Continue Steadfastly

July 1, 2021

Continue Steadfastly

Dear Faithful Prayer Warriors,

  Thank you to all who have stepped forward during this summer’s matching gift challenge! We are nearly at our financial goal, and I have been greatly encouraged. Your giving allows this ministry to remain strong, and I am joyful.

  In this joy, though, my heart is heavy. Over our nearly 20 years in ministry, God has often made clear the call for His people to pray. I have learned to watch, listen, and pray, then wait on Him to reveal His reasons. Today, it seems, is once again one of those times.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

  In response to my last letter, I received many thanks, but also heard many who are concerned about the direction our nation appears to be headed. Some are troubled by the purposes and agendas within politics, especially when coupled with the news from Washington telling us of policy changes, vast spending programs, new regulations or rulings, and legislation that appears to directly go against the Word of God. This isn’t new to America or even new to the people of God. In some respects, we are seeing the historical trend that Isaiah warned against: People who “call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). This breaks my heart—but more, it wounds the heart of God.

  But don’t grow weary or stop praying! Our Heavenly Father has continued to impress upon me that He is not done and we must remain steadfast and stand firm and trust His light to overcome the darkness. Prayer is needed right now as lines are being drawn and the field of battle prepared. This is a contest for the heart and soul of America and for each one of us!

  Let us turn to Scripture and read His words. In 1 John 1:5, we read, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Several years ago, we asked you to focus on praying for God to reveal secrets and shine His light in the dark corners of our nation’s capital. We prayed that God would touch our nation’s government and leaders and that many things once hidden would be clearly seen. Those prayers are continuing to be answered in His time.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

  In 1 Timothy 2, God asks us to PRAY FIRST for one another. Each day I thank God and pray for you! He then asks that we intercede for those who are in high positions over us, and we encourage this every day—particularly today. He continues by saying that doing this will benefit your life, which I have seen happen first-hand. And finally, in verse 3, we are told it is good to pray because it pleases God.

  So, it is again with urgency that I am asking every follower of Jesus Christ, as part of His Body of believers, to pray. He has placed you and me on the front lines. As you watch and listen, pray that He will make clear what is being blurred, pray for those who stand beside you for truth and for what is right, pray for wisdom to act in accordance with the Word of God, and pray for those who are in places of authority as they contend for the sanctity of life and for our religious freedoms.

  Remain steadfast in prayer and reading the Word of God.

  I stand beside you.

Jim Bolthouse
President

  P.S. The IPrayRadio celebration has begun as we head into the Independence Day weekend. Listen along to patriotic and inspirational music, specially curated for you, now through July 4th. And, if you have not had a chance yet, your generous gift can still be matched to DOUBLE your impact for prayer in America.

Listen to IPrayRadio Give Now