Your Daily Devotional for July 28, 2006

 

July 28, 2006

 

The Preparation of a Prayer Warrior

By Dr. Paul Chappell

 

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

 

James 5:16

 

If I were headed for the battlefield, I would not enter the combat zone without the proper equipment. Imagine for a moment how inappropriate it would be if I came with my basketball shoes on and a boom box over my shoulder. I would be an easy target for the enemy!

 

We all know that battle requires certain uniforms, gear, and equipment, but we often forget that spiritual battle requires preparation also. How can we expect to defeat the enemy if we do not have the necessary essentials for combat?

 

First, we must prepare our lives to be a reflection of God’s righteousness. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” Before we can expect God to hear our prayers, we need to ask, “Lord, is there something in my life that is not a reflection of your presence in me?”

 

God also desires our lives to be obedient to His Word. We read in 1 John 3:22, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” God desires to grant our requests, but He first requires our obedience. For example, if my children are told to do a chore, and they refuse to comply, I am not going to feel obligated to buy them something at the store. I am not going to reward them for their disobedience.

 

John 15:7 states, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” God desires our lives to be in relationship with Him. When we are yielded and open to Christ, we will ask for those things that please Him, and He will receive glory and honor by granting our requests.

 

Friend, are you armed with the necessary essentials for spiritual combat today? Are you living a life that pleases God and makes Him want to grant your prayerful requests? Let’s purpose as we go about our day to be sensitive to God’s leading. Let’s remember that blessings come to those who have an obedient relationship with Him.

---

================================================
THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE PLEASE DO NOT REPLY
================================================
Manage your online subscriptions at
http://www.dailyintheword.org/email/user-login.aspx

To Unsubscribe from this list please follow this link
http://www.dailyintheword.org/email/user-unsubscribe.aspx?s=4159&l=1