We’re about to start a new decade. It reminds of how Summit always gives the first of its year to God. 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting is actually a time to give the first of the year, month, week, and day to God—for 21 days. How amazing to also give the first of a new decade. Luke 18:8 says, “I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (NIV).
If it’s the best year of your life spiritually, it’ll be the best year of your life in general. If God looked at your life right now, would he find you faithful? Prayer is a great way for God to find you faithful. God doesn’t want any percentage of you other than 100%. He wants you all in and is looking for faithful people! Are you about to start a New Year’s resolution? Sometimes you convince yourself that you should hold off on a resolution for a better time. But when it comes to God, you can’t do that. Some people want to “try God,” but He wants faithfulness.
Give God the first of what you have, not leftovers. “Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24, ESV). You might think you don’t have enough to give to God, but when you give of your first fruits, God blesses you for it. How can you respond to God in faithfulness? Stop and look at all of the wonderful, great things He has done. If you doubt this, just look at John 3:16! Jesus bled out on the cross (a great cost) for you. If you want to make a list of things God has done, start with that, and you’ll end up with an extensive list!
Lack of prayer is the epitome of selfishness. Your failure to intercede for others means you’re withholding that which would bless them greatly. Prayer is the proof of love, and love is the product of prayer. If you love someone, you’ll pray for them! Intercession is the common denominator of all godly men and women. People in the Bible who turned to prayer include, Abraham, Elijah, Ester, and Paul. Read through their stories to see how prayer was a huge part of their lives. If YOU aspire to do something great for God, dedicate yourself to prayer—it’s so foundational!
The best way to teach your children faithfulness is to teach them gratefulness. “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe…” (Hebrews 12:28, ESV). You don’t have to teach kids selfishness. That comes so naturally! Getting them to be thankful is harder and doesn’t come as naturally. Gratefulness comes from a thankful heart and is seen through worship. Set the example for your children by being faithful, grateful, prayerful, and worshipful.