In
Romans 15:30 Paul urged the believers to “strive together with me in your
prayers to God for me.” The phrase strive
together is a translation of a Greek word that referred to the teamwork of
athletes in the Greek games. We as the people of God are called to strive together
in prayer as one team in a contest that has eternal rewards and consequences.
In prayer we
strive together against the dominion of Satan. In prayer we strive toward a
goal of winning the world for Christ. In prayer we break down barriers and destroy
strongholds. I am convinced that if we truly strive together in prayer as God’s
people we will see changes take place. We can see hearts changed, we can see addictions
conquered, we can see disease healed, we can see strength given, and we can see
this nation changed.
This past
weekend was the NFL draft. I did not watch much of it, but I did keep up with
the results. One of things that struck me as very interesting was the choice of
positions teams took this year. When we think of valuable players for a team we
think of the highlight reel players. The quarterbacks and running backs seem to
get most of the glory, however without the big, tough guys up front blocking
and tackling the best running back or quarterback in the world has little
chance of success. 18 linemen were taken in the first round of the draft this
year. This shows the importance of these less famous team members.
In the same way,
God is calling many of us not to necessarily carry the ball, but to be the guys
and gals in the trenches blocking for the ball carrier. When we strive together
in prayer we are blocking for our missionaries, our ministers, our pathfinders
for the Gospel. Never think this role is unimportant, it could be argued it is
the most important role. While I may not be called to do the work in South
Sudan or Zimbabwe that a few of my friends are, I am called to strive with them
in prayer for their success. Please join me as I am striving in prayer some friends
on the mission field both oversees and in our back yard. Please join me as we
block the schemes of the devil through our prayers so that souls can be won and
victories are seen. It is an honor to be able to pray for those that love the
Lord and are striving for Him. Please pray for me as I seek to do the Lord’s
work for where I am weak, He is strong.
Here are this week's readings:
April 29, 2013 1 Sam 14:24–15:35, Luke 19:1–27, Ps
54, Prov 11:7–8
April 30, 2013 1 Sam 16–17, Luke 19:28–48, Ps
55:title–3, Prov 11:9–10
May 01, 2013 1 Sam 18, Luke 20:1–18, Ps 55:4–9,
Prov 11:11–13
May 02, 2013 1 Sam 19–20, Luke 20:19–38, Ps
55:10–14, Prov 11:14–15
May 03, 2013 1 Sam 21–23, Luke 20:39–21:19, Ps
55:15–23, Prov 11:16–18
May 04, 2013 1 Sam 24–25, Luke 21:20–38, Ps 56:title–5,
Prov 11:19–21
May 05, 2013 1 Sam 26–28, Luke 22:1–18, Ps
56:6–13, Prov 11:22–23
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