SUNDAY November 15, 2020
Striving Together in Prayer
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me….
Romans 15:30
Paul requested prayer through Christ and through the love of the Spirit. He had a shadow looming over him. Deep within his soul, he knew his time on earth was short––in Rome, Caesar Nero would kill him. Yet having such a love for those in the body of Christ, Paul was willing to stand as a witness for Christ, even in front of Nero!
Paul was a man of prayer, a man of the Word of God, and a man full of the Holy Spirit. When Paul took missionary trips, He ministered the fullness of the Gospel of Christ to people. Despite persecution, he continued to serve the saints––believers. Those who are called to missions would do well to learn from the Apostle Paul’s example. Missionary trips are not vacations to go look at the sights. The time is to be used wisely in ministering to the people.
I had the privilege of traveling with Chuck Smith for 35 years. On one occasion, I was able to go with him to Japan. I slept with Chuck in the same room. I was so nervous because I wondered if I would talk in my sleep and say something inappropriate! In the hotel, while in bed in his pajamas, Chuck said to me, “Raul, listen to this.” He shared with me the Bible study he would give the next day. I will never forget it for the rest of my life!
In the morning, Chuck was absent from his bed. At 5:00am, he was outside praying. He made such an impression on my life. I have also made it a life discipline to get up at 5:00am, to pray and spend time with the Lord.
I believe with all my heart, people fail to pray and spend time with God. As a result, they are stressed. They have no peace, no answers to problems, and no safety in life. Be disciplined in setting aside a time to be alone with God. Spend quality time in prayer for yourself and for others.
When we miss out on prayer we cause disappointment to Christ, defeat to ourselves and delight to the devil.
~John Blanchard~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!