A Nugget from New Life Network

(excerpts by Dr. Larry Ollison)

Scriptures for the Day (April 15, 2016)

Can two walk together, unless they be agreed? (Amos 3:3)

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

As Christians, we need to be in agreement. We must be in agreement with God, with the Word, and with each other.

In Matthew 18:19, Jesus said, “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” There is power in agreement and according to Jesus, if we ask God the Father concerning anything, it will be done. Now, I know that when we read God’s Word we must take the sum of the Scriptures in balance. And here’s what I mean.

If your child has a messy room, you could say this: “If you clean up your room, I will be pleased. And then, if you want to go to the park to play, all you have to do is ask me and I will take you.” Does this mean that you will take the child to the park if he or she asks? Yes, of course you will. You gave your word — but only if the child does what you ask. The child must clean the room first. If this child asks to go to the park and you go to the room and find it messy, you will not be pleased and the trip is off. Only when the conditions are met will you do what you said you would do.

This is the way it is with God. He has filled His Word full of promises. These promises are for you and for me. He has given us hope and confidence that He will meet our needs. However, we cannot forget the conditions and requirements.

Now, I know that we are living in a time of grace and that we do not deserve the salvation that has been given to us. But, even though salvation is a free gift, we must still meet certain requirements. Is salvation and everlasting life for everyone? Yes! But, will everyone be saved and have everlasting life? No, because there are requirements. We must believe in our hearts and we must confess with our mouths (Romans 10:9).

This is the way the entire Word of God works. So when we read Matthew 18:19 about two of us agreeing on anything we ask and then it will be done by God, we must know that Jesus also made this promise conditional, and the main condition is agreement.

The account of Jesus praying for the 12 year old daughter of Jairus, ruler of a synagogue, in Mark 5:37-42 is a prime example of agreement. The daughter had died and the mourners laughed at Jesus when he came and said she was not dead but just asleep. Jesus removed all the laughers and scorners (ones not in agreement) from the room. He kept Peter, James and John plus the mother and father. Then, and only then, did he pray for the daughter. The result, the daughter was brought back to life!

Even Jesus was adversely effected by the lack of agreement! Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. (Mark 6:4-6, NIV)

Satan does not want us to agree with each other. First of all, he knows that when we as Christians do not agree with the Word of God, it leaves us without faith and when we don’t agree with each other, it leads to division in the church. If Satan can get Christians to disagree, then he has weakened the prayer power of the entire church. Satan also knows that agreement with God and each other multiplies our overall power. Five can chase a hundred but a hundred can chase ten thousand. (Leviticus 26:7-9)

God wants us in agreement and powerful. Satan wants us divided and powerless. So, let’s agree! Let’s agree with the Word of God and walk in the power of agreement so our prayers will become powerful and effectual.

And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you. (Leviticus 26:7-9)

 

 

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