Stand Together
Opening night for War Room this past Friday night was full of laughter, clapping, shouts of amen, and tears of joy. War Room was the #1 new movie in theaters this past weekend. There have been countless stories of marriages being restored, prayer breaking out in theaters, and 61 people have put their faith and hope in Christ. Seeing theaters sold out across the country and believers gathered together to see this was absolutely incredible. It’s a must-see movie and very well done!
I believe there is a movement uprising for God’s people to take a stand and we are seeing it happen even now! From all the horrible news and evil people around us, it’s hard to believe there are still good people. There are sons killing fathers, violence breaking out in cities, and injustice taking place. Yes, the world may be getting darker but we have the opportunity to shine even brighter and stand together—stronger than ever before.
In the latest issue of Charisma magazine, Joyce Meyer says, “To be transformed means you are changed entirely from the inside out. When a person becomes a born-again Christian, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, and He works in us—transforming our mind, will and emotions—so we become more like Jesus day by day.”
It is our responsibility as believers to love others and live holy. So many Christians today only give part of their heart to God. They ignore the Holy Spirit convicting them about something in their life they are called to change. Following Christ isn’t a one-time decision and call it a good type of thing. Truly following Christ is a life transformation.
“He is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Take Up Your Cross
Every believer, who is brand new or who have been following Christ their whole life have to make a decision every day to take up their cross. What does this mean? In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” This means becoming less self-centered and more loving. When we give God control of every area of our life, there is no room for our old selfish ways and habits. You’re either all in or you’re all out. Don’t be a lukewarm Christian.
When hard times hit many people give up or feel lost. We don’t because we know God is in control and we can go to Him in prayer. God is omnipotent which means all-powerful. His power is infinite. God is omnipresent which means all-present. His divine presence encompasses the whole of the universe. God is omniscience which means all-knowing. God is aware of the past, present, and future.
It’s time to start living in victory instead of defeat.
As believers, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in powerful prayers to receive strength and wisdom from God. This is a powerful tool that many do not access. Can you imagine what God can do in and through us if we commit to prayer? Nothing is impossible with God. People are hurting more than ever before and looking for answers. It’s time to go to God in prayer and let Him do what only He can do. Alex Kendrick, Director, and Writer of War Room, said this about prayer: “If we return to prayer passionately and actively, really seeking the Lord, and we’re right with the Lord and right with each other, God can do amazing things in our lives.”
If people around you are doing things that don’t line up with the Word of God, I urge you to take a stand for you and your family to not do as they do. We don’t follow fads, we follow the Bible. We won’t do as most unbelievers do because that wouldn’t make us any different. You can see below the differences between those who follow their flesh and those who bear the fruit of the spirit. We will be known by our fruits.
Flesh – Galatians 5:19-21 says, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians says, 5:22-25 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
I challenge you to join me and fight in prayer for God to come into our circumstances and do what only He can do. If you aren’t right with God, I urge to search your heart and get rid of whatever is holding you back. Ask God for His forgiveness and mercy to wash you clean and guide you in every area of your life. We aren’t promised tomorrow and don’t know what the future holds. In fact, Charisma magazine along with others have shown how close we are to the end times. Some believe it could start happening sometime between this current month and September 2016. The Bible makes it clear that no one knows the exact time it will happen though. Regardless, are you ready if today was your last?
A Prayer Inspired by War Room
Lord, we need an army of believers who aren’t afraid to take a stand. Raise up warriors who are willing to fight for You on their knees in prayer. Unite us together Lord and let your light shine through us. Raise them up Lord, raise them up! In Jesus’ Holy name, Amen.
