Apostolic Prayers

- Pastor Philip Joseph

One significant aspect of our relationship with God is through our prayer. From Genesis to Revelation, if we look at the Bible, we see many instances of prayer by many different people. One thing that we learn is that for God’s will to be fulfilled on earth, it is essential that we pray. For example, Daniel knew God’s will and that the time of 70y spoken by prophet was completed. But then he prayed that God will return mercy upon His people, and then it was fulfilled.

While reading the 66 books of the Bible, one must pause and read the prayers of saints, and also read it in context of what is written before and after. Today, I would just like us to focus our attention on Apostolic prayer from the letters of New Testament saints.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 NKJV: Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,

In context, Paul is encouraging believers in Thessalonica, through this prayer, to show forth faith and patience in all their persecutions, and endure tribulations; telling them that God will judge those perpetrators of troubles, as they continue their work of faith with power. Do not be idle, but be willing to work.

2 Corinthians 13:7 NKJV: Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified…. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.

Be discerning, examine yourself, pursue gentleness. As you continue in gentleness, God will make good the things that we may lack and make us complete. Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts.

Ephesians 1:18-19 NKJV: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, [19] and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.

A prayer for understanding, and how our inner eyes are to be enlightened. How great is our God-His calling, His inheritance, and His great power.

Philippians 1:9-10 NKJV: And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, [10] that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,

The Philippian church had internal competition, like some of us here. Love is not sincere. Paul prays that our love may abound still more… till the day of Christ.

Colossian church was founded by Epaphras. Supernatural experiences a premium here. A sect became a cult with instigation to worship of angels. Some others went to the other extreme of being ascetics. Paul prays for Colossians...

Colossians 1:9 NKJV: For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Apostle John prays for Gaius in 3 John 1:2 NKJV: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

God is in interested in your Prosperity and good health. Whatever you do shall prosper and you will have good success. Health in your body is God’s will. God is interested in your entire being… seeking to bless you in spirit, soul and body and make you complete.

What kind of prayer do you have in your life? What do you pray over your children? Is it any near to these Apostolic prayers for saints? Or is it just education, career and financial prosperity?

May our inner eyes be enlightened, may we be patient in our faith works, may we prosper in our soul. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

The Full Armor of God

-Pastor Philip Joseph

Ephesians 6: 10-18 NKJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-

We are in a Battle

Whether we realise it or not, we must know that we are engaged in a battle. Paul says that “finally” – after knowing that we are seated together with Jesus in the (third) heavens, and how we ought to walk while we are on earth, is now focussed on our position of standing firm against the wiles of Satan and his hosts of wickedness having their positions in the (second) heavenly places (v12).

While talking about battle and the armor, Paul clarifies initially itself that our battle is NOT against any human being-not against any flesh and blood.

•          For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual {forces} of wickedness in the heavenly {places.} (Eph 6:12)

In another letter, Paul has written about idols and their demonic influence. An idol is nothing, and while we see the religious fervor going on around this time in Mumbai, we sense a heightened potential for demonic revelry. And that is what we have to be warned about. Demons lurking behind idols still crave for worship in whatever form. As believers, we must stay away from any such mess influencing our lives.

•          {No,} but {I say} that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. (1 Cor 10:20) 

Pieces of Armor

1.       The Belt Of Truth

In those days, the belt was not used in the sense as it is used now-but had several functions. And Paul says truth is our first armor. The Roman Soldier Wore A Belt That Held His Shield, Sword, And Breastplate In Place. If he should lose his belt, a few other vital pieces of armor too will lose their functions. But with the Belt on, he could Move Freely.

• Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH.. (Eph 6:14)
• Therefore, gird the loins of your mind (1 Pet 1:13 Literal translation). prepare your minds for action (NASB)
• In Him, you also trusted, after listening to the message of truth (Eph 1:13)
• Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH (Eph 4:25 )

From the above verses, we understand that the truth battle is fought in the mind. Peter warns us that our minds must be alert for action. Paul emphasised on knowing and trusting the gospel-our sins are forgiven because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross; now we have no condemnation, no guilt- This is truth. And in our day-to-day lives we must live truthfully with one another. Because even a single lie will have a cascading effect, and we will soon find pieces of armor falling apart, if we don’t gird our loins with the belt of truth.

2.       The Breastplate Of Righteousness

The Roman Breastplate Was Made Of Either Brass Or Bronze. It Had Two Pieces-One In Front And One In Back. The Breastplate Protected The Vital Organs.

•  BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (Eph. 6:14)
• But since we are of {the} day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love.  (1 Thess. 5:8)
•  and put on the new self, which in {the likeness of} God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Eph. 4:24 )
• (for the fruit of the Light {consists} in all goodness and righteousness and truth) (Eph. 5:9)

Breastplate of righteousness is actually the armor arising out of our faith in the finished work of Jesus and His love towards us. Therefore, we not only have the imputed righteousness of Jesus, but also the imparted righteousness of the Holy Spirit’s work within us. Therefore, all our vital organs are protected in this covering. Paul writes that this act of putting off the old self, and putting on the new man as if it is a conscious decision like changing our clothes, and done every day- and it is so. We have to daily put on the breastplate of righteousness.

