JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Hebrews 7:24 and 25.
Speaking of Jesus, “Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Intercession is prayer on behalf of another.
If we want to know what Jesus is doing in heaven right now, this Scripture points us to one of His functions. He is interceding for us.
Just before Jesus was crucified, He told Simon Peter that he would deny knowing Jesus three times. Yet, even knowing Peter’s weaknesses, Jesus would not give up on him. He said in Luke 22:32, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
In Jesus, we have an advocate to the Father, to intercede on our behalf and to defend us through our weaknesses.
These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to trust Jesus to intercede for us in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from First Timothy 2:1-4.
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-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 men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
In a world where many opinions are expressed in the public square, it is important to remember the power of prayer expressed in the privacy of a closet. This Scripture is an invitation to pray on behalf of others, including people in positions of authority such as church leaders, government leaders, business leaders, teachers, and parents. Our prayers to God have a way of changing our own attitude toward people. William Law once said, “There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him.” That is because in intercession, our heart becomes more aligned with God’s heart for that person. However God responds to our prayers for someone, we know this: God is pleased by our petitions, and works in response to our prayers to bring souls into God’s Kingdom.
Prayer is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the intercession of Jesus on our behalf.
Hebrews 7 talks about the competence of Jesus to help us in our weaknesses. Verse 7:25 says, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our needs-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.”
The Bible goes on to say that Jesus sacrificed for the sins of the people once for all when he offered himself.
Jesus is the perfect solution for flawed humanity. He helped Simon Peter get beyond his denials of Christ. He said to Peter, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
That is how Jesus intercedes for us when we fall short of His glory. He prays for us. He encourages us to return to Him after we have failed to stand up for Him. His forgiveness is available. His restoration is complete. He can revive our courage to a place where our witness motivates others to love God with all their strength.
The intercession of Jesus on our behalf is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – From First Timothy 2, verses 1 to 3.
“I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-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.”
Yesterday, Gerard Long of Alpha said this prayer on behalf of our nation: Dear God, my fervent prayer is that we would have an environment that is rich for the Gospel. We pray that nothing would hinder the Gospel of Jesus Christ from spreading throughout our nation. What a privilege to live in a country where we are free to worship Your precious name, Amen.
Today (November 06) is Election Day. Many people are going to the polls today to vote for government officials. This freedom is a tremendous privilege and responsibility.
Another freedom that we enjoy is the opportunity to pray.
Pray for wisdom as Americans vote for government officials. Pray for wisdom for the leaders who will be elected. They will have some enormous challenges to face.
Prayer for authority is a vital sign of changed lives in the on Year of Transformation.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
