(photo of Portland, Oregon from "Pill Hill")
I think maybe we roll over and give up too easily.
We see our city, our state, our nation, our world sliding further and further away from God and His ways and we shake our heads, cluck our tongues, and grumble and complain, but we do nothing to actually fight it.
While, here in America we can fight it by the way we vote and getting involved politically,
my question is, are we praying?
Why not start right where you live, in your own neighborhood?
My normal exercise routine is to walk/jog in a loop twice around my neighborhood.
We went through a season where there were a lot of problems and frequent police visits
to one particular area of our neighborhood.
I started to pray the verse above, declaring that this was my neighborhood
and that everywhere I walked that the drugs and violence would stop.
I prayed that each household would encounter Jesus Christ.
We began to see huge changes and our neighborhood became peaceful.
Then I got slack about my prayers in this area, and lately we are once again seeing an increase in trouble.
So, yesterday, I remembered that it is the job of us who have Jesus as Lord, to guard the land allotted to us.
As long as I live here, this is my neighborhood, I'm God's child,
and the enemy has no right to do his thing right under my nose.
What if we all prayed aggressively for our own neighborhoods?
I think that we could eventually affect our whole city, state and nation.
Should we take action?
Absolutely!
Get to know your neighbors.
Be a light for Jesus to those who don't know Him.
Get involved in neighborhood associations.
Vote.
Get involved in the political process if you're lead to.
But let's not forget that we aren't really wrestling against flesh and blood,
And that war must first be fought on our knees.
still following,
And world events this week surely brought me to my knees in prayer. Such a needed reminder to pray each day, throughout our day. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI need to remember to use what I hear on the news as prayer targets as well.
DeleteThe Lord is really moving me to pray for my county in an earnest way. Thanks for the reminder to be obedient and not give up!
ReplyDeleteGinger, I need to do the same instead of murmuring about the things that are happening in our country.
DeleteI am realizing that I can pray continually throughout the day for the needs of this world, as well as my own. It's really that simple. Sometimes we make it all too complicated. Declaring truth will bring a shift!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Barbie! I was just commenting to someone else that I need to remember to use the things I see and hear on the news as prayer targets and pray right then instead of murmuring and grumbling!
DeleteI love this Elizabeth, good for you. I picture David standing before Goliath as you take on evil desiring to move into your neighborhood. The nerve!! You’re right, it’s our job to stand for righteousness and consistently pray for our communities and our nation. Thanks for the encouragement and gentle nudge.
ReplyDeletePat, I'm nudging myself too, to remember to be consistent and vigilant!
DeleteEvery battle waged in spirit is won through prayer. We may see some changes when we get involved politically etc but his word says the effectual prayer avails much. Yes Elizabeth, what if every community went to battle equipped with the word?
ReplyDeleteYes, Leisha, the battle is fought and won on our knees. And yes, the Word is our weapon! I sure appreciate you!
DeleteElizabeth, Are you still linking with Ann Voskamp weekly? I haven't seen those places to connect & I miss seeing all the other posts. Plus, I don't know how to share mine with that community any more :/ Send an email note to stuckinindiana(at)hotmail(dot)com if you have a moment! Thanks! Indiana Girl :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems that Ann is no longer having a link up, (which makes me sad), though I haven't heard anything official. Maybe we should email her and ask.
DeleteGood thoughts! We pray for our world, missionaries, soldiers, current happenings like Malaysian airline incident. God hears our prayers and our community will feel the change. Keep on praying and we will as well!
ReplyDeleteBecky, I need to use the news and current events diligently as my prayer topics.
DeleteIt certainly seems hopeless, doesn't it? Yet, we have a Hope that is the anchor of our lives - prayer is never wasted. A good call to action, Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteJune, I'm so glad that with God things are not hopeless!
DeleteHi Elizabeth! Great words to pray and to act. I think that's what God asks. Pray for his grace, and then get out there and make a difference. Sounds like you are doing both VERY well. It's hard to see sadness and trouble in our own neighborhoods. Really makes it close. God bless you always.
ReplyDeleteCeil
Oh Ceil, I've got to far to go in being consistent and diligent and vigilant! I sure appreciate your encouragement!
DeleteI really appreciate this Elizabeth. I will remember this.
ReplyDeletetomorrow my son pulls out of his home in PA to start the cross country trek to Portland, OR! (clackamas to be exact.) I guess we ill be making trips ro portland.!
Carol, I pray that he has a safe trip and that he loves it here! It's a wonderful place to live!
DeleteThis truth is so huge. Same message God has been speaking here. And not just neighbors, but the Word says, "Love your neighbor..." That word, neighbor, means "near one." One who is near... in line at the store, traffic, the school nearest your church. We can pray as we go for these things. Who else is praying for that person? That child? It just amazes me that the Lord allows us to participate with His kingdom, in this way.
ReplyDeleteOh friend, I have so far to go in the areas you mentioned. God help me to be more diligent and faithful and led by the Spirit!
DeleteElizabeth, Your faith is more certain than mine. I wish I could say that I pray with such faith, but truthfully, I pray more with the hope that God will answer and help rather than the faith that he does and will. Still, I trust that your experience can be mine, and I am willing to try.
ReplyDeleteDonna, God does hear and answer your prayers! He loves you and you're His child. He's a good Father. Of course He listens to you!
DeleteWell, as usual, you spread your heart around and about. I understood what you were describing in my own neighborhood and also dealing with the voting and the situations, again, described as around and about. Since I go to murder sites with my local pastors/friends, in the 6 years I've been involved, it's usually 2 to 5 miles from here. NOW, in the last several months, it is closer and closer to me. I could walk to the site. So, now, even though I struggle with my energy issue, I go out to walk, pray, worship any time the Lord says "GO!!" And I do quickly. But, Elizabeth, as usual, we're doing similar things in much different parts of our nation. Thank you for sharing so significantly, as usual.
ReplyDeleteBless you, Joanne! I pray that God heals your body totally and restores your energy.
DeleteI shared with friends this week about neighbors. I agree with you. Get to know your neighbors! We can make a difference right where we are.
ReplyDelete