Tuesday, March 24, 2020

praying effectively: Let Jesus Come In (Rev.3:14-22)



(Revelation 3:14-22)  “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the doorI will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

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 everyone hears and listens to God's word (3:22)
- that people hear the voice of Jesus and open the door to Him (3:20)
- that people become zealous and repent (3:19)

- that people use the eye salve of salvation through Jesus, so that they may truly see (3:18)

- that people clothe themselves in the righteousness of Jesus Christ (3:18)
- that people invest in the eternal riches found in the kingdom of heaven (3:18)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your enduring patience, and for not giving up on us.  Thank You that You are just, and will give everyone a fair opportunity to hear Your voice and welcome You into their hearts.  May people see their need for You in their lives.  Amen.

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