In this podcast episode, I will challenge you to evaluate how your time is spent with God and consider making more time for exclusive prayer and devotion.

[0:00] Intro

[0:25] How to pray with boldness

[12:10] How to forgive yourself

[20:35] Thought of the day

[26:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Colossians 1:9-14

Ephesians 6:19-20

Romans 1:16

1 John 1:9

Common prayer requests in church often center on illnesses, homes, and crisis situations. That is totally fine. However, in this podcast, I am focusing on a different type of prayer request, asking for boldness and strength, and not just better health.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14

This verse focuses on the importance of being filled with the knowledge of God's will and spiritual wisdom. The prayer includes elements of pleasing God, bearing fruit in good works, and being strengthened with God's power for endurance and patience.

As mentioned by Paul, we need endurance and patience in the face of struggles and persecution. It is good and right to acknowledge the pain and setbacks in life. Following Christ will inevitably involve problems and persecution. This is why prays for endurance and patience with joy are so important.

Along with praying for spiritual wisdom, we can pray for boldness in standing firm, in love, for what God has called us to do.

“...and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20

My perspective on this question: How do I forgive myself and move on?

Forgiving yourself starts with this: acknowledging that God's forgiveness is complete. Receive His forgiveness. Believe He has forgiven you. If God forgives you, you can forgive anyone, including yourself. I’m not saying it’s easy or that there aren’t long-term consequences to bad choices, but keep reminding yourself that God forgives you.

Three steps to forgiving yourself and moving on:

1) Get over yourself. You are not the first person to sin or fail.

2) Receive God’s grace. Believe Him when He says you are forgiven. God is just and faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

3) Move on. Keep walking with the Lord. Learn your lessons and keep reminding yourself that God forgives you.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Thought of the Day: Is your time spent with God exclusive or inclusive? I want to advocate for both types to deepen your relationship with God.

Inclusive time is the integration of God in your daily life, such as listening to a sermon while doing chores or praying as you go about your daily tasks.

Exclusive time refers to dedicated time set apart from everything else to spend with God. It is focused, undistracted time with God. You set aside time for other important relationships and time with God should be treated the same.

I want to encourage both inclusive and exclusive time with God. There is joy and privilege in spending time with the Creator.