Beginning with the month of May, we are praying The Book of James on the 
Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .




James 1:16-18



Father, the church in the West has become so complacent. We have trivialized the gift of the new birth, salvation. We have taken lightly Your generous and perfect gifts. Father, forgive us, as a nation and as Your church, for not realizing that when You gave us the message of truth, it reflected our perfect gift from You, of being Your first fruits, Your preeminent creation. Oh Lord, thankful for Your gifts, and thankful You are the same, yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) we pray in Your Son's name, amen.


From January to April we prayed Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.


Psalm 119:105-112
Key Word                Inclined
Today’s Prayer

Lord, the context of “inclined” here is that I incline my heart to be obedient (Psalm 119:112), but Lord, the word is used so many more ways  in scripture. You incline your eat to hear our prayers (Psalm 17:1,6) and You incline my heart to Your word (Psalm 119:36). Forgive us Father, and show mercy on us, even though we are a nation, and a church, Your church Lord, that no longer inclines our ear. Rather, we are stiff necked (Proverbs 29:1). Cause us to look at Your laws as our treasure, our delight, and the joy of our heart (Psalm 119:111).

The National Day of Prayer actually began for me the night before and then was an all day affair the next day. I left the house at 4:00 am and returned at nearly midnight:

NDOP-Bethesda in Ellerslie (7:00 pm, in Ellerslie GA on May 2nd)
-Had a great time tonight.
-All of the youth were brought into the sanctuary where I was able to talk about spiritual warfare and the reality that victory in spiritual warfare isn't something we "strive to attain." Victory was accomplished by Christ 2000 years ago. Spiritual warfare is something we do from a point of victory, that we ALREADY have.
-We then went to A Solemn Assembly where so many were touched by the Holy Spirit. It was very special, especially when some of the youth came up and said, "You have to come back and give us more on spiritual warfare!

Time for a good night's rest and then on to tomorrow.

NDOP-The Day Begins (4:00 am, in Atlanta)
Heading to Columbus for my first stop.

• 6:00 am, Live Radio, Ranger Joe's God and Country Show
• 7:00 am, Antioch Volunteer Fire Department, Forston GA
• 12:00 noon, County Courthouse, Blakely GA
• 7:00 pm, Association-Wide Solemn Assembly

Gonna be a great day in the Lord!

NDOP-Ranger Joes God and Country Show (6:00 am, in Columbus GA)
-Great time with these guys.
-Discussed Isaiah 22:9-13 where the people saw what needed to be done in their city, but did not regard the Lord. And then, after they did what they saw needed to be done, they threw a party (Vs. 13)! But God was saying, "No! I want you to be broken! (Vs 12)"
-This is what will happen in November, I believe, whichever party wins, a celebration will be thrown when God is saying, "Do the opposite!"

Off to The Antioch Volunteer Fire Dept.  

NDOP-Antioch Volunteer Fire Department (7:00 am, in Fortson GA)
-2nd stop, great little turnout got this town's First Annual National Day of Prayer. This year it was organized by Kenny Grubbs and Gary Hartman (both are pastors in this area). Next year Jimmy Culpepper, another local pastor will participate in the planning.
-It was great to see familiar faces and meet some new friends. I spoke from 2Chronicles...not 7:14, but 16:9 where we're told that the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart are completely His. And I challenged them with, "What does it mean to have a heart completely His?" According to this passage it means, "to rely" on Him. We then went to Isaiah 22:9ff and I challenged us to not focus on the political solutions (2 Chronicles 16:7) and doing what you can see needs to be done (Isaiah 22:9-11a). But instead, humble yourselves! Do NOT celebrate (Vs 13) if your political party wins. That isn't what God is calling us to do. He is calling us to brokenness (Vs 12).
-Finally I went thru 5 areas of cleansing that we need to do every day they are from Greg Frizzell's book, Praying God's Heart in Times Like These (pg 36), namely, yielding wrong thoughts/attitudes, sinful words, wrong relationships, things we need to stop doing and the ignoring of full surrender to God.
-It was a great time.

