“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” – (John 10:10).
One of the blessings of the life of every believer is being prosperous. This is a given the moment one accepts Christ as a personal savior- “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” ( John 10:10). God has a plan for everyone of his dear children and it is a good plan. As it is written, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Much as this is a fact believers must always be on alert for there is that enemy who seeks to steal this prosperous life away from them. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy seeks to deny believers of their prosperity through dirty schemes including robbing them of their possessions. “The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). And clearly this was not a picnic walk.
To protect our prosperity not only must believers be on guard but constantly pray for that hedge over them. As it is written, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:8).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, you who has willed that your children do prosper and take possession of the land, I pray for your blessings over the work of my hands and that because of your love and promise you shield me with your hedge, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
