Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians (KJV)
Throughout centuries, rulers have attempted experiments to determine the natural language of humans. They believed if all linguistic input could be kept from babies, the first words spoken would be the original tongue of humankind. One such experiment was carried out in the thirteenth century by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.
The babies were isolated from human language in hope when they reached talking age they would develop their own innate language. Sadly these children died unexplainably before they spoke their first words. This incident makes us wonder if human survival requires communication with other humans.
Similarly, newborn Christians must interact with other Christians in order to survive. A relationship without some type of communication will inevitably die. We not only need encouragement from our Christian peers, but we also need communication with our spiritual caregiver. As God watches over us continuously, we must communicate our emotions and desires. Otherwise, we cut our spiritual umbilical cord.
Prayer; Jesus, teach us to speak from our heart, and love the time we spend in prayer.
Thought for the day
If Jesus cleared his calendar to pray we should also
Prayer focus
People too busy to talk to God
Monday
Friday
Retreat is not an Option
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand Ephesians 6:13
When General Napoleon Bonaparte surveyed the battlefield at Waterloo and realized he was defeated, he reluctantly turned to his drummer and ordered, “Sound the retreat.” The confused boy replied, “Master in all our campaigns in Europe, I have never learned to sound the retreat.” Napoleon was quiet a moment, “All right drummer boy, sound the advance.” Apparently, Napoleon decided to engage in battle and make a stand even though he realized the probable outcome.
Frequently we also engage in spiritual battles where appearances indicate a likely defeat. At times we even feel justified in giving up, but the child of God is obliged to stand firm and refuse retreat regardless of the circumstances. We are not expected to rebuttal every attack with a perfect answer—only remain steadfast in our position for Christ. Unlike Napoleon who lost the battle of Waterloo we are guaranteed a victory, because Christ has already defeated Satan on our behalf.
The full significance of our battles may never be understood from a carnal point of view. But our commitment to Christ seals our victory, and we are always triumphant regardless of the visible outcome.
Prayer; Savior, Give us the strength to stand for biblical principles regardless of personal consequences.
Thought for the day
Standing for Christ is always a good stand
Prayer focus; Unconfident Christians
When General Napoleon Bonaparte surveyed the battlefield at Waterloo and realized he was defeated, he reluctantly turned to his drummer and ordered, “Sound the retreat.” The confused boy replied, “Master in all our campaigns in Europe, I have never learned to sound the retreat.” Napoleon was quiet a moment, “All right drummer boy, sound the advance.” Apparently, Napoleon decided to engage in battle and make a stand even though he realized the probable outcome.
Frequently we also engage in spiritual battles where appearances indicate a likely defeat. At times we even feel justified in giving up, but the child of God is obliged to stand firm and refuse retreat regardless of the circumstances. We are not expected to rebuttal every attack with a perfect answer—only remain steadfast in our position for Christ. Unlike Napoleon who lost the battle of Waterloo we are guaranteed a victory, because Christ has already defeated Satan on our behalf.
The full significance of our battles may never be understood from a carnal point of view. But our commitment to Christ seals our victory, and we are always triumphant regardless of the visible outcome.
Prayer; Savior, Give us the strength to stand for biblical principles regardless of personal consequences.
Thought for the day
Standing for Christ is always a good stand
Prayer focus; Unconfident Christians
Where are Your Roots?
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33
A tiny branch from a young tree grew inside the backdoor of our woodshop. Since we rarely used the back door, we let it continue to grow. It was cute at first, but eventually it became pale and sickly from lack of sunlight. When we tried to force it outside the door, it refused to bend. It had grown in this abnormal shape too long. Finally, we had to cut it down.
Yet, each time I looked at the plant inside the shop door, I thought of Christians who give the impression of being inside the church when in reality their roots remain outside the church body. They begin the Christian walk with good intentions, but continue to keep company with those who appose a Christian lifestyle. Eventually, the gravitational pull of worldly influence overpowers their relationship with Christ. It cannot be otherwise. They will have to severe themselves from worldly association in order to grow. Otherwise their commitment to Christ will weaken.
Prayer; Help us God, to evaluate the company we keep and protect ourselves from negative influences against your will. Guide us to make choices for the benefit of our spiritual growth.
Thought for the day
The company we keep not only reflects who we are, but also determines who we will become
Prayer focus
People who lack Christian fellowship
A tiny branch from a young tree grew inside the backdoor of our woodshop. Since we rarely used the back door, we let it continue to grow. It was cute at first, but eventually it became pale and sickly from lack of sunlight. When we tried to force it outside the door, it refused to bend. It had grown in this abnormal shape too long. Finally, we had to cut it down.
Yet, each time I looked at the plant inside the shop door, I thought of Christians who give the impression of being inside the church when in reality their roots remain outside the church body. They begin the Christian walk with good intentions, but continue to keep company with those who appose a Christian lifestyle. Eventually, the gravitational pull of worldly influence overpowers their relationship with Christ. It cannot be otherwise. They will have to severe themselves from worldly association in order to grow. Otherwise their commitment to Christ will weaken.
Prayer; Help us God, to evaluate the company we keep and protect ourselves from negative influences against your will. Guide us to make choices for the benefit of our spiritual growth.
Thought for the day
The company we keep not only reflects who we are, but also determines who we will become
Prayer focus
People who lack Christian fellowship
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