praying effectively: Guard Yourselves from Idols (1John 5:16-21)

(1 John 5:16-21)  If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.

18 We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

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 all believers know they are saved and kept by the eternal forgiveness and grace of Jesus (5:18-20)

- that we should pray for our fellow believers to remain steadfast, especially when we see them struggling with sin which brings earthly consequences, knowing that they will still go to heaven, but also knowing that if they are truly a child of God, He will discipline them and guide them back to reconciliation (5:16)

- that we guard ourselves from having idols in our lives, so that we may remain steadfast, keeping Jesus first in our lives (5:21)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your saving grace and Your faithfulness.  Help us remain faithful to You, always keeping You first in our lives. 

Convict our hearts when we stray, and guide us back to You as soon as possible.  Help us to be consistently praying for each other to remain steadfast and strong in You.  Help us to be consistently studying Your word and applying what we learn and what we know - because of our love for You - because of Your love for us.  All to Your glory, amen.