January 29, 2014
Make sure that the main thing is the main thing. What's important for the success of a business is important for effectiveness in the Christian life.
"Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)
The "the main thing" for the apostle Paul was always the advancement of the word of God. His life was a living testimony to this top-priority purpose. And yet, he knew it was not a work to be achieved through human effort alone; that's why he sought the prayer support of the people of God. God's work was to be done through His resources.
What could be accomplished today if we made "the main thing the main thing"? What if our central focus was to pray, and be prayed for, that "the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified"?
The thought of evangelism and outreach is often met with hesitation and trepidation. Excuses such as, "I don't know enough about the Bible to talk to others about it", or "I don't want to make others uncomfortable with this kind of conversation", are common objections. Such concerns arise when the work is considered strictly from a human standpoint. That's where the key priority of prayer comes in. Paul sought spiritual empowering and opportunity for the gospel. Through prayer, he wasn't so much a gospel initiator as a gospel responder. He was ready and available, but only stepped through divinely opened doors of opportunity (i.e, Acts 16.9-10)
What would happen if we made Paul's prayer request in 2 Thessalonians 3 our prayer request? (perhaps it already is) What if we sought the prayer support of others that "the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified" in and through us? The possibilities bristle with excitement!
With a clear recognition that the word of the Lord is essentially "testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets" (Acts 28:23), let us resolve to be consumed - in prayer and activity - with this great purpose.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
"Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)
The "the main thing" for the apostle Paul was always the advancement of the word of God. His life was a living testimony to this top-priority purpose. And yet, he knew it was not a work to be achieved through human effort alone; that's why he sought the prayer support of the people of God. God's work was to be done through His resources.
What could be accomplished today if we made "the main thing the main thing"? What if our central focus was to pray, and be prayed for, that "the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified"?
The thought of evangelism and outreach is often met with hesitation and trepidation. Excuses such as, "I don't know enough about the Bible to talk to others about it", or "I don't want to make others uncomfortable with this kind of conversation", are common objections. Such concerns arise when the work is considered strictly from a human standpoint. That's where the key priority of prayer comes in. Paul sought spiritual empowering and opportunity for the gospel. Through prayer, he wasn't so much a gospel initiator as a gospel responder. He was ready and available, but only stepped through divinely opened doors of opportunity (i.e, Acts 16.9-10)
What would happen if we made Paul's prayer request in 2 Thessalonians 3 our prayer request? (perhaps it already is) What if we sought the prayer support of others that "the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified" in and through us? The possibilities bristle with excitement!
With a clear recognition that the word of the Lord is essentially "testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets" (Acts 28:23), let us resolve to be consumed - in prayer and activity - with this great purpose.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:28 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home