearts tuned to heaven.

Let Us Pray

Lord, teach me to pray as You taught Your disciples. Help me speak with You honestly, quietly, and often. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Click here to listen on YouTube

Dig Deeper

Knowing God

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My Dad’s Experience

Happy Father’s Day – My Dad’s Experience

Man in radiant light representing the gospel experience of transformation — **The Experience – The Transformation**

2 Corinthians 12:2–4 (NIV) “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.” This passage reflects the profound nature of the gospel experience.

(Written by the Apostle Paul between 55–57 A.D., believed to describe his own experience.)

The Gospel Changes Everything

The word “gospel” means good news—news that brings joy because something miraculous happened in history. For me, the most powerful example of that is my Father’s transformation. This is the gospel according to George Edward Tolbert, as witnessed by me, his son.

Jesus, the Light of the World

John 8:12 – “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

Genesis 1:3 – “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.”

John 1:4–5 – “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.”

Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Two Witnesses, One Truth

This message will be shared in two parts. Today, you’ll read my eyewitness account. Next Sunday, you’ll hear from another witness—my nephew Andrew Logan—who wrote down his account of his Grandfather’s experience years ago. Like the four Gospels, our stories are different perspectives of the same divine event. Both of us lived it. Hundreds witnessed it.

The Life Changing Experience Changed Him

At age 71, my father had what he called an “out-of-body experience.” His spirit left his body, he soared at incredible speed, and was enveloped in radiant light. At his side stood a divine presence—nail-scarred hands and feet revealed it was Jesus.

That moment transformed him:

He became gentle and compassionate, even toward all animals.
He said, “I lived the first 71 years of my life for all the wrong reasons.”
He shared his story constantly—with family, friends, and even strangers on the streets.
He rescued a mangy dog—once he might’ve shot it. Now he saved it.
His story led a high school friend who was a lifelong alcoholic to change his life and follow Christ.
Another man left his career, entered seminary, and became a preacher.
He shared his testimony in airport terminals with complete strangers each time he came to pick me up or drop me off.
When I left after one visit, he smiled and said, “Son, do you notice anything different?” I said, “Yes—you’re not crying.” He replied, “That’s right, Son. I know we’ll see each other again in Heaven.” I witnessed the Peace of Christ in my Dad. Until his “Experience” he had cried with my every departure.

Storing Up Treasures

Matthew 6:19–21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Acts 20:24 (ESV) – “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course… and testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

He believed his heavenly treasures were souls and lives changed by Christ through his testimony. He said, “I spent the first 71 years working for the wrong things. Now, I work to save souls.” That was his joy and his peace. He was sheltered in the arms of God.

1 John 1:5 – “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”

Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for transforming hearts and revealing Yourself to those who seek You. May we boldly share Your light. in Jesus Name Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Josh Turner – I Saw The Light

Thank you for being my Dad (Song for Dad)

Dig Deeper

Go Tell It On The Mountain – Share His Story

My reflections are shared as a celebration of Christ in my life.

Have a great week and keep your Spirits high. Hugs, Bill

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Tests of Faith

Post author By devotionsdonedaily
Post date June 14, 2025

Tests of Faith

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

We live in a world full of tests.

The Purpose of Testing

Trials in life show up everywhere—school exams, doctor visits, car diagnostics, and life certifications. But life’s deepest tests are spiritual.

“For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:3–4

Tests of faith are not for God’s benefit, but ours. The Lord wants to refine us—to make us steadfast and complete. Every test of faith is an opportunity to trust Him deeper.

Faith Under Fire

Consider Abraham, whose faith faced the ultimate test when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. He obeyed, trusting God would provide and that test revealed the depth of his belief.

“For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.'” Romans 4:3

Today, God still gives tests of faith to His children. He isn’t punishing us—He’s proving and growing our faith. When we endure the testing with love for God, we receive a reward: the crown of life. That’s a promise!

Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for testing our faith—not to break us but to build us. Help us remain steadfast in trials. Strengthen our faith like Abraham’s. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Dig Deeper

Overcoming Worry and Anxiety Through Faith in God

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Conformed or Transformed

The Scripture says

Romans 12:2 (ESV) – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

Conformed or transformed? That’s the choice Paul laid out plainly in his letter to the Romans.

Conformed or transformed? Choose spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit’s power. Renew your mind daily!

To be conformed to this world means we’re shaped by its values. We adopt culture’s standards, often relying on willpower, self-help, or image crafting to fit in. Although some of these efforts seem harmless, they typically lack lasting spiritual fruit, because they’re rooted in human effort.

However, to be transformed is entirely different. Transformation comes through the Holy Spirit’s power, not our own striving. It is deep, spiritual, and lasting. When we surrender to Christ, He begins a process of renewal in us that changes everything—from our thoughts to our actions.

Spiritual Transformation Is a Lifelong Journey

This process begins the moment of justification—when we first receive Jesus Christ—and continues through sanctification until glorification. It’s not a one-time event. Rather, it’s a continual shaping of our character to reflect Christ more and more.

Paul affirms this hope: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

Indeed, we are all a work in progress. So today, instead of conforming to the world’s fleeting trends, invite the Holy Spirit to guide your mind and heart. Let Him reshape you into the likeness of Christ—because that, my friends, is true transformation.

Let Us Pray

Father, renew our minds daily. Help us reject conformity and instead embrace the life-changing power of Your Spirit. Transform us into the image of Your Son. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Jim Reeves – Have Thine Own Way, Lord

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Because He Lives – Worship Song With Lyrics

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Dig Deeper

NEW HEART AND NEW SPIRIT

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The First Gardener

Genesis 2:8 (ESV) — “And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.”

Mark 4:8 (ESV) — “And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

The first gardener was God Himself, planting Eden and placing man there with purpose.

Men Are Made to Garden

A faithful man mirrors the role of the first gardener. He plants, protects, and nurtures and he tills the soil of his home. One cultivates love in his marriage and he waters the faith of his children while sowing peace and truth into his community. Like Adam, we are called to steward a garden — not of Eden, but of the people and places God entrusts to us. We are challenged to do spiritual gardening, sowing seeds of love.

Sowing Seeds of Love

Jesus taught that when we sow seeds of love in good soil, the yield can be overwhelming — thirtyfold, sixtyfold, even a hundredfold! That means our words, our care, and our consistency matter. Though today’s soil includes thorns and thistles, faithful discipleship is still fruitful work. Through Christ, even broken ground can bloom again when we do spiritual gardening and sow seeds of love..

Discipleship Is Gardening

Your home, your neighborhood, your church — these are gardens. And every act of love is a seed. Discipleship is spiritual gardening: daily work, patient care, consistent prayer. Let your heart be the shovel, your love be the seed, and His Spirit be the rain.

Good morning as you sow your seeds of love in the fertile soil of Jesus Christ!

Let Us Pray

Lord, help me be a faithful gardener. Teach me to sow seeds of love, cultivate peace, and bring beauty to the world around me. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

IN THE GARDEN by Tennessee Ernie Ford

Jim Reeves – Farmer and the Lord

Dig Deeper

Ask God for Things to Serve People

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How Do You Know

Peaceful light symbolizing Jesus living in you through the Holy Spirit — Are You Saved

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13. The profound truth that Jesus lives in you brings comfort and strength to believers.

How do you know if Jesus lives in you? His Spirit confirms it from within.

How do you know? Jesus Living in You Is the Proof

Does Jesus live in you? Many people spend their lives wondering if they are truly saved. Sadly, churches can sometimes complicate this by attaching a process or list of requirements to salvation. But the truth is simple: salvation is not a process. It is an event—something that happens in a moment of decision and surrender.

Jesus made a powerful promise in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” He doesn’t say “might” or “possibly.” He says, I will come in.