3.       Sandals Of Peace

The Romans Wore Sandals And Greaves Into Battle. The Sandals Had 1 To 3 Inches Spikes In Them, And The Greaves Protected Their Shins From Wounds.

•          and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; (Eph 6:15)

•          being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3)

•          Pursue peace with all men (Heb 12:14)

Beloved, let us have peace with one another; both in the house of God as believers, and in the outside world as followers of Jesus. People usually have a chip on their shoulders and think that if the other person is wrong, there is no need to have peace with that person. But, that is just opinionated proud thinking-maybe the other person feels that you were wrong! Therefore, pursue-go behind, do all that you can, to have a bond of peace. Christ has reconciled us to the Father and He Himself is our peace, and we are called to be peace processors (ambassadors) for Christ.

4.       The Shield Of Faith

The Roman Shield Was Made Of Two Pieces Of Wood That Were Glued Together. The Shield Was Saturated With water to Put Out Flaming Arrows.

•          in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil {one.} (Eph 6:16)

•          For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (1 John 5:4)

The shield of faith is saturated with water of the word of God, and the fiery arrows from the enemy cannot explode on impact but will be only extinguished and remain powerless. Apostle John – a person of tremendous faith, where nobody could do any bodiliy harm to him writes this: this is the victory that overcomes the world-even our faith.

5.       The Helmet of Salvation

The Roman Helmet Was Beautiful And Intimidating. It Was Engraved With Various Pictures.The Red Horse Hair Could Be Seen When They Marched Into Battle; A Terrifying Sight To The Enemy.

•          And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION (Eph 6:17)

•          …and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thess 5:8)

Helmet wearers know that not only is a helmet necessary, but also that it must fit the head firmly and fully to have its protection fully effective. As is the case of Roman soldier, so is the case for us, where we have to be fully assured of our salvation, and have the hope of seeing Jesus on that day for our portion of eternal bliss-the hope of our salvation.

6.       The Sword of The Spirit

The Roman Short Sword Was The Soldier’s Primary Weapon of attack. It Was Dual-Bladed, And Very Sharp. It Could Kill With A Two Inch Blow.

•          and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word {rhema} of God. (Eph 6:17)

•          For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, (Heb 4:12)

In every circumstance of life, we have Him who gives us the necessary ‘rhema’ word for that attack. And one word, spoken, will be sufficient to slay the enemy. Living, active and SHARPER than any two-edged sword.

7.       Prayer

Although not specifically comparing with a physical weapon as mentioned by Paul, we must not miss out on this armor-where Paul says “with all kinds of prayer…”. This armor can be compared to the Spear or Javelin.

•          With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, (Eph 6:18)

A javelin can be used to throw at the enemy even from a distance. And we can covet prayers of others and cover all His saints in prayer, that will put an end to the enemy’s attacks even before it begins.

And one must NOT afford to be complacent, thinking that missing out on one or two of the pieces of armor will do us no harm. Paul clearly states that we must PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR. Every thing in place – in season and out of season.

•          Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Eph 6:11)

•          Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Eph 6:13)

Brother, Stand firm. God bless you.

Be Confident

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Continue in confidence!)

“For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh…” – Phi. 3:3

We have no confidence in the flesh; we- who worship God in the Spirit and glory in Christ Jesus. If we look at the world around us, we see people who lack confidence in themselves; people who even give up on life because they can’t face it any longer. And there are seminars, counselling sessions given to them to boost their self-confidence. And there are also people who are so self-confident that it borders on arrogance.

But there is the third category of people who have no confidence in the flesh; only they are God-confident. This is such a higher way of living- confident of those things above, having our focus upward and rejoicing in hope. This is our privilege that we can live our lives with a tremendous confidence in God. This is my burden today to share with you, the confidence that we have in God. If you are feeling down, let His word today infuse the God-confidence into your very soul, and into the lives of your children, and into all those you come across. “That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments;” (Psalm 78:7)

In this world, there will be difficulties. Yes, there will be frustrating times, stressful situations and painful circumstances. But in all these tribulations, we can be people of good cheer, and keep walking that straight path because of our God-confidence. Our God-confidence is not some imaginary, feel-good, lofty stress-busters; but is found in the rock solid foundation of God’s word.

1. Be Confident in Coming to God

“…Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” – Eph. 3:12

People in the Old Covenant did not have this boldness; they fled from God’s presence. They needed mediators- priests and high priests, who shared God’s word with them, while they themselves stood far off- in the outer courts, and did not dare come before God. Only the priests ministered in the holy place; and only once a year the high priest entered the Most Holy Place, near the presence of God with the blood of the sin offering.

But now, we have the confidence {boldness} to enter the very Presence of God- into the Holy of Holies, by the blood of Jesus (Heb. 10:19).

What a privilege! We have boldness to be near God. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [Heb. 4:16]

At the throne of grace- in the Most Holy place, there is fullness of peace; like a river, it does not cease.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of the world will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

2. Be Confident Before God (Be Confident Your Prayers will be answered)

Not only do we have confidence to come to God, but we can have confidence before God. (and be confident that our prayers will be answered).

