by Tim Cameron | Jan 27, 2017 | Uncategorized
Day 5 of a week with Francis Frangipane on Prayer
Provoking thoughts on prayer
When it is all said and done, is it possible that this widow in Luke 18 may not have been a singular person but a corporate church—a “widow church”—united in Christ in a singular, desperate prayer for protection from her adversary?
It is our turn to pray. We are the widow who cannot give herself a reason for failure; God will answer our day-and-night cry. Let us position ourselves at His throne. Certainly, He will grant us legal protection in or cities.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for our lack of prayer and for giving ourselves excuses to fail. Lord, we thank You for making us desperate. Help us now to prevail, to attain the “legal protection” You have provided us against the adversary. In Jesus name.
Francis Frangipane
by Tim Cameron | Jan 25, 2017 | Francis Frangipane
Jesus Challenges our Concept of Church Leadership
A week on prayer with Francis Frangipane Day 3
Church history began with her leadership devoted to the Word of God and prayer (Acts 2:32, 6:4). Every day the leaders gathered to pray and minister to the Lord (Acts 3:1). In this clarity of vision and simplicity of purpose, the church of Jesus Christ never had greater power or capacity to make true disciples. These men and women revealed the purity of the kingdom of God.
Today, however, our qualifications for church leadership include almost everything but devotion to God’s word and prayer. Leaders are expected to be organizers, counselors, and individuals with winning personalities whose charms alone can draw people.
In Luke 18, Jesus challenges our modern traditions. He asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” His question is a warning to Christians who would limit the power of God at the end of the age. Jesus is calling us to resist the downward pull of our traditions; He is asking us individually, “Will I find faith in you?”
Before we respond, let us note that Jesus associates faith with “day-and-night” prayer.
