Daily Bread 3-30-17
James 5:16-18
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
ref. - 1K 17:1 - And Elijah the Tishbite, who was one of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
The power of prayer. We all use it throughout our day. But are we the ones who those in need can come to when they are in need of prayer? Today, there are so many that are comfortable going to the righteous for prayer that they forget why they are here. We have all been put on this earth to find righteousness in Jesus Christ. We have been called, but few have been chosen. Why is this? Look into your own heart today. Are you even trying to become the one who is known for their prayers being answered? Are you even trying to become the one that those in need turn to when they are in need of help? Many have been called to this but do not steer their vessels in the right direction. You see, we know that without faith in God we can do nothing. We also know that in Jesus Christ all things are possible. Because they are possible does not mean that they are going to always come to pass. What we need to become first is a people who are obedient to the gospel. We need to even learn how to approach the Lord in prayer. Not demanding, not complaining, not itemizing our every wish, but in obedience to the way that Christ taught us to pray. Our faith has to be in Jesus Christ and him alone, as this is the way that these times are laid out for us. We need to congregate with one another, sharpening and helping one another to draw closer to God in Christ. A prayer such as the one that Elias prayed was followed with results and this is the only sign that we need that God is with us. Right now, God has Holy men about this earth that are faithful and that do believe in what Christ has brought us, this is why they are being used to lead. First, if you have a need or are caught up in a fault, call for the elders of the Church and be prayed for. Once prayed for, believe that God will bring you the answers and be content with what these answers are. After this, become witness to those in need of the great things that God has done for you. Spend time in the scriptures and in prayer and learn what it is that a Christian believes. No matter what plan God has for you, always know that there is someone that you can go to when you are ill, when you are feeling down, when you are caught up in a sin, that will pray to God and your answers will be revealed to you. There is salvation in the name of Jesus! There is healing in the name of Jesus! There are good, righteous men on this earth who come in the name of Jesus!! In Jesus name, allow God to work in you to the point that you become one of them!! And remember, "The effectual(producing results), fervent(intensely devoted) prayer of the righteous availeth(is very useful) much. Let this prayer come alive in you!!! Have a great day!!!