The Daily Prayer Focus By Bishop Elect T. Anthony Bronner
T.W.U.D. Online Prayer Ministry
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
T. Anthony Bronner, Senior Pastor
Prayer Focus
Patrick Cohn, a Sport Psychologist, said in essence that a person can
create a champion mind-set and possess "a soul of a champion." Dr.
Cohn further states that champion athletes share at least four
characteristics. First, champions have an intense desire to win. They
are highly competitive. Losing is not an option and never rewarding.
They are driven and motivated by "testing their skills against the
next person."(USA Today, September 22, 2006) Second, champions are
sure and assured of themselves and their abilities. They are extremely
confident, maybe self-confident. They believe they are invincible and
non-stoppable. Third, they can perform under diverse pressure. They do
not easily get stressed or get nervous outwardly. They have composure.
They can keep it together and control their emotions. Finally, they
are clear or focused, and not easily distracted. They react quickly
during competition. They do not dwell on the last success or failure
during a game. They operate in the now.
Again, this is a description of an athlete in general and a person in
particular who has a soul of a champion. Comparatively, David in I
Samuel 17 had champion attributes. He was willing to compete or
contend with a giant twice his size. He certainly had confidence. It
was not self confidence, but God-centered confidence that God would
use him and empower him to conquer the giant, Goliath. David possessed
great composure and control. He was not disturbed about the giant's
experience in battle and war. He operated from a grace that was
created by God. Clearly, he was clear and focused that he was to
defeat the giant because it was God's battle and God never losses.
We need to begin to act like and be champions. We should have or
create a champion "mind-set." Practically, according to the New
Testament passages, we are champions... In all these things we are more
than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37)... Thanks be to
God which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I
Corinthians 15:57)... Thanks be unto God which always causes us to
triumph in Christ. Each of these verses has an interesting and similar
phrase: through Him or in Him. We are champions because of Christ,
with Christ, or in Christ. We can do and handle or stand all things
because Christ is in our lives (Philippians 4:13). We can take on and
defeat any giant or gigantic situation in our lives with Christ. So
the next time a giant, like Goliath, calls us to fight like David,
remember you have a "soul of a champion" because of Christ!
Prayer
Thanks be unto you. You always cause us to be winners in you (II
Corinthians 2:14).
You let us walk and live in victory. We appreciate that our lives are
in your hands (Psalm 31:15).
And you create an atmosphere of possibility for us. In you and because
of you we can do all things (Philippians 4:13).
We face the giants that Joshua and Caleb faced as they approached the
Promised Land (Numbers 13).
They believed with you they were able to handle the situations
and issues that came with dealing with the giants (Numbers 13:30).
Although the other covenant people doubted that they could beat the
giants, because of their negative
perspective (Numbers 13:32-33), Joshua and Caleb were not afraid or
distracted by their unbelief.
God there have been times in our lives when we did not act or think
victoriously.
We were intimidated by the giants in our lives. We were afraid to face
situations and problems.
Truthfully, the thought of fighting and wrestling with gigantic issues
made us weary.
We did not know for sure that no weapon formed against us would
prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
We trusted in ourselves and our abilities. We walked according to our
own strengths.
But when we fully recognize who you are really in our lives,
we know that you are great in us and there is nothing greater than
you (I John 4:4).
We are overcomers with you and our faith is big in you (I John 5:4).
We have greater determination and will to contend for our faith and
wrestle against things that try to stop our progress in you (Ephesians
6:10-18).
We pray with boldness and authority.
We pray like champions and warriors, and we know all things work for
our good (Romans 8:28).
We are victorious because you are rooted in our lives and
because you have already made an open shame of our enemies and giants
(Colossians 2:15).
We are triumphant because of you and stand on the winning block like a
gold medal winning Olympian.
Our hands are raised like a track runner crossing the finish line.
Thank you for making us more than conquerors in you (Romans 8:37). We
will always win with you on our side.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Copyright © 2006 Turning the World Upside Down Ministries, Inc.-The
Preaching & Teaching Ministry of T. Anthony Bronner All rights
reserved.