Watch and Pray

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgement and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

                                1 Peter 4:7 NASB

If we look back at the previous verses in this chapter we read that the time past is sufficient for us to pursue a course of sensuality and self indulgence (see 1 Peter 4:1-7). This is the way the rest of the world lives, but we are no longer of this world, but seek a heavenly kingdom (John 18:14, Heb 13:14). 

In keeping with the theme of 2 Peter 3:10-11, But the day of the Lord will cone like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and it's works will be burned up.

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness...

How then should we be living now? How should we prepare for the coming day of the Lord? As I previously have stated, we may not be the generation to see the final days of Earth's history, but yet we will all stand before God someday, so how can we be prepared for that day?

Prayer is vital to our spiritual survival. Just as the air we breath is necessary to our physical well being, prayer is necessary for our spiritual well being. Without air we die, likewise, without prayer we die.

So according to the above passage we can see that sound judgement and self control are absolutely necessary if we are to maintain a healthy prayer life. How can one be alert and focused on the spiritual realm while indulging in the flesh? 

As Christians, we are in a spiritual battle for our very souls. As we approach the end of time things can only intensify. Therefore we must be alert, and understand what is going on around us. It is time to be sober minded, and constantly bringing everything to God in prayer. I think that focused prayer is one of the hardest things for us as believers to maintain. I speak for myself here. We can be so easily distracted, the "noise" in our busy minds smothering our faith.

Jesus, in His discourse on the last days and the signs of His return, says this,

"Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;

for it will come up on all those that dwell on the face of all the earth.

"But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of man."

                           Luke 21:34-36 NASB

Jesus is telling us the same thing here. If we become wrapped up in the cares of life, or spend our time indulging our fleshly desires, we will be taken by surprise when the things He has foretold begin to take place. We will be blindsided when actual tribulation arrives, when deception abounds everywhere. We are to be alert, vigilant, watching, and fervently praying for the grace to stand in the face of a trial unseen yet by the world.

If we aren't alert now, how can we expect to "spring into action" when the rubber meets the road? Jesus tells us that it is by our endurance we will gain our lives (Luke 21:19). He foretells of a time when the love of many will grow cold, but the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matt 24:12-13).

In Luke 18:1-8 we have a parable that is meant to encourage persistent prayer. We are to pray and not give up, we have the promise that God will bring justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night. But here Jesus makes a statement that should cause each one of us to stop and think. "However, when the Son of man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

When Jesus comes back will He find me, you, watching, praying, trusting Him while everything is falling apart around us? That is a challenge for each one of us as we "see the day approaching."

Shameless Persistance

 In Luke 11:5-13 Jesus uses a parable to teach us a lesson in prayer. In this parable, a visitor arrives at a man's house late at night, and probably unexpectedly. Hospitality was a vital part of middle eastern culture, so this man was in a desperate situation. We may look at this and think to ourselves that the hour is late, welcome your guest, and then get everyone back to bed. Deal with the food issue in the morning. Not so in this example. Hospitality demanded the bread to set before the guest, even at this late hour.

The man, in his desperation goes to his neighbor for help. It is midnight, and his neighbor is in bed with his family, and the house is locked up for the night. His answer is no, I cannot help you. However, Jesus stated that the man may not get up to help because of the friendship these men share, but he will get up and give his friend bread because of his importunity. This word importunity means persistence. The man would not take no for an answer but kept beating on his neighbor's door asking for bread. The Amplified version puts it this way,

     I tell you, although he will not get up and supply him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his shameless persistence and insistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs (Luke 11:8 AMP.)

I think most of us would give up with the first no. It would seem awkward, even rude to wake up a neighbor at midnight, and then to go back and keep knocking and asking. But not so with God. Jesus goes on to tell us that the one who asks receives, the one who seeks finds, and the one who knocks will have the door opened (Luke 11:9-10). In the Greek construction, the verbs ask, seek, and knock imply a continual action. Again, I like how the Amplified Bible puts this.

     So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened (Luke 11:9-10 AMP).

