Jesus is Praying for You!

Jesus prayed for you. He prayed for His disciples (John 17:6-19) and for all believers (John 17: 20-26). It is my hope that you count yourself as one of his disciples - that not only are you a believer, but you are one who feels called to spread the love and knowledge of the only true God to all those you come in contact with. I encourage you to read all of what Jesus prayed, but for now, let's focus in on our verse for the day:

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. - John 17:15-17

There are several things t0 point out here. First, Jesus knew that there was evil in the world, yet he says he wants his disciples to remain there. Why is that? It is because he has work for us in the world, and wants us to remain here until our work is done. Do you believe that God has a specific purpose for you - even for this day? He has someone today that he wants you to speak words of God to, or to whom you are to show his love. He might have someone to whom he wants you to speak a bold Gospel message.

So my first question is are you willing? Don't miss the opportunity - you will be blessed beyond measure. That is not to say that if you don't, he can't or won't find someone else who can - but there is a reason he is giving you the opportunity, so don't miss out - walk in faith, be obedient, receive blessing. Here's a good way to be certain you see and take the opportunity. Start with a prayer asking God to give you spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear what he has for you this day. Ask him to show him who you are to love for him today. Then keep you eyes and ears open. Be aware that certain people will be in your path today for a reason. Ask God for a Spirit of power and boldness and for the right words to speak - he will be faithful to lead your entire encounter with this person. And remember that you are a seed planter - you may not get to see the harvest, but be encouraged and confident that you have answer God's purpose for you in the world this day. And be ready, because he may have more for you to do - and he certainly will tomorrow. This is a prayer and process that can and should occur every day in the life of a disciple.

Now, the second thing we need to see is that God can and will protect you from the evil one - but there are safe guards you can pray into place. First, pray a shield of protection around yourself. Proverbs 2:7-8 says that "He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." Approach the throne with confidence, knowing he will provide this in our time of need - because Christ also walked the earth - he has been tempted in every way, and will provide help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:15-17). And don't let the evil one convince you that you are not blameless or faithful and that you have no right to ask for the shield of protection - because he is the father of lies and he will try.

And because we live in the world with the father of lies, Christ also prayed that we would be sanctified with the truth - he knew we would need truth. The source, he says, is the word of God. Here is what I love - if you have been participating in our challenge this month to be in the word, then you are allowing God to fill you and sanctify you with the truth. We must have God's truth in front of us every day. If not, from where do we get truth? Be assured, that if it is not God's truth you are seeking and believing and planting every day, the worlds truth will find its way into your heart. Will you continue to allow God to sanctify you with truth? As him to honor your efforts to seek truth and to help you continue.

I pray that you will continue on with us into the New Year. Our challenge will be to read through the Bible together in the next year. Will you join us? I encourage you to begin praying about it today - ask God if he is leading you to this and if he would strengthen you to remain commited to this. I look forward to doing this in our community of believers where we can spur one another on, hold one another accountable, and pray for one another.

One last thought - not only do you have the power of your own prayers and the prayers of other believers as you remain in the world, but the Holy Spirit and Jesus himself are also interceding for you this day and every day (Romans 8:26--27; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). So amazing is the love and provision of our Holy God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

How can we intercede for you this day?

Today's blog was posted by Carol Bartels