Unserious Christians - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) July 15, 2025

Take a look at this man. What do you think He's doing?

For those who don't know, let me explain. That man is calling on the gods he believes in to do... something. He's at a soccer game at the 2024 African Cup of Nations, to be specific. He might be praying for his favorite team to win or for the opposing team to lose. He could also want a particular player to perform well or another to perform poorly. He might also be doing all of these at once.

Look at the concentration on his face. Does he look like he's fooling around? He likely made certain sacrifices before coming to the game. He might have killed some animals, slept in a graveyard, or done something even more heinous, as commanded by the gods he believes in. I'm almost certain that man did everything he was required to do before coming to the stadium for the match. And as you can see, the requirements weren't over. Here he is, in public, waving the tools of his 'faith' because he is committed to his cause and willing to do what it takes to have what he wants.

Dear believer, when was the last time you showed such dedication and zeal for the things of God? I'm not talking about going to a Christian music concert. Nor am I talking about going to a Bible convention. I'm not even referring to going to church and giving tithes and offerings. When last did you zone in on the Lord and what He desires for you to do?

We've previously learned that we need to give God what He wants to get what we want. Are you taking this seriously? Are you making time to fast and pray? Are you being intentional in giving God your praise and thanksgiving? Do you fellowship with the brethren? Are you making choices and acting in a way that reflects your role as an ambassador of God's kingdom? Are you studying your Bible consistently? How about intercession? When last did you make an effort to help the needy in your community? When was the last time you genuinely encouraged others and shared God's word with them?

As believers, we can't afford to be lax in our dealings with the King of kings. We can't ignore that there is a protocol for entering His presence. Psalm 100:4 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. We can't ignore what He's told us to do and live as we want, unrestrained by His expectations. Everywhere we look, the followers of satan actively serve their false god. Look around you, and you will see they are no longer covert. They boldly assert themselves and their evil deeds. Meanwhile, those who claim to be God's children cower, afraid to mention 'Jesus' because they worry they'll offend somebody.

We wouldn't be worried if we were faithful in the secret place. If we were regularly doing the things mentioned above, then we'd hear from the Lord as to where to go and what to do to have an impact for the Kingdom of Heaven. And God Himself would back us up each time. Instead, the thought of fasting, praise and worship (that focuses on God and not how we feel), and tarrying in prayer frightens and frustrates many Christians. Far too few believers know how to apply Kingdom Keys and end up being powerless against a real and present enemy. The man above likely spent time doing what was necessary to honor the god(s) he serves, which is why he could attend that game and practice his beliefs in plain view. I assure you, nobody stopped him, and people were likely too scared to interfere.

This message is as much for me, the writer, as it is for you, the reader. We all think we're doing enough, but there is room to improve. God deserves more of our time, and we have it to give. Think about how much time we spend doing the things we enjoy. If we cut a few minutes from that and dedicate them to the Lord, we'd all spiritually bulk up and be more effective for God's purposes. And we would come to enjoy it. May He help us to get better at using more of our time for Him and doing what was necessary to honor the god(s) he serves, which is why he could attend that game and practice his beliefs in plain view. I assure you, nobody stopped him.

This message is as much for me, the writer, as it is for you, the reader. We all think we're doing enough, but there is room to improve. God deserves more of our time, and we have it to give. Think about how much time we spend doing the things we enjoy. If we cut a few minutes from that and dedicate them to the Lord, we'd all spiritually bulk up and be more effective for God's purposes. And we would come to enjoy it. May He help us to get better at using more of our time for Him and doing what pleases Him with zeal so we will not be unserious Christians, IJMN, Amen.

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