"Thoughts From The Pastor’s Desk”
My House Shall Be Called A House Of Prayer" Apprehension is in the air and the elections for the next President of the United States is just around the corner. Christian’s live on all sides of the political arena. The apostle Paul wrote,“ . . . I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing” (1 Timothy 2:8) Eternity set in the hearts of men is the ultimate goal and experience! Here there is no pretense, empty philosophy, or religious superficiality. We will not be evaluated at the Judgment Seat of Christ by our theories and ideals on prayer and what should be – but on if, how, and why we actually prayed and acted in accordance with God’s will.
Knowing this, Paul gives Timothy and all believers a bottom line admonition. In the 1 Timothy 1:3-11, Paul instructs Christians to prioritize prayer in the face of a hostile culture and godless government. He gave the rationale and ultimate goal of our prayers. In so doing he says: 1) Make sure leaders are leading – The prayer level of a church never rises higher than the personal passion and example of the leadership. In Paul’s day, this admonition to the men represents a strong statement on the responsibilities of leaders to set the pace in prayer, 2) Make sure prayer is pervasive – He commands that prayer of this sort be practiced everywhere and throughout church history. This prayer should mark both small and large churches. This shows the transcendence of prayer regardless of the politics and culture of any situation, (3 Make sure actions match attitudes – Hands lifted in prayer represented a worshiping, dependent, and surrendered life. Our Lord had little patience with those who went through the motions of prayer when hearts were not humble, consecrated, and sincere. That is why Paul adds that our raised hands be “holy.” They represent a heart and life that is set apart to God in loving and obedient devotion – unpolluted by the world, and 4) Make sure hearts are right – Our hearts are to be without “wrath or doubting” or “anger or argument.” These two attitudes are common hindrances to real, prevailing prayer. Wrath is the idea of a settled indignation toward another. It is an unmerciful or unforgiving attitude which is contradictory to the mercy and forgiveness we have received (Matthew 6:14; Ephesians 4:31). Doubting speaks of an ongoing internal dialogue with oneself that is marked by doubt toward God and His promises. We must pray in forgiveness and faith.
Take hope! Regardless of the outcome of the political elections, the attitude of the culture around us, or the indicators on our national economy, you have been entrusted with a mighty weapon for good and glory. God has decreed, “I am the One who declares the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). Priority number one—Pray! Priority number two, practice priority number one!
Trusting you will pray,
Pastor J.R.
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