Continuing the Battle for Christ - Week 7

 How should we respond to persecution?

          “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (I Peter 2:9 NIV84).

          It is human nature to seek revenge or to at least defend oneself from physical or verbal attacks, but revenge is contrary to God’s will.  Jesus told us to turn the other cheek (Matt. 5:39), something easier said than done.  Remember, God does not desire that anyone perish, so if we are to pursue His desires, we must learn to bless those who persecute us.  It won’t be easy, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it can be done.

How should we pray for the lost?

          “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Ephesians 6:19, 20 NIV84).

          Unfortunately, boldness is what many Christians, including myself, often lack.  Yet, there should be an urgency about us that prompts us to boldly and fearlessly proclaim the Good News.  Pray that we will each declare it fearlessly as we should.

Leadership Prayer Focus This Week: Business Leaders

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3, 4 NIV84).

Business leaders make significant contributions to the future of their communities.  They have power over economic, cultural, and government decisions.

          Pray that:      They will turn away from greed and personal gain.

They will seek what is best for stockholders, employees, and the public, not necessarily in that order.

That they will be wise and even-tempered in the decisions that they make.

That they will motivate and encourage their subordinates.

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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