God’s Four Point Guide to Living
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1 Timothy 2:1-3
1. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, 2. for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. 3. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
I don’t know what else could possibly be done by one individual regarding the world situation today. I can’t imagine how else I could help my church in their capital campaign reach their goal when many hearts and minds have not been opened to the importance of financial stewardship. I don’t know how to mend the broken lives of those in my community who have not heard the word of truth preached to them. I don’t know how on earth I can live my life fully clothed in the love of Christ, keeping my heart like His, my mind on God, and my life on the path He walked.
Supplications. Prayers. Intercessions. Thanksgivings. A supplication is a humble, earnest petition or plea. When we have come to the end of our own power and ability we ask God to step in. Intercession is a prayer to God on behalf of another. Jesus interceded for the whole world on the night he was arrested. He also prayed for himself that He would have the courage to endure what was to come. Knowing His future, he even thanked God for using Him to fulfill God’s plan. That’s how we can change the world, our church, our community and our own lives. No matter what we do or say in any given situation, it must be surrounded by prayer. Prayer, supplication, intercession and then thanksgiving were given to us by God Himself through Christ.
Whatever situation we face, whatever struggles we’re experiencing, whatever problem we are wrestling with, we need to give it to God. We must humble ourselves and admit to God we are not able to stand on our own. We are to pray for ourselves, for the situation, for the others involved, and then for all of God’s people and their situations. Finally we are to thank God for His active presence in our lives. Every time I begin to feel as if my life is getting out of control, I know it is because I have not gone to God to ask for direction. When I can’t sleep at night, turning something over and over in my mind, it’s because I have not let go of it, humbling myself before God and giving it to Him.
My supplication today is that you will use the model for living given to us by Christ in the garden on the night of his arrest. And that you offer thanksgiving every day of your life for God’s love.
Mary
