What is the most under-utilized spiritual weapon that we have available to us, ?

Published: Mon, 08/16/21

Hello ,

Maybe you've had an opportunity to see this picture of someone looking up through the water, at Jesus reaching down towards them. It's one of my favorites because it says volumes about the way that Christ cares about us, and is always there to help us.

Christians have an amazing weapon at their disposal for dealing with the struggles and challenges that we all face on a daily basis; and yet, many don't utilize it.

You will probably recall the story of Jesus Christ walking on water. This story can be found in Matthew 14, beginning at verse 25, and onward. You can access that passage here.

A short version of the story is simply this:

1. Jesus was walking on the sea towards His disciples who were in a boat, during storm.

2. The disciples (at first), thought it was a ghost, but then realized that it was Jesus.

3. Peter asked Jesus if he could walk on water as well. Jesus invited him to get out of the boat and come to Him.

4. Peter climbed out of the boat and began walking on water (just like Jesus).

5. Peter took his eyes off Jesus, and began looking at the storm that was around him, and began to be afraid. When this happened, he began to sink in the water.

I like to think of the picture that I have included in this note, as a view from where Peter was, AFTER he took his eyes off of Jesus and began sinking beneath the waves.

Prior to this event of Jesus reaching to him, Peter had called out, "Lord, save me!" It is this plea from Peter that I believe should be the heart's cry of every God-follower, when the waves of life come rolling in.

"Lord, save me!"

The real challenge of so many Christians, is that they try to do for themselves, that which they can never do. I have so many regrets, of when I attempted to slog through issues that I was experiencing on my own. I could have sought out divine help, but I thought I could make it it on my own. What a huge error in judgment on my part!

George Muller

"I desire many things concerning myself; but I desire nothing so much, as to have a heart filled with love to the Lord. I long for a warm personal attachment to Him." George Muller

George Muller was a man of great prayer, and even a cursory glance into his life is an amazing study of what divine-reliance, and heavenly friendship might look like. Take a few moments (when you have time), and examine George Muller's experience. It's a fascinating peek into what an intimate prayer life can look like.

How is your prayer life?

That's not a question that you should answer to me, but one of self-reflection, and spiritual honesty that I would encourage you to ask of yourself.

If our prayer-life is a struggle, what holds us back?

We live in such a busy world, that almost anything can hamper a solid prayer life with our Heavenly Father. If you are challenged with carving out time to spend in prayer to your Creator, you are not alone. I have spoken with so many people over the years, and we all can have struggles in this area of our lives. The daily "grind" can often take our attention away from fostering a relationship with the Almighty.

If you struggle, may I give you a tip that has helped so many people who are also challenged with keeping a vibrant prayer-life?

A number of prayer-warriors that I have met over the years have told me that one of the greatest exercises that they ever instituted on their spiritual journey, was in keeping a daily prayer journal.

Prayer Journal Basics:

1. Get an empty notebook that is completely dedicated to writing matters of reflection and prayer that you want to keep before you. Feel free and encouraged to keep this journal completely private. This is a record of your daily conversations / reflections with God.

2. Begin with writing in the date of your entry.

3. Look for a verse of scripture that can best sum up what you're experiencing that day, and write it down. (This will be important later on, as you reflect back on your prayer journey).

4. Write at least one thing that you are truly thankful for on the day of your entry. Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting to ask God for the things that we need (or think that we need), that we forget to thank Him for the things that we already have.

5. Share a burden on your heart that may have you feeling anxious. You won't bore your Heavenly Father. He longs to have you reach out to Him, and share what is burdening your heart.

6. Write down a prayer request from a friend for reflection and remembering in the days ahead.

7. Explain any answer to prayer that you may have experienced in your life since your last entry. Often, we forget how God has led us in the past, when we are experiencing a challenge in the moment. Reflecting on the many ways that God has led us is a wonderful method for increasing our faith in the moment.

Each person's approach to a prayer journal is uniquely theirs, and the list I just gave you is only for giving you possible ideas. Those that I have spoken with over the years, have found "prayer-journaling" to be a wonderful way to feel more connected and "in-tune" with God, through prayer.

I've created a couple of Prayer Journals for anyone that wants to have a dedicated book with empty pages that they can fill out. Each book has 112 pages, fits well on a bookshelf, or night-stand, and can be used effectively to encourage a daily record of communication with God.

I've designed these without any "bells and whistles," so that anyone can keep a daily log in this area of their spiritual walk.

Simply click on the book cover, to link to either of these journals.

Whether you use either of these prayer journals, or you simply keep a record in an empty notebook, I want to encourage you in your prayer journey with your Creator. Prayer is an amazing weapon, and can bring us great peace and comfort in our everyday lives.

"...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

If you have any prayer requests that you would like for me to lift up on your behalf, please shoot me an email. I would be happy to pause what I am doing, and pray for your concerns.

Let me encourage you to never, ever stop praying. God loves you, ! If there's anything that I can do to encourage your prayer life, please let me know.

Warmest Regards,

Pastor Mike / The Open Word