In Prayer, Never Out

"Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer," Romans 12:12

"But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail;  and you, once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" Luke 22:32

The first was the Verse of the Day and the second was in my daily reading.  But they seem to be connected.

Jesus never promised us a life of ease. From the judgment of Adam God said that he would toil all the days of his life.  That the ground would not give its everything as it had before. 

Troubles follow the Believer. It's a Spiritual fact of life.  We were once part of Satan's kingdom and he's a sore loser. He doesn't give up trying to harass believers. He doesn't give up trying to silence believers.
He doesn't give up trying to discourage believers.

Jesus prays for us. He prayed for Peter. He interceded between us and death. He lives to intercede on our behalf before the Father.  It's an uphill battle at times, but as Paul wrote in Romans, persevere.  Hang in there.  Don't lose heart.

We are the Chosen out of this world that have no country of our own.  Ours is that Kingdom of Heaven where Christ is.  The only people who were chosen long ago were the Jewish people.  They are the only ones with a land and inheritance on this world. 

So what do we do when things get hard? Pray.
So what should we be doing when things seem too easy? Pray harder.

If You are truly a Believer in Jesus Christ and are truly saved...yet are not experiencing difficulties in this life...be on your guard.  This is not the time to let up on prayer.  If Satan indeed prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, we need to be alert.

We are in a world at war. The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4 "in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Now think on that...blinded the minds. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  2 Corinthians 11:14 "No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."

Jesus warned that many would come claiming to be Him. Evil men and impostors. 2 Timothy 3:13 "But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived."

A fake light. Blinding the minds. In John it was written that Jesus is the light.

The importance of prayer is huge. It's as essential as breathing.  Pure air clears the sinuses. Brings refreshment to the lungs.

Knowing your enemy is very important.  Spiritual discernment only comes through prayer. Only the Spirit of God knows the mind of God. Jesus said the Spirit would teach.

Don't be among the deceived in this world.  Be in prayer. Be mindful of what you feed your mind. Garbage in garbage out. 
Don't let up. Prayer isn't a morning inoculation for the whole day. It's not a three times a day thing.  It's an all day thing.  Every aspect of your life is impacted by prayer. 

Rejoice in hope.  Rejoice that your Advocate is on the Throne praying for you.  Jesus said to be of good cheer, He has overcome the world.