“Making Prayer a Priority” 2 of 2:
I’m convinced most followers of Christ want to have a stronger testimony among their circle of friends, work associates, neighbors, and total strangers. Saying “stronger,” means living a life that influences others.
Most of us already have knowledge that far exceeds our obedience. We want to witness to others and know we should. The vehicle is primed and ready to go. You’re that vehicle, but you are powerless. Here’s some tips.
First and foremost, the power you need is known as the Holy Spirit. We can’t be what God wants us to be on our own. At Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit from Heaven and filled the disciples. Their lives were changed and the Christian Church was born out of that experience.
Jesus gave the “Great Commission” before He ascended into heaven commissioning his disciples and all followers to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Translation – AROUND THE WORLD! The Lord knows more about us than we know ourselves. He knows our weaknesses, the fear of sharing our faith with loved ones or close friends. Because of our lack of power, He sent a Helper, the Holy Spirit and that Spirit has NEVER BEEN RECINDED. He’s available today!
God blesses people who faithfully and consistently prays. Spending time in prayer isn’t just a good thing, it’s ESSENTIAL. If you do not have a habit of praying, you can start today. Set a time when you can be alone, find a place (this is where you’ll meet God on a daily basis), have your Bible nearby and if this is new for you, spend 5 minutes talking to God. Open your Bible and spend 5 minutes reading a passage (don’t worry about what you read – just read). You now have spent 10 minutes – now be silent for 5 minutes – ask the Lord what He would like to say to you today?
Don’t worry about what you read or how you talk to God but give Him time to talk to you. Do this each weekday for a week and I can almost promise your special time with God will increase. In the process, He’s building your faith, giving you courage and a deep love for others. You can depend upon His Spirit falling upon and helping you.
Pastor Carnes
