praying effectively: Stay Alert (Rom.1617-27)

(Romans 16:17-20)  Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

(Romans 16:26-27)  Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

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 keep our eyes on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contradicting God's will (16:17)

- that we are not deceived or confused, but we are able to wisely differentiate what is good and what is evil, even if it appears to be innocent (16:19)

- that we are obedient to God's will because we have faith in Jesus (16:26-27)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your wisdom and Your protection.  Guide Your Church in unity and love, to remain steadfast in Your will.  Keep us awake and vigilant to the people and the ideas which undermine Your work.  When various problematic situations present themselves, give us the wisdom to know how to manage these, in Your strength, courage, peace and grace.  Amen.

praying effectively: Do Not Hinder One Another (Rom.14:13-23)

(Romans 14:13-23)  Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. 22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. 

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 should not be shaken, but be confident in God's will, and that whatever we have determined to be good, should not be deemed evil (14:16-17, 22-23)

- that we do not cause other believers to stumble by promoting our personal standards (14:13-15)

- that we do not do anything to cause a fellow believer to stumble, even if it is okay to do (14:21)

- that we do not judge other believers (14:13)

- that we do not judge each other on what we eat or drink (14:16-17)

- that we do not tear down the work of God for any reason (14:20)

- that we focus on serving each other in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (14:16-18)

- that we pursue the things which make for peace (14:19)

- that we build each other up (14:19)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom that we have in You.  Guide us towards better knowing You, and give us confidence in living out Your will and standing firm in Your truth.  Convict our hearts when we are doing anything which undermines Your work or Your believers, so that we may change our ways.

Help us to be sensitive towards each other, always striving to get along in unity and love.  Help us to be encouraging, always building each other up and never tearing each other down.  Help us not to be focused on the do's and don't's, but guide us to serving each other, all in Your righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

praying effectively: Do Not Impose Personal Standards (Rom.14:1-12)

(Romans 14:1-12)  Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, 

every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue 

shall give praise to God.”

12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

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 accept the believer who is weak in faith (14:1)

- that we do not judge the believer who is weak in faith, who still doesn't fully understand doctrines, or what God's will is (14:1)

- that we do not hold each other to personal standards or liberties which we have decided for ourselves (14:2-4)

- that we realize we are all accountable to God, and God will look after each of His children (14:2-4)

- that each of us should personally seek out God's will and truth and do not waver from that;  for example, if we have chosen Sunday or Saturday to be our Sabbath, then honor that;  but other people may have to attend church services on different days, depending on their personal schedules (14:5-6)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for giving each of Your children the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.  May we not think that we have the corner-market of Your guidance.  May we not interfere in trying to do Your job, but help us to trust You fully to teach, convict and discipline each of Your children.  You know all things, and You are faithful, and You love us so much, that You will not neglect any of Your children.

Thank You for Your patience!  I know that I must require lots of Your patience, and even now, after being a believer for over 50 years, I am still learning and growing;  so in the same way, help me to practice patience towards other believers.  Help us not expect new believers to know everything all at once. 

Guide us to mentor each other with love and grace, fully understanding that You have forgiven us of all our sins.  Thank You that You will not judge Your children for the sins which we have committed, but for the good deeds which we have done with pure movies. 

Guide Your children in studying Your word, so that we will be confident in what You expect from us.  Put an end to our efforts of infringing personal opinions, and really give us a desire to understand what You actually say.  Help us not to compare ourselves with others, but help us to be focused on our own personal walk with You.  Amen.

praying effectively: Respect Authorities (Rom.13:1-7)

(Romans 13:1-7)  Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 

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 government leaders and authorities should be establishing a place of peace and safety, with a just legal system to punish those who break the law (13:3-4)

- that government leaders and authorities should serve God, and collect taxes in order to run things (13:6)

- that we pay our taxes, and dues (13:7)

- that we respect, honor and obey all government leaders and authorities, unless they tell us to do something that is against God's will (13:1-7)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being in control.  In upcoming elections, guide us in our voting, and place in power the right people for the job.  Guide our leaders to pursue peace, safety and justice.  Keep our leaders accountable for their actions and how they manage tax money.

Help us to show respect and honor towards those leading us, by how we obey the laws of the land, as well as how we hold discussions on the topic of politics.  Help believers to not be critical regarding how someone voted, or who is in power.  Guide our words to be gracious and encouraging.

If there are injustices that need addressing, give us the wisdom to know how to effect appropriate change.  May we show the world God's love and common sense.  Amen.

praying effectively: Be Compassionate (Rom.12:14-21)

(Romans 12:14-21)  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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 are just, but never seek revenge (12:17, 19)

- that we never curse anyone, but bless them (12:14)

- that we bless those who persecute us (12:14)

- that we are giving, kind and good to our enemies (12:20-21)

- that we are not arrogant or condescending toward each other (12:16)

- that we are sympathetic to those who are "crying" (12:15)

- that we are understanding towards each other (12:16)

- that we rejoice with those who are rejoicing (12:15)

- that we try to be at peace with everyone (12:18)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your peace and patience and understanding with us.  Help us to be the same way towards others, so that we do not come across arrogant or condescending.  

Give us the strength and courage to forgive, love and bless those who persecute us.  Help us trust You in times of turmoil.  Guide us in wisdom to know how to settle the issues while remaining in Your will.

And sometimes just as difficult, help us to be empathetic and sympathetic towards those who are struggling and hurting.  Give us, not only patience, but wisdom in order to best comfort them.

Also just as difficult, help us not to be jealous, but to be happy for others when they experience good times.  Guide us always towards love and peace with all of those around us.  Amen.

praying effectively: Love Your Neighbor (Rom.13:8-10)

(Romans 13:8-10)  Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

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 do anything wrong to a neighbor (13:10)

- that we do not murder (13:9)

- that we do not steal (13:9)

- that we do not commit adultery (13:9)

- that we are not jealous (13:9)

- that we do not owe anything to anyone (13:8)

- that we love our neighbors as ourselves (13:8-10)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You are love.  Help us love others as we love ourselves.  Help us love others as You love us.  Give us patience and wisdom in all circumstances.  And give us opportunities and courage to show kindness and love to our neighbors.  Amen.

praying effectively: Love Fellow Believers (Rom.12:9-13)

(Romans 12:9-13)  Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

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 abhor what is evil (12:9)

- that we cling to what is good (12:9)

- that we serve the Lord with diligence and enthusiasm (12:11)

- that we rejoice in hope (12:12)

- that we are persevering in tribulation (12:12)

- that we are devoted to prayer (12:12)

- that we are devoted to our fellow believers in brother love (12:10)

- that love is without hypocrisy (12:9)

- that we give preference to one another in honor (12:10)

- that we are contributing to the needs of the saints  (12:13)

- that we are practicing hospitality (12:13)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You are good.  Help us not only cling to You, and all that is good, but help us desire to serve You, by also desiring to serve those around us - especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Help us be hospitable, desiring to fellowship with one another as family members, and getting to know them and how we can better pray for them.  May we be devoted to prayer for one another.

When we see a need, help us see that we are the answer to fulfill that need - not just the person to find some other person to fulfill that need.  And may we give wisely and graciously.  

Help us to be uplifting, rejoicing in hope, even in times of tribulation - whether we are experiencing the tribulation or another Christian is experiencing tribulation.  As I have witnessed, believers are able to draw closer to each other in times of trials, but also help us to get along in times of peace!  Let our love for each other be sincere and honorable.  Amen.