Want some?

At Bellwood we are concluding our series on the letter to the Ephesians. Paul saved the best part for last. He concludes by encouraging believers to always put on the armor of God - and closes with a reminder to always pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. He says to stay alert and be persistent in prayer for all believers. And then he asks them to pray for him.

He doesn't ask that his situation be changed. Instead he asks for boldness to be able to continue preaching the gospel while still in chains! If it were me, I probably would have asked for prayer to be released from prison, but he asks for boldness to continue on right where he is.

All of us find ourselves (at one time or another) in situations that we want God to change. And it's OK to ask God to change them. He certainly can, but what if (sometimes) God would rather have us pray for boldness? It's much easier to go around the valley, but sometimes God wants us to walk boldly THROUGH the valley. Psalm 23 reminds us that He is with us.

This Sunday at Bellwood we will have a special time of prayer. Anyone who would like to come forward after the message will be able to have myself or one of the Elders pray over you. We will ask God to fit you with His armor so you are able to stand firm in the battle. We will pray that God will grant you boldness to persevere in whatever situation you find yourself.

Folks, we have access to the greatest power in the universe. It is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. All we have to do is ask for it - and that's what we are going to do. Be there this Sunday if you want some!