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” [1 John 5:14, 15]

Do you hesitate to ask something from God? If there is any lack that has to be fulfilled in your life, and you know that it is God’s will to experience that fullness in your life in accordance to His word, you have full freedom to ask of God! Remember, He is our Father, who desires to give good things to His children- whether job, or marriage. Yes, He desires you to prosper in everything just as your soul prospers; He is able to bless every single work that your hand labours in; He is interested to proceed with the things in accordance to His will to choose, and settle you with your spouse.

When you have the consignment number and details of the package that has been sent to you by courier, you know for certain that it is coming! It is much the same way with God and His word. With eyes of faith, we can see the answer even before it comes; the details of the package is already addressed and given to you-His holy word. Come before God in confidence.

3. Be Confident In Your Prayers

Elijah was a man just like you and me. The Bible says that he was a man with a nature just like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain… (James 5:17). His words to king Ahab were this: “As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” (1 Kings 17:1). Our God lives; and if you stand before Him, you can stand before any Ahab in your own lives! Your prayers will be answered- therefore be confident.

4. Be confident of God’s Provisions

Hebrews 13:5, 6 says: Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly {confidently} say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

I know many of you can say this: “The Lord is my helper” But the thing is- you can say it without confidence or you can say it with FULL confidence. He is our Protector; He is our Guide; He is our Helper. He is with us; He will never leave us. He is Jehovah Jireh-our Provider (in the mount of the LORD, it will be provided). Is anything too hard for the LORD? I need to look at the birds of the air; seek Him first, and all that I need will be added to me. “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion… He shall set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:5).

David in Psalm 27 expressed his full confidence in God- for He had experienced first hand God’s protection, while he was a shepherd and while he was a king surrounded in battle by his enemies. Now what stops you? Be confident.

5. Be confident in your service to the LORD

2 Cor. 3: 4, 5 says: And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God …

On our own, we are inadequate; but our sufficiency comes from Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore what we do in Christ matters; and it is for you to step up and be counted for service for whatever God calls you to do. Peter and John were only uneducated fishermen; but they boldly preached salvation in the name of Jesus, saying “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Acts 4:13 continues: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Have you spent time with Jesus and feel His power moving in you? Stand up in service! Be confident.

Come to God; No problem is too big that He cannot solve it! No circumstances insurmountable that you should shrink back. Come before him; Take it all to our Lord in prayer. God will provide; You see, it always makes me think while I fly over Vashi, to see from above and realize how small the place really is; a fact that we fail to see as we drive around in dense traffic- then the road is just too long and the place looked so big! Now, how do you think God sees your problems and worries? The more you mount up on wings like eagles, the problems that looked big pale into insignificance.

Let me close with this verse from Hebrews 3:6: “… hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” God Bless You. Amen.

Learning In The Rain

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Enjoy the monsoon in Mumbai!)

It is monsoon time in Mumbai! The rains bring lot of cheer among us-Mumbaikars, and there is the much needed relief from summer heat. What do the rains remind you of?

Today, I would like to share from the word of God on – rains; and what it means to us!

1. Blessings

If you look at Deut. 28:12, it says: “The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.”

This chapter in the Bible tells us of God’s blessings to the children of Israel, if- and when, they walk in obedience to His word. The children of Israel are the descendents of Abraham- the original recipient of the promise of God’s blessings. We are inheritors of all these promises by faith in Christ Jesus. Therefore when we walk in obedience to His word, and see the rains in its season, we must be people who are reminded of God’s promise of blessings to us- His children.

This passage in Deut. 28:12 reveals God’s heart and intention, to open to us His good treasure and bless us with rains from the heavens; and bless us in that we do- in the work of our hands; and bless us with financial security- that we may lend to many nations. What a privilege to have a God who seeks to bless us!

God says in Ezek. 34:26: “I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.”

God, the true Shepherd will lead us to that blessed place of pastures, water and rest in the mountains of Zion, the city of God; and there shall be showers of blessing! Not bits and pieces of raindrops here and there- the mercy drops; but the full throttle downpour of blessed rain.

So the next time you look up and the dark clouds in the sky, and experience the downpour, remember God’s promise of blessings to us all- His children and find your security. How great is our God! Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the LORD! [Psalm 144:15]
 
2. Loving Kindness

We need to be reminded also that we are sons of God- and there are conduct rules for His children. Jesus in Matt. 5:44, 45 says: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.”

We ought to love, not just friends and believers, but also enemies. And learn to bless those who curse us… because we are sons of the Father in heaven. If God so desired, he could have sent rains only to the chosen- (as He made a difference in Goshen during the time of Moses); but He chooses to send rains on the just as well as the unjust.

