Saturday, July 19, 2008

Pray

"Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:" 1 Samuel 12:23

Are you praying for America? If you're a Christian, you should be. You should be praying for her daily. Our country is heading for judgment and I've said that before and still believe it, however God is still prompting many to pray for America and if God is doing the prompting then we must do it. If you hear of a severe storm or hurricane coming your way do you just throw up your hands and say, "Well, let's just sit here and let it run its course. If we live, we live, and if we die, we die." No! If you are a praying Christian you pray that the storm may be diverted or dissolved and you also make preparations for its arrival if it becomes more apparent of is landing.

I know that, in order to fit in the prophetic picture, our country will not be a major player so must be brought down, but that doesn't mean that God can't help us in the process. The above scripture comes from a time in Israel when they had rejected God as reigning over them and wanted a king. They wanted a king like all the other nations because they could no longer trust God, and the judge that he would raise up, to protect them. We could say that it was for security reasons. Samuel the prophet showed them their sin by bringing rain in the time of wheat harvest but even after that, he spoke the above scripture. He would not sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for them. So, those of us who claim to be Christians should not sin in ceasing to pray for America even though we know she is in trouble. There are several things to consider and here are just a few.

Judgment may be held back some: This is always a possibility in that the time frame can be held back although we do not have God's clock. We are looking for Christ's return and as far as I'm concerned, the sooner the better but we don't have any time frame except the coming of the seven year tribulation period.

God may help ease the judgment somewhat: If you have never read the horrible judgment that was placed on Judah in the time of the Babylonian conquest, just read the book of Lamentations. Mothers became so famished that they even ate their own children! Anything that can ease the judgment would be of great help.

God could help the true believers in the time of judgment Even though there may be judgment, God can help his people through it if we pray. He can supply each need and give joy even in the midst of turmoil. Read Psalm 91 and I challenge you to memorize it as it can become a great comfort.

God can help the true believers reach the lost: In this day of prosperity and pride, most don't want to hear the true word of Christ – discipleship, the cross, holy living, spiritual warfare, and not being polluted by the worldly system. They're more interested in the amenities that the church can offer and what will please and pamper the flesh. But in the time of judgment and hard times, many will realize there is more to the Christian religion than a cup of coffee at church, a supper, a ball game, or constant entertainment and songs that make one feel good. They may seek out those true believers who really know and study the Word of God and do their best to live it. They may seek those who are filled with the Holy Ghost and know how to pray in the spirit for deliverance. Will you be one of those?