Presenting the Gospel to Both the Goats and the Sheep

FATHER, Christianity will always be perceived negatively to the general population. No one walks into a church or crusade without an initial drawing from You. No one seeks You on their own (Ps 14:1-3) so any words ____ speaks about You in public will fall on the ears of those who are naturally prejudiced against Christianity. “The once born never understand the twice-born…” (ref#103, p40).

At best, (his/her) words will be foolishness to them. It is just as hard to witness in the middle of a Muslim nation as it is in a western country. FATHER, unless You change hearts ____’s words will be met with hostility.

CHRIST’s words divided the crowds. To His sheep (the ones who listened), His words brought a softness and an intrigue; but to the goats (the self-righteous and independent) His words spurred violence toward Him.

____’s mission field that You have given (him/her) are the ones whose road leads to hell and they don’t know it. Mobilize (him/her) for truth-speaking that will blast people off the destructive road. FATHER, make ____’s words like fire—like a hammer that breaks rock into pieces (Jer 23:29). Drive ____ to speak so truthfully that immediately (he/she) will be able to recognize the sheep from the goats.

Seeing JESUS

FATHER, grant ____ a vision of the suffering CHRIST. Help (him/her) see all the actions of CHRIST—from His willingness to leave heaven, to His earthly life of suffering, to His triumph over evil. Remind ____ about CHRIST’s reliance on the HOLY SPIRIT and not His born-with abilities (Isa 11:2-3).

Help ____ contemplate the joy CHRIST had ascending into heaven to send the SPIRIT to earth (John 16:7). Fill ____ with thoughts of CHRIST’s earthly actions that gave Him the opportunity to live in the SPIRIT.

FATHER, guide ____ to perceive the love JESUS has for (him/her). Guide (him/her) to perceive the great ability and willingness JESUS has to take (him/her) through this affliction as well as all coming afflictions.

CHRIST, impress Your love on ____ so strongly that (his/her) affliction grows strangely dim. May Your great love and sacrifice for (him/her) make (him/her) ashamed to even think of (his/her) momentary affliction. Make it possible for ____ to comprehend and feel Your great love. Stay ____’s mind on You (Isa 26:3).

Two Natures

FATHER, Your SPIRIT is teaching me to understand myself. This makes me responsible for how I conduct my life. So, let me warn myself about the battle that starts in my mind.

Since the SPIRIT resides in me, I admire righteousness. This admiration comes from the new nature You have given me. But my old unrighteous nature still has the ability to influence my mind—thus the battle.

My mind is in the habit of accepting input from my “flesh”—which is sense and reason without the HOLY SPIRIT. Thus my old nature gladly takes up the challenge to become righteous. This “flesh,” with its carnal thoughts and purposes, cannot please or satisfy You or ever be acceptable to You because it is obsessed with self (Rom 8:6-8). My mind is not renewed so as to change my conduct if I just try hard to act righteous (ref#33, p110).

Therefore, let me warn myself about my “flesh:” “…flesh not only can produce sin but can also perform good” (ref#33, p110). I can read and preach the Bible, hear and believe the Scriptures in the strength of my flesh and not depend at all on the HOLY SPIRIT Who guides my new nature (ref#33, p113). I can serve You over-zealously like the Pharisees all with my natural strength.

“That which is born of flesh…is flesh, and can never be ‘unfleshed.’ Whether it be the flesh in the pulpit…the flesh in prayers…the flesh in reading the Bible, the flesh in singing hymns, or the flesh in doing good—none of these…can avail…” (ref#33, p119)

My flesh will try to establish another righteousness outside of CHRIST. Flesh left to itself will lead me down Israel’s path—pursuing righteousness based on works (my doings) and not faith (Rom 9:32).

Because I attempt to follow You in faith, I know that You have gifted me with a new nature that is opposite my unrighteous, fleshly nature. I do not want to walk in the natural, easy ways of my flesh, but desire to follow You in the newness of life that You give. Keep me aware of these two natures within me

and provide strength so my actions are in keeping with my new nature.

I make a decisive dedication of my members and faculties to be devoted and well-pleasing to You. Therefore, I determine, with Your SPIRIT’s help, to put to death by neglect my natural thinking.