Beloved, it is so easy to love only your friends who love you; and to find fault and always be critical of your enemies. But even in your workplace, if you have a difficult boss, who is unjust, we can consider the rains from our Father in heaven- and learn to be patient in love. Forgive people who have hurt you; do not sulk and do not keep grudges against anybody. Be merciful and kind to all! [See also Luke 6:35]
 
3. Trials

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus concluded with this illustration of the foolish man and the wise man: The foolish man built his house upon the sand; but the wise man built his house upon the rock: [Matt. 7:25] and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

Where are you building your house? Sooner- than later, the rains will descend. We will experience trial by fire and by water. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33]. Trials are mandatory- It proves to you God’s great faithfulness. And the Lord has promised that in the midst of trials He will protect us. No trial will be too great; and no trial will is too unique. (Do not think, only you have this trial!) 1 Cor. 10:13 says: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

If you look at the previous 12 verses of this chapter (1 Cor. 10), Paul talks about the journey of Israelites from the land of Egypt to the Promised Land- examples from Old Testament. All those who came out of Egypt had seen God’s mighty hand of deliverance- how He had sent the plagues on Egypt while spectacularly protecting the land of Goshen- where Israelites dwelt; how He had trounced the Egyptian army in the Red sea. They all had the same spiritual food- Manna from heaven and water out of a rock. But when Moses sent 12 men to spy on Canaan, 10 of them said that the land they were about to possess is good, but there were giants in that land and that they themselves were like grass-hoppers; and we will not be able to displace them. Only two of them- Caleb and Joshua, withstood them and said that they were indeed able to go up and possess what God had promised. And we know of how all of their (-Caleb and Joshua’s) peers perished in the wilderness.

Think about it: If God had so desired, He could have made it easy for the Israelites: God could have driven out the inhabitants beforehand and all they had to do was just walk into the Promised Land. But in the wisdom of God, He has allowed us to go through trials; that we may be refined and become as pure gold. Remember Caleb and Joshua- and the different spirit they had; and we ought to be like them! Look up at the rains- if you are facing trials in your life just now. Know that there is a way of escape, God has made for you. Remember all that He had done for the Israelites and for you in the past; He is faithful to lead us in the future. Only be strong and very courageous [Joshua 1:9].

4. Prayer

James 5: 16, 17, 18 The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

We can learn prayer in the rains! I remember we were driving when the first monsoon showers hit Mumbai. It was getting really difficult to drive, and we parked our car on the side of the road, and prayed. God heard our prayer; the rains subsided, and we drove again arrived at our destination right on time!

Elijah was a man- just like you and me. He prayed in accordance with God’s word, that God will shut the heavens, if the people turn to do evil and wickedness. And the Lord heard the prayer of Elijah and stopped the rains. But then the people repented, and the false prophets and foreign gods were put away- on that great day in Mount Carmel. And Elijah prayed again- in accordance with God’s word, remembering His promise to open the treasure house of heavens and send rain- and God heard the prayer of Elijah, again.

You know when Elijah prayed for rains, after those 3½ years of famine, there was not a single cloud in the sky- like we do have now in Mumbai; and we know that the dark clouds will bring us the rains. There was no ‘earth simulator’ during the days of Elijah- with weather predictions and forecast- like we have now. There was a severe drought; the land was on the verge of economic collapse. But because of the effective, fervent prayer of Elijah, there was the sound of abundance of rain, from a cloud as small as a man’s hand!

There shall be showers of blessing! Do you see the rains? Remember that

• God is keen to bless you, bless your work and give you financial security
• God is calling you to love the just and the unjust
• God is making a way of escape out of your trials; be strong and courageous
• God is calling you to pray the effective, fervent prayer. Amen.

Significant Somethings

[Message: Pastor Philip Joseph. Hope I haven’t missed much. Happy reading…]

The gospel books in the Bible-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, tell us about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. We know that Jesus lived on this earth for about 33½ years. Very little is written on Jesus’ initial 30 years, before His ministry; quite a lot of writing describe Jesus’ ministry as He went about preaching the good news of the kingdom of God and healing the sick, casting out demons, performing miracles… But a huge portion of the gospel is entirely dedicated to the happenings just before Jesus’ death on the cross. For example, 1/3^rd of the book of Mark’s gospel describes the last week of Jesus life on earth.

This week is celebrated as the Holy Week starting from today-Palm Sunday, through Good Friday to Easter Sunday. We who are Christians, have read, meditated and known these celebrations from our childhood days. We may think we know all about it; but, I pray the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the significance of these happenings of the ‘Holy Week’, starting from the triumphal entry of Jesus’ into Jerusalem.

The prophet had foretold 430 years before, that the ‘King’ would come on a lowly donkey: “Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” [Matt. 21:5]. The streets of Jerusalem, on that Palm Sunday, were filled with joyous celebration. Even the children shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!” And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying “Who is this?” [Matt. 21:9, 10].

Do you recognize Jesus? Will you shout “Hosanna” or will you say “Who is this?” Eyes to see, and ears to hear, and a heart to perceive-this is my prayer today-for you, whether you are a young child, or a youth or an elderly person.

Unique and significant happenings of that last week, has repercussions down through the ages for people of every nation, every tongue, every tribe; an impression that would last an entire lifetime of a believer, and a significance and meaning for life now and after.

Thw widow...threw in two mites
Picture from http://www.bibleexplained.com/

1. Significant Giving: Mark 14: 3-9 and Mark 12:41-43

A woman broke a flask of very costly fragrant oil and poured it on Jesus’ head. A flask of perfume that costs 10 months salary! What this signifies to me is that no sacrifice is too great to give to Jesus. There may be people who will say, “Why this waste?” and why not give for some social cause and good work. But Jesus loves a cheerful giver; He said “Let her alone… she has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

A poor widow came to give an offering and “threw in two mites…”; So He {Jesus} called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;”

There is so much to give and so much to do! Would you give Him what you have? And would you give Him in spite of what you have?

