I’ve been writing this devotional five days per week for 12 years. During that period of time I’ve written some entries that have greatly stirred emotions. People have written to me and expressed that the seed that I planted helped them to decide to come to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, more than one has told me that they abandoned their plans to commit suicide, several have stopped taking drugs or drinking, and many have told me that because of WFTD they now use daily Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians to help them fight their way through this fallen world and resist the sin that pursues them like a determined foxhound.
Others have cursed me, threatened me, criticized me, and expressed hatred in the vilest of terms. Admittedly there are mornings when I feel like quitting, especially when I’m dead tired and then get one of those hate filled, bitter letters. Yesterday I received several very nice letters from both those who attended my seminar, and others that read yesterday’s WFTD and appreciated it. It was amazing how encouraged I was by those letters, especially those who mention that they often pray for me and my little ministry. I can literally feel those prayers and am lifted up by them.
When my schedule permits me to attend our local church I always attend a special men’s prayer group prior to Sunday school. These men are prayer warriors and as prayer requests are mentioned, they meticulously write down each and every one of the names of those who especially need prayer. As the session concludes we pray for all those mentioned, and then head to Sunday school. These same men pray for those on the list throughout the week and mention each person specifically by name as they petition God to help them.
The Bible states: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. These good men have great power and produce wonderful results!
According to my Bible study I have come to learn that most anytime that anyone tries to do something for the Lord they can be assured of being attacked by satan; (most notable was Jesus Christ Himself in the desert and at Gethsemane). I have been attacked with varying results for many years by satan and he has spared no tool in his entire arsenal which is not just restricted to temptation and pride, but also to sickness and grief. I’ve lost some battles here and there, but I’m winning the war through Jesus Christ.
I ask you to be a prayer warrior this morning, not just for me, but for all of those around the world who are trying to do something in honor of Jesus Christ. I can assure you that they cannot ever receive too much encouragement. I would also humbly ask that you pray for my father who is currently experiencing some very difficult times in his life.
If you glean nothing else from this column this morning, remember this: The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Be an encourager and pray for those who are trying their utmost to serve the Lord the best they know how, and as a result are being viciously attacked by satan , (especially those who are experiencing his attacks on a routine basis). It will only take a few moments of your time to wield “great power and produce wonderful results”, because the Bible assures us that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” I’m sure this verse applies to women too, so ladies please join in the fun…
I John 5:14
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”