1 Timothy 2:1
I urge, then, first of all, which petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people
Across the street from the Jeremiah Tree, there is a retirement community, and every so often, I would look out the window while I was working out and see one of the residents out there smoking or walking their dog, and I would be prompted to pray for them. As my life sped up and my focus turned from selfless to selfish, this practice faded. Yesterday, as I was working out, I was reminded of this, and the Lord prompted me to pray for each individual I saw out there and to make it a practice to do this each day.
So, the challenge I felt like the Lord wanted me to bring to you today is this: As we go about our normal routine, let’s take some time out of each day and sit on your porch or in your car in a parking lot and just pray for each person that walks by. If you can’t get out of the house, then scroll your news feed and pray for each person that pops up!
God calls us to be a people that pray, not just for those closest to us or those in His family but for all His lost sheep. They may be strangers to you, but they aren’t to God. He knows their needs and their hearts, and I feel like if we stopped arguing and started praying, then more change would happen. So, I challenge you to take a few minutes out of each day over the next week to pray for people who will never know who you are or that you prayed for them, but God will, and I believe He will honor that and bless you as well!!!
Let’s be a people of prayer, a people that take each other to the Throne Room, and a people that are willing to get outside ourselves and get into Christ!
I love you all, God bless, and glory to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!!!!
1 Timothy 2:1-4
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
It is pleasing to God when we pray and intercede for those around us and even for those who oppose us. Paul says to do this for all people, and then specifically says to do this for those in authority. Do you know who was Emperor of Rome when he wrote this? Nero. Yes, the Nero that persecuted the Church, and with one edict, an estimated 3000-3500 Christians were murdered horrifically and ruthlessly. That's more than the 9/11 attacks. Yet Paul says that God wants to save him too!
If salvation was limited to those who deserved it, Heaven would be a pretty empty place. But our God is merciful to those who don't deserve it, like me! Thank You, Jesus!
There is another blessing in this for those of us who do the praying for those over us or oppose us; it's that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. The more we fight for them on our knees, the more likely we are to not have to fight them with our actions or in the flesh. Christ prayed for the people who put the nails in His hands. He carried His cross for those present at the crucifixion as much as He did it for us. Could we dare to love like that? We don't have to be their best friends, agree with them, or make excuses for them, but we do have to pray for them to come to Christ and find the freedom we enjoy today!
Luke 23:33,34-When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.
Romans 5:10- For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!
God bless! I love you all, but His love tore the curtain! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!
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