I have run across Christians who believe that if you have to ask more than once it means you don't have faith. I have heard others say that their children don't have to ask more than once for them to hear, listen and give what their child wants. That said however, the point is what Jesus teaches! He is teaching us to be persistent. To be shamefully persistent. Elsewhere we are told to come boldly to the throne of grace for help in time of need (Heb 4:16).

Some may think this to be arrogant or presumptuous, but our need should create a desperation within us, a passion that drives us to God with a desire that cannot be denied. Do we really want what we pray for? Do we really expect God to hear and grant our requests? One whose petitions are fueled by such a faith as this will come boldly, will come with a shameless persistence, and will have their requests granted.

Is Your Faith Evident To Christ?

      And when He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. And being unable to get to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
                                                Mark 2:1-5 NASB

     These men had a desperate need, and were desperate in the measures they took to see Jesus. What would have happened if they would have been discouraged as they looked upon the crowd in and around the house where Jesus was teaching? What might have happened if they would have given up in despair and went home? I imagine that their friend would not have been healed, or forgiven of his sins.
     You see, these men had a fervent faith that refused to take no for an answer. Their determination arose from their absolute confidence in God and His goodness, and drove them to do whatever had to be done, to see Jesus. In this case, they went up on the roof, tore out a section, and lowered their friend down in front of Jesus. They did what was necessary, instead of giving up.
     Notice that Jesus saw their faith. I understand that God knows what is in our hearts, and He knows if we have faith or not, but it is also true that if our faith is not evident by action, it is non existent (James 2:18).
     In the same way that these men were determined to see Jesus, we too must be determined in our pursuit of Him. We must also refuse to take no for an answer, being driven by a holy desperation, a fervor to know and experience God in all His fullness in our lives.
     If true faith exists in our hearts, it will compel us to seek Christ (Hebrews 11:6). We will do what is necessary to run the race with endurance. We will lay aside every hindrance, every besetting sin (Hebrews 12:1). Like Paul, we will count all things as loss for the sake of Knowing Christ (Phil 3:8).
     Too many professing believers have a shallow faith. We seem to be motivated with a microwave mentality today. We want everything quick and easy. We expect our Christian life to be the same way. We want salvation, but no self denial, no crucifixion of the old man, no death to self. We want God's blessing, His healing, His care and guidance in our lives, but we are often unwilling to seek Him out in persistent prayer. We often think that faith is an instant thing that does not need to do very much; in fact, if we put out any persistent effort, we are taught that it is not faith.
     This is all wrong. Jesus, in teaching us to pray with a determined faith, questions if He will find this kind of faith on the earth at His return (Luke 18:8). It is evident that many people have a shallow faith that gives up easily. What we are called to is to persevere with an unshakeable faith; a faith that takes desperate measures to lay hold of Christ!

Pray For Those In Authority.

