Saturday, February 12, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: Revelation 19-20
SCRIPTURE READING
Philippians 1:7-11 (NIV); It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God.
Paul was a great leader. He spread the gospel throughout many provinces during his ministry, planting churches and preaching the gospel. He was not always able to return to the cities and churches, yet through his letters he encouraged, warned and corrected the believers. He truly loved the people, and desired that they would know Christ to the fullest extent. He sincerely longed for them to grow in their love for the Lord and for each other; he wanted for them to abound in their knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures, through the lens of Christ; and he hoped to see them flourish in purity and righteousness.
There often seems to arise within circles of believers, a competition of “spirituality.” We don’t like to admit it, but we find ourselves comparing our level of spirituality to others. We get discouraged, believing that so-and-so is “more spiritual” than us. Somewhere in our spirit there is a tinge of satisfaction when we hear someone is struggling. These sorts of thoughts cause judgment to enter in, allowing the sinful nature to win over the Spirit. We need to pray for Christ’s heart for others.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) Ask God to show you any areas of spiritual competition in your life. Do you compare yourself to others? How is this damaging to you? Ask God to give you direction regarding your own walk.
2) Do you truly desire to see others grow in this way Paul speaks of? Ask the Lord who you have issues with. How can you cultivate a true spirit of love for them?
3) Use the verses above as a guideline for intercession. Bring different people before the Lord in prayer and pray Paul’s prayer for them. Keep an ear tuned to the Spirit for other ways to pray for them.
