praying effectively: Do Not Be Deceived (2John 1:7-11)

(2 John 1:7-11)  For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.

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 welcome anyone who preaches a message contrary to God's word (1:10-11)

- that we watch ourselves, so that we will remain steadfast and effective in God's will (1:8)

- that we abide in God's word (1:9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your word.  Give us wisdom to understand Your teaching.  May we remain steadfast in Your will.  Protect us from evil.  Help us recognize anything or anyone who is not from You.  Guide us in knowing how to handle those circumstances, all in Your strength, and in Your wisdom.  Protect our reputations, to remain steadfast and to remain a consistent testimony of You to those around us.  All to Your glory, amen.