"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures"
Do you ever wonder why some prayers seem to go unanswered? James suggests one reason: we often seek personal pleasures more than God's purposes. It is not wrong to pray for things we need-indeed, the Scriptures urge us to. But it is a wonderful experience to pray for something that is good and right and for which we gain no personal benefit. For example, we do know that God wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. His Word promises that all peoples will be represented before His throne in heaven.
Father, liberate us from self-centeredness. Teach us to pray!
"The Spirit of Christ in them...predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow" 1 Pet. 1:11
An important principle often observed in God's Word is the relationship between suffering and glory; the two appear to be inseparable. Peter's first epistle highlights this theme, and Paul elsewhere speaks of our "light, momentary affliction producing an eternal weight of glory." We want to help disciple all the nations. But we must understand that this will come only as many are willing to sacrifice and suffer. Frontier missionaries must go to new fields, and zealous laymen must send, pray and give of their funds. Oh the glory, when we see new believers joining the company of the redeemed!
Father, lead us through suffering into wonderful glory.
"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" 1 Pet. 2:11
Do we see ourselves as "aliens and strangers" in the world today, or do we find, as another author observed, that "this world is too much with us"? "Earthly-mindedness" is a serious spiritual malady. An excellent antidote is to continually resubmit our lives to God's eternal purpose to bring people from every nation to share in the marriage supper of the Lamb. Earthly attractions will have less allure for us when we are consumed by God's own purposes and desires.
Lord Jesus, teach us to see ourselves as You see us-as aliens and strangers. Make us Kingdom people!
"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have" 2 Pet. 1:12
Do you have a friend who constantly reminds you of things you already know? Do you find it difficult to respond graciously? Deep inside we, like Peter, all know that we often need reminders of truths we've heard before. For example, we know that God is concerned for the salvation of people from every nation (people group) in the world, but we need to be reminded of this priority each day. That is the purpose of the Frontier Fellowship. Many need to pray for the unreached peoples of the world. Do you encourage your friends to pray with you for these peoples?
Dear Lord, how easy it is to be caught up in our own affairs. Forgive us, and open our eyes to see the world as You do.
"You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming" 2 Pet. 3:11-12
Have you ever reflected on this mysterious admonition? What does Peter mean when he says we should speed (or hasten) that day? Is Peter possibly referring to Jesus' statement that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations" before the end will come (Matthew 24:14)? If so, then consider the glorious possibility: by committing our lives to bringing the gospel to those people groups still without a believing fellowship in their midst, we are helping to speed the return of Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, "Thy kingdom come." Give strength to our hands as we seek to hasten the day of Your appearing.
Jesus promised that His Church would assault the gates of hell and that those gates would fall. His Church is actively marching forward to conquer rebel territory and bring it into submission to the king of kings. Our battle is not physical-between men, but spiritual-within men's hearts and minds. And we are assured of victory because our champion, Jesus Christ, has defeated Satan in individual combat. Truly, the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world.
Lord Jesus, we acknowledge You as the victor over sin and Satan. Establish Your Church in every remaining unreached people.
source: www.global-prayer-digest.org/ <-- GO HERE & pray EVERYDAY!!www.vision2025.org/handinhands_clicktorelease.html <--GO HERE EVERYDAY TO release penny's for God's Word to be translated in every language still without His Word!http://www.prayerguard.net/ <-- GO HERE & pray for an unreached people group EVERY HOUR!!
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