gap (3)

DAY 7/31 DAYS OF PRAYER TO BEGIN 2015

VERSE: Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...(Romans 8:1)

PRAYER:
HEAVENLY FATHER, HERE WE STOOD, ACCUSED BY THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN, FOUND GUILTY BY THE GOD OF HEAVEN AND DESTINED FOR DARKNESS FOREVER MORE, BUT YOU, YOU OH GOD, FATHER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, STOOD IN THE GAP BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE, AND PAID THE ULTIMATE COST, AS THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE POURED HIMSELF OUT FROM THE THRONE, THE ETERNAL THRONE TO BECOME A MAN.

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THAT ABBA FATHER, WHICH WE COULD NEVER COMPREHEND, AT LEAST ON THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN- THE VERY FACT THAT HE WHO HELD THE WORLD ON ITS FOOTINGS, WHO SPOKE THE UNIVERSE INTO CREATION, WHO FORMED ADAM FROM THE DUST AND WALKED WITH ENOCH, ABRAHAM AND MOSES - HE WOULD BE BORN UNDER THE SAME LAW HE GAVE US, THEN LIVE WITH PURPOSE AND CLARITY UNDER IT, WHILE NOT VIOLATING ONE JOT OR TITTLE OF IT. WHAT MANNER OF GOD IS HE, THE ANCIENT OF DAYS, OH MERCIFUL FATHER? WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY, THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY? 

AND NOW,  BECAUSE HE GAVE HIS LIFE FREELY FOR OUR SAKE, FOR MY SAKE, I WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH, FOR THIS IS WHAT THE FATHER IS LOOKING FOR IN THESE LAST DAYS. I ACCEPT THE FORGIVENESS HE OFFERS ME. I ACCEPT THE REMOVAL OF THE CHARGE OF GUILTY AND THE SENTENCE OF ETERNAL DEATH.  I ACCEPT THE REMOVAL OF ALL MY GUILTY STAINS AND SINS THAT ARE NOW AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. I NOT ONLY FREE ACCEPT THE OFFER OF THAT FORGIVENESS BUT RECEIVE IT INTO MY SPIRIT, KNOWING YOU HAVE REMOVED ME FROM THE MAJORITY OF THE CONDEMNED, YOU HAVE TAKEN ME FROM THE DOMINION OF DARKNESS INTO THE MARVELOUS LIGHT OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. THIS IS NOT JUST A PIPE DREAM OR A PROMISE YOU HAVE MADE, HEAVENLY FATHER, BUT A REALITY I LIVE RIGHT NOW, THAT WE WHO ARE CALLED BY YOUR NAME AND HAVE BEEN ADOPTED AS SONS AND DAUGHTERS ARE CURRENTLY INTEGRATED INTO!

AT THE POINT OF CONVERSION, OH GOD, YOU TOOK US FROM THE PIT INTO THE ETERNAL REALM THAT WE MAY EXPERIENCE KINGDOM LIVING, KINGDOM AUTHORITY AND KINGDOM BLESSINGS, NOT IN THE FUTURE, BUT RIGHT NOW. I LIVE IN THIS MOMENT, KNOWING THAT MY CURRENT LIFE IS BUT A PHYSICAL BREATH AWAY FROM THE REALITY OF MY ALREADY ESTABLISHED RESIDENCE AND GUARANTEED HOME IN THE ETERNAL WITH THE ANCIENT OF DAYS. THANK YOU FOR REDEEMING MY SOUL, FOR RESCUING YOUR SERVANT AND FOR RESTORING THROUGH YOUR SALVATION, SANCTIFICATION AND SOVEREIGN WILL. OH WHAT A GLORIOUS THING TO REST IN YOU, RELY IN YOU AND RESIDE IN YOUR PRESENCE, KNOWING THERE IS NO MORE CONDEMNATION FROM US WHO WERE BOUGHT AT THE CROSS, IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF THE KING OF GLORY – JESUS CHRIST, AMEN.
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Dispelling a Lie about God and Prayer

There is a non-biblical belief that has entered the church, and the hearts of many Christians in our day an age.  It's one, like many, that hints of truth, but is laced with a disarming lie.  It is something that causes many Christians to relax, forfeit, and give up in prayer; even to the point of setting the Sword of the Spirit down for lengthy times.  The statement/idea is this:  "Prayer is an important thing, but God is going to do what He's going to do (whether I pray or not)."


