Continuing the Battle for Christ – Week 10

How should we respond to persecution?

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV84).

As Christians, we sometimes assume a superior attitude toward those who persecute believers.  It is too easy to forget that we were once just like the persecutors.  We were also sinners in need of a Savior.  It doesn’t matter that we may have never persecuted someone.  Without Christ, we are all the same.  Pray that they will receive the same saving grace that has already blessed our lives.

How should we pray for the lost?

“My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you sent me” (John 17:20, 21 NIV84).

Shortly before His death, Christ prayed for those who would come after Him.  He prayed that you and I and all the lost souls would believe in Him through the message of the Good News.  Pray that we will continue the work His disciples began so that everyone will believe!

Leadership Prayer Focus This Week: Governors

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1 NIV84).

Except for the President of the United States, our Governors are probably the most well-known government leaders.  They become the spokesperson for our States, and they often set the vision for the State Legislatures.

Pray that: They will recognize that they serve at God’s pleasure, not their own.

They will turn away from political expediency and instead determine what is best for all their constituents.

They will be fiscally responsible.

They will serve with honesty and integrity.

For all our leaders, pray that if they do not already know Christ, they will accept Him as Lord.  For those who do know Christ, pray that they will stand firm on His Truth and His Word, never compromising it or minimizing it.

“Pray continuously” (I Thessalonians 5:17 NIV84)