Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:1-5)
Today's Morsel: Satan's desire is to destroy the work of Christ in the earth. One of his most effective ways to doing this is to destroy pastors and leaders in the church. I don't care what denomination you are a part of, when a minster falls into any kind of sin, whether it be pornography, adultery, theft, fornication, or any other sin, it sends a ripple effect throughout the religious and non-religious community alike. If Satan can bring down a leader of the church, it causes disgrace and ridicule to taint the work of Christ, and the non-religious world will not be attracted to Jesus. Therefore, we must pray for our pastors as well as all leaders of every church.
E.M. Bounds said, "The men in the pew given to praying for the pastor are like poles which hold up the wires along which the electric current runs. They are not the power, neither are they the specific agents in making the Word of the Lord more effective. But they hold up the wires upon which the divine power runs to the hearts of men. They make conditions favorable for the preaching of the gospel." Paul understood that his success in ministry had a direct correlation with the prayers of the saints. He told the church at Thessalonica, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith."(2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). He told Timothy, " I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth"(1 Timothy 2:1-4). Jesus told Peter, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"(Matthew 26:41). If the church is to be successful and the Gospel preached to the whole world, then men and women must maintain a vigil of prayer for each other. Especially praying for their pastor.
Sing: Whisper a prayer in the morning, Whisper a prayer at noon. Whisper a prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tune.
No comments:
Post a Comment