Day 7: July 7, 2024
Theme: God wants all of our lives to matter
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-12 (KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Indeed, all of our lives already matter to the Lord, but He also wants us to have an impact. Lives are not empty containers, they are intended for His proposes. Unfortunately, we fill them with things that take His place. We then have to empty ourselves so that He may fill us.
It does not matter where you come from or what you look like. No lives matter more than others but God is equally in love with each of us. For this reason, He intended for us all to have a great impact, so long as we do it according to His will.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NASB) Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
People ask why God does not intervene in this world, but I believe that intervention is happening. If anything He placed the power into vessels that do not know they are supposed to have great impact. As a result, we squander our lives until we are ready to be filled with His purpose. When we are ready He will use us to move the mountains of this life. Whether we are to speak to kings or become them, we owe all of our talents to the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NASB) For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
Prayer in Action:
The people of God need boldness but they cannot just be told to "be bold". They must hear from God personally to have confidence in His calling. Then we must obey and allow Him to move our lives into position. As we come closer and closer to that destiny we show signs that this is true;
We declare "things that be not as though they are" in prayer.
We boldly approach the throne of grace where God is seated and waiting to hear us.
We assume our position in His will and destiny, knowing who we are.
We work as obedient soldiers, expecting a reward from the Master.
I do not know what your role is in the plan of God but I know you have one. I do not know how God wants to use who you are but I can pray that you move into that quickly. If every life matters and God is not a liar, then we must command the things we see by the will of God. We must become not just vessels of honor but extended arms, hands, legs, feet, voices, and minds for God. We must have an impact on what is happening in this world, not just consume and spectate.
Matthew 17:20 (NASB) And He *said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.
Prayer in Unity:
And so with boldness we can and should pray on this final day. Move into not only your purpose but your use under the Lord. See yourself in His plan and talk to Him as if He is your Father!
"Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your child. As your child, I come to you and ask you to rule in the hearts of this nation's leaders. I ask you to comfort and to liberate those that are lost. I ask you to bring justice in greater measure to the people who need you. I ask that you speak to the hearts of this nation and cause it to repent so that you can renew your blessings over it.
We are so thankful for the authorities that you purpose to watch over us and pray they would govern with wisdom so that we might live peacefully. If not, let us walk in obedience to you first and have the courage to speak to them so they might obey your guidance on our behalf.
On this final day Lord, we ask that you seal our prayers and request as we wait for the deliverance we seek.
Amen!"