This morning, I would like to continue on yesterday’s thoughts and the second half of this tribute to my brother, Pastor Daniel Lundmark, who passed away a year ago, March 31st, 2019. My brother Danny was truly a Godly man of prayer and faith.
Another area of Prayer is that of vigilance; be watchful, be alert, be observant, and be aware…for the Christian soldier as stated by Paul in Ephesians is that of conflict, which has many different seasons. There are seasons of prosperity and seasons of testing’s; troubles, temptations, light and darkness, victory, and battles, but always remember, the battle is not ours. Jesus overcame Satan, and so can we, for Christ, is in us, the Hope of Glory! In the New Testament “watch” is translated as: Absence of sleep; a wakeful frame of mind, keep awake, attentive, constant, vigilant.
Full awake; a rousing effort, an excitement to attention and interest, active, cautious,
To be calm and collected in spirit; defined as dispassionate, untouched by slumberous or beclouding influences, a wariness against all pitfalls and beguilements.
Let me break it down this way. This 3rd translation used in the Bible for the meaning “watch” is probably one of the most overlooked in the Christian life. As we are “watchful” this includes that of being calm in our spirit; we must know who we are and whose we are in Christ. Yes, untouchable and alerted to influences and guarded against any and all snares, troubles, and difficulties; including charming, luring, fascinating, and mesmerizing situations; as though real but counterfeit. This will take nothing less than the Holy Spirit leading and guiding the believer.
In another letter, I had written on the importance “to seek God”. We as believers are to “seek the things above.” To “seek” – is to aspire, to desire and with passion. In order to seek the things above, the mind must be set on them. This will take “loving heavenly things.” In other words, let your hearts be entirely engrossed by them.
“Earthly things” are not all evil, but there are some of them that are. Some things that are not harmless in themselves may become harmful if permitted to take the place of the things reserved for things above. As stated in Colossians 3:5-9, put to death. Therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices (NIV).
Another way to look at this; the Christian is to pray at all times, in all seasons… “Praying always, with all prayer. Praying in the Holy Ghost (in your heavenly language – tongues). The Christian soldier, if he fights to win, must be one of much prayer which enables him to defeat his enemy, the devil and his demons. Yes, the Christian life is warfare, of intense conflict, a battle waged against invisible foes, which are ever alert and seeking to entrap, deceive, and ruin the souls of men. The battle is our Lords, but it will take our prayers to defeat Satan in our lives. Another way to see this is, sometimes, one will say: “Music is his life” or “Sports is his life” or “He lives for his work.” “Of the Christian, let it be said, “Jesus Christ is his life.”
Again, let me quote Apostle Paul, the Christian warrior is compelled to “endure hardship like a good soldier.” The Christian soldier wrestles not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness (spirits) in high places. Yes, the Christian warrior must “put on the whole armor of God” and “to pray with all prayer (different manners) of prayer and supplication” (asking) in the Spirit.”
How can the brave warrior for Christ be braver still? The power of prayer is that which adds to the fighting qualities of a more certain victories in God’s good fighting men. It will take prayer and more prayer to “fight the good fight of faith.” It cannot be stated enough that the Christian experience, the life of the Christian soldier is a life of continual prayer; praying in the Holy Ghost, power only given by Christ, the lawgiver of prayer. Yes, the intention, implication, and action of the Christian soldier is all dependent on its being a life of prayer.
How can the Christian soldier fail if, in addition to putting on the armor of God, he is, at all times and all seasons, “watching and praying.”? Yes, prayer must be added to the armor of God in one’s life for a life of victory. The Christian experience will be without power and of no effect; and the Christian influence will be dry and barren unless prayer has a high place in life.
Truly, the value of prayer in one’s life is priceless. It will mean everything in this life; for without prayer situations, just get worse, and life seems worthless. Again, let me say that praying God’s word can and will govern our conduct, but conduct is what truly makes our character. Prayer is the very thing that moves God, and in turn, God is the very one that moves the mountains and causes change for the good in one’s life. May PRAYER be considered in all we do, in all things! My prayer for all believers today is to continue to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of Christ as we pray.
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