I began my thought this morning in mentioning someone who has been very dear to me through the years. To preface this letter, I would like to dedicate this letter to my brother, Reverend Daniel Lundmark, who stepped into the arms of Jesus on March 31st, 2019. It’s hard to believe it’s already been 4 years.
My brother Danny ministered the Gospel as a pastor for 50 years and lived His life as a “Christian” both in conduct and character. He will truly be missed by me as a brother and to all who knew Him.
Let’s begin by stating that prayer is what governs conduct, but conduct is what makes character.
• Conduct is external…what we do, the outward life.
• Character is internal…what we are, the life unseen, the hidden but evidence by what we see.
Prayer is the helper for both conduct and character. Yes, the very purpose of Christ atoning work is to create religious character and to make Christian conduct, and I believe prayer through the working of the Holy Spirit is the instrument that brings this about.
Prayer is to change the character and conduct of men just as the “church” is to take hold of evil men and make them good. Yes, the mission of the “church” is to change human nature…to change character, influence behavior, and revolutionize conduct; which can only happen through God’s Word.
How can we develop character? Let’s look at these scriptures in the Bible.
- Controlling our thoughts. Philippians 4:8.
- Practicing the Christian virtues. 2 Peter 1:5-6
- Guarding our hearts. Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18-20
- Keeping good company. 1 Corinthians 15:33
The Preached Word, as we receive it into our hearts, will transform us into the person God wants us to be. Yes, preaching of the Gospel of Christ Jesus and Him crucified and through much prayer. Prayer and God’s Word are the very tools that produce cleanliness of heart and purity of life.
In fact, praying in the Holy Ghost (in your heavenly language – speaking in tongues in prayer) will begin to align your soul (your mind, will, and emotions. We will become more aware of the senses of our body, what we allow into our body, that of (what we see, hear, speak, touch, and where we go). This is where we will be guided and led by the Holy Spirit. We will become more aware of that small still voice of the Holy Spirit as we are still and listen. This is where the Gifts of the Spirit will become more prevalent in our everyday lives.
As Apostle Paul states, “In Him, in Christ, we are to live, move, and have our being.” In other words, Christ in us and we are in Christ…the glory of God manifested in and through the believer!
Prayer and sinning cannot keep company together when prayer comes from the heart. So when men pray, they stop sinning. True Prayer brings about and accompanied with holiness of life, separation from the world, and severance from sin.
Prayer brings influence into our life…
1. …to be possessed by an earnest desire to please Him in all our ways.
2. …to possess hands busy in His service.
3. …to quickly run in the way of His commandments, yes, to obey His Word, His commandments, a follower in all His ways.
Remember, life is a condition of prayer, and prayer is the condition of righteous living.
Prayer and obedience go hand in hand. Obedience is faith in action. Truly, obedience to God’s Word opens the gates of the holy city and gives access to His promises. Along with obedience, we have access to God through praise and worship; which you might say takes us into the Holies of Holies and to His throne. Obedience is simply doing the will of God.
Can a man keep all of God’s commandments? Yes, I believe prayer is the very method that enables man to keep morally pure, to build spiritually and stay obedient to God’s Word. God has spoken in His Word that He would not put on man more than what He could handle and make a way of escape for those walking in Godly ways. Yes, God has made a way of escape, and I believe prayer is the very tool and way of escape that God uses.
Let me say, obedience does have its rewards, for Apostle John states, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in His sight.”
This task of obedience is not a hard one, for Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“ Many times, as Christians, we wonder why there is a lack of success in our lives. There are times in our lives we need to evaluate our relationship with God in all our ways. Obedience is the very key that opens the doorway to a successful Christian life. The lack of obedience in our lives breaks down our prayers. Many times, life is in rebellion, and this places us where praying is almost impossible, except it be of the pardoned mercy of God through a repentant heart.
Again, let me say, disobedience shuts the door of the inner chamber, the very way to the Holy of Holies. All successful praying comes through by surrendering the very will, the heart, the mind, and emotions of man.
Simply put, there’s no other way to be effective in prayer and be happy in Jesus but to “trust and obey God.”
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