[The Mayor]

February 28, 2006

Equal Access

Read:
Psalm 145:14-21

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:16

Bible In One Year: Numbers 20-22; Mark 7:1-13

Pastor Stuart Silvester told me of a conversation he had with an acquaintance who frequently flew his small private plane in and out of Toronto International Airport. He asked the pilot if he ever encountered problems taking off and landing a small craft at an airport that was dominated by so many large jets. His friend responded, "My plane may be small, but I have the same rights, the same privileges, and the same access to that airport as anyone else—even the jumbo jets!"

Pastor Silvester then made this spiritual application: "It's the same with prayer, with the believer's approach to the throne of grace. No matter who we are or how small we are in comparison with others or how low our station in life, we take a back seat to no one. No one is given priority treatment."

In a world that offers preferential treatment to the wealthy, the famous, and the influential, it's encouraging to know that every child of God has equal access to the Father in heaven. The psalmist said, "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18).

With that assurance, we can "come boldly to the throne of grace" in prayer, knowing that our loving God will never turn us away. —Richard De Haan

There never is a night or day
When God can't hear us as we pray;
There is no time, there is no place
That we're beyond His love and grace. —D. De Haan

Prayer is an open line to heaven.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Praying With Confidence

[luvie]

Good evening, Mayor. Hope the weather is beginning to warm up in your area somewhat.

Thanks for our beautiful lesson from God's Word. Prayer gives us access, becoming His makes it permanent.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mayor, for today's sustenance for body and soul.