SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
OBSERVATION: Verse 6 tells us that Peter was sleeping, but verse 5 says the church was praying! The church was not picketing the jail nor contacting their representatives. The church saw itself presenting their petitions before the throne of heaven! They were taking their concerns before the one who created the world and to whom nothing was impossible!
APPLICATION: There are so many ways today a church can spend its time; sometimes it leaves little time for prayer. We can have counseling, group meetings, various activities, etc. If the church does not make prayer a priority there will be no time for it in our schedules. If the church does not make prayer a priority, people will choose other more enjoyable and entertaining activities.
But when we have access to the God of creation to whom nothing is impossible, why would we waste our time before Kings or governors or representatives? If we go to governmental leaders on earth, it should be because we have already been to the God of heaven and HE has instructed to talk to earthly leaders.
Remember, when Moses went to Pharoah it was because he was sent! May we be sent to the world around us.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, keep emphasizing the importance of prayer. It is more important to talk to God than to man. And when we do talk to me, may we know that You have sent us! Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
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