Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV)
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Many years ago, I attended a men’s Bible study held at a local restaurant. The owner was a devout Christian who wanted to do his part in leading people to Christ so he opened his restaurant at 6:30 in the morning so we could meet. His name was Jack and he was an amazing man. He opened the meeting with joke and then he would ask for prayer joys and concerns. He never wrote any of them down but touched upon each item during his prayer time. It was a special time for me and taught me how to pray. With Jack, it was just a chat with God. Wow! You mean I could talk to God?
There were men of all ages there. There were fathers who brought their sons. Some had grandchildren there. One of the older men, Lief, had a long spiritual journey and used his knowledge and experience to encourage those newer to the faith. I was new to my faith then. Lief suggested we all have a Life verse; a verse to which we could turn when we face a challenge that would remind us of God’s care and concern for us. Something that could strengthen us in our faith. My first Life Verse was Matthew 12:34b “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” I rembered that good should come out of my mouth. Whatever came out was a reflection of what was contained within me. I wanted to be good from the inside out and follow my new found Savior.
Later, I discovered that I could have more than one Life Verse. As I read through the Bible, another verse spoke to me. I have chosen Ephesians 6:19 which reads “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,”. It opens a new phase of my life. I came to understand that God, by His Holy Spirit could and would speak through me if I am open to His lead. Now, I am open! When in a conversation, I pause to allow the Spirit to speak through me. So pray for me also, that the Spirit will continue to speak to me and through me in these daily devotionals. Pray that I continue to share the Good News. Pray that the words given me are the words you need to hear. The words I need to hear! When I write these things, I read them for myself. God speaks to me so I can speak to you. Please ask Him to continue.
Lord, thank You that You speak to me. Help me to be quiet and listen. Your word is everything to me. Give me the words You want to say to those to whom I speak and write. May Your words bless all who read. In Your name I pray!