One of the things that makes us different than “Christian” churches is that we seek to grow individually and deliberately. That is, I deliberately intend to grow stronger and more productive for God and His kingdom weekly … and so when I study or pray or work or whatever I do, I’m constantly striving to be a better man next week than I was ever before. We seek to emulate Paul who wrote:
Whatever used to be a big deal to me, those things I have counted as loss for Jesus’ sake. More than that, I consider everything to be trashed in view of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus my Lord, for whom I’ve suffered the loss of everything, and count them but garbage so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in him.
I want to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already become teleios, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Jesus. Brothers, I don’t regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what’s behind and reaching forward to what’s ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Any of us who wants to become teleios, let’s have this attitude. Join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
For many are (without knowing it) enemies of the cross. This is because they worship their desires [what they want] and have their minds set on earthly stuff.
But our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus; who will transform our humblebodies into conformity with the body of His glory.” (Philippians 3:7-21, kpv)
Some people won’t leave some things. They want what they want. Paul wanted to be like Jesus. Peter and his partners “left everything” to follow Jesus (just like Paul). In the process, they were transformed by the renewing of their minds into new men – men who became fishers of men (rescuers).
If we strive to change – we strive to become fishers of men and so to be different than the world, then how can we do this without prayer? How is it even possible without God’s help?
I have attached another prayer for us. When you have finished 21 days of the “love” prayer, then it’s time for 21 days with this prayer. I’ll have more to follow. The key is that each of us needs to be in the habit of praying to improve and grow and serve more.
I said: “The habit” – that’s the habit – the H A B I T … of praying like this. It should become natural to us to have certain prayers we pray as we grow and to make it a regular thing. It helps our minds focus and stay on track, and eventually we’ll be praying several times a day, every day, for the rest of our lives … specific prayers for what we need to improve.
I hope you find this prayer helpful to your growth. It sure has for me!
You see, when we honor God above everything, He is always - ALWAYS faithful to help us grow stronger, more productive and more at peace. May God be praised above all!
THE RE-COMMITMENT PRAYER
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