They asked me to speak at next years already.  

Side-Note:
-One guy came up afterwards and asked about that "perfect-timing" when a guy like him, a "Fixer" should get in and fix things, relying on God of course. I advised him, "Only when he has perfect peace. God is not a God of confusion," I said. So I advised him to NOT focus on fixing anything, but rather, focus on relying upon God, meaning, giving it completely to Him, to do what He wants, when He wants, in His timing.
-"What will happen," I said, "Is that you will be focused on relying upon God, letting Him prompt you and without even realizing you are doing so, you will be participating in 'the-fix' because God has brought you into the mix, rather than you figuring it out and doing it because  your actions are determined by your "fix-it" motives and your timetable."

Good discussion with this brother.

NDOP-Early County Courthouse (12:00 noon in Blakely GA)
-Great time with these folks. There were about 60 people on the courthouse steps.
-We sang What a Friend We Have In Jesus and Sweet Hour of Prayer and then I spoke from Isaiah 22:9ff about searching our OWN HEART before we pray for the nation.
-Each pray-er after that was the exact same theme, brokenness before the Lord:

• Bro. T. J. Bennett, Pastor at Colomokee Baptist
• Bro. Jay Reppert, Pastor at Westview UMC
• Bro. Matthew Schluckebier, Pastor at Blakely Church of God
• Opening prayer was from Bro. Eddie Robinson, Pastor at True Love Church
• Closing music was God Bless America
• Musicians and song leaders were:
• Euwell Jarrett & Ron Drew with Cliff Starr on the guitar.

Again, brilliant time, with numerous folks coming up afterwards thanking me for the message of focusing on personal spiritual cleansing, praying the Church House more than the White House.  

NDOP-Pulaski-Bleckley Association Solemn Assembly (7:00 pm, in Hawkinsville GA)
-Wow! The day is over...
-I think I could speak for another couple of hours though...
-Had a great time with these folks tonight.
-Sweet, and sincere about dealing with sin. It was a wonderful way to end the night.

Now I have a couple of hours to reflect till I get home...and I did enjoy the Solemn Assemblies.  

NDOP Reflection:

• A good day for A Solemn Assembly
• A gratifying day as people were hungry
• A fulfilling day, being able to speak a similar message all day, to different people
• A surprising day of folks seeking His face, not just His hand
• An exciting day...there is a remnant...I saw it today

From January to April we prayed Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:97-104

Key Word                Insight

Today’s Prayer

Father, forgive us as a nation and as Your church for calling so many things good, that are evil, and so many things evil, that are good (Isaiah 5:20). Lord, we often forget that insight is not to be based on our wisdom, but on Your commands which will then cause me to see error clearly (Psalm 119:98-99). Thank You Lord that Your words are sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103), that Your words give us understanding, which causes us to hate every false way (Psalm 119:104).

Beginning with the month of May, we are praying The Book of James on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

James 1:12-15
May 4, 2012

Lord, James tells us that a man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that You have promised to those who love You. When we are undergoing a trial we should never say, "I am being tempted by God." For while You allow things into our lives, You are not tempted by evil, and do not tempt anyone with evil.  We are tempted Lord, when we let ourselves be drawn away and enticed by our own evil desires. Forgive us Father, as a nation and as Your church, because these desires often come when we do not handle difficulties through Your truth, Your revealed word. Instead, we handle them through our own desires.  Then after our desires are conceived and focused on, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death, as we are reminded of, not just here, but in Romans 8:6 also. In Your Son’s name we pray, grateful that You love us in spite of us, amen.

