Author: steward12

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Abiding in God’s Presence

15/04/2025 Devotion by Rev. Steward Kabaso (stewikabs@yahoo.com)

Theme: Renewal and Restoration
Sub-theme: Abiding in God’s Presence

Scriptures:

  1. Old Testament: Psalm 91:1-2, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
  2. Letter: John 15:4-5, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
  3. Gospel: Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Édification
Today’s scriptures encourage us to abide in God’s presence. Psalm 91:1-2 invites us to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. John 15:4-5 reminds us to remain in Jesus, the vine. Revelation 3:20 promises Jesus’ presence and fellowship with us.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us to abide in Your presence. Help us to remain in Jesus and experience Your love and fellowship.

Reflection
How do you abide in God’s presence, and what practices help you stay connected to Him?

Areas to Improve:

  1. Reflect on your spiritual practices, such as prayer and Bible reading.
  2. Practice remaining in Jesus, the vine.
  3. Share your experiences of abiding in God’s presence with others.

May this devotion encourage you to abide in God’s presence and experience His love and fellowship.

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The Importance of Forgiveness in Prayer

Theory (60 minutes)

Introduction

Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of Christian living and prayer. Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15). As we explore the significance of forgiveness in prayer, we’ll discover how it affects our relationship with God and others.

The Importance of Forgiveness in Prayer

Jesus’ Teaching on Forgiveness: In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This teaching highlights the importance of forgiveness in our prayer lives.

The Connection between Forgiveness and Prayer: When we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts, it can hinder our prayers (Mark 11:25). Forgiveness is essential for maintaining a healthy prayer life and relationship with God.

Biblical Examples:

Joseph forgiving his brothers (Genesis 45:1-15, 50:15-21) demonstrates the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jesus teaches on forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35), emphasizing the need to forgive others as we’ve been forgiven.

Supporting Scriptures

Matthew 6:14-15

Mark 11:25

Ephesians 4:32

Colossians 3:13

Practical (60 minutes)

Guided Prayer

Confessing Sins: Begin by confessing your sins and asking God for forgiveness.

Forgiving Others: Reflect on areas where you need to forgive others, and ask God to help you let go of resentment and anger.

Praying for Others: Pray for those who have wronged you, asking God to bless and guide them.

Reflection and Action Step

Reflecting on Relationships: Encourage new converts to reflect on their relationships and identify areas where they need to forgive others.