It's incredible! True Christians are linked with God in a unique relationship. When God calls us, He begins to dramatically intervene in our lives, showing us our purpose and leading us to fulfill that purpose. And now, as part of the special relationship we have with God, we can communicate directly with Him, something no one else can do. "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry" (Ps. 34:15). It gives God pleasure for us to talk to Him, and God enjoys answering us! "The prayer of the righteous is his delight" (Prov. 15:8). "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (I John 3:22). We must never forget the importance of prayer. In this end time God has raised up this great Work to announce to the world the good news of His coming Kingdom. Every member of His Church in this time has been called, foremost, to support Christ's apostle for this time as he fulfills the great commission (Matt. 24:14). We do this by paying God's tithes and giving generous offerings, through personal service to the Church and through the example we set for the world around us. But the most effective way everyone of us, from the greatest to the least, can support God's Work is through the power of prayer. Christ promised, "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask In prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (Matt. 21:22). Christ's apostle today has asked for fervent prayer for God's Work. Notice these statements from one of Herbert W. Armstrong's recent letters: "This is the MOST SERIOUS year of the Work of God so far. GOD'S TIME HAS COME TO SPEED UP HIS WORK WITH DYNAMIC AND TREMENDOUS POWER! Time for completing the GREAT COMMISSION OF GOD in this dying world is fast running out... "Let's now set our hearts and whole interest on the SOON-coming KINGDOM OF GOD, when we shall shine as the sun in brightness and find happiness FOREVER!... "I am pushing myself forward as never before. BACK ME UP! Thousands of you have sent me messages YOU ARE BACK OF ME 100 PERCENT! God's time has come to DO IT!" And indeed letters continue to pour in expressing support for Mr. Armstrong and God's Work in this end time:
"I am thrilled with the fantastic growth and progress in the Work lately, and the plans to move ahead now in a revitalized, energized surge forward in this end time.... "I am praying for this dynamic growth... We are with you in all this, Mr. Armstrong, and praying for you daily." J.C. Cleveland, Ohio
"Mr. Armstrong, as this world disintegrates, even to the point where world leaders state publicly that survival is fast becoming the world issue, I just want to let you know how much you are in our prayers. The only solution to this great problem facing world leaders is contained within the message you take to them.... We know you pray for us, Mr. Armstrong, and we... want you to know how much we pray for you. Go forward and do the Work; we're walking with you all the way." J.E. Pasco, Wash
"With gratitude I send a message of thanks to you, for all the love and kindness you devote to us... "I pray for you, and... endeavor to stand back of you 100 percent as you lead us on to finish the Work of God in this Philadelphia era." J.M. Cumbria, England
"It is a wonderful and inspirational thing to see and hear God working through His chosen apostle in such a dynamic way... "God help us all to follow your example and to be more diligent in doing the jobs God has assigned to each of us involved in this great commission by our tithes and offerings and by praying and fasting for the Work. "May God continue to bless and lead you and inspire you to get His message across to the nations of this decaying age... We pray for you and the Work constantly." .B. Shelby, Ohio
Mr. Armstrong's final directive in his letter was: "PRAY as never before! Fast and pray!" Are you deeply involved in this final thrust of God's end-time Work through heartrending prayer? God promises that "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Jas. 5:16). This Work can accomplish its goal of warning this world in a powerful way if we will support it through prayer. — Good News staff
Copyright © 2024 Herbert W Armstrong Library