Christians are given The Freedom To Choose when and how to worship and we have the liberty to choose what to eat or what to wear. We are not required to approach the Lord in a set way, once a year, through an earthly priesthood, to have our sins covered. We have the freedom to approach the throne of grace at any time and anywhere for mercy to find help in time of need. Because we are given broad guidelines, we have the freedom to make personal choices. This could cause the liberty one believer enjoys to destabilize the faith of a weaker brother-in-the-faith. One believer might be comfortable engaging in a certain activity that a fellow believer may prefer to avoid because it injures their conscience. Some like to worship on Sunday, others choose a different day to praise God, while some prefer to regard every day alike. There are other controversial issues like celebrating Christmas and Easter, entering a public house, drinking beer, swimming in a swimming pool, avoiding meat or the eating of meat, playing cards, watching TV, dancing, or attending a concert. These are a few of the issues that have divided brothers and split churches, unnecessarily. It is ironic that foolish divisions and judgmental condemnation have often resulted from our freedom in Christ, but we also have a responsibility towards our brothers and sisters, especially those that are weaker in their faith. We should be sure our liberty does not cause them to stumble and we should be careful that we do not allow our liberty to stray into legalism and condemnation of those who make different choices. Rejoice in the liberty we have in Christ while learning to be considerate towards the need and sensitivities of others. May we recognize that there are actions and behaviors that may be OK for us while they are not for others. May we respect the choices and decisions of others who lack the freedom we enjoy in our Christian life and be careful not to judge others who, for some reason, are less emancipated in their faith. One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, how we praise and thank You for the freedom we have in Christ. We are not under the restrictions of the Law, but under the freedom of grace. We pray that we would make choices in our lives that honor You. Help us to heed to our instructions to be mindful of the needs of others who may be weaker in the faith, or who do not enjoy the liberty we have in You. Give us sensitive spirits to the needs of others, and keep us from any criticism of believers who make different choices in the non-essentials of the Christian faith, for His name’s sake. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN. Although we should not compromise the gospel of salvation: "That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried and rose again, according to the Scriptures," there are certain minor issues that can cause disunity and disagreement between believers. Sadly, there are certain secondary matters which can fracture relationships in the Body of Christ, and this should not be. There are those that love the Lord Jesus with all their heart, but due to traditional influences, denominational leanings, legalistic instruction, exclusive practices, or the lies of the enemy, have been blinded to the liberty they have in the gospel. We are called to accept those who are weak in faith or whose spiritual maturity is lacking. We are encouraged to Be Kind Towards One Another and tenderhearted, not to seeking to criticize their developed biases or pass judgement on certain opinions or practices they may hold dear which can too often lead to disunity and a rupturing of Christ's Body. Let us receive our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in godly grace, in truth and in love. Let us flee from the influences of tradition, denomination, legalism, and exclusivity, and grow in grace and in a knowledge of Jesus Christ, knowing that we are all members of the same Body whose Head is Christ Jesus our Lord. Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times when we have not acted in godly love towards our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who may be weaker in the faith than we, and who may hold to some practices and biases from which we have been set free. Keep us from developing a critical spirit toward other members of Your Body. Help us not to do anything from selfish ambitions, conceit or In humility of heart, may we count others more significant than ourselves. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN. We are living in difficult and evil times, but that should not prevent us from doing what is right. We are called to live our lives and share the good news of the gospel in spirit and truth. We are not to allow the world to squeeze us into its mold, but are to serve one another in love, through our spiritual gifting's, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. As children of God, we have an obligation To Live As Children Of The Light and to resist participating in the evil works of darkness. We are to be purifying salt and shining lights in a darkened and distasteful place. We are to live honestly and righteously in the fear of the Lord, and we are to remember that although we live in the world, we are not part of its system and should act appropriately. Putting on the armor of light and living a godly life that honors the Lord, should be the daily activity of every believer, especially as we see the day of His return drawing ever closer. We want to be those that are living by faith, carrying out His will in our lives, and living a life that is honoring to God as we lay aside every deed of darkness and any activity that discredits His name. Praise God that we have been given all we need for life and godliness. May we be ready to search our hearts and set aside every dark deed and any worldly act by clothing ourselves, day by day, in Christ's armor of light. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as we read through the book of Romans, We are coming to an understanding that the time for Christ’s return is drawing ever closer. In this broken world of sin, we realize how easy it is to lose focus on Christ and be drawn into the many deceptive teachings that are flooding the world and being taught by many church congregations. Keep us alert and awake to the knowledge that the night has almost gone and the day of Christ’s return is fast approaching. Help us to be living sacrifices and to lay aside any and every worldly activity that discredits Your name. May we clothe ourselves daily in Christ's armor of light so that we can be shining lights in this darkened world. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN. We sometimes feel that we are surrounded by evil leaders who seem to have an anti-God agenda and we find it difficult to understand why. Sometimes we can be tempted to wonder if God has lost the plot, as we see evil men triumphing, while the children of God are in the midst of distress, and we wonder if Satan is winning. NEVER! Whether it was the cities of Babylon, Rome, Greece, or the nation into which we ourselves have been born. Whatever the circumstances of your lives or the decisions made in the global corridors of earthly rule, God is firmly and eternally in control, both of your life and over the governments of the world, and He has scheduled a time when He will put all principalities and powers under His feet. Despite the polices of politicians, the regulations of religious leaders, and the dictators of both national and international dignitaries under whom we are currently placed, we have an assurance from the authoritative Word of God, that He is in control and has authorized every authority to carry out His eternal plan and purpose. We who are His children are also told to Be Of Good Cheer, by His death and Resurrection He has overcome the world, and although we will inevitably face difficulties and dangers in this fallen world, the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us. Praise His Holy Name. Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Our United Prayer:
Father, we thank You that You are in control of all that is happening in our lives, throughout the world and beyond. We pray that while we are here, You will take our lives, and use us in whatever way You choose. May we be faithful witnesses and bring glory to Your name, in our small corners of this world. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN. Christ was made an offering for sin, the sin of the whole world, but He willingly went to the Cross as a freewill offering of love for his friends who are His Body, the Church. Christ loved and cherished the Church so dearly that He gave Himself for it: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends." We are to abide in Him, reflect His love, and to love others in the same way that He loved us. It is only as we experience a deepening love for Jesus and all that He has done for us, that we can begin to allow His love to flow into us and through us to others. Then, in His power and strength, we too may lay down our lives in service to Him as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, in Jesus' name. This day we remember and be United By Prayer for the countless soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country for our freedoms. We Pray for the families and thank them all for the sacrifices they have all made as Jesus did for ALL. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the greatest of all examples of love that Christ demonstrated toward us, in that while we were still sinners, He died for us. He has called us to be a member of His Church and to love others as He has loved us. Lord, May we be United By Prayer for those service members that sacrificed their lives for all of us for our freedoms and we unite in prayer for the families of all who have lost loved ones fighting for our country's freedoms. May you comfort them as they continue to mourn their losses. May we love others in His strength and power, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN. |
Prayer
We are a growing group of people praying daily for and with others. We were led to start an online ministry to deliver what is needed more now than ever, a place where you can go to easily to submit a prayer request or requests involving others to pray for your needs. The Power of Prayer. Matthew 18:20- For where two or more come together in my name, there I am among them. You are never alone in prayer. The Power Of Numbers Praying.
We ask you to pray for this ministry, for its success in helping others in need of prayer. Archives
July 2024
Categories
All
|