Beginning with the month of May, we are praying The Book of James on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

James 1:2-8

Father, forgive us as a nation and as Your church for not looking at our trials with great joy, as James tells us here. Lord, we have lost the fact that the testing of our faith produces endurance.  And then this same endurance, when it completes it's work, produces a maturity which causes us to be complete, lacking nothing. And yet Lord, we know that there are times when we lack wisdom. Thank You Father that when we lack wisdom, we can ask You, and You give it to us generously and without criticizing us. Father, show us how to ask, asking all things in faith, without doubting, because we know that the doubter should not expect to receive anything from You. Oh Father, we humbly pray this in Your Son's name, amen.

From January to April we prayed Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:89-96

Key Word                Forever

Today’s Prayer

Forever, O’ Lord...what a great thought, what a challenging thought, for we see “forever” from our finite perspective. Our words are merely our own words, but Your words Lord are settled and stand forever in heaven (Psalm 119:89). Forgive us as a nation and as Your church Lord, for thinking that we need to change Your word to make it “relevant” for today. We forget that truth never changes, that Your Son is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Cause us to see Your words are as true today as the day they were penned and that everything serves Your plans and are Your servants (Psalm 119:91).

This year's National Day of Prayer has me preaching, teaching and praying in 5 locations. Please pray for me. Also, please check out the site here at Pray! Network for my updates by mobile...when I have a connection!

May 2 and 3, 2012 -- National Day of Prayer Events
Mark will be participating in a number of events on those days:
May 2, 6:00 pm -- Bethesda Baptist Church, Ellerslie GA
May 3, 6:00 am -- Ranger Joe's God and Country Show
            On Air Live in Columbus GA
May 3, 7:00 am -- Antioch Volunteer Fire Department in Fortson, Ga.
May 3, Noon -- Early County Courthouse, Blakely GA
May 3, 7:00 pm -- Pulaski-Bleckley Baptist Association 
            National Day of Prayer Celebration -- A Solemn Assembly
            Location: Broad Street Baptist Church, Hawkinsville GA

Starting today, May 1st, we are praying The Book of James on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

From James 1:1

Lord, as we begin praying thru the book of James we are so grateful for this humble servant who considered himself a slave of God, Your slave. But not just Your slave, a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ also, Your Son, and his own half brother. Lord forgive us as a nation and as Your church for not humbling ourselves and living like we are Your Son's slaves. Lord, we trust that just as the 12 tribes in the dispersion experienced James' greetings and his humbleness, we pray that You will cause us to learn that same humbleness, especially as we make our way thru this book. In Your Son's name we pray, looking forward to praying thru this book, amen.

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:81-88

Key Word                Longing

Today’s Prayer

Lord, as I think of the “longing” in this stanza (verses 81-88), I am reminded that my attitude is often one of having to endure, waiting on You (Psalm 119:81a). Forgive me Lord, and forgive us, as a nation and as Your  church for failing to hope in You while we wait on You (Psalm 119:81b). Show us Lord, that we can come to You in the morning, with our requests, lay them before Your feet, wait in expectation (Psalm 5:3), and find comfort (Psalm 119:82).

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:73-80

Key Word                Compassion

Today’s Prayer

Lord, You are the God of great compassion, both showing me Your compassion when I am disciplined by You (Psalm 119:75) and when You surround me with Your tender mercies (Psalm 119:77). Forgive us Father, as a nation and as Your church for taking lightly, Your great Compassion. Lord, by Your compassion, one more time, blot out our sin (Psalm 51:1), for Your compassions never fail (Lamentations 3:22).

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:65-72

Key Word                Afflicted

Today’s Prayer

Lord, as this day's key word is "afflicted," I'm reminded that You sometimes discipline us with affliction. Lord, forgive us as a nation and as Your church for not rejoicing in affliction, in suffering (Colossians 1:24). Forgive us for running from affliction rather than entering into the fellowship of Your suffering (Philippians 3:10). Cause us Lord, as we share the suffering of Your Son, to keep on rejoicing so that we may see Your glory, and rejoice all the more (1 Peter 4:13).

