If we are Christians, we are victorious. Victorious people do not react in fear or hate. Victorious people do not behave and talk as if they don't know their ultimate destiny or don't worship a God who holds the whole world in His hands. We need a wake up call - quickly.
Christians need to stop being reactive. God is not reactive. He is proactive and His Spirit lives inside of us. Instead of being reactive to all of the bad things going on and not doing much to change them, we should be proactive. The best way to do this is to pray. It is what Jesus did when he faced hardship. It's actually what He did on a normal basis. He spent time with His father. He is (should be) our model and great example - not the world and it's ongoing shenanigans of destruction. Here is some scripture verses to think about as we think through the topic of prayer. Remember that this is the bread of LIFE.
-Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and should never give up. Luke 18:1
-Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
-Devote yourselves to prayer, be watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
-Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8
-I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
I think it's safe to say that prayer is pretty serious to God. But why? Well, since He is love, all that He does and thinks comes out of a place of love. I think He wants us to pray not only to be in constant communication with His children, but He wants us to change lives through prayer. He knows exactly what power He's placed in us - for it is His power. If we only realized what that truly meant and what our prayers really can do, we might be more inclined to pray on a regular basis.
Church, I am beautifully imperfect. I have my own conviction about how little I pray and how much I do other things that are ineffective in the Kingdom and for the world. But I do have concern that in the midst of political chaos, social injustice, and moral corruption, we are not acting as God calls us to. The problem with that is that we are not being part of a proactive solution, and God our Father is all about proactive solutions. Just look at Jesus and His life.
Let's not go forward full of worry, confusion, and anger, talking to anyone who will hear us, trying desperately to make our point and prove others wrong. Let's not go forward acting like we don't know what in the world to do. We have God's Spirit and His Holy Word. We have the best to offer. Let's start acting like it. And let's start with prayer.
Christians need to stop being reactive. God is not reactive. He is proactive and His Spirit lives inside of us. Instead of being reactive to all of the bad things going on and not doing much to change them, we should be proactive. The best way to do this is to pray. It is what Jesus did when he faced hardship. It's actually what He did on a normal basis. He spent time with His father. He is (should be) our model and great example - not the world and it's ongoing shenanigans of destruction. Here is some scripture verses to think about as we think through the topic of prayer. Remember that this is the bread of LIFE.
-Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and should never give up. Luke 18:1
-Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
-Devote yourselves to prayer, be watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
-Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8
-I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
I think it's safe to say that prayer is pretty serious to God. But why? Well, since He is love, all that He does and thinks comes out of a place of love. I think He wants us to pray not only to be in constant communication with His children, but He wants us to change lives through prayer. He knows exactly what power He's placed in us - for it is His power. If we only realized what that truly meant and what our prayers really can do, we might be more inclined to pray on a regular basis.
Church, I am beautifully imperfect. I have my own conviction about how little I pray and how much I do other things that are ineffective in the Kingdom and for the world. But I do have concern that in the midst of political chaos, social injustice, and moral corruption, we are not acting as God calls us to. The problem with that is that we are not being part of a proactive solution, and God our Father is all about proactive solutions. Just look at Jesus and His life.
Let's not go forward full of worry, confusion, and anger, talking to anyone who will hear us, trying desperately to make our point and prove others wrong. Let's not go forward acting like we don't know what in the world to do. We have God's Spirit and His Holy Word. We have the best to offer. Let's start acting like it. And let's start with prayer.
