Believing the Promises of God - in His Word

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Without weakening in his faith… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. ~ Romans 4 [selected 18-21]



Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Wrestling In Prayer for You


Colossians 4 (selected)
1
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Further Instructions
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."

Do you have anyone in your life like Epaphras? One who wrestles in prayer for you to stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured?

This is what The Message says about him:
12-13 Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been! He's been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you'll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do. I've watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

This is what the New Living Translation says about him:
12 Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. 13 I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. [all Scripture emphasis added]

We are all called to be devoted prayer warriors for the needs of other for the purpose of accomplishing the will of God. But aren't you glad that there is someone interceding for you in prayer here on earth as well as Jesus Himself - who lives to intercede before the Father on our behalf?

Hebrews 7
24 ...but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. [all Scripture emphasis added]

Someone is praying for you and for me - right now - a friend - a prayer warrior - and JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF - so we can live our lives to the fullest potential of God's will! Praise Him with a thankful heart, today!

Choosing Great JOY,

Stephanie
[Joy to the World]

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