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Your Faith Has Healed You

Posted by Dery Yohanes on May 29, 2014 at 6:20

Mark 10:46-52

Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

It comes in our mind that why Bartimaeus have to shout with a loud voice to Jesus in order he can get healed from Jesus ? Will we do the same thing to Jesus when we are in struggling time ?

We can see Jesus's response to Bartimaeus to what he did. Jesus said "your faith has healed you". Sometimes or most of at any times Jesus see our deepest heart when we pray to Him. Can He find FAITH in HIM when asking something to HIM ? Bartimaeus has pass with this test. When he shout to Jesus mean he realy sure that Jesus can heal him. In other word, Bartimaeus believe or have a Faith in Him.

So when ask something Jesus trough pray, check :

1. Do we really believe (faith) that Jesus can do what we ask for ? Or even more than we can think of. Remember He know what is the best for us.

2. Check our heart, if any sins that we still hide or not admit to ask forgiveness to Jesus ? Remember that OUR SINS will block Jesus's power to us.

So have a faith to Him. He will do the best for us.

Understanding Wisdom, Proverbs, and Prayer

Posted by Rob Griepentrog on May 28, 2014 at 10:13

A.W. Tozer wrote some important points to consider when we think about God's attribute of wisdom. Some key takeaways include:

"Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means. It sees the end from the beginning, so there can be no need to guess or conjecture. Wisdom sees everything in focus, each in proper relation to all, and is thus able to work toward predestined goals with flawless precision."

"All God's acts are done in perfect wisdom, first for His own glory, and then for the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time. And all His acts are as pure as they are wise, and as good as they are wise and pure. Not only could His acts not be better done: a better way to do them could not be imagined. An infinitely wise God must work in a manner not to be improved upon by finite creatures."

"Without the creation, the wisdom of God would have remained forever locked in the boundless abyss of the divine nature. God brought His creatures into being that He might enjoy them and they rejoice in Him. 'And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.'" (Genesis 1:31)

He later brings faith into the conversation:

"In spite of tears and pain and death we believe that the God who made us all is infinitely wise and good. We rest in what God is. I believe that this alone is true faith. Any faith that must be supported by the evidence of the senses is not real faith. "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

"The testimony of faith is that, no matter how things look in this fallen world, all God's acts are wrought (brought forth) in perfect wisdom."

"God constantly encourages us to trust Him in the dark. 'I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that though mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God is Israel.'" (Isaiah 45:2-3)

"It is heartening to learn how many of God's mighty deeds were done in secret, away from the prying eyes of men or angels."

Tozer then describes creation (the Holy Spirit hovering over the waters in darkness), our Savior carried in the darkness of the sweet virgin's womb, our Savior's death in darkness, and His resurrection "very early in the morning"- while it was still dark outside. No one saw Him rise. Tozer concludes, "It is as if God were saying, 'What I am is all that need matter to you, for there lie your hope and your peace. I will do what I will do, and it will all come to light at last, but how I do it is My secret. Trust Me, and be not afraid.'"

"With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures."

All quotes taken from A.W. Tozer's, Knowledge of the Holy, (pgs. 59-64).

We often turn to God for wisdom when our wisdom, knowledge, or experience runs short or runs out. But as we consider Tozer's words, above, notice that he centers on God Himself; not just the outpouring of the gift of wisdom that we often seek from Him.

It brings home a vital point that I'm afraid we often miss in our day- and terribly miss when we pray. When we pray, or even consider our circumstances, begin by first focusing on God- for who He is. When we center our hearts (with the Holy Spirit's help) on God first, instead of what we think we want or need from Him, He grows us in wisdom, awe (fear), and understanding of Himself. All other things take their rightful places beneath Him. Proverbs 9:10 says,

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 1:7 states it this way,

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction

It's stated 14 different times in Proverbs that we won't be wise until we seek and see God as wise.

Caution Against Worldly Wisdom

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil. - Proverbs 3:7

While God has given us minds, and the ability to figure out problems, situations, and circumstances, only He sees the beginning from the end and knows all things. When we stop short of seeking His thoughts, wisdom, and opinions, we can come up with solutions that may seem wise and work for a time, but lack eternal wisdom and perspective. It's important to remember to pray for God's wisdom and perspective- whether the matter is large enough to affect a corporation or congregation, or seems small enough where it may only affect the route we take to the grocery store.