The Apostle Paul also echoed this certainty: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

So how do you know that Jesus lives in you? According to 1 John 4:13, “By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” The Spirit of God within us is our evidence, our blessed assurance.

If the Holy Spirit lives in you—guiding, convicting, comforting, and transforming—you don’t have to wonder. You can know.

Let Us Pray

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me Your Spirit. Help me to listen, trust, and walk daily in assurance of Your presence.

Let Us Worship In Song

Blessed Assurance – Tennessee Ernie Ford

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Jesus Is Living In Me – James Easter, Jeff & Sheri Easter

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Dig Deeper

LEARN TO LIVE AS FREE PEOPLE

Anointed by the Holy Spirit

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Are You Saved?

Cross silhouette at sunset with the person kneeling symbolizing salvation through Jesus — Cross silhouette at sunset

Are You Saved?

Are you saved? Many churchgoers are not. Learn how salvation comes only through Jesus. Don’t guess—be certain today.

John 14:6 (NIV) – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Acts 4:12 (NIV) – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

That question—Are you saved?—is one each of us must answer before God.

Many Churchgoers Are Not Saved

Surveys show that only about 40% to 48% of regular churchgoers demonstrate genuine salvation. This number may seem alarming, yet the Bible already warned that not everyone who calls Jesus “Lord” will enter heaven.

Even so, many still believe there are many paths to God. However, Jesus declared, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” For that reason, every other route leads away from Him. Salvation through Jesus remains the only way to eternal life. Therefore, each believer must choose Him alone.

A False Gospel Is Spreading

Today, confusion grows quickly. According to Barna research, more than half of self-identified Christians claim that salvation comes through good deeds. Still, the Bible teaches the opposite. Salvation flows from grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Paul explained in Romans 10 that when people believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths, they receive righteousness and salvation. Because of that truth, we cannot earn salvation by effort; we receive it as God’s gift. Therefore, humility and faith replace pride and performance.

Even Churches Need the Gospel

Ironically, the modern church has become one of the largest mission fields. Many who fill the pews now deny the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Yet those truths form the core of the gospel. Without them, salvation disappears entirely.

As a result, every follower of Christ must guard the truth carefully. Stay alert, study Scripture, and reject false teaching before it spreads further. Because deception grows subtly, spiritual vigilance becomes essential.

Really, Are You Saved?

This message does not aim to frighten but to inspire honest reflection. Don’t depend on attendance, family heritage, or good works. Instead, look directly to Jesus Christ. Place your faith in His sacrifice. Trust His resurrection power. Confess Him boldly as Lord. When you do, your salvation stands secure forever.

Therefore, examine your heart today and make sure your faith rests in Him alone.

Let Us Pray

Lord, open our eyes to the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Replace false confidence with living faith. Strengthen our desire to follow You fully, and help us share this saving message with others—especially those seated beside us in church. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Watch on YouTube: Gaither Vocal Band – He Touched Me

Dig Deeper

Related Posts:

Are You “Earning It”?

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Cheap Version or Real Deal

Post author By devotionsdonedaily
Post date June 9, 2025
Categories In Christian Living
2 Comments on Cheap Version or Real Deal

Are You the Cheap Version or Real Deal?

Cheap grace is the easy way—but God calls us to the real deal of discipleship. Cheap grace offers comfort without change. Real grace calls us to true discipleship. Discover the difference—and become the real deal. Many go through the motions but miss true discipleship. That’s what Bonhoeffer called cheap grace. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who stood firm against Nazi Germany, described it this way:

“Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.”

True grace transforms us—it does not just comfort us. Cheap grace lets us stay unchanged. Real grace calls us to follow Christ in every area of life. Only then do we become a real deal Christian.

Paul described what it looks like to live out real grace in Romans 12:9-12 (ESV):Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

So when you look in the mirror this morning, ask yourself: Am I a “cheap imitation”… or the “real deal”?

