Praying for Christian Leaders
This morning in my quiet time I was reading about two different Christian leaders ~ Moses and Paul. Both men were fully yielded to God ~ both were described as servants of the Lord, and both were determined to serve wholeheartedly as they shared God's incredible Truth. Was their ministry an easy task, with no problems? I can almost hear you shouting a resounding, NO.
One of the things I noticed about Paul is that as he ministered, he asked for prayer from fellow believers. In fact, he depended on their prayers. Romans 15:30 says, "I urge you brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me." That's an honest prayer from a person who had real needs, and wasn't afraid to admit it. He went on to say in Ephesians 6:19, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words my be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." (see also Philippians 1:19); 1 Thessalonians 5:25 and Philemon 22)
Our Christian leaders need prayer too. We need to focus on lifting them up not tearing them down with our words and actions. We would do well to follow the example of Epaphras, who as Paul described,"is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." Colossians 4:12 We need to be praying that our leaders will be men and women who are faithful to the Lord and clearly speak His truth. Pray that they will use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If they speak, may they speak the very words of God. As they serve, may they serve with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God my be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11
When was the last time you prayed for your Sunday School teacher, your kids Sunday School Teacher, your Pastor, Christian leaders across the US and world? It's so easy to be critical, but that doesn't create an atmosphere of unity in the Body of Christ which we are all commanded to do. In Romans 12:16 it says, "Live in harmony with one another." and in Romans 12"18 it say, "As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
The best way to combat disunity is through prayer. When we're praying for others, we're less likely to be critical. Begin today to pray for leaders and watch God work.
Lord, help me to obey my leaders and submit to their authority. For they keep watch over us as men who must give an account. May I obey them so their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to me or my fellow believers.
Help me to remember to pray for them that they would have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. May You, the God of peace, equip our leaders with every thing good for doing Your will and may You work in all of us what is pleasing to You through our Lord Jesus Christ. In Your Name that is above every Name, Amen.
For more Scripture on unity see:
Psalm 133:1
John 17:20-23
Romans 15:5-7
1 Corinthians 1:10
Ephesians 4:13
Philippians 2:2-5
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Encouragement . . . for the Journey
"Who can possibly measure the lasting impact of the Word of God? In a world without standards, where everything is relative, where the pace is maddening and prices are soaring, there is great security in opening God's timeless Book and hearing His voice. It calms our fears. It clears our hearts. It comforts our walk. It confirms our commitment." (Chuck Swindoll, Living Insights Bible, page 201.)
God's Word is timeless, never changing, always perfect for any need. Is there to encourage, strengthen, discipline us for our good and His glory and is not too difficult for us to obey. "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. No, the Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." Deuteronomy 31:11,14
God tells us that He will bless those who hunger for it. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6 Filled with His promises, filled with His joy, filled with His peace, filled with hope.
Are you reading His Word daily ~ do you seek to know Him more intimately? STOP ~ be still ~ get your Bible and read His Words ~ linger in His presence ~ sit at His feet until you hear His voice. Drink in the beauty of His Truth ~ lavish in His blessing as you are still before Him. This is not a monetary gift that is here for the moment, no this is lasting and goes deep within your soul.
"Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain." Psalm 43:3
"The unfolding of Your Words gives light, it gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 1129:130
"I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your name for Your love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your Word." Psalm 138:2
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
" The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
"Jesus said, " Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Words will never pass away." Mark 13:31
"Your Word, O LORD is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens." Psalm 119:89
God's Word is timeless, never changing, always perfect for any need. Is there to encourage, strengthen, discipline us for our good and His glory and is not too difficult for us to obey. "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. No, the Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." Deuteronomy 31:11,14
God tells us that He will bless those who hunger for it. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6 Filled with His promises, filled with His joy, filled with His peace, filled with hope.
Are you reading His Word daily ~ do you seek to know Him more intimately? STOP ~ be still ~ get your Bible and read His Words ~ linger in His presence ~ sit at His feet until you hear His voice. Drink in the beauty of His Truth ~ lavish in His blessing as you are still before Him. This is not a monetary gift that is here for the moment, no this is lasting and goes deep within your soul.