It's important that we look at what Scripture says is true in this matter.  First, let's look at the importance of Scripture-based wisdom.

My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,

    from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
    and who are devious in their ways. - Proverbs 2:1-15


God has given us Scripture to be the foundation of our truth and faith.  He's given His Holy Spirit to correct, guide, and shape us in all truth.  And He's given us other Spirit-filled Christians to also correct, challenge, encourage, and more. 


But as so often happens, we can be deceived by lies or partial truths shared by others when a statement isn't held up to Scriptural truth and guidance by the Holy Spirit, combined. 

When a concept or idea comes along that tickles the mind or heart; its seemingly cute, lofty, or new/different nature shouldn't make it an automatic "must-share" with others.  We would do well to test the spirits, examine the Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to show us what's true before we spout whatever the latest phrase, teaching, or buzz-word is being given the spotlight inside or outside of Christian circles.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. - 1 John 4:1-3

Unbalancing God

The concept of "God is going to do what He's going to do (and there's nothing I can do by prayer or anything else to change it)," is simply not true.  Yes, it's true that God is sovereign (able to do what He pleases, whenever He pleases, in His holy perfection).  But let's not forget that God has innumerable attributes- each one perfect in itself and in perfect harmony with all the others! 

The statement we're considering places God's sovereignty under a microscope and makes it appear to be the only attribute that matters.  This kind of thing (overemphasizing a truth or attribute) has happened often throughout history; and when it has, false teachers and teachings have followed that have led/misled millions away from Christ by weakening their faith in Him or by outright leading them into an ungodly cult or occult practices. 

This statement may sound harsh or extreme, but spiritual half-truths (masked as truth, or sometimes as the popular thing to believe or do) are not to be handled lightly- and especially so apart from close comparison to Scripture and what the Spirit accurately says about the matter/statement!


A Correct Way to Think

In Ezekiel 22, God reveals to Ezekiel what He plans to do regarding Jerusalem's sins.  Jerusalem had become sinful and wicked in the eyes of God (but not to themselves).  It's worth reading, praying, and taking to heart what God says in this passage - see Ezekiel 22:1-29.


But then God says, "“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.  So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.” - Ezekiel 22:30-31

God's will for Jerusalem was for her to repent from her sins and return to Him.  He didn't want to destroy them.  But He is holy, righteous, and just.  There was no one praying.  There was no one to stand in the gap.  There was no one confessing their sins, or those of Jerusalem before God; no one repenting from their sins.  They were "letting God be God" and were not considering their ways by His Word.  They reveled in their sins and neglected personal relationship with God.  The result was rampant sin that God, in His holiness, righteousness, and total perfection, had to deal with directly, justly, and righteously.  His will (Jerusalem's repentance) was not accomplished- and all because there was nobody to pray or stand in the gap by prayer.

God continues to look for people to pray- to seek His face, to intercede and intervene on behalf of men before Him, and on His behalf to men.  But if we neglect prayer and check out of both our relationship and responsibility with Him, why should we expect mercy from God in our sin-filled culture or nation?


Standing in the Gap

In Exodus 32, we read where Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites.  God tells Moses that his people were worshiping a golden idol that they had fashioned into the shape of a calf.  God's anger was aroused because of their sin and idolatry, and He told Moses that He would destroy the people and make a new and great nation out of Moses and his descendants.  

But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God.  He asked God to remember why He brought them out of Egypt- to reveal to them and others His great power, might and Name; also that He would make Abraham's descendents as numerous as the stars in the sky.  God relents, but there still are consequences to sin that are meted out.  The whole nation wasn't destroyed, but some were due to their idolatry, wickedness, and unrepentant hearts.

Later, in verse 30, Moses confronts the Israelites about their sins, then goes before God on their behalf seeking forgiveness of their sins.  Read Exodus 32

So he said he would destroy them—
    had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach (gap) before him
    to keep his wrath from destroying them. - Psalm 106:23

We see here that God was not going to stop unless someone prayed.  This time, someone did (Moses).

Prayer is the way God has chosen to accomplish His will on earth.  If we choose not to pray, we won't see His will be done.  


