Prayer Warriors

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective"- James 5:16 (NIV).

Prayer partners are a wall around Christians. They are powerful and effective, because they believe they will receive what they ask for in the name of Jesus...as promised in Mark 11:24 and 1 John 5:14-15. Christ is the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). When belief is strong, prayer is strong, removing doubts. A person who prays and doubts resembles a wave in the sea, driven and blown about by the wind (James 1:6). Prayer warriors also know God is in control. His answer may be different, but He is omniscient; His answer is always better, always more than we asked for. God knows the plans He has for you and your future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Present Sufferings

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us"- Romans 8:18 (NIV).

We await liberation from our earthly decaying bodies into the freedom and glory of being children of God (vv. 20-21). All of creation moans and groans awaiting God's transforming power, while the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer, because we are weak and clueless how to pray. Abba Father has predestined us to be transformed into the image of His Son. This is His work, God's work, not ours (vv. 26-30). Many have suffered before us: Job, David, Paul, Barnabas, Peter, Lazarus, John the Baptist. God works out our salvation: He will justify, He will sanctify, He will glorify. Are you presently suffering? Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

Recognizable

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven, He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous"- Matthew 5:44-45 (NIV).

What distinguishes the so-called righteous from the unrighteous? What matters most is what a person actually is (or does), not what they are called. William Shakespeare said, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Can there really be a line drawn definitively labeling two sets of people: Christians and non-Christians? I've met many 'so named' non-Christians who 'smelled' more Christian than some of the 'so named' Christians I've known. If, indeed, the Spirit of God does not live in a person, they do not belong to Christ...regardless of what they call themselves (Romans 8:9). Paul and Peter advise Christians to examine themselves, test themselves, to make sure they haven't drifted away (2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Peter 1:10). Each Christian is somewhere along the road becoming more like Jesus. Pay attention not to drift (Hebrew 2:1). The goal is for Jesus to recognize us when we arrive (Matthew 25:23). 

Overflow

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work"- 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV).

God prepares a table before you, in the presence of your enemies. He anoints your head with oil. Your cup overflows (Psalm 23:5). The Lord gives you all you need and more, so that the world may witness His Goodness and partake of the overflow He has given. The overflow shouldn't be withheld, fearing cessation, famine or thirst, or judging others not worthy to receive God's blessing...but, the overflow is not yours, the overflow is His. Friend, even you are not your own, but His. So Beloved, stand fast, abounding in the work of the Lord. No labor in the Lord is ever wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). God's love is a fountain flowing deep and wide...overflowing through you.

Muster Up

"Have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called--that you might inherit a blessing- 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NRSV).

It's easy to be a blessing to those who are, or will be, a blessing to you; but, trying to be a blessing to someone who is openly quarrelsome, bitter or angry takes strong will to act. Being a blessing to a sulky, depressed, negative or broken individual can require just as much effort in your motivation. Chances are these individuals won't return a blessing to you, maybe not appreciate the one you've given them. Giving a blessing isn't always easy...but mustering up, pushing through, and delivering a blessing to those whom you aren't comfortable doing so, puts you on the receiving end of the most powerful and faithful blessings of the Father. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). Muster up Christian!