Day 19

Today's devotion makes me sad. My heart is heavy, and has been for years, for Christians that profess a faith in Jesus, claim Him as Savior but live as though they are dead. Several years ago I attended a Bible study where the author told a story of a death-row inmate that was waiting for his execution date. The inmate began to sweat profusely one day as he saw the guard coming to his cell, the inmate assumed he was coming to tell him the date of his execution. The guard opened the gate and told the inmate that his sentence was no longer death but instead life, he was free to go. The inmate said thanks, but no thanks, he preferred to stay in his cell. The guard reminded him, but you are free. The inmate said, yea, but I'll stay here. If I have told the story in a way that you can understand then you might feel as I do...sad. Christians who have trusted Jesus with his/her eternal position, are not trusting Him for their earthly stay. They continue to stay in bondage, they stay in their cell. Their lives are not changed.

Day 19
The Ministry of Intercessory Pray by Andrew Murray

What to Pray: For the Descent of the Holy Spirit on All Christendom

"Having a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5).

"These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead" (Revelation 3:1).

There are millions of so-called nominal Christians-Christians in name only. They say they are Christians, but they deny the power of God. Their lives are dull and without spiritual vitality. Formality, ritual, performance, worldliness, ungodliness, rejection of service for Christ, ignorance, and indifference all describe this group. We pray for the lost, but do we also pray for those bearing Christ's name who are in worse shape than some who do not claim the name of Christ in any form? If we think much about it, we would say it is a severe problem and an issue that needs a great amount of work and prayer.

How to Pray: In Deep Stillness of Soul

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him" (Psalm 62:1).

Prayer has its power in God alone. The nearer a man comes to God, the deeper he enters into God's will. The more he takes hold of God, the more power he has in prayer. God must reveal Himself. We as mere men must take time to receive this revelation. If it pleases Him to make himself known, He can make the heart and mind very conscious of His presence. Our posture must be that of reverence, of quiet waiting and adoration. As you intercede for all those for whom Christianity is a social pastime, be still before God and know His mind and heart. You will receive the power and understanding that is needed to pray with passion for these who are as lost as the pagan.

Your Own Prayer Request:

~With your journal in hand, be still and quiet before the Lord. The friend or family member that is on your heart and in your mind needs your prayers, write the name in your journal with today's date. Pray that hearts will be softened to God's love for her/him. Ask to understand His heart and His mind for this person and pray with passion for his/her faith in Christ to come alive.


"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Michelle Klisares