praying effectively: Don’t Neglect Our Spiritual Gift (1Tim. 4:1-16)

(1 Timothy 4:1-16)  But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

11 Prescribe and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we have nothing to do with worldly fables (4:7)

- that we do not get caught up in deceptive doctrines or legalistic beliefs (4:1-5)

- that we realize marriage is not a sin when we enter this union with thankfulness and prayer, according to God's will (4:3-5) 

- that we realize eating any particular food is not a sin when we partake with thankfulness and prayer, according to God's will (4:3-5) 

- that we do not judge someone based on physical age (4:12)

- that we prescribe and teach the importance and the value of making spiritual discipline a higher priority than physical discipline  (4:7-11)

- that we discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness (4:7)

- that we strive to be an example for other believers to follow (4:12)

- that our words and actions are done with the right motives, in faith, love and purity (4:12)

- that we continually examine our motives, words and actions to remain above reproach (4:16)

- that we never stop studying and learning from God's words (4:16)

- that we do not neglect meeting together to read and teach God's word, and encourage each other towards obedience (4:13)

- that we do not neglect our spiritual gifts (4:14)

- that we work at our spiritual gifts so that our progress of maturity is evident to those around us (4:15)

Today's prayer:

 Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your word.  May we always desire to learn more about Your will, to fully embrace Your truths and not stray from them.  Equip and guide us toward spiritual discipline.

Thank You for the spiritual gifts which You have given to each one of us.  May we not neglect these, but use them with the right motives, to help grow and build up the body of believers, all to Your glory.  Amen.

praying effectively: Be Dignified (1Tim. 3:8-16)

(1 Timothy 3:8-16)  Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:

He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world, 

Taken up in glory. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that deacons must be dignified men and women (3:8, 11)

- that deacons must not be malicious gossips (3:11)

- that deacons must not be deceptive (3:8)

- that deacons must not love money, or be fond of sordid gain (3:8)

- that deacons must not be drunks or alcoholics (3:8)

- that deacons must only have one spouse (3:12)

- that deacons must not be new converts, but must have been proven to be mature believers (3:10)

- that deacons must be faithful and above reproach (3:9-11)

- that deacons must be temperate in all things (3:11)

- that deacons must be good managers of their own households and children (3:12)

- that deacons should strive to be good servants, serving well (3:13)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for providing specific details in Your word, in order to help us be organized. efficient, unified and above reproach.  Guide all believers, and specifically all servants in Your Church, to apply and embrace these qualities and attributes.  May everything we do and say be for the building up of Your kingdom, to Your glory, amen.

praying effectively: Be Above Reproach (1Tim. 3:1-7)

(1 Timothy 3:1-7)  It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that only worthy men should be allowed in the office of overseer (3:1-2)

- that overseers must be above reproach (3:2)

- that overseers must only have one wife (3:2)

- that overseers must be temperate, showing moderation and self-restraint (3:2)

- that overseers must be prudent, acting and showing care and thought for the future (3:2)

- that overseers must be respectable, regarded by society as good, proper and correct (3:2)

- that overseers must be hospitable, friendly and welcoming (3:2)

- that overseers must be able to teach (3:2)

- that overseers must not be drunks or alcoholics (3:3)

- that overseers must not be pugnacious, quarrelsome or contentious (3:3)

- that overseers must be free from the love money (3:3)

- that overseers must be gentle (3:3)

- that overseers must be peaceable (3:3)

- that overseers must be able to manage their own households well (3:4)

- that overseers must act with dignity, even in their own homes (3:4)

- that overseers must be able to keep his children under control while still remaining composed (3:4-5)

- that overseers must be mature believers, not a new convert (3:6)

- that overseers must have a good reputation with those outside the church (3:7)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your word, and for very clear guidance.  Help us to be humble enough to see the value of these attributes.  Even if we are not pastors or elders, help us to see that these qualities should be applied to all our lives.

Guard our spiritual leaders from pride and greed.  Keep them from evil, and keep them steadfast and above reproach.  Guide them in unity, in the power of the Holy Spirit, as they work together to shepherd the church.  Protect their families.  Help their marriage to stay strong, and their parenting skills to be wise and loving.

Guide believers to graciously support and encourage their pastors and elders, and even their family members.  May we not put unrealistic expectations on them.  May we not grumble, complain or knit-pick about things, but rather step up to help serve in the church, to help build up Your kingdom into what it should be.  All to Your glory, amen.

praying effectively: Work on Internal Beauty (1Tim. 2:9-15)

(1 Timothy 2:9-15)  Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we dress properly, with modesty (2:9)

- that we dress nicely but practically, while not spending a fortune on our looks (2:9)

- that we focus on our internal "beauty", which will be evident externally as we do good works, and live by the beliefs which we claim (2:10)

- that we respectfully receive instructions and put those into practice (2:11)

- that we work on faith, love and obedience (2:15)

- that we practice self-restraint (2:15)

Today's prayer:

 

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your magnificent beauty!  May You put that in our hearts, so that it will shine out, from within.  We know that You are not opposed to dressing nicely, but this should not be our focus, our pursuit, or our worry.

