n previous lessons we have discussed the usefulness of, and need for prayer. We have seen prayer as our solemn duty to God, to ourselves and to others. It is the avenue by which we praise and give thanks to our Creator, petition Him for our own needs, and entreat Him on behalf of others. However, if we are to take full advantage of the power of prayer, we must realize the urgency of spending a great deal of time talking to God. We must make our petitions often, leaning heavily on His shoulder for the help we all need in this life.

e are instructed to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). On the surface, one might think this is a rather extreme request to make of someone. After all, it seems that there is no possible way that we could spend all of our time praying, since there are other duties that demand our attention. Paul was probably not speaking “of what is not interrupted, but of that which is constantly recurring” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 179). “Importunity” is the persistence with which we may approach a loving God (Matt. 15:22-28; Gen. 18:23-32). It is also an indication of our confidence that God will not renege on His promise to grant our petitions. But we ought always to remember that He will respond to our tenacity according to that which He, in His omniscience, deems appropriate.

e should never permit uncertainty, anxiety, skepticism, or depression to stop us from praying (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8). Neither should we find fault with God when our requests are not granted without delay. And we should reject any suggestion of failure on God’s part. Rather, we should remember that He bears long with us according to His eternal purpose and manifold wisdom, and that any delay gives us another opportunity to examine our petition. If we find that we have been asking for something which is not in harmony with God’s revealed will, we should realize that it will not be given and stop asking for it. On the other hand, if we discover that the request is compatible with what He has revealed, we should continue making the request until it is granted or until we have learned to live without it. But we can be sure that He has a good reason for not having bestowed it.

either should we allow civil authorities to deter us from praying (Dan. 6:4-11). If and when political oppression comes we should not cease praying but pray all the more, chiefly “for kings, and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Tim. 2:2). &

I AM RESOLVED...
By Kenneth E. Thomas

ftentimes people will determine that in the New Year ahead, they intend to do better in many areas of their lives. Therefore we make our “New Year’s Resolutions.” Some have done this in the past and since they often fail to measure up to the resolves they’ve made, rather than determine to do better, they stop making resolutions.  While we should not make outlandish and unachievable resolutions, nevertheless I believe it is a good thing to make some reasonable resolutions and then rely on Christ’s assistance, rather than relying solely on ourselves and our own strengths, to live up to our resolutions. Let us say with the apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil. 4:13).

We Must Depend On God’s Providential Assistance
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

rust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not upon thine own understanding (human wisdom ket). In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”  In Prov. 15:32, the wise man wrote: “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”  So, a part of how we may be more capable of keeping any resolutions we may make, is to always be open to, and heed any Scriptural admonitions or reproofs which are directed our way.

his lesson will direct a few admonitions our way which if heeded will assist us in being the kind of person we wanted to be last year but perhaps fell somewhat short of, and will, if  heeded ,assist us in being the person we want to be and the person with whom Christ is well pleased in the year 2005.

I AM RESOLVED:

1). To put Christ and the kingdom first in my life: (Matt. 6:19-34). This will play out in the following ways and many others each day of my life.

2). I will prayerfully study and meditate on Christ’s word every day (2Tim. 2:15; 2Tim. 3:14-15; Psalm 1; Phil. 4:5-9).

3). I will make it my aim each day to talk with someone about Jesus and His gospel (Acts 8:1-4; 2Tim. 2:1-2; Heb. 5:12-14).  There are many ways or methods by which this may be achieved. 1). A personal invitation to our services. 2). Give a teaching tract to someone. 3). Make that phone call. 4). Write a short letter expressing your spiritual concerns to someone you know.

4). My lifestyle will always be such as to glorify my heavenly Father in: (1). the way I speak. (Col. 4:6; Matt. 12:35-37; (2). How I dress. (1Tim. 2:9-10; (3). By my habits. (4). By the “light of my life” (Matt. 5:13-16).

5). I will be the kind of Husband-Father-Son-Daughter-Friend- Fellow Christian-Older woman-Young woman Christ’s word says I should be. A). Husband: (Eph. 5:25-29; 1Peter 3:7). B). Father: (Eph. 6:4). Needed fathers who will truly be fathers! C). Son-Daughter: (Matt. 15:4-6; Eph. 6:1-3). D). Friend: Can your friends depend on you? “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24).  Are you a “true blue friend?” Or are you what has been called “a fair weather friend?” E). Worker-Older women-Younger women-Young Men-Preachers: (Titus 2:1-9). F). More about Wives: (Eph. 5:22-24; 1Peter 3:1-6).

6). Strive to be a more productive member of this local congregation: (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Cor. 12:13-27; 1Thess. 5:11-15). This will require among other things that I make every possible assembly for Bible study and preaching services (Acts 20:6-7; Heb. 10:23-39).

7). Alien sinners: You should resolve to “obey the gospel” of Christ. Let your reciprocal love for the Lord lead you to come to Him in humble compliance to His Great Commission and His humble invitation (Mark 16:15-16; Matt. 11:28-30). If you truly believe Him to be God’s only begotten Son; if you are willing to turn from sin and or error in repentance; if you will confess Him before men; only one thing stands between you and the washing away of all past sins, that’s baptism into Christ and into the one body for the remission of your sins. For those who refuse notice what Paul wrote in (2Thess. 1:6-9).

8). Backsliders: Return to your former relationship with the Lord and determine that 2005 will be your most productive year in His service. This requires you to repent, confess, and to pray for the Lord to forgive you and cleanse you in His precious blood. (1John 1:6-7-9; Acts 8:22). &