Contending for the faith (Part 2)

If God is sovereign (and He is), then why are we instructed to pray “Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10)? Part of this is encapsulated in the saying “Without God man cannot, without man God will not!” So for example “Without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). On the other hand, Philippians 2:12, 13 makes it very clear that we have a strong part to play before God will change our desires and give us the wherewithal to do what He calls us to do. The above saying is not completely true however, since God can certainly do what he likes! But as the prayer makes clear, God is inviting, even commanding, our partnership with Him in contending for the Kingdom.

And God has been drawing my attention to the need to pray this prayer. I am thinking about the epidemic of drug use and pornography both inside and outside the church. I am thinking about the inroads ungodly philosophies are making into our culture. I am thinking about the need for the Lord to bring our land back to its Judeo-Christian roots. I am thinking about the need for us, the people of God, to do our part in the premise of the promise that God will heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

First and foremost we in the Church need to wake up, we need to humble ourselves and pray. Ancient Israel is our example, as over and over when they got into deep trouble, they cried out to the Lord, He heard them in their distress (Psalm 107:6, 13, 19 etc.). We need to humble ourselves, climb down from the high horse of thinking that we, and we only, have it right! We need to turn from our wicked ways as so much of the world has infiltrated the church, we need rend our hearts (Joel 2:13), we need to repent of our lac of love for those who are different. We need to call a solemn assembly and weep and travail before the Lord (Joel 2:15). We need to answer a resounding "Yes as for me and my house," to His question of will He find faith on the earth when He comes (Luke 18:8).

Father, I want to thank You for stirring my heart this morning, I am however, feeling very small as I hear what You are saying to me and to those reading these posts. And once again I have much sympathy for those who fear that if they commit to You, they will not be able to live up to that commitment. Lord this morning, and every morning, I come to You and I say here I am, use me. But Lord I desperately need Your help to do my part faithfully and consistently. Thank You for Your mercy and grace when (not if) I fail. Thank You for Your love, and the assurance that I am accepted in the beloved in spite of my weaknesses (Ephesians 1:6). Father, let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven in Jesus Name Amen