KINGDOM WARRIORS
Part 2 of 7 in Work of Honor devotional seriesb
Ephesians 6:10-12
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against powers of the dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Missy’s big eyes bored into her 5th-grade classmates. (See Work of Honor—Privilege of Prayer devotion). “Would you really pray for me to stay in my house?”
When somebody mentions praying for another, on someone’s behalf, reactions displayed range from embarrassment to hatred. Pride steps in. Do I look desperate? But praying for others is Christian’s responsibility, a serious job. Prayer is love, not labor.
People should swallow their pride, and just say “Thank you” when another offers to pray for them. No one is totally independent, like an island. At one time or another, everyone needs help. Kingdom Warriors step up in love to pray help for others.
There are different prayers. Personal prayer is said behind closed doors. Public prayer is said aloud amid witnesses. There’s pointed (focused) prayer, passionate prayer (putting oneself in another’s shoes), and Spirit-filled, or powered prayer. Spirit-filled prayer is powered by the Holy Spirit, something we don’t control. But we may request Spirit’s fullness. Spirit-powered prayer is granted to those who are mature in their faith, a growing disciple of Christ.
Spirit-filled is heavy-duty prayer. It’s way more powerful than rubbing a rabbit’s foot for luck. It’s being certain that something good will happen. This is one faith-grounded prayer that extends the believer’s prayer dimension into applied prayer.
Prayer is spiritual warfare—the clash of swords between good and evil. The Spirit’s power ALWAYS overcomes evil.
Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33).
“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place.’” (John 18:36, 37a). “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth...”
Jesus’ disciples, you and me, are His “troops” on earth. His Kingdom=our Kingdom. Won’t you partner with our King as His warrior?
Take Home Nugget
“Let’s do this right now” Cassie said, holding out her hands. Brad, Tiffany, and Jeremy closed a circle around Missy. “Heavenly Father, we pray that Missy’s dad find refinancing for their home. In Jesus’ Name, we pray that her family can stay in that house. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.” They embraced a tear-stained Missy.
bJack Hayford with Rebecca Hayford Bauer, Penetrating the Darkness (Chosen, Michigan: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2011), 9, Appendix B.
J.D. Griffith
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