2. Significant Serving: John 13:5-14

In those days, the roads were dusty; there were no cement and tar roads that we have now. And it was a custom to wash one’s feet with water on entering a house. Jesus, on His last supper, was gathered in a house with His disciples. After the supper, Jesus took a towel and a basin of water and washed His disciples’ feet. Peter refused the first time; but Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

Jesus explained the significance of His act, saying “…you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14). Do you see the need of those around? It’s easy to pray and leave it to God. But God is calling you to fulfill the need of your brothers and sisters around you. See the need? Serve.

3. Significant Emblems: Luke 22:19-21

In that last supper, Jesus took the bread and the cup and said: “This is my body which is given for you…” and “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you…”: Do this in remembrance of Me.

The birthday of Jesus is not mentioned; but His death day has been destined since time began; He will be the Passover Lamb. His blood will cover us. Just as the angel of death ‘passed over’ the blood covered doorposts of the houses of Israelites in Egypt, so the blood of the New Covenant covers those who believe in Jesus Christ. Are you protected? When was the last time you shared in the body and blood of Jesus Christ? As often as you do it, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Cor. 11:26)

4. Significant prayer: John 17: 1-26

Jesus loves you. He loved you while He was here on earth, and He loves you now, in heaven. He remembered you and me in that significant prayer.

Yes, He prayed for Himself. But He did not stop with that! He continued in intercessory prayer (a large part of John17) for His disciples, and also for every person who would believe through the word of His disciples!

You must pray for yourself. But pray for others too. Pray that you do not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40); and pray also for others. Let God’s love be in you.

In the garden of Gethsemane, the prayer of Jesus was so intense that His sweat turned into blood drops! Luke, a medical doctor by profession, surely knows what he is talking about! (Luke 22:44). Today, we hear doctors confirming that this is possible; that with great intensity and stress, blood vessels may break. But the significance of that prayer is echoed in Jesus’ words: It is enough {over}! The victory over the cross and shame was done there in that intense prayer of Gethsemane. No more troubled spirit and soul; Jesus victoriously went to the cross!

Whatever is your prayer, let it be significant; let it be for others too; let it be intense. Jesus prayed for you and me; He is still praying an intercessory prayer- that our strength will not fail. Be strong! Be courageous! And God will grant you the victory.

5. Significant Suffering: Matt. 27: 22-23

The crowds that shouted “Hosanna” somehow changed their tone within a week to shout “Crucify Him!” The governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

Peter writes a first-hand account of what happened that night and its significance. He says: For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”, who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;… (1 Peter 2:21-23)

What do the crowds say about you; it really does not matter. They may shout praises one moment and heap abuses the next; it happened to Jesus! Even the judiciary may not help your case sometimes; they may succumb to populist pressures {read media perversion}. “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. [Heb. 10: 30, 31]

Give your best… and give all your suffering to Him who judges righteously. Love and serve; remember His covenant of body and blood and pray the intense prayer of your life. Amen.

Prayer

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy Praying!)

In the key verses for this year (Ezek. 37: 38, 39), there are 3 parts- Prayer, Promise and People (3 P’s); these are intertwined- connected, with one another. In prayer, we claim God’s promises concerning His people. It is my prayer today, that we will appropriate God’s word into our own lives as meditate on the aspect of prayer.

We may think we know a lot about prayer, and to some extent it may be true. If we look into God’s word, there are about 301 references to prayer-that is quite a lot to learn from. If we focus only on the New Testament, we have 141 verses connected with prayer, and we can talk about it all day. But today, let me summarize a few verses from the New Testament on prayer. I just want to make some key points that we can practice in our prayer life.

1 Peter 3:12 says: For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers;…

Your prayer-and mine, gets God’s attention! God loves to hear from you! In the book of Revelation, we find that the prayers of the saints ascend like incense in God’s presence and before the throne of the Lord Almighty (Rev. 5:8). Imagine what a privilege we have as saints-although we are not yet there in heaven, our prayers are! Therefore we ought to pray-to a God who answers the prayers of His people. 

Hindrances to Prayer

Since prayer is part and parcel (if I may use the cliché) of the saints in Christ, let us also know about the hindrances to a prayer filled life.

Mark 11:25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone…”

You see, prayer reaffirms our relationship with God the Father. As we submit our petitions concerning what affects us in our lives, we must also know of what affects Him-a heart of unforgiveness. Whatever you may have against anybody, forgive…before starting you prayer; this is what Jesus teaches you and me-forgive...

Psalms 66:18 says: If I regard {iniquity | wickedness} in my heart, the Lord will not hear.

God is full of goodness; in Him there is no shadow of turning… and His face is turned against the wicked. Man sees the face, but God searches out the deep secrets of the heart. Prayer is not an optional (or routine) lip-service to God, it is the essence of a relationship when one speaks and the Lord hears. But if you regard evil in your heart, you snap out of a conversation. How can you fool God?

Essence of Prayer

Colossians 4:2 says: Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

If we are to be called as men and women of prayer, here is the essence-put in some earnestness, be vigilant and be thankful and continue in prayer. Devote yourself to prayer! Laugh with Him, cry on His shoulders, plead with Him, but listen to Him, too! Prayer is not a one-way communication; as we come with a thankful heart, we sense His presence, and hear what He has to say to us. Oh yes, He loves us.