God is involved in all the aspects of our lives and is pleased when we seek Him and His wisdom in each matter.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. - James 3:13-18

Book of Wisdom- How You May Benefit From It

God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us a book of wisdom called Proverbs- within the ultimate book filled with His wisdom- the Bible.

There are 31 chapters in Proverbs- one for every day of the month (you may need to read two or more on months with 28, 29, or 30 days, respectively). Some challenge themselves to read a chapter of Proverbs (the chapter number corresponding with the date on the calendar) each day for a year. Many testify that God changes their thinking toward themselves, worldly things, and God Himself, as they do so. This might be something you'd consider incorporating into your daily Scripture reading and prayer times!

Praying Proverbs

Beyond reading Proverbs to grow in knowledge and wisdom, praying proverbs also blesses God and helps us grow in these ways.

Before reading, ask the Holy Spirit to point out truths and insights to you from what you're about to read. You might want to read the chapter more than once- as the Spirit might bring out different points during different readings (He'll most certainly do so if you read and re-read chapters over the course of a year!). You might want to jot down Scriptures, and some of the impressions the Holy Spirit brings forth as you read (so that you'll remember them later when life gets cluttered, busy, or distracting- or if you forget).

Also, as you read, you may read a truth within Proverbs that strikes you as something that's lacking in your life at that time, or vice versa- something the Lord has worked in abundance in your life. Stop in that moment and thank God for that abundance or lack. Then you may want to ask God to further align your heart and mind with His Word, truth, and understanding accordingly.

Prayer can be taken in so many different directions. But it's important that we begin by focusing on God, Himself, first. We can always go on to thank Him for what He's done or is doing, ask for things, and more (and we should do all these things in prayer). But begin by focusing on Him first. Make God the center focus of our prayer; knowing Him in greater completeness. We'll never be disappointed when we do so! Let's seek Him now...

Father, in You, we find the fullness and completeness of wisdom. You do not lack in any way. You are pure, holy, righteous, gracious, all-powerful, merciful, loving, and much more through the ways You display your wisdom. And as we consider some of your countless attributes; wisdom is found within each- perfectly so! My mind can not fathom this, or You, fully. I worship you. You alone are God. Neither I, anything, or anyone else, come anywhere close to your perfections. You are awesome in this place, just as You are awesome in every place! Help me to grow in deeper intimacy with You- that I may know You better and make You better known to those You bring around me or lead me toward. What a privilege it is to personally know the God of all, and Your Son, Jesus Christ- through whom You made it possible to personally know and draw near to You. The words, "thank you" do not suffice, but they're the best I have to offer in worship at this moment. Continue to lead me, and all who You lead to read this, into deeper awe, fear, trust, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and more in You. For Your glory alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PRAYER BULLETIN MAY 2014 UPDATE

