Our Perception of God

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we
serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.
But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king that we will not serve
your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18)

What is your perception of God when you pray?

God is not passive in our lives, in our different
situations, and in our prayers.  Sometimes our culture tells us,

“You just
have to learn to live with it.”  But as God’s children, we can look forward
to His power to work in, and through us. 

Read the story in Daniel Chapter three, and notice the confident
attitude and trust in God’s ability that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had in
the face of King Nebuchadnezzar’s threat.

As I pray, the picture I have of God is interested and
delighted that I took time to talk.  Remember the story of the prodigal son who
wasted his inheritance and returned to his father (symbol of God) with head bowed.  “So he got up
and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw
him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms
around him and kissed him.”  (Luke 11:20)  He didn’t wait for the rebellious son to come
to him.  This teaches us God’s desire to have intimacy with His children.

God is not punishing us when things go wrong; troubles do
not arise because He can’t protect us.  Many times, God will allow, in His
wisdom, what He could easily prevent with His power.  The wrong question is “Why.”
The right question is, “What are you trying to teach me Lord?  Or, “How
can my faith in you be strengthened in this, Lord?”

These are the right questions when troubles come your
way. God’s love for us is never less than 100%.  It’s who He is and always
will be, because He “… is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews
13:8)

How you view God affects your prayer life and your
relationship with Him.  If you pray according to your own limitations, you
will always question God’s ability and/or willingness to help you.

Truths about God’s Character:

1) He never changes.  The same powerful God who
answered prayer dramatically during biblical times does the same today. (Hebrews 13:8)

4) He loves you unconditionally.  His love is based
on Jesus’ death on the cross, not on anything we do.  (Romans 5:8)

Your perception of God will affect your attitude in prayer,
what you pray about, and what you think the outcome will be.  Prayer is your link to His Spirit, His Heart, His Mind
and His revelation.  It is the way to develop intimacy.  

And intimacy
with Him is everything!

Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you
to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.

Discover how you can find peace
with God.