We can see all around us, and in reality TV shows, how many women - and men - in society are trying to fix themselves with "retail therapy" and cosmetic surgery;  but all the while they remain unsatisfied.  Many of these spew out aggressively abusive words, or flatter and manipulate others to get what they want, or gossip in order to make themselves look or feel better....  Help us to see that this "look" is not attractive, and it certainly does not help to build a lifestyle of peace, joy or contentment.

Help us not to be envious over the things that the world values.  May we value what You value.  Guide us in our daily walk to be respectful, faithful, loving and obedient.  Give us Your strength and wisdom to do everything for Your glory.  Amen.

praying effectively: Be Content (1Tim. 6:3-19)

(1 Timothy 6:3-19)  If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we do not love money (6:8-11)

- that we do not depend on our wealth (6:17)

- that we are not conceited (6:17)

- that we are content (6:6-10)

- that we depend on and fix our hope on God (6:17)

- that we store up our treasures in heaven (6:19)

- that we are rich in good works (6:18)

- that we are generous and ready to share (6:18)

- that we embrace holiness (6:12)

- that we pursue obedience (6:14)

- that we pursue righteousness and godliness (6:11)

- that we pursue faith (6:11)

- that we pursue love (6:11)

- that we pursue gentleness (6:11)

- that we pursue perseverance (6:11)

- that we fight the good fight of faith (6:12)

Today's prayer:

 Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope and the inheritance that we have in You.  You are more than generous!  Help us to be content in all things, and trust in You to supply us with whatever we need.

Thank You that You cover us with Your righteousness at the moment of salvation.  May we humbly embrace You and Your word, and desire to share that with the world.  Amen.

praying effectively: Pray for the Word to Spread (2Thess. 3:1-5)

(2 Thessalonians 3:1-5)  Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we pray for the persecuted Church and fellow believers to be rescued (3:2)

- that we pray for our spiritual leaders and missionaries (3:1)

- that we continue to do the Lord's will (3:4)

- that we pray for the word of the Lord to spread rapidly (3:1)

- that we pray for the Lord to be glorified (3:1)

Today's prayer:

Heavenly Father, Creator, King of kings, Lord of lords and Christ our Savior!!!  It is on this day that we focus on Your birth and worship You.  Thank You so much for humbling Yourself - to come to this earth - in flesh - to dwell among us in order to accomplish Your work on the cross.  Through Your death and resurrection, we are able to obtain Your forgiveness of sin, eternal life and hope, and an everlasting security of being Your child.

Help us not to take this for granted!  May we desire to be like You.  Guide us in everything we do and say, so that it glorifies You, and helps to spread the good news to all those around us.  May we be the salt of the earth.  May we be a light on a hill.  May the knowledge of You spread like wildfire. 

Guide our spiritual leaders and missionaries to handle Your word accurately, in Your love, strength, peace and unity.  Protect us from evil.  Give us Your courage, so we do not fear what man might do.  Help us to rest in Your almighty power.  You are the God of the impossible.  With You, all things are possible!!!  As You give us opportunities to serve You, help us trust in You to equip us as needed.  All to Your glory, amen.

praying effectively: Lead a Disciplined Life (2Thess. 3:6-15)

(2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we do not associate with fellow believers who are rebelliously disobedient to God's will (3:6, 14)

- that we do not regard disobedient believers as enemies, but lovingly admonish them as brothers and sisters in Christ (3:15)

- that we do not feed those who refuse to work (3:10)

- that when fellow believers refuse to work, and when they act like busybodies, we need to lovingly exhort them to work peacefully and feed themselves (3:11-12)

- that we diligently work to pay our own way, and not take advantage of people (3:8)

- that we do not grow weary of doing good (3:13)

- that we follow the examples of believers who walk in a disciplined manner (3:7-9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being our holy and ultimate example, and thank You for providing steadfast earthly examples for us to follow.  Even when we fail, we can rest in Your grace, and continue on in Your strength and guidance.  May we never stray from desiring to do Your will.  May we always strive to serve You and others.

When fellow believers willfully live in sin, give us the wisdom to know what to say to them.  And if they do not listen, give us courage to not associate with them;  but guide us in knowing how to continue loving them, and praying for them.  Continue working on their hearts, convicting them to reconcile with You and the church.

If there is any sin that we are willfully committing, give us insight so that we may confess this, and continue on in Your righteousness and discipline.  All to Your glory, amen.