Individual Prayer

Luke 5:16 says about Jesus: So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

What better example than Jesus… Jesus had His disciples with Him most of the time; and there were still many who followed Him from place to place-wanting His healing, hearing His word and receiving His blessings. Yet Jesus found time and a place to have a chat with the Father-one on one.

You too-must find time amidst your busy schedules and away from the noise and the crowd-yes, even close family members and friends, to have a little talk with the Father-alone before His throne.

Intercessory Prayer

In Luke 22:32 Jesus said to Peter: “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

This is only one of many such examples in the Bible, where we are called to pray for others. As humans, there is a part of our self that seeks its own gratification, greatness and glory. We can tend to become selfish and self-centered in our prayers, too! Oh yes, in our distress we run to Him; but how is that we are rather lukewarm in our responses when others-maybe in the body of Christ (church), are going through tough times? Why do you feel that you need not be too concerned, because anyway it is their life and their faith?

1 Thessalonians 5:25 says: Brethren, pray for us.

Here Paul is exhorting the church at Thessaloniki, to pray for him and his companions in the preaching of the gospel of Christ. It is a young church with doubts and questions; Paul takes time to clarify their misunderstandings and yet concludes the letter with a request for prayer. Therefore, I ask you to pray for your pastor; the spiritual leader God has set for you, that God will protect and preserve their lives and that the gospel they preach will reach forth and grasp the hearts of many. "Lord, keep them from the evil one."

Collective Prayer

1 Tim. 2:8 says: I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

In Matt. 18: 19 Jesus says: “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

There is room for collective prayer, whether in the church or at home – lift up holy hands and agree concerning anything; do not doubt and it will be done. In marriage and at home, we have an opportunity to pray with our spouses – just the two of you can agree together and it will be done. A couple that prays together, stays together. 1 Peter 3:7 talks about the husband giving honor to the wife and dwelling together with understanding, that their prayers may not be hindered. A blessed life together is within your reach… as you continue in prayer.

If you do not know how to pray, you can start off with the prayer our Lord Jesus taught us in Matt. 6:9-13.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

As we read about the prayers of the saints in the Bible, we know that we too can pray and receive the His answers in our day to day life.

• Pray that you may receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15).
• When you speak in tongues, pray, that you may also interpret (1 Cor. 14:13).
• Pray in the Spirit and build yourself up on your most holy faith (Jude 1:20).
• Pray in the Spirit and pray with understanding (1 Cor. 14:14, 15).
• Pray and believe that you have received it (Matt. 21:22).
• Pray in accordance to the faith God has given you (Mark 11:24).
• Pray for God’s guidance and to know His will (Romans 1:10)
• Pray in times of trouble that we may not enter into temptation (Matt. 26:41)
• Pray for the suffering and the sick (James 5:13, 14)
• Pray for those who spitefully use you (Luke 6:28)
• Pray without anxiety for everything and anything (Phi. 4:6)

Remember the verses in James about Elijah? One person prayed an earnest prayer, and the rain stopped for 3½ years! He prayed again and it rained. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? Is His hand shortened that it cannot save? God is there with us; He is for us. Remember Elijah- he was in need of protection and provision, and God gave that to Elijah miraculously. 

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior still our refuge…take it to the Lord in prayer. Yes, take it to the Lord in prayer! In Jesus is our answer where human solutions cease or do not exist! What is impossible with man is possible with God.

In Jesus are our prayers Yes and Amen!

2011 – Year of Fulfillment and Multiplication

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Here’s hoping I haven’t missed much. Happy reading!)

Ezekiel 36: 37, 38

Thus says the Lord GOD: “I will also let the house of Israel inquire of Me to do this for them: I will increase their men like a flock. Like a flock offered as holy sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem on its feast days, so shall the ruined cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.”

As we saw earlier, the verses contain three parts: (i) Prayer (ii) Promise and (iii) People. The promise of God is that the ruined cities will be filled-that every thing that is broken and lying waste in your lives and in the lives of people around you, too will be rebuilt! The condition is that we pray and intercede about it. God loves people around us-just as He loved you and me; and He wants to bless them that are around us through you and me!

PRAYER

Many times Jesus talked to the people around Him, when He was here on earth in flesh, through parables. He spoke to them simply and in an engaging way so that they would understand and apply the principles. And through His parables, we too understand complicated truths of the kingdom of God. And Jesus had something to say on prayer too! He spoke two parables on prayer-about a friend at midnight (Luke 11:5-8) and the unjust judge and the widow (Luke 18:1-8).

Friend at midnight

There comes a man to his friend’s house at midnight and asks for bread that he may in turn give to his friend-a guest who had arrived from a far place. The friend, though he gives many excuses initially, does come out to help his friend because of his persistence. At the end of the parable, Jesus teaches us to ask the Father in heaven without giving up; keep on asking and you shall receive; keep on knocking and the door will be opened for you; keep on seeking and surely you will find what you seek for!

The Persistent Widow

Before the parable, it says in the word of God, why Jesus spoke such a parable-He spoke to them “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…”. In this parable, there was this unjust judge who meets the persistent widow seeking justice-The judge says to himself “…because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.”

