Praying! (part 7 of 7)

With the consideration that "Seven days without prayer makes one weak", we have noted the need for steadfastness, watchfulness, thankfulness, remembering others, recognizing doors of opportunity, and maintaining trust in spite of seeming limitations -- all as elements to be included in our daily prayers. Today let us consider one more element as addressed by Paul in his Colossian letter.

Paul urged. . .
"(2) Continue steadfastly IN PRAYER, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (3) At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -- (4) THAT I MAY MAKE IT CLEAR, WHICH IS HOW I OUGHT TO SPEAK." ( Colossians 4:2-4 ESV)

Praying for MAKING THE MESSAGE CLEAR. (vs.4) Though Paul was an inspired Apostle, he still saw making the MESSAGE CLEAR a needed focus of prayer. He knew it was how he ought to speak. He knew it was also how he needed to live.

Perhaps there is no better way to muddy the message of Christ than to fail to practice what we preach! Such was a life characteristic Jesus rebuked among the leaders of that day. ( Matthew 23:3) Paul also addressed such inconsistency ( Romans 2:21-23) noting it to be a cause for the name of God to be blasphemed; disrespected and spoken against. ( Romans 2:24) By both word of mouth and action in life we need to reveal a consistency that makes the Good News regarding salvation in Christ and the wisdom of God CRYSTAL CLEAR! It is right! It works in life! It serves to provide the best life we could possibly live! Are we diligently seeking to consistently uphold God's standard?

Let us pray that the truth of God may be CLEARLY SEEN in our actions and that His message (not our own) is CLEARLY HEARD in what we say. If we are asked something we do not know, let us honestly admit it. However, if we are asked regarding things God has CLEARLY REVEALED in His Word, let us CLEARLY AND UNASHAMEDLY DECLARE IT. Then let us CLEARLY REVEAL we do sincerely believe it by living it out in our daily life. Such consistency will be powerful testimony to the validity of God's message to a world that CLEARLY NEEDS to accept the wisdom from above. (read James 3:13-17) Making it CLEAR is what our life ought to be about! May it be so!

Have a great day EXHIBITING AN UNMISTAKABLE CONNECTION TO CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Prayer