|
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue # 371 January 2, 2002 The Problem Someone asked me recently what I thought the biggest problem in the church today is. Is it a lack of committed believers? Is it that people are too busy with other things? Is it a shortage of finances; a lack of missionary zeal; poorly equipped pastors; lay people who refuse to get involved; divisions in the church; too much dogma and doctrine or perhaps not enough; too traditional or not traditional enough? I think all of these and more could be identified as being problems within the church body as a whole. I also think that they are more symptoms than problems. You can attack all the symptoms that you want to, but until you identify the real problems you can’t solve them. I’m going to identify the biggest problem in the Christian church today, and I’m sure many won’t agree, but here we go -- the biggest problem in the church today is a lack of prayer. I’m not talking about quick, ritualistic prayer, like simply repeating a grace at meal or saying the Lord’s Prayer (which is really the disciple’s prayer, but that is a topic for another day). I’m talking of a deep fervent prayer for God to move in our hearts, our homes, our congregations and our communities. We say we believe on God to work mighty miracles in the physical, spiritual and heavenly realm. Do we really? The Apostle Paul did. I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:30-33 (NIV) The word translated here in the NIV as "join me" is an unusual one. Some translations have used "strive together" which is closer and means to fight along with or to combat in the company of someone. This join me in prayer is a very active term, it implies serious committed involvement. Paul didn’t want formal lukewarm prayer, he needed prayer partners who would join him in fervent prayer and trust God for the answers. He knew the power of prayer and the power of having other people join him. His example is one that we can all emulate. Until next time, will you "join me" in prayer for a mighty move of His Spirit to bring about the healing of hearts, bodies, emotions, relationships, congregations, communities and nations? God bless. Kevin Do you know this God who has the power to heal even the most broken heart or forgive the worst of sinners? If not email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a relationship with Him is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
 © 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
|
||||
