Continuing the Battle for Christ - Week 5

 How should we respond to persecution?

          “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14 NIV84).

          Over the years, I have had the opportunity to hear many persecuted Christians share their stories.  Still, I am amazed when they talk about praying for their captors, those who are beating and torturing them.  Rather than seeking revenge, they speak the Truth during danger.  As a result, there is no way of knowing how many of those captors have come to know Christ, but we know that many have.  Some have also ended up as prisoners for their faith.  We must learn to pray, not just for the persecuted Christians, but also for those who would cause them harm.  God desires that they come to salvation, too!

How should we pray for the lost?

          “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12 NIV84).

          Each of us probably has loved ones whom we long to see accept Christ.  Don’t give up hope.  Be patient!  Most of all, be faithful in your prayers for each of them.  Pray for words to share with them at every opportunity.  Pray for others to touch their hearts.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict them.  Don’t give up!  While there is breath, there is hope!

          Leadership Prayer Focus This Week: City Council Members

          “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan… By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down” (Proverbs 29:2, 4 NIV84).

          The leadership of our nation begins with our local rulers.  So many of the laws that affect each of us personally are the laws made by our local councils.

          Pray that: They will seek God’s wisdom in all their decisions.

                          They will put aside politics and seek what is best for the community.

                          They will be fiscally responsible in their decisions.

                          They will listen to their constituents.

                          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)

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