SCRIPTURE: Ephesians (NIV) 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
OBSERVATION: “Ambassador in chains,” that is how Paul saw himself and described himself. It would be proper for others to see Paul in this way and use this phrase to encourage him, but this is Paul speaking about himself!
The chains were secondary; that he was an ambassador was the primary issue. He did not ask them to pray for his release from the chains, but that he would boldly proclaim the message for which he was an ambassador!
APPLICATION: How do I see myself when I am in times and places of trouble? Perhaps I should listen to how I request prayer for myself. What is the first on my prayer request list? Is it prostate cancer or SOAP ministry? Is it for my comfort and ease or for God to be glorified in my life?
Is it for my neighbor’s salvation or for their dog to be quiet? Is it for the nurse to ease my discomfort or for the nurse to meet Jesus when coming to my hospital room?
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me not to be distracted by the troubles surrounding me and be kept from seeing God’s hand at work through me in the lives of others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Leon
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