On the Go - November 28, 2008

When we choose something, we reject something else.

Live it
In a world of fast food and quick choices, it's always good to sit down at home with family and thank God for his blessings. After all, that time could have been shared at a favorite restaurant if it was open. But, have you considered that sometimes limited choice is good, for it leads us to do the right thing? For example, it was about four hundred years ago that a English religious group fled their home in England to find a place where they wouldn't be persecuted for exercising their religious faith. Did everyone agree with their choice? No. In fact, most of the congregation stayed home. They criticized the action of a few and viewed it as divisive to the church at large. But at least the state couldn't reach across the ocean to persecute them.

The pilgrims were considered separatists for the way they wanted to be like believers in the first century church and not like the worldly church. So, what does this have to do with us today? Look around and you'll see that history is repeating itself. The only thing keeping some from boarding another Mayflower is the fact there are no places to start over. The difference between separatists then and now may be the fact today's pilgrims won't be able to escape criticism, condemnation, isolation or persecution.

Pray it
Thank you God for this land where freedom of religion was purchased with the blood of faithful pilgrims and patriots. Understanding the role of Laodicea, I know the freedom for which they died, will be used against this generation of believers. No longer is there need to go overseas to foreign countries to give our life to preach the Gospel. The tip of the spear has become an automatic weapon.

Resources
God will answer all your prayers if they're aligned with His will. (2000)
Space: God's handiwork that previews the certainty of eternity. (2001)
How many Thanksgivers praised God for trouble yesterday? (2003)
Are you chasing things that you falsely believe will bring happiness? (2004)
God has all the answers, but will you ask the right questions? (2005)
Devotional (2006)
Do you rejoice in the blessings others receive? (2007)
It takes wisdom to ask for it. (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.