Based on “Get People to Jesus” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 11/14-15/09,
Message #MB396; Daily Devotional #2 - “Prayer Changes Everything”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): [Jesus praying] I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:14-21 ESV)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The world needs to know Jesus is Who He says He is, that He did what He said He would do, and that each person can trust Him with his or her very life. As Christ followers, we are God’s ambassadors to people blinded by the evil one. We must ask ourselves, how well are we representing God to those within our circle of influence? Is our life a sweet fragrance, captivating those who inhale our presence? Or do those who we encounter walk away in confusion at the duality of what they’ve experienced, a professing follower of Jesus more influenced by the world than by the Word? We may respond in protest to the thought that we put our faith in tangible stuff more than the living Word—but do we worry? Do we walk in fear? Do we take matters in our own hands rather than wait for God’s provision? We’ve all walked in both arenas, living lives of faith only to respond to some crushing circumstance in our own strength, consequently revealing a Jesus to the world not rooted in the reality of the Word.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): So how do we put Jesus on display in such a way that the world takes notice, so that they see Him in all Truth? First and foremost, we pray. We pray as Jesus prayed. Prayer gives us strength to face the day, to stand when our flesh wants to fall. When we pray, we open our lives to God’s transforming power. We place our very existence in oneness with God and with other believers. When we are one, the world takes note, and according to Jesus, they believe He really is Who He says He is: evangelism through unity as a consequence of prayer. Selah: stop and think about that.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 141:2; Ephesians 6:18; Romans 12:12
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