Posted by Ron Clough on May 28, 2014 at 4:46

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 262 | Wed 28 May 2014by Elizabeth KendalWELCOME to the intercessors who have joined the list this month.MAY 2014 UPDATE - During May we prayed concerning ...* CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR) (RLPB 259), where anti-balaka militias are still driving local Muslims out of the capital Bangui, while ex-Seleka Islamic rebels are still terrorising Christian communities across the north. The country is tearing apart. Pray that God will bless the Church's peace-making efforts.* KOREA (RLPB 260), where tensions are rising and rhetoric is increasingly belligerent, leading the North Korean regime to tighten controls and increase isolation, escalating the suffering and the risk for the North Korean Church.UPDATE: On 13 May, a 23-storey apartment block in the capital Pyongyang collapsed, entombing more than 80 families. Despite a public apology from senior regime figures, locals are 'disappointed' and resentful, blaming regime corruption for both the collapse and the high death toll. There is considerable fear that other apartment blocks throughout the city might not be safe. Additionally, it has emerged that in March the regime executed Ri Kyung Ho (49), a stage-lighting engineer from the remote northern border city of Hyesan. Ri had been caught speaking by mobile phone to relatives in South Korea. Under interrogation, he allegedly revealed that he was assisting defectors. His family has been condemned to the gulag. The Church in North Korea needs our prayers.* SUDAN (RLPB 261), where 8 months pregnant Meriam Ibrahim had been sentenced to death for apostasy, as well as to 100 lashes for adultery (after the court refused to recognise her marriage to a Christian man).UPDATE: IT'S A GIRL In the early hours of Tuesday 27 May, in the Health Centre Clinic of Omdurman Federal Prison for Women, Meriam gave birth to a baby girl, naming her Maya. Neither her husband Daniel, nor her lawyer have been permitted access to see them.ANOTHER APOSTASY CASE: Morning Star News (MSN) reports (27 May) that Sudan has imprisoned another Christian woman, similarly accused of apostasy and adultery. Faiza Abdalla (37) was arrested on 2 April after Immigration/Citizenship officials questioned her right to a Christian identity on the grounds that Abdalla is a Muslim name. On 8 April, a Sudanese court annulled Faiza's marriage to a South Sudanese Catholic and accused her of adultery. Faiza's parents converted before she was born, meaning they too might yet be accused of apostasy.[NOTE: Islam rejects the UN's definition of religious freedom, maintaining it is nothing more than a 'secular understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition' (which it is) that violates Sharia Law.]MAY 2014 ROUND-UP - also this month ...* GIRLS AT RISKAs fundamentalist Islam takes root in many Muslim majority communities and nations, female children are increasing at risk of under-age forced marriage to Muslim men. It also means that Christian girls being kidnapped for forced conversion and marriage - trafficked across religious lines - will be younger as well.In Pakistan, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII - a Sunni, government-funded advisory body) has decreed that Pakistan's marriage laws are 'un-Islamic'. The CII is recommending that the minimum age for girls to marry be abolished, saying girls may be married 'if the signs of puberty are visible'. The ruling has sparked intensive debate in Pakistan (including satire!).In Iraq, the minimum age of marriage for girls is set to be lowered from 18 to 9 in accordance with Shia Islam. In February, the Maliki government approved a draft law, considered to be for political gain ahead of elections. Known as the Ja'afari Personal Status Law, the draft law says girls reach puberty at age nine and are therefore ready for marriage. It also states that a girl under nine may be married with the consent of her male guardian, for a price. [The law would also legalise marital rape and unrestricted polygamy (not requiring consent).] With the elections over and the Maliki regime back in power, the stage is set for the law to be enacted.For the sake of the children, the Church must pray for a great awakening amongst Muslims; may the light of Christ break through the darkness. (John 1:5)* CHINA: WENZHOU CHURCHES UNDER FIRE (Updating RLPBs 255 & 258) On 20 May China Aid Association (CAA) published a list of 64 churches across China's eastern business hub of Wenzhou city that have been 'rectified', demolished or issued notices since the crackdown began in February. [See RLPB blog for links.] In virtually every case the cross is deemed offensive and 'rectification' usually means simply the cross being removed. So this has nothing to do with building regulations: the authorities are not opposed to having impressive buildings in their city and they are opposed only to the crosses that identify those buildings as places of Christian worship. These 'rectifications' are about de-Christianising the skyline before people get the impression that Christianity is acceptable, inviting and growing. In addition, some 40 people have been summonsed by police or detained in connection with the protest at the Sanjiang church demolished on 28 April (RLPB 258). A serious battle has begun. Please pray, ' For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood ...' (Ephesians 6:12-18 ESV)* IRAN: SAEED ABEDINI BEATEN IN HOSPITAL, RETURNED TO PRISONPastor Saeed Abedini (34) is a US citizen who has been imprisoned in Iran since September 2012. In March (prior to Iran's nuclear talks with the US) Abedini was admitted to hospital for treatment for stomach injuries sustained during prison beatings. On 21 May (just after nuclear talks concluded) Abedini was seized violently and dragged out of the hospital by agents who beat and electrocuted him in front of distressed family members. Abedini has been returned to the maximum security Rajai Shahr Prison which houses violent criminals. [See RLPB 238.] In the US, Abedini's wife, Naghmeh, and advocate Jay Sekulow of the American Centre for Law and Justice told Fox News they feared that Iran is using Abedini as a political pawn.* MOZAMBIQUE: SEEKING FIRMER FOUNDATIONSOperation World lists Mozambique's population as being 46 percent Christian (half Catholic, half Protestant), 32 percent ethno-religious, and 19 percent Muslim. Mozambique's amazing church growth has come in the wake of decades of suffering. Mozambique has had religious freedom only since 1990 when it was written into the new constitution after decades of civil war and brutal Marxist repression and persecution. Christian leaders in this emerging democracy have drafted a submission to the national parliament requesting the formulation of a specific law to protect freedom of religion and worship. The aim is that 'the churches will have a better legal framework in which to operate'. They request our prayers. May God bless their efforts, build his Church and heal their land.* SOMALIA: CHURCH LEADER MARTYREDOn 23 September 2008 Mansuur Mohammed (25), a humanitarian aid worker, became Somalia's first indigenous Christian martyr when al-Shabaab Islamic militants declared him a 'murtid' (traitor to Islam) and publicly beheaded him for refusing to renounce Christ. He had been a Christian for just three years. Since then, al-Shabaab has hunted down and executed dozens of Somali believers. On 23 May Morning Star News reported that a prominent convert, Abdishakur Yusuf, who oversaw five underground Christian fellowships, had been assassinated at his home on the outskirts of Mogadishu on Sunday 16 March. Mogadishu's gravely imperilled underground Christian community is absolutely shattered. For months after Yusuf's assassination they were too traumatised and afraid to speak out, but now they are requesting our prayers. Yusuf leaves a widow and three young children. Pray for the Church in Somalia.* SUDAN: CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL BOMBEDThe Government of Sudan (GoS) continues its aerial bombardment of displaced Nuba. On 1 May citizen journalists from Nuba Reports were filming a worship service at the Mother of Mercy Hospital in Gidel - the only hospital in the Nuba Mountains - when it came under aerial bombardment. [See the RLPB blog for links.] The five bombs dropped on 1 May were followed by more the next day. While nobody was killed, hundreds disappeared into the bush, several sustained serious shrapnel injuries and buildings were damaged. In the days before the bombings, drones were observed flying over the area three times. As noted by Tom Catena, a US doctor with the Catholic Medical Mission Board who serves as the hospital's director, the bombing serves no other purpose than to disperse the Nuba and eliminate their only hospital. Then on Monday 26 May GoS war-planes dropped eight bombs on the compound of the Nuba Relief, Rehabilitation and Development Organization (NRRDO). Though there were no casualties, the buildings sustained significant damage. [NRRDO's projects serve over 650,000 Nuba citizens living in areas controlled by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement - North (SPLM-N).]The GoS wants the Nuba dead and the regime is adept at using starvation as a weapon of mass destruction. In pursuit of genocide, the GoS is escalating its aerial bombardments of aid centres ahead of the rainy season, when getting supplies is almost impossible. The GoS wants thus to ensure the Nuba are displaced and without means of survival. A delegation of the European Union to Sudan expressed its concern in a press release, noting that the deliberate bombing of the hospital is a 'war crime'. Doubtless Sudan's President - the indicted war criminal Omar al-Bashir - dismisses this EU statement for what it is as mere words.Lift your hands and pour out your hearts to the one who has real power and genuine interest!'The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He ... was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. [...] According to what they have done, so will he repay ... From the west, people will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the Lord drives along.' (From Isaiah 59:14-19 NIV)To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.comWe usually provide a summary to use in news-sheets unable torun the whole of an RLPB. As a summary is not practicable withthis monthly update posting we suggest one or more of the aboveitems be used instead.This RLPB was written by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate. Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.RLPBs are issued as a ministry of the Evangelical Alliance in Australia.Elizabeth Kendal is the author of 'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today'(Deror Books, Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.htmlIf this bulletin was forwarded to you, you may receive future weekly issues direct by sending a blank email to join-rlpb@hub.xc.org