     It is near election time once again, and feelings are running quite high, as usual. Many individuals are disgusted with the state of things in this nation, disgusted with the political system, and the politicians.
     To add fuel to the fire, many individuals are unhappy at the recent decision of the Supreme Court to not hear the same sex marriage cases.
     I find that countless numbers of Christians are in the midst of this fray. Many desire a complete change come this election cycle. A lot of Christians flood social media with their desire to see a "christian" white house, to see christian policies enacted, to see this nation return to godliness.
     In fairness, it would be wonderful if our President truly repented of his sin and surrendered his life to Christ. The same goes for all of our leaders in whatever office they hold. It would be great if the courts upheld biblical morality in all of their decisions, and we found this nation on it's knees before God.
     Sadly, I believe a lot of this amounts to little more than an election season rant. We want different leaders, so we hope to throw the old ones out, and replace them with "godly" ones. I truly believe that the desire of most individuals seeking a "godly white house" is not the salvation of our president, but to vote him out of power! Sounds harsh, but I believe it is true!
     The truth is we live in a fallen world, run by fallen people. Plain and simple. We are not going to find an on fire sold out to Jesus president and congress and judicial system, governors, mayors, and so on, no matter how hard we try. The world is the world! The world is lost in sin. How can we expect sinful government officials to somehow give us the moral upright government that we desire?
     Look at all of the professed christian politicians. Look at the mud slinging, name calling, broken promises, all in the name of getting elected. I find it disgusting to even take part in this! Their conduct goes against the law of love that governs the true child of God (Matthew 7:12; 1Cor 13:4-7; James 2:12).
     We live in this world, but as Christians we belong to the kingdom of God! This world is not our home, and no matter how hard we try to fix it through politics and earthly ways, we will fail! We need to be about the business of our Heavenly Father. We are to seek His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). It is through working to build God's kingdom, that we will see this world changed.
     I wonder how many Christians who are so concerned about the spiritual condition of our leaders, actually obey the instruction given to us to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4)? How many of us obey Paul's instruction to honor those in authority, to give them the respect that is due them (Romans 13:7)?
     These instructions were written to Christians living under the oppressive rule of the corrupt Roman government. They were under leaders such as Nero, who severely persecuted them. Yet they were told to be in subjection, and to give proper respect! They were to pray for their leaders, not curse them.
     They understood the fact that God had placed these governments in place for keeping order (Romans 13:1-5). They understood that the world would take care of the world, they were to be about the business of Christ's kingdom. They could only change this world for the better as they proclaimed the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.
     As Christians we must honor our leaders, no matter how bad of a job we think they are doing. They will ultimately stand before God to answer for how they ruled in this life. Better yet, let's pray for them! Let's pray that they would be saved. Let's pray that God would give them wisdom to rule rightly. 
     If we would do this, we would find that things would indeed go well for us as the scriptures promise (1 Timothy 2:2). If we choose to keep on harping and criticizing, waiting for a better election, we will be bitterly disappointed. 
     No matter the outcome of this or any future elections, those who are living for Christ, and not caught up in this world system, can have the peace that comes from knowing that this world is not our home. It cannot stop Christ or His kingdom, to which we truly belong.

1857 Global Revival.mpg

Be Alert!

     How many times have you began to pray, only to find your mind wandering? I know it has happened to me on numerous occasions, and I have talked with others who have admitted to the same.
     We kind of excuse ourselves, finding comfort in the fact that others experience this same problem. We blame it on the flesh, or being tired (Remember the Disciples with Jesus in Gethsemane?), we blame it on the devil,and sadly do little to remedy the problem.
     This is what the Apostle Paul says about this.

     Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with with an attitude of thanksgiving.
     Colossians 4:2 (NASB)

     Instead of excuses, Paul exhorts these Christians to devote themselves to prayer, and to be alert in it!
     Prayer is vital to our walk with Christ, and vital to the work that Christ has called us to do for His kingdom. Without prayer, nothing is done. Without prayer, we are weak and powerless. It is fervent prayer that accomplishes much (James 5:16). Jesus rebuked His disciples for not being able to stay awake for one hour so they could watch and pray with Him (Matthew 26:40,41).  What would He say to many of us today?
     I understand that the flesh is weak, and about the time we get serious about prayer, something will come up, we might find it hard to get up, and our minds will begin to wander. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), and pray at all times in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20). That is, under His direction, and in His power, being filled with His presence in all its fulness.
     Yes it is hard, but we can rise out of the rut and have a vibrant, powerfull prayer life.

God's way.

     It is not individuals who pray for God's blessings on their efforts who succeed. It is those who seek God, live close enough to Him to hear him, and enter into His work. These are the ones who find success.

Standing in the holy place.

     Clean hands and a pure heart are essential for one to prevail with God.  God is holy, and requires us to be holy as well, if we are to dwell in His presence. Any sin held on to, will only serve to shut us out of fellowship with God.
     Clean hands are the result of a pure heart. A right heart will produce right actions, a wrong heart will produce wrong actions. Many come to God in prayer, with wrong hearts and wrong actions. There is a barrier between them and God that will only be removed when sin is repented of.
      A group of men met three nights a week to pray for revival. They would pray well into the early morning hours. One night one of them was impressed to read Psalm 24:3-5, "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart." This convicted the men and led them to a heart searching and a fresh consecration of themselves to the Lord. This was the beginning of the Hebrides revival that lasted about three years. It was a powerful revival with deep conviction of sin followed by a very real and lasting repentance.
     The key thing was the fact that these praying men knew that if they expected God to hear them, they must approach Him in holiness and purity. The same goes for us as well.

