Thursday, May 30, 2013

WHEN EVIL IS OVERWHELMING

Paul was certainly speaking of our day when he said the lawless one would come with lying signs and wonders. And I am convinced the deception will get even worse in the very near future. Jesus said that the deception would be so great that if it were possible even the elect would be deceived.

It is crucial in these days that we preach the word telling people the truth every chance we get. And it is absolutely crucial that we learn to pray in such times. Our relationship with God will be our only protection from the deception of these days. I am convinced that a time is coming when our opposition and the deception of the world will be so great even we will so no hope. For these days we need the vital connection of prayer as we wait for God to do what appears to be impossible in our day.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

THE WRATH OF MAN


It is easy to be alarmed and even angry at sin that we see around us. Even Jesus was angry at sin and its consequences in the world. But His anger did not fall into the category of the wrath of man which never brings about the righteousness of God. A primary weakness of our anger is that we do not channel our anger into prayer for God to work mightily as He alone can work.

Often our expression of anger is a statement of unbelief. We have more faith in our own ability to change hearts and situations than we do in God who may be at work unseen around us.

Let your anger drive you to your knees, in prayer.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

ARM YOURSELF WITH SUFFERING

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.[1]
1 Peter 4:1

1 Peter 4, the chapter that warns us not to be surprised at the fiery trial which is to try us, begins with this advice to “arm” ourselves with this thinking. We are to brace ourselves in advance with the knowledge that we are to suffer for Christ. With this awareness comes an alertness in prayer as we are aware of difficulties and spiritual attack. This knowledge also severs us from the temporary things of this world and links us with the Spirit of God who alone can sustain us in suffering and loss.



[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (1 Pe 4:1). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

PRAYING FOR HOLINESS

In his letter to the Christians in Thessalonica Paul prayed for God to bring about holiness in the lives of the believers.

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. [1]

We don’t hear much in the church these days about holiness. We spend much energy convincing people, especially those who have not yet come to faith in Christ that God does not care about holiness. But He does.

The beginning of our prayer for holiness ought to be for our own lives. “Lord, make me holy. Lord, show me that sin I am ignoring. Lord, forgive me, and deliver me from temptation.



[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (1 Th 3:13). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

BLESSING THE NATION

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

the people he chose for his inheritance. [1]

Today is the National Day of Prayer across America. What a wonderful time for God’s people to come together to petition God for another Great Awakening. Pray for our nation to return to the Lord in sweeping revival.

This is not a political thing. Only spiritual power is great enough bring about revival. Such a move of God cannot be planned or orchestrated. It is a sovereign work of God. But it can be prayed for.



[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Ps 33:12). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.