~ ~ ~
"Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain." Psalm 43:3
"The unfolding of Your Words gives light, it gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 1129:130
"I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your name for Your love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your Word." Psalm 138:2
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
" The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
"Jesus said, " Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Words will never pass away." Mark 13:31
"Your Word, O LORD is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens." Psalm 119:89
"Every Word of God is flawless;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."
Proverbs 30:6
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."
Proverbs 30:6
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Encouragement . . . for the Journey
Remember God's Faithfulness
This morning I began reading the book of Deuteronomy. In it God, reviews His law for His people and reminds them of His faithfulness in the past. Regardless of their failures, shortcomings and down right disobedience, He remained faithful. He always has been faithful and always will be faithful to keep His promises. The challenge is for us to remain faithful to Him. When we do, our obedience produces blessings for us. In the very center of the word obedience is the word, die. In order to be fully obedient to God, we need to die to self and our selfish desires daily.
Chuck Swindoll encourages us in The Living Insights Bible, to "remember the holiness of God in the present." He says, "blessings accompany obedience. When we consider the holiness of God, then God says, "Obey Me." If we faithfully obey, God blesses." Secondly, "compromise weakens distinctives. When the Lord gives us a standard and we begin to compromise, our distinctive as His children begins to weaken." Thirdly, "consequences follow disobedience." Something our grandchildren can quickly attest too. : ) Swindoll goes on to say, "It was true for Israel, and it is just as true for us today. When we walk in the presence of a holy God, the sin of disobedience will always carry a steep price."
We tell our sweet "grands" all the time, "we love you too much to let you disobey". God does too. "Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live. Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:9-11
No matter how long we've been wandering, God is always there, ready to forgive and help us move forward. The past, if we let it, will cripple us. So let it go!!! I love the verses in Isaiah 43:18,19 where the prophet Isaiah encourages us to, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Chuck Swindoll goes on the say, "The discipline of remembering God's faithfulness in the past will strengthen us for our journey in the present."
I can't begin to know the struggles you've gone through or are going through right now, but God does. He is waiting and ready for you to call on His strong, powerful name. "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands." Deuteronomy 7:9
His faithfulness endures forever . . .
For more verses on God's faithfulness see:
Psalm 145:13
Psalm 89:1-2
1 Corinthians 1:9
1 John 1:9
Psalm 108:4
Psalm 100:5
Psalm 33:4
Psalm 25:10
2 Thessalonians 3:3
This morning I began reading the book of Deuteronomy. In it God, reviews His law for His people and reminds them of His faithfulness in the past. Regardless of their failures, shortcomings and down right disobedience, He remained faithful. He always has been faithful and always will be faithful to keep His promises. The challenge is for us to remain faithful to Him. When we do, our obedience produces blessings for us. In the very center of the word obedience is the word, die. In order to be fully obedient to God, we need to die to self and our selfish desires daily.
Chuck Swindoll encourages us in The Living Insights Bible, to "remember the holiness of God in the present." He says, "blessings accompany obedience. When we consider the holiness of God, then God says, "Obey Me." If we faithfully obey, God blesses." Secondly, "compromise weakens distinctives. When the Lord gives us a standard and we begin to compromise, our distinctive as His children begins to weaken." Thirdly, "consequences follow disobedience." Something our grandchildren can quickly attest too. : ) Swindoll goes on to say, "It was true for Israel, and it is just as true for us today. When we walk in the presence of a holy God, the sin of disobedience will always carry a steep price."
We tell our sweet "grands" all the time, "we love you too much to let you disobey". God does too. "Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live. Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:9-11
No matter how long we've been wandering, God is always there, ready to forgive and help us move forward. The past, if we let it, will cripple us. So let it go!!! I love the verses in Isaiah 43:18,19 where the prophet Isaiah encourages us to, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Chuck Swindoll goes on the say, "The discipline of remembering God's faithfulness in the past will strengthen us for our journey in the present."
I can't begin to know the struggles you've gone through or are going through right now, but God does. He is waiting and ready for you to call on His strong, powerful name. "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands." Deuteronomy 7:9
His faithfulness endures forever . . .
For more verses on God's faithfulness see:
Psalm 145:13
Psalm 89:1-2
1 Corinthians 1:9
1 John 1:9
Psalm 108:4
Psalm 100:5
Psalm 33:4
Psalm 25:10
2 Thessalonians 3:3
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