Therefore do not lose heart in prayer. In God’s will, all our prayers WILL be answered by and by if we do not give up. By and by there will be a harvest; by and by the sun will shine! If sinful and unjust people could help those who are persistent, how MUCH MORE God who is in heaven, will answer those who cry out to Him day and night!

PROMISE

The Blessing

Many are the promises of God to His children. Abraham was a man who feared God; he was called to go to a strange place to receive a promise: “…I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” – A strange promise, to just one family among all the inhabitants of the earth. He was called out and called in to receive a promise; and Abraham knew God’s promise would be fulfilled! Even now we see God’s promise holding out to the people of Israel-a promise made some 4000 years ago! God IS faithful.

The Blessed

You and I are called out of darkness and into His marvelous light, where we can receive His promises. We can lay hold of it, and see it being fulfilled in our own lives. Our God is the same faithful God who gave His promises to Abraham. In Gen. 22: 17 Abraham received his promise that his descendants would be like the stars of heaven and as the sand on the seashore when he obeyed the voice of his God, and that in his seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. And we are here blessed because of his seed-Jesus Christ.

The unfortunate happening is that the Jews, also of Abraham’s seed, rejected Jesus (John 1). All this happened to fulfill the prophecy found in Jer. 31:31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel…”

More than Blessed

Jesus revealed to us the promise of the Father-Holy Spirit. He says, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49). And we know how it was fulfilled on that Pentecost day to His disciples. Jesus’ promise stands true today to you and me-His disciples; that in the last days He will pour out His Spirit on ALL flesh… we are here blessed by Holy Spirit’s presence in our midst. His promise is being fulfilled.

Promises to Partake of The Divine Nature

There are other promises that are yet to be fulfilled-the promise of eternal life (1 John 2: 25), the second coming of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9), and the rewards that await those who love and wait on Him (James 1:12). These promises are not just ‘feel-good sermons’ and self-help motivations to work out in our life. They are the truth by which we inherit of His divine nature. Peter says in 1 Peter 1:4 “…have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, …”

God’s wonderful promises are Yes and Amen in Christ Jesus. We can trust Him; we can wait on Him; we can hold on to His faithfulness. His grace will ALWAYS be sufficient for us.

PEOPLE

Availability, not ability

Isaiah was astonished by God’s presence and his own sinfulness-yet he received God’s cleansing and grace. And when he heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” he was ready with an answer: “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6: 8)

Have you been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb? God is looking at you and asking the same question: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Are you willing? Are you available to Him? It does not matter anything if you feel short of ability-because its only availability that matters. God is able to do what He has called you to do; God is going to give you that ability at every prayerful step of your way that you are called to walk!

Ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5: 20)

We are in a strange land-just like Abraham; we are ambassadors for Christ, pleading on His behalf to the lost world “Be reconciled to God!” This is not just for the leaders and evangelists to do, but everyone who is of the new creation in Christ Jesus. Every person is involved in the process of seeking the Lord, inheriting His kingdom and building His people-and the waste cities will be filled with flocks of men! Multiplication (being different from the addition process in mathematics) requires participation from each member of God’s family.

Utilize Your Gift

Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ascertain and utilize your spiritual gifting, because each one of you has received at least one gift-no one is excluded in His kingdom gifts, and it is given for the sake of others-not for you to keep. (1 Peter 4:10). Don’t bury your talent in the ground. Don’t lag behind but be fervent in serving the Lord; Serve the Lord and not men! (Eph. 6: 7)

This is the crux-do you love Jesus? Because if you do, you must feed His lambs! Remember Jesus asking Peter over and over again “Do you love Me?” and when the answer is Yes, feed his lambs; tend to His sheep. Jesus alone is the joy of our living; He alone must be the motivation for what we do. When our eyes are fixed on Him, we can serve Him joyfully.

Summary

Remember the promise-the waste and ruined parts will be rebuilt and habitable. It will be filled with flocks as in the day of feasts. There will be fullness; the wilderness will blossom. It is very easy to give up and say you tried your best-whether in your examinations, career, or marriage-You see, divorce is not an option for the believer. We are not alone-God is with us and He is able, more than able! We are endued with power from on high through His Holy Spirit; we are born to win; we are called for a purpose; we are in high position as ambassadors and mouth-pieces for Him who loved us. We MUST not give up in this battle-that is not ours in the first place. The battle is the Lord’s. We must stand firm and it is God who will act on our behalf.

Praise be to Jesus. Amen.

What is Your Prayer?

 (Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

2 Thessalonians 1: 11

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power.

The Apostles found new believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ as they traveled from one place to another, establishing and strengthening the brethren. But even as they went, they were caring enough and careful to ‘keep in touch’ with the people and events of their previous visits to a particular place.

Those were the days-2000 years before, without social networking, e-mails or even telephones that could establish instant communication; which meant that it required a great deal of pain and perseverance, as letters were being written and sent by hand and in person by messengers from either side-the Apostles or the church. These instances of letters to churches too, were few and far in-between. At other times, the apostles committed everything to the Lord in prayer. Yes, they simply prayed for the believers.

