Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Colossians 4:2
My Bible Study has been studying 2 Timothy for the past six weeks. Many of us were struck when we got to this passage:
2 Timothy 3:1-5 - But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power.
I asked the “wisest” women in the room; those in their fifties, sixties, and beyond, to compare the American culture of their twenties to that of today. Each one felt that we have degenerated from something better into the character traits above. When I asked them which traits seem to be increasing the most, they singled out “ungrateful” and “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
As we prayed for our culture, our communities, and our children, it hit me how difficult it must be growing up in America today. It must feel like swimming upstream for young people to profess a faith in and follow Jesus. They’re constantly paddling against the currents of our culture.
When the world’s currents become class V rapids, and you’re feeling swept away, stop and pray. God is listening to our cries for help. He is available in any crisis, chaos, conflict, or calamity.
As the world screams, “Live freely, you are the master of your own destiny,” do just the opposite and pray. Prayer humbles you to your right place in God’s kingdom. Prayer says, “God, I know You are in control and I know You care about me.”
Prayer bends our knees and turns our hearts to humility and trust. Prayer summons God’s presence. And prayer invites God’s power to activate in us and move mountains around us. As you pray, here are a few reminders to place in your heart.
P – Press on in faith. (Belief)
R – Rely on God’s Word. (Bible)
A – Ask Jesus for your daily needs. (Bread)
Y – Yield your heart to thanksgiving. (Blessings)
There is power in prayer! Prayer ignites a far greater power within you than any power available in this world. So grab your life vest, jump in the Jesus boat, and let’s row upstream together.
The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!
Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement
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