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:57-64

Key Word                Sought

Today’s Prayer

Lord, forgive us for we are a people who once sought You. We no longer seek Your favor and Your blessings with all our heart (Psalm 119:58). But Father, we ask You to forgive us, this nation and Your church, for not completing the race or keeping the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Lord, change our heart that we would be committed to finishing this race well, finishing spent. Lord, let us consider our lives worth nothing (Acts 20:24), living dead to sin, and alive to Your Son (Romans 6:11)

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:49-56

Key Word                Comfort

Today’s Prayer

Father, often times we think of the comfort you’ve given us in times of affliction (Psalm 119:50) and wonder why it wasn’t better, or more. Lord, forgive us as a nation and as Your church, for being so stuck on ourselves, that we miss how gentle and loving Your comfort was. Father, forgive us because we then are unable to comfort others in the self-same way that You have comforted us, which is one of the reasons You allow those difficulties. (2 Corinthians 1:4).

 

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:41-48

Key Word                Love

Today’s Prayer

Lord, the idea here is Your unfailing love (Psalm 119:41). But there is also the idea of me, Your servant, loving Your words (Psalm 119:47-48). Father forgive us, humble us, bring us, as a nation and as Your church, to our knees Lord, until our souls yearn, even faint for You, for Your courts and for Your word (Psalm 84:2).

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:33-40

Key Word                Observe

Today’s Prayer

Lord, it is one thing to be taught Your word, our longing is not just to be taught Your words, but then for us to keep them, to the end (Psalm 119:33)! Lord, the idea of observing Your laws reminds me of the opportunity the apostles had, to sit at Your Son’s feet and listen to every word that You gave Your Son to speak (John 12:49). Forgive us Lord, as a nation and as Your church, for being lukewarm with Your words. We ask You to be gracious to us and not spew us out of your mouth. Give us one more chance Oh Lord. (Revelation 1:15-16).

 

Lord, we know that Your word encourages us, especially when we are in great sorrow (Psalm 119:28). Father, we also know that shame causes us to hide from Your Son, the Way, the Truth and the Light (John 14:6), but strengthen us Father, to first repent, as a nation and as Your church, and then to allow His light to shine upon us, especially when, because of shame, we do not want to come out of the darkness that we are sitting in. Lord, allow us to trust His light to guide us to peace (Luke 1:79)

 

 

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:17-24

Key Word                Counseled

Today’s Prayer

Lord, we know that scripture, written long ago, was written to teach us, to counsel us. Lord we trust You for endurance, encouragement and hope from these scriptures (Romans 15:4). Father, forgive us as a

nation, and forgive Your church Lord, for desiring the wisdom of the world, the wisdom that You made foolish! The wisdom of the world Lord, could not come to know You (1 Corinthians 1:20-21). Cause us Lord to seek You for counsel (Psalm 119:24).

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza has a Key Word, Emphasis and Application which succeeding prayers are built around. We are currently praying the key word for each stanza.

Psalm 119:9-16

Key Word                Hidden

Today’s Prayer

Lord, we know that the context of this key word, “hidden” is memorizing scripture so as to not sin (Psalm 119:11). And yet we know that to avoid sin, we trust Your word and then submit to You. Father so often we try “resisting the devil” even though the passage, in it’s completeness says that we are to submit to You. Lord, teach us that by the act of submitting to You we resist the devil, and then, by the power of Your Spirit he flees (James 4:7). Father, forgive us, this nation and Your church for no longer memorizing scripture. Lord, cause us to memorize scripture, letting us always be mindful that You have given us Your promises, that we would escape the corruption which is in this world (2 Peter 1:4)

Lord, for a myriad of reasons we love Psalm 119, not the least of which is the way it starts, “Blessed are…” and then again, “Blessed are…” Oh Father, forgive us, as a nation and as Your church, for turning from You. Cause us to walk blameless, do what is right, speak the truth, slander no one, and keep our oath, even when it hurts (Psalm 15:2-4). For we know that “Blessed are” those who keep Your law and seek You with their whole heart (Psalm 119:2), and that is our desire Lord.