Dear <<First Name>>,
I've posted one of my recent sermons on my YouTube channel. The sermon is called "Prayer and Action."

Pastor Simon Measures

Daily Guide

Devotional reading for today

The Son giving thanks to the Father

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes.'

Luke 10:21 - NKJV

Jesus gave thanks to the Father! The giving of thanks, as we read it in the verse above, came after the seventy disciples returned to Him rejoicing soulishly like natural men. They lacked any spiritual accuracy in their rejoicing. In spite of this, Jesus found reason for giving thanks. You and I need to follow that lead. People or circumstances may disappoint or distress but our spiritual maturity should bring to the surface a reason for giving thanks to the Father. Eph.5:20.

The way you view things all depends on your perspective on them. The perspective we need at all times on all things is the one we get from taking our seat together with Jesus in the heavenly realm. Only there will you view the present with accuracy. Only there will you see your current setting - the "now season" - held between the Cross and the Crowning on one side and and the Blessed Hope of His return on the other! Rise up out of the mess and tangle of life and sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. It will immediately give you a completely different perspective on all that's going on. Eph.2:6.

Praise time must be the prelude to prayer time. Follow Jesus' example, give thanks and be specific in your thanks giving. Your Heavenly Father has done specific things so giving thanks accordingly. You might even want to start from the Crib of Christ, God gave His Son to live among us, and the Cross of Christ, He laid down His life for us and rose to Glory. As soon as you give thanks like that you have an eye on Heaven. Your focus shifts from the troubled seas to the victory in Jesus Christ. Your prayer changes. You will present your petitions accurately with the joy and power that God delights in! 1Cor.15:57.

Before you petition the Father, let praise reposition you!