Day 6: July 6, 2024
Theme: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Scripture:
3 John 2-3 (KJV) Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
Should we pray that all would prosper? Of course, we should, without hesitation. This is the legacy of being children of God and we should embrace it fully. So much so that prosperity flows onto all of those around us. Understand that the governance of this nation under the hands of righteous people will bring prosperity to all.
We can therefore pray for the prospering of all of the people of this nation, so long as we also acknowledge God as a nation. The two do not come separately. The people of God must therefore stand for what is right and promote that in all parts of our society. Why? Because when we do, all prosper.
Proverbs 29:2 (KJV) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
This should give us the confidence to speak openly about the gospel. It is not political but clearly has moral and spiritual requirements for us to prosper. It is the truth and whether you like it or not we do not prosper when we disobey it. God is not mad at us, we are wayward and we therefore pay the price for rebelling against His truth. That truth is universal because He is God.
Prayer in Action:
Matthew 5:16 (KJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Notice what this says about what happens when we lift the Lord. We become magnetic and our ways become contagious as we glorify God with our lives. People are not just drawn to us but they are drawn to God. The more people that call upon Him the more blessed our environment becomes. The more blessed the nation becomes. There is only a benefit to glorifying God, not a curse, ever.
Now ask yourself, "how do I glorify the Lord?" Let me share with you from my own experience, and encourage you to add to the list.
I walk in honor of the commandments of God, as best I possibly can.
I talk about what is pleasing to the Lord so people can hear my confession.
I share the blessings of God in my life, giving glory to God for it all.
I teach those who are hungry for the knowledge of God in their lives.
I encourage people toward God's answers at all points.
I love people like they matter because God shows me that I do.
I comfort people so they know someone believes in their worth so they seek God.
I study the things of God so they are ever on my mind and in my heart.
I pray to the Lord, as the most important person in my life, and the keeper of my eternity.
I could go on but you get the point.
Matthew 6:33-34 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Prayer in Unity:
"Heavenly Father, we know that you want people to prosper, be healthy, be happy and be blessed so we confess that we should be a part of bringing that reality to as many people as we can through you! That means we must position ourselves to life you up no matter when or where you call us to do it. In glorifying you, we move ourselves out of the way so others can come close to you. That is what we are here for and we know that we must be intentional about it. Help us have the courage and the wisdom to do it lovingly and with confidence.
In accomplishing this goal, we ask that your Spirit guide our walk, our speech, and our touch. Let us shine bright with your light so that is what people see. Let us reach anyone you send us to, taking no care for our own biases and speaking out of your anointing. Give us power so that our gospel comes to them not in Word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much comfort because they know what manner of people we are in their lives, for their sakes."
1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 (KJV) For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: