Tuesday 6 August 2013

Read: James 5:15–16, Luke 5:17–26

Have you ever been so sick that you're just unable to do anything? You might not even be able to get out of bed. You might not even be able to stomach food. You're so sick that you just don't have the energy to do anything at all. That's what happens when you're sick, you’re tired and lack any strength because your body diverts all its efforts to fighting off your illness.

 

Sin is a cancer. It strips us of spiritual strength and drains away at the source of our spiritual strength—that is, our relationship with God. Just as illness strips us of the strength we need to function, sin strips us of the strength we need to be truly human. It robs us of our life source, our relationship with God.

DO NOT underestimate the effects of sin. It was such a critical issue when the paralysed man is brought to Jesus His greatest priority is to deal with the sins of the paralysed man, it is only in response to the Pharisees that Jesus heals him of his paralysis. Physical healing is amazing and so many want it, but the cancer of sin requires greater priority. Where the physical pains will pass away, our spiritual pains will not if we do not deal with them today.

 

The forgiveness of sin, the confessing prayer of sin, is our antidote, our righteousness given to us through the blood of Jesus Christ. The great power of faith and prayer is then released, enabling great things to be accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ. Truly effective prayer only comes when sin is dealt a blow.

 

There is a dangerous lie I want to warn against: healing will come after the confession of sins. In certain parts of the church, if a person is not healed, it is because they think they have unconfessed sin. This isn't what James or any part of Scripture promises. The promise of complete healing only finds fulfilment in Revelation (Revelation 21:4); any act of healing in this age is so that the work and glory of God might be revealed to people today (John 9:1–7).

 

The point, however, still remains; sin robs us of the fullness of our humanity—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—and of the fullness of our relationship with God. If we desire to be effective in prayer, our sin must be confessed. We can be confident in God’s promise that if we confess our sins, God will forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9).

 

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

 

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

¥ Spend some time today in confession of your sins before God. Praise God for His forgiveness and grace through the blood of Christ which covers all our sin. Pray that God would grow in your heart a desire and a passion for holiness which is greater than any desire for sin. Pray that He would strengthen you as you seek to live a holy life.

¥ Pray for all the mothers in your church. Pray that God would encourage them as they seek to raise their children to love and follow Him. Pray that they would find their identity, their rest and their strength in Him. Pray that God would give them wisdom in their parenting and help them to demonstrate His grace to their children.

 

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. How do you understand praying constantly? Share among one another and brainstorm practical ideas and suggestions about how you can be praying constantly.

2. How do you understand joy in the midst of difficulty, suffering, and pain? Discuss what it means to find joy in the midst of these circumstances.