Too often, we ask little, expect little, and then are surprised when we receive little from God.


It's a strong reminder that God is a Perfect Gentleman.  He won't prevent us from sinning if we choose to do so.  He yields the right of way to us (He's given us free will because He's great enough to correct us and renew us- if we let Him) and will let us do what we choose to do- whether it matches up with His perfect will or not.

He won't make us pray.  He's a Perfect Gentleman.  While He wants to partner with us to see His perfect will accomplished in, through, and around us, He won't force us to do so.  It's our choice.  We'll "have it our way," as a fast food company's slogan once said.

He's waiting on us to seek Him in His Word, by His Spirit, and in prayer with other Spirit-filled Christians.  He's a Perfect Gentleman.  He's patient, but He won't wait forever.

Let's consider our ways (in light of Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to search, know, and correct us where we're out of line).  Let's do what we must to realign our hearts with God's and His truth, then continue in prayer- seeking God for what He wants to accomplish through our prayers; listening to His promptings on how to pray, then faithfully pray as He leads. 

His will won't be accomplished without you.  You matter more to God, and His plan for the world, than you realize!

Let's pray.

Father, I confess that too often I check out from prayer and Your presence.  I look at natural conditions and assume that things are going the way You design- even when there's sin, pain, death, and destruction.  But Father, I'm failing to pray.  I'm failing to seek You in prayer to ask what You want accomplished in that moment, life, or circumstance.  I've too often relied on my natural eyes and thinking, and have neglected to ask You to show me what You see, how You'd like me to pray, and if there's anything else You'd have me do in that moment.  Renew my mind by Your Word, and correct and refine me by your Holy Spirit.  Teach me Your ways, and help me to live in them; practically working them out in my day-to-day life. I want Your perfect will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven, but I also want to pray as specifically as You'll allow me; not just in generalities.  Teach me to pray, to seek Your face; and have Your way in and through me.  You are my Help, Strength, Joy, and so much more.  I worship and praise You as You shepherd me forward.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

* Portions of this were written from notes taken at a prayer conference talk by Dave Butts, Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Committee.

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God Uses People to Bridge the Gap

The Bible describes prayer as “Standing in the Gap” or “Bridgingthe Gap” the channel through which God’s will is brought to earth. We are going to look in God’s Word to see some examples of people He used to stand in the gap so his purpose could be accomplished.                 

God chose or appointed Moses to stand in the gap between His people, the Israelites and Pharaoh. Esther stood in the gap for her people, the Israelites with prayer and fasting when Haman wanted to destroy the Jews.

There was no gap between God and the earth after God created the earth. However, after Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit in the garden, sin created a gap between God and his plan for the earth. ¹  9651008691?profile=original

Fortunately, God stood in the gap for us by sending His Son, Jesus to the earth to live as a man, die for our sins, and arise from the dead so we could have a personal relationship with Him. He chose us, to be a channel for His power to bridge the gap between himself and the earth.

God chose us to partner with Him and intercede in behalf of our children, grandchildren, and future generations. Just as Jesus, Moses, Esther, Daniel, Joseph, and many others in the Bible stood in the gap for God’s people, we as grandparents have the privilege to stand in the gap with prayer for our families.

Satan is very active in the world today; he knows his time is short. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10, “We are to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” against Satan’s well- thought-out plans and agenda. His goal is to distract and steal our children, grandchildren, and future generations from faith in Jesus Christ. Our goal ought to be that our grandchildren would know the adventure of a full, purposeful, and fruitful life in Jesus Christ.

It is not only important to pray for our families individually, it is vital that we unite with other grandparents to pray for our families in these crucial times. As Prayer Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN), I would like to encourage you to stand in the gap for your grandchildren by participating in a Grandparents @ Prayer (G@P) intercessory prayer group.

We currently have about 22 G@P groups uniting in prayer. Go to http://www.christiangrandparenting.net/prayer/grandparents-prayer/introduction-to-g-p  check out the locations of current groups, testimonials, and additional information. We would love to have you to be a part of the G@P prayer ministry.

I would like to share one of my favorite songs May all who come behind us find us faithful which is my desire for my grandchildren and future generations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi-Mn5tRHvM

 

 

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