No Masking the Importance

In times of injustice, sickness, turmoil, and fear, where should we turn? Why should we turn there?

Here are some instructions we should heed from Paul:

1 Thessalonians 5:17-22: Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (ESV)

1 Timothy 2:1,8: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people...I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling (ESV)

Galatians 6:9: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (ESV)

Romans 12:9-12: Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (ESV)

Colossians 4:2: Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (ESV)

Here are some promises we should recall from others:

James 5:16: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (ESV)

1 John 5:14: And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (ESV)

2 Chronicles 7:14: if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (ESV)

Here is wisdom we should follow every day from Jesus:

Matthew 6:5-13: And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites... And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases... Pray then like this:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, Forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Lead us not into temptation, Deliver us from evil.

God help us to hear what You want for us, as individuals and families, as the Lake Wales community, as a nation and world. God help us all have a more sensitive heart for other people (who are also people you love).

God grant us Your wisdom, and Your heart for others, every day. May we all become more aware of our own sin, and seek genuine repentance.

Christian Ponder has been a resident of Lake Wales since 2001. He enjoys living in Lake Wales with his wife and two children.