What does your prayer sound like? Do you go to God with a wish-list of things to have or to do? We can measure our prayers, by comparing the requests made by these apostles, during those difficult times. And if we match up our own prayers with what the apostles prayed for, we can come to really know the standard of our own prayers!

You see, your prayer tells a lot about you. Alone with God, what is that sincere prayer from your heart? What are the ‘real’ issues in your life-gripe, gossip, 'more' and 'if only' prayers? We may speak of so many nice things to others; we may even testify to God’s goodness once in a while; but what is your prayer, really?

The church at Thessaloniki was confused about the second coming of Jesus; many had quit their jobs and simply waited for Jesus to return. Paul hears about this and this is his prayer: God would count them worthy of His calling- a calling so high and holy; that God would fulfill every good purpose and every good act prompted by their faith (2 Thess. 1:11).

From the apostles’ prayers, we understand God’s will; we understand what are the main issues in life-to fulfill the high and holy calling; we learn that we ought to pray for other believers too and not just for our own selves! And that we ought to take steps of faith in good acts to fulfill God’s purpose. Is this your prayer, too?

2 Cor. 13: 7, 9

Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honourable, though we may seem disqualified.

For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.

The Corinthian church had the problem of apostasy; there were false teachers and false apostles misleading the believers and going to the extent of claiming that Paul was a false apostle and they themselves were telling the truth! Paul’s prayer reveals his heart condition- ‘do no wrong {evil}’. Paul’s prayer is that they will find discernment to recognize evil from good, and do what is honourable; that they may know ‘true’ from ‘false’. And that they may be made complete. Paul mentions this because they were to give to needy saints in Jerusalem. He encourages them to give; for it is by giving you are made complete. So now, what is your prayer?

Ephesians 1: 17

…making mention of your prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…

The church at Ephesus had the privilege of being ministered by Paul himself in the initial few years and were grounded in wisdom and understanding of God and His word. They showed a remarkably high standard of Christian living, which is reflected by the letters of Paul to Ephesians. The short book summarizes the Christian life of rest (sitting in the heavenlies), exercise (walk in love) and warfare (stand against the devil).

With this excellence in Christian walk, Paul’s prayer for the church assumes significance: they needed spiritual wisdom and revelation- of His calling, of His inheritance and of His power. Someone told me that they had read the Bible several times – more than 400 times. And some other told me that he knew a person who had memorized the entire New Testament. Praise God! But the question is: then what happened? You see, you could read the Bible religiously or as a routine-which, is a good practice from childhood. But what we need is a revelation of who God is and who God says He is-to grasp the unimaginable possibilities! And to have that revelation, you require a prayer and a heart God can work with! Then we SEE with our eyes, the enormous power of heaven backing us on our way. What is your prayer?

Philippians 1: 9, 10

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ…

The church at Philippe were filled with emotionally bonded Christians; for they cared for Paul so much that they sent a person from among them-Epaphroditus, to seek out and see Paul-who was a prisoner in Rome, with a gift of love from the church, and to minister to Paul’s needs. A loving and a giving church, to say the least!

Paul’s prayer is that their love would increase even more! And that they would discern and distinguish between the ‘good’ and the ‘excellent’, and that they may choose sincerity over show-off, and patience without pretense! As a new believer, you may be trained to discern the good from the bad. But as we mature in Christ, we are called to discern between good, acceptable and the perfect will of God in every area of life. Romans 12: 2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

For example, in marriage, you can distinguish between the good will of God – which is to marry a believer in Christ (as marrying an unbeliever is against God’s will); the acceptable will of God – by waiting on the Lord in prayer and then make a decision; the perfect will of God – as you wait for God’s time and God’s answer for that single person in the whole world, who He has created just for you. In a similar manner, in the place where to live you can find the good will of God – any place that you like; the acceptable will of God – the place that God has placed you to be in; the perfect will of God – the place where God has asked you to go! What is your prayer?

Colossians 1: 9, 10

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossian church was founded by Epaphras and Paul never did have an opportunity to meet with this church in person. But he writes this letter hearing the problems faced by this church. He reiterates in Col. 4: 12 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bond-servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

The Colossian church had factions and divisions of people who were misguiding the believers. There were a few who advocated a life based on the (super-natural) visions that they had received; there were others who were into legalism with restrictions on what to eat and what not to eat, clean and unclean things. Another few, proposed a life of ascetic simplicity-treating the body harshly, of being aloof and alone to come closer to God. All this were rubbished by Paul. Paul’s prayer is that they will have spiritual understanding and stand perfect and complete in ALL the will of God. What is your prayer?

Let me close with a prayer of the Apostle John for Gaius. It is found in 3 John 1: 2

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Prosper in material things; be in good health; prosper in your soul {intellect, will and emotions}. This is a balanced prayer. Many a time, we are in communication with God with a lop-sided prayer – make me prosper in all things; give me good health (food); and then stop. We need to ask, seek and find that prosperity of the soul. We need to start making a balanced prayer. That is why Jesus taught us in prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread” but also “Hallowed be Your name, our Father; Your kingdom come and Your will be done”

So, what is your prayer today?

Pray that you will be found worthy of His calling; that you be complete in giving; that you have a spirit of revelation and understanding; that your love may increase more and more so that you may discern and choose excellence; that you may be filled with knowledge of God’s will; and that you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. Amen.