The Power of Christ's Resurrection

Paul prayed, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection" (Phil 3:10). Paul knew the Lord as his Savior, but he wanted to know Him more deeply daily. We should, too. There is no greater passion and prayer we could have.

If we are going to win the lost and help change the world, if we are going to use our precious spiritual gifts to minister to others and help change their lives, we MUST know and experience the power of His resurrection in our lives. Doesn't that make sense? Then shouldn't that be on our daily prayer list?

If Paul felt the intense need to experience the power of Christ's resurrection, and if he prayed fervently for that, how much more should we do the same? Paul said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). Will you follow his example?

We are also told to "set an example for the believers" (1 Tim. 4:12). Then there is that great admonition of Paul, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Tim. 2:2). In other words, PASS IT ON!

Prayer: Father, thank You for allowing us to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Help us to change the world for your sake. Empower us to follow Paul's example and pass on your truth to others. May we pray like Paul prayed. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Quote for the Day: "The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over, no matter what my circumstances." —Robert Flatt

Pray Daily for Israel

The apostle Paul wrote, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them [the Israelites] is for their salvation" (Rom. 10:1). That is also the heart's desire of God! Have you ever thought of it like that? According to Romans 11:26, all Israel shall be saved one day. We were told long ago, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:  May they prosper who love you" (Ps. 122:6).

Remember what I have said is the most important passage in the Bible for Christians? It's Luke 5:5. Jesus had just told Simon Peter, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch" (5:4).

Simon replied, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets" (5:5). After he did this, the disciples caught a great quantity of fish, and the nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats with the fish they had caught (5:6–7).

Peter obeyed the Lord and caught the greatest catch of his life! Let's you and me obey God and pray for Israel daily. Scripture says, "They who love Israel will prosper." Doesn't it make sense then to love the people of Israel and to pray for them? Most preachers and Bible scholars believe God has blessed America and our nation has prospered because we have supported Israel and its people. 

By the way, we love Ishmael's children, the Arabs, as well. It has been my joy to lead tours to the Holy Land. We've traveled to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, and those are some of my favorite countries.

O, dear people, pray what Paul prayed and what we are told to pray. This will really make a difference in your spiritual life. It pays to pray the way other faithful believers pray!

Prayer: Father, we know that Israel is the apple of Your eye. Help your people to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for we know it touches Your heart when we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Quote for the Day: "Prayer is not merely an occasional impulse to which we respond when we are in trouble: prayer is a life attitude." —Walter A. Mueller