Prayer, a measurement of Spiritual life.

     In Luke 18,  Jesus teaches that in prayer we must be persistent. We need to pray with an intensity and fervor that does not give up. He closes this lesson by asking the question "When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?".
     Where there is spiritual life there will be fervent prayer. There will be the kind of prayer that seeks God and the interests of His kingdom. There will be prayer that hangs on without giving up, until the answer comes. True prayer is kindled in the heart by the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit is present there will be prayer, deep intense prayer.
     There is a lot of praying going on, shallow empty prayers, selfish prayers, prayers that do not expect to be answered. E.M Bounds stated that all the unanswered prayers could more than fill up the earths oceans. I heard of one minister who got in his prayer time while brushing his teeth in the morning. He was just too busy to find anyother time. This is the case with so many today. Too busy to pray, content to send up a few prayers now and then when it is convenient, or when something important comes up. This is not the kind of faith that Christ desires to find in us.
     When He returns will He find true faith in you?
    
   

What would it cost us?

     Every move of God has been birthed by prayer. From the 120 in the upper room prior to the day of pentecost, to the present day, you will find that someone somewhere gave themselves to prayer. A study of revival history will quickly show that individuals sought the face of God with passion and fervor, with fasting and tears, before the blessing came.
     It is my firm belief that God will call His people into the prayer closet. He will place a burden upon the hearts of those who respond to Him. In and of ourselves we have no ability to pray down a revival. However, God looks for those who will respond to Him. He speaks to  our hearts, often with a still small voice, longing for us to spend time with Him.
     It has been costly for the individuals who have followed the call of God to prayer. Real prayer is a hard work. It takes time and energy. It takes focus and dedication. While it can be a time of great joy, it can also be a time of great sorrow. That is why we must pray in the Spirit, with His energy and direction. That is where we get the strength to go on. Many get discouraged and give up, many are too easily distracted.
     Too many Christians in American live to be entertained. We have our tv shows and movies and video games, electronic devices of all sorts, internet etc. Too be sure, many of us watch "christian etertainment" no cussing, sex, or violence, clean stories to entertain us. You can get out of most church services by noon on sunday, and go home and watch football from noon to 11:00 pm. Then there is a couple hours of sports center to get us all caught up on all the sporting news of the day.
     In the midst of all of this there has been a still small voice that got smaller and smaller until it grew silent. what will it cost us to see revival in our land once again?

Hindrances to prayer.

     Our fellowship with God, and our fellowship with one another, are all tied together. a right relationship with God will produce right relationships with those around us, and wrong treatment of our fellow man will adversely effect our relationship with God.
     Prayer is a vital link to God. It is our communication with Him. It is the channel through which we bring Him our needs, cares and burdens. Through prayer we advance His interests and kingdom. Through prayer we enter into His very presence to receive grace and mercy in time of need. It is of utmost importance that we keep this line of communication open.
     The New Testament warns us in many places that our prayer can be hindered through the mistreatment of others. When someone wrongs us it is up to us to forgive that individual. Jesus said " When you stand praying, forgive". When we have wronged someone it is up to us to go and be reconciled to that individual, then come and offer our gift on the altar. To approach God while holding enmity in our heart, is offensive to Him.
     Husbands have the responsibility to care for their wives, and are to treat them with love and respect. To fail to do this will hinder prayer as well. We often joke about arguments we have on the way to church as if they really don't matter. We feel better about ourselves because it happens to the sunday school teacher, or the worship leader, or the pastor as well, but it really does matter! These things will hinder our walk with God until they have been dealt with. We are to lift up holy hands without anger or quarrelling.
     The bible urges us to submit to one another. In other words we are to look out for each other, put others first, seeking to maintain peace for the sake of Christ and His gospel. It is in this context that Peter states "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble". It is pride that is at the core of our arguments, and resentment, unforgiveness and anger. This is what is offensive to God, and will shut out our prayers from His ear. Instead, let us live and work along side of each other in love, seeking the common goal of living for the Glory of Christ our king.