Prayer

Today I was able to meet with a fellow brother in Christ as we take part in a Bible study, and something struck me.  I was asking him how I could pray for him, and he did the same, but for some reason, this time it seemed different.  I know he's asked me before, and others have in the past as well, but this time it just hit me that I REALLY need prayer.  As I become a member of Vintage 21 church, and as I seek to be a Christ-like example in all my relationships, I desperately need prayer.  I am certainly plagued with a fair amount of self-doubt and trepidation as I look to the future, and I'm not sure where the line between healthy vulnerability and humble leadership is.  So, for whatever reason (probably divine), I found today that I am in need of prayer and support from those in my community of faith. 

Prayer to be open and honest with the people in my life.  Not in a complaining way, but in a way that would show Christ through my brokenness.  As Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."

Along with this, I am only beginning to understand what it means to be a man of God.  To stop living in laziness and lead in humility.  As Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:11-12, "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.  Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith.  Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." Also, in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

Throughout the rest of my life, but especially in the coming months, I beg for prayer, and may I never forget how much I need the support of the community God has given me.

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." -(1 Corinthians 15:58)