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I've had the idea of a prayer chain in my head for a long time now. We've actually had a prayer chain going in my family for almost 2 years, and though some weeks go by without me sending an update on email (like it happened yesterday – sorry fam!) we have really seen some results of this consistent seeking of the Savior.
Now I'm looking to build off the MSF idea to put a prayer chain in place around my Squadron and my Commanding Officer. I'm diligently seeking out strong links in this chain to connect and communicate with Christ consistently. I recognize that the chain is only as strong as the weakest link. There's even a line from “The Prince of Egypt" that the father tells his son: “But one weak link can break the chain of a mighty dynasty!" We all know this to be true, but we may not always live like it…
The other part of this post is actually two fold. Remember how Paul says he is an ambassador in chains? There's a compulsion to preach the gospel and being a slave to do so — that's the first one. He also says that he wishes others could be like him – “except for these chains." and in his leter to Timothy he talks about the chains some more – that's the second aspect I'll touch on. Once again I'm going to get spiritual on you, but hopefully not “super spiritual." The idea I want to shed some light on is that there are spiritual chains that bind us to God and that there are also physical chains that bind us to this world.
I really think that the majority of Christians underestimate the physical chains that tie them to this world. For Paul it was prison, but for many people it's pride, possessions, or passions for this planet! Sometimes the trappings of this world are justified as being permissible but they're not always profitable, and they hold us back from what God's perfect plan could contain. We also underestimate the need for spiritual chains that hold us steadfast to the anchor of our souls Jesus Christ. The need for spending quality time with our King, and to speak to each other with songs and hymns and spiritual songs. The Holy Spirit's power that could be unleashed by practicing the daily spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, fasting, studying, and worship.
If you're chained to something, it's difficult to move away from it – especially if the chains are strong and tight. Back in Okinawa we'd get on a ship to sail to places like the Philippines and Thailand, and while we'd sail, the aircraft would need to be chained down (along with everything else that could move with the ship's roll and cause damage.) As a young 1st Lt it was my job a few times a month to go out on the flight deck and check the security of the chains. I was called the “IWO" which stands for Integrity Watch Officer. Perhaps we need to serve as each others integrity watch officers to loose the chains that hold us to the world, and tighten the chains that hold us to Christ! At my current duty station we put helicopters in the back of big airplanes to go longer distances quickly… You better believe we're checking those chains to keep the precious cargo safe and secure until we arrive at our destination! I'm reminded of the birds Jesus says God takes care of, and how He said we are much more precious than many of them – And in spite of the world's value system, I'm sure the Lord would agree with my assessment that your life and mine are much more precious than those helicopters!
I pray that your spiritual chains whether they be prayer chains or the ones that bind you to Jesus would be strengthened, and all the chains this world wants to throw on you would be loosed and broken and that you would forever be free of them! It is for freedom that He has set you free, therefore do not let yourselves be entangled with the chains of slavery to this world! Lay aside every sin and the chains that easily entangle us so that we can run this race with endurance looking unto Jesus, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross despised the shame and is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven! Consider Him who endured unto death, lest you grow weary in doing good! For we know we will reap a harvest if we don't grow faint!
peace,
Adam
Linked verses:
2 Tim 2:9
Ephesians 6:20
1 Cor 9:16
Acts 26:29
Romans 1:1
Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)
Ephesians 5:19
Galatians 5:1
Matthew 10:31
Hebrews 12:1-3 (HCSB)
Galatians 6:9