On the Go - November 26, 2008

Desperation trumps timidity.

Live it
It's hard to imagine that some people can go through life and never know hard times or desperation. More times than not, they're a product of their time at home where their parents provided their every whim and asked nothing of them. But even Hollywood can teach us a thing or two about the subject. Take Scarlet O'Hara for example from the classic, "Gone With the Wind." Rhett Butler tried to teach her something about real life when he told her, "With enough courage, you can do without a reputation." But it took the loss of everything for her to learn the lesson and say at the end of the first act, "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again. ..."

When you stop and consider it, isn't it the same way when it comes to Christians and prayer? I often say that prayer is the most discussed and least practiced thing done in church. But why is that do you think? Could it be that the number one thing most churches exist to do is provide the every whim of its diverse membership instead of teaching discipline, accountability and labor?

Pray it
I'm afraid we're guilty as the church, of not teaching our brothers to fish, but constantly serve them with a plethora of exotic fish. We've taken the command "Go make disciples," and rendered it, "Go throw the Gospel at someone and see if it sticks." Our lack of praying is proof we've lost touch with You and your Word. I ask you to forgive us, then change us and re-send us.

Resources
Ten steps to remove weeds that have a choke hold on our nation. (2000)
Asa was a good king in Israel, but even he didn't pray rightly. (2002)
Many people talk the talk, but few walk the walk. (2003)
People might not see what we see, but they should see in us Who it is we see. (2004)
What we learn from preaching and Bible study is useless if it is not reflected in our life. (2005)
Devotional (2006)
It's natural to hide your true feelings and appear to be something you're not. (2007)
Today will have many one-time opportunities. (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Teach me to love my wife today the same way Jesus loves me.

My children.
Lead my children in paths of righteousness and keep them from straying too far.

Their school.
Keep those of bad influence from teaching in our schools.

Their teachers.
Protect those whose passion is to teach what is right in Your eyes.

My children's friends.
Give my children godly friends who are committed to do what is right in Your eyes.

My friends.
Help me be a friend to the friendless and faithful to those who befriend me.

My work.
Make me a diligent worker, one who inspires my boss and leads him to trust you.

My city.
Take my city one where truth and liberty are dominant and favoritism has no place.

Governmental leaders.
Guide government leaders to do only that which Scripture teaches.

My country.
Convert our country's patriotism "fever" into a passion for holiness under Your Banner.

My President.
Give him wisdom to make the choices You want him to make.

My church.
Give my fellow church members a passion to be clean and reconciled to each other.

My pastor.
Direct him to lead resolutely, anchored on the rock of uncompromising faith.

My church leadership.
Teach the leaders in our church to serve faithfully, even when none one is looking.

Sister churches.
Bless those churches whose stand is uncorrupted by a world value system.

Persecuted churches.
Protect persecuted brothers, giving them a testimony that extends around the world.

Missionaries.
Bless them. Meet their ministerial and personal needs to overflowing.

The sick..
Sustain those on his or her sickbed.

The lost.
Direct them to someone willing and ready to present the Gospel of Jesus without compromise.

Those in despair.
Remind those in despair that it is only ignorance of God that's hopeless.

Those in the hospital.
Protect those in the hospital from infectious germs that might exasperate their condition.

Those grieving.
Give hope to those who grieve so they will know it's purpose and not be servants to it.

Widows.
Protect the widows and provide their needs. Bless those who serve them.

Orphans.
Let the orphans know of Your care. Bless those who care for them.

Myself.
Give me the confidence to speak your Word boldly today.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.