Let Us Pray

Lord, help us reject shallow faith and follow You fully. Give us hearts that live out real grace through true discipleship. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Watch on YouTube: Carrie Underwood – I Surrender All

Dig Deeper

Are You “Earning It”?

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Take Time to Be Holy

The Bible Says

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” — Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Relationship Transforms the Heart

Take time to be holy and experience real transformation. Christianity is not a ritual—it’s a relationship with Christ. Jesus did not come to start a religion. He came to build a relationship with you. Relationships grow when we invest time, offer love, and stay present. As Stephen Covey wrote, “We must make regular ‘deposits’ into peoples emotional bank accounts. How much more important is that principle in our walk with God? Take time to be holy. My friend Tom Hamilton from Georgia shared that he and his wife Sharon, tune in to Christian radio when driving. I’ve started doing that myself—it’s far more enlightening than the news. He also introduced me to YouTube videos that display Scripture over peaceful music and scenic backdrops from around the world. Try it. It’s food for the soul instead of talking heads screaming “CRISIS ALERT” 24/7. Take time to be holy.

Additionally, I read my Dad’s old large-print Bible which sits constantly on the arm of my chair. The words written in red become more and more important to me with each reading. When I come across verses my Dad underlined, I feel his faith echoing across the generations. I listen to a playlist of over 1,000 spiritual songs that I’ve curated on Apple Music. That music, provides the foundation for the songs shared each day on DevotionsDoneDaily.com and helps me connect with God. All of these little activities shape my relationship with Him. The more I take time to be holy, the deeper and more meaningful our relationship. becomes.

Take time to be holy. Transformation Is Real

Take time to be holy, because holiness leads to transformation and transformation leads to sanctification. Jesus didn’t just teach good morals—He promised new life. And He delivers. People struggling with addiction, depression, and shame can find peace in Christ. Their stories are real. Their healing is real. And they’re everywhere. I have experienced His peace while dealing with my stroke. When we Christians say “May the Peace of Christ be with you.” We mean it! For if Christ is with us, who can be against us? You’ll never hear someone say, “I stopped believing in God and now I’m free of guilt, shame, and fear.” But thousands will say, “I met Jesus, and everything changed.” Transformation is not a myth. It’s the daily reality of those who walk with Jesus. He still heals, speaks and transforms. Walk with Him. Talk with Him. Take time to be holy—and He will meet you there.

Let Us Pray

Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are not a distant idea, but a living Savior. Thank You for offering forgiveness, peace, and a new life. I open my heart to You. Transform me from the inside out. Renew my mind, restore my soul, and help me to walk each day in Your grace. In Your holy name, Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Dig Deeper

JESUS LIVING IN ME

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The Lion Roars

A roaring lion symbolizing the devil’s threat to those not spiritually — The lion roars

Stay Spiritually Alert

The lion roars, be sober-minded and alert, be watchful, as we are called to stand firm in faith. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) Peter urges us to be spiritually alert. He wasn’t speaking hypothetically—he knew Satan’s cunning firsthand. He’d fallen prey to temptation himself. The lion that prowls seeks the weak, the tired, and the unaware.

The Spirit Is Willing

“And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’” — Matthew 26:40–41 (ESV) Jesus brought Peter close during the most sacred and challenging moments: the Transfiguration, the garden of Gethsemane, and even the foretelling of Peter’s denial. Peter failed, but he was also restored. He went on to lead the early Church with boldness, becoming a pillar of faith. Despite weakness, Peter’s story was redeemed—yours can be too.

The Lion Still Roars Today

God is training each of us in discipleship. Like Peter, we may stumble, but we are also chosen and equipped. Today, remember Peter’s warning: stay sober-minded and alert. The lion still roars—but he is not victorious.

Let Us Pray

Lord, help me to stay alert and spiritually sober. Strengthen my spirit when my flesh is weak. Thank You for restoration and purpose. Amen.