Prayer Journal
Sunday, September 10, 2000
Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God." Mat 22:29
The pastor spoke with passion, directing his comments to the church members attending the morning service; "Brothers and sisters in Chirst, an honest look at our church should convince you that God is not moving in our midst today as He has in the past. We are seeing no brokenness over sin, few (if any) restored marriages, few people coming down the aisles to profess the faith in Jesus and little giving to one another's need."
"Yet", the pastor continued, "we seem content to continue doing things as we also have without any frustration over our subtle declining slide. God said this house should be a place of prayer for the nations, not a place of preaching. Where is our desire? Where is our commitment? Where exactly are we today?"
This pastor is not alone. It seems, God's is fanning the Spirit's flame and bringing many godly pastors to realize that it's time to stop the nonsense. When less than 5% of all Christian churches are "growing" spiritually, it's time to make a decision. That decision should be to stand firm, planted on the principles of God's word and the power of the Holy Spirit. We should begin acting like the salt and light in a lost world that Jesus said we should be and forget all the other stuff we call religion.
Jesus told some people they had no perception of the truth of God's word and the power of God. Are you in error today, having no perception of the truth of God's word (that means "ignorant")? Or are you simply disobedient, unwilling to submit to the truth of God's word when it contradicts your own "understanding"? I ask you today, "What's the difference?" If you call yourself a child of God, you might be able to claim ignorance as an excuse (I doubt it), but you better not try the disobedience excuse.
Don't you think it's time to do things God's way? It starts with a decision to be obedient to God. It is commited to Him through time on your knees in prayer. And it is proven by your action as God leads.
I believe when Christians are obedient and spend substantive time in prayer, God's power is released in their midst. I am also confident that this is the way the church is supposed to act. Anything less is simply "playing" church. I don't know about you, but I'd rather be found "praying" when Jesus returns rather "playing".
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
