England

LYDIA FELLOWSHIP ENGLAND

“Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”

1 Peter 1:13.

“It was the best of times and the worst of times.” (Charles Dickens) This is the situation in which we find ourselves as intercessors. 1 Peter 1:13 that because the end of all things is near that we need to be clear minded and self controlled –why – so that we can pray!

We need to be focused and ready for action. There is a sense of urgency that calls for self discipline and holiness. There is a sound of polishing of armour and of it being put together with precision and care. There is a rallying of troops in reply to the clear sound of the trumpet. Everything else is put aside so that the Commander’s instructions are followed to the letter. This is battle time and a realisation of the culmination of training and commitment to the call.

It is the best of times because this is the opportunity to stand alongside our Master and follow His leading. To be part of the fulfilment of prophecies and seeing them unfold in our lifetime is something that many longed to see. To be called as intercessors in this generation is a privilege and a joy.

It is the worst of times because there will be casualties and those who are caught up in the cross-fire of the enemy, as he sees his time running out, will be hard to bear. His deception and confusion like the spirit of leviathan is spreading throughout the nations. His ultimate goal is to destroy Israel and to incite the nations to come against her. Each of us has a responsibility to allow the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and to receive the cleansing of the precious blood of Jesus in order that the enemy has no foothold in our lives. As we do ‘Whatever He tells us’ then we are able to be victorious however fierce the battle.

Our text concludes with ‘Above all love each other deeply’. This is not an option but a deliberate act of will. In a military unit there is a bond between the men and women that is second to none because each knows that their lives are dependant on each other for survival. This is what Peter was meaning when he said ‘Love each other deeply.’ This is not superficial love but sacrificial love. There should be a love between us that brings unity – in honour preferring one another. Do we recognise the times the enemy would use our self importance to cause division and disunity?

 We should use the gifts God has given us to serve one another. In fact our very survival as individuals and as intercessors is dependant on this love and unity. God has given us something very precious as intercessors and we must guard it for the sake of our call and commitment to Him.

He clearly told us that ‘He would purify the lips of the people that all of them may call upon the Name of the Lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.’ (Zeph 3:9)

 This is still our call as we live in these perilous days to stand together, clear minded, self controlled so that we can pray and above all to love each other deeply.

May it be said of us that we are those ‘who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.’

Lydia England Coordinator