Tag: Pray

Think About It First

They say what the world needs is love, sweet love. Although I wholeheartedly agree, I would like to add another character trait that is in short supply and that is patience. Most of us are victims to the “hurry up with it, I have other things to do” mindset. Even so, I came across some profound advice, “Unless it is an emergency, think about it for at least 24 hours and the possible consequences that may follow from you making that decision.”

For the believer in God, every decision that we make is either for God or against God. Within that 24 hours, we must go to God in prayer and ask for His will. There are few absolutes in life. We can know this for sure that we can never hurry God. And there is one more absolute truth, every mistake that we have made in our lives is because we did not ask God or we did not wait for God’s answer.

And for those like myself who lack the virtue of patience, God has no problem letting us make the mistake. He knows that when we are drowning in the Sea of Consequences, we will pray the SMS–Save My Soul prayer. Thankfully, He forgives us with loving grace and mercies. Still, we may suffer the full impact from our disobedience.

Last night during worship, it was the Holy Spirit who taught me this profound fact of life. Every decision that you make is either for God or against God. The imagery was the train crossing with the flashing red lights with the barrier coming down warning of the pending train traveling at an unknown speed. I am thankful that our Heavenly Father’s love is overprotective.

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourself this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for excluding you from our lives. We are suffering the consequences of misguided decisions based on impatience. Please come to our rescue. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Non-Compete Agreement

It was the disobedience of the Israelite nation that caused their captivity in Babylon for 70 years. Our surrender to serve God is a Covenant–an unbroken promise between God and us. We do not chase our desires. Love and faithfulness are demonstrated by our obedience and trust in God. Praying for His will to be done in our lives is reverence and respect that God is our Heavenly Father. There are no mistakes or consequences that will happen in our lives when we obey God. Pray for God to reveal your purpose and His will for your life. God always brings a Victorious Outcome! © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity. Jeremiah 29:11-14a.

The Freedom to Worship

SHOUT the Cry of Freedom!

Religious Liberty

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

It is a blessing to enjoy reading the Bible, praying, and singing during praise and worship to the Most-High God in my home or church. In fact, I can go outside of my house, read the Bible, pray, and sing on any public domain I choose without repercussion. People may not like it, but the First Amendment is our platform for exercising religious freedom.

Unfortunately, many individuals never consider those who will never own a Bible or secretly worship God at the risk of exclusion from their families and society. Even worse is facing long-term imprisonment for renouncing the prevailing traditional or pagan worship and proclaiming belief in God. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

The history of persecution for serving the “Christian God” is recorded in the Bible. Who can forget Saul, the hunter of Christians? Only God could redeem such a diabolical man and transform into the Apostle Paul. This devout Man of God actively wrote instructions for the churches and encouraged Christians to keep moving forward as they strive for the mark.

Will we experience persecution for serving God? Yes. Currently, some individuals are facing exclusion and isolation in their homes because they have chosen Christianity over their traditional or cultural religions. Consider the expansion of diversity that causes conflict between God’s standards and the world’s acceptance. What about the office parties or gatherings that we cannot attend because of the godly standards we uphold?

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:12-14

We must take advantage of the freedom we enjoy: studying the Bible, praying without ceasing, witnessing to others, attending church, and watching virtual services without censorship. Please pray daily for those suffering because they accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 12

Prayer: God, we thank you for the ability to serve you in freedom. But we pray for those who are excluded, isolated, and persecuted for accepting Jesus as their Savior. We ask you to give them strength, and hope to never give up because you love and care for them. We pray for perseverance as we await the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. And we ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson