Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
The Arrow of Truth
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, NKJV).
Most Christians are relieved to know that they are not included in Paul's list of offenses. Many sincere believers make every effort not to turn his grace into license, and yet they realize their walk doesn't measure up to his holy standard. As they read the next verse, they feel the piercing arrow of truth: "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). Suddenly, they remember a besetting lust they have never been able to shake. They think, "Wait a minute, I've been delivered and sanctified. So why can't I quit this habit? I'm not truly free!"
Maybe you have recently returned to an old lust. Perhaps you have visited a pornography site on the Internet or become involved in adultery or homosexual sin. Perhaps you have stolen goods from your employer, or you are sneaking a drink on the way home from work. Whatever your habit is, you know you are not free in that one area.
Do not be surprised if you start to feel the way David did when he said, "I remembered God, and was troubled?my spirit was overwhelmed" (Psalm 77:3).
Whenever the Lord sees one of his children wrestling with some lust or bondage, he moves in quickly to bring us back to a path of obedience, peace, and rest. How does he do this? He brings about conditions in our lives that force us to face our sin.
Often this means taking us down into the depths, as God did with Jonah. He allows us to feel his rebuke and to be swallowed up by our circumstances. Yet it was while in the darkest depths that Jonah cried out to God. And the Lord responded to his servant's cries quickly, restoring his blessings and will.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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