Continuing the Battle for Christ – Week 18

How should we respond to persecution?

“Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.  But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded him” (I John 2:10, 11 NIV84).

Those who persecute Christians are living in the darkness.  The eyes of Satan have blinded them.  Pray that they will have dreams and visions pointing them towards the light.  Pray that they will come to know Christ as the light of the world!

How should we pray for the lost?

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good…” (Titus 2:7a NIV84).

Sometimes the best way to share the gospel with others is through the example we set.  I’ve heard many times that the best sermon is the way that we live our lives.  If we hope to win our loved ones to Christ, we must “walk the walk”, not just “talk the talk.”  This week, pray that each of us will live lives that point people to Jesus.

Leadership Prayer Focus This Week: The People, You and Me

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established… ³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong…” (Romans 13:1a, 3a NIV84).

We are quick to point out the rights and wrongs of our nation’s leaders, and it is often all too obvious that none of them, from the lowest to the highest, are perfect.  Still, God put them in those positions for a reason—sometimes known only to Him.  At the same time, He gave us instructions concerning our responsibilities towards the government.  If we recognize their God-ordained authority and obey, we have nothing to fear. That may seem like an impossible choice, but when we consider that God is in control, not the man or woman who holds the position, it is much easier to accept.

Pray that: We will seek God’s guidance as we try to be good citizens.

               We will speak God’s Truth in love, seeking to represent Him well.

               We will not take the freedom He has given us for granted.

               We will respect and honor our leaders.

For all our leaders and our fellow citizens, 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)