OBEDIENCE

Posted by Dery Yohanes on May 26, 2014 at 16:16

Act 11:1-18

To obey God's Words is a hard way. At the beginning will be a mysteroius. It looks like a puzzle in our mind. It's hard to understand. But if we keep follow the process, God will give strenght and guidence and at the end full victorious is waiting for us. Haleluya !

DELIGHTING IN THE LORD 1

Posted by David Young on May 22, 2014 at 17:13

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. ^{^[1]}

Psalm 37:4 is a particular treasure for every believer. Great wonders can be mined, refined and crafted like jewelry to adorn the hearts of believers from this verse! I would like to show you a little of what can be drawn from it.

THE DECISION OF DELIGHT

The first word here both in Hebrew and English is the imperative, “delight.” A fact about joy and delight is given us here by the One who created you and knows your heart best. Delight is a choice. You can and must decide to delight in the Lord.

THE DESIRE OF DELIGHT

Someone wrote a negative review of my book, JOY[2] on Amazon.com. He said several things and then concluded that “some of it just didn’t make sense.” I may be too sensitive. No one likes a negative review. But I also think he was reacting to the fact that I said (and the Bible teaches) that joy does not come from pleasure, luxury and ease. We are tempted to desire many things in life. But this verse calls us to redirect our desires to delight in the Lord.

THE DELIVERANCE OF DELIGHT

I have found that I need God to deliver me from temptations and addictions to the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life. I need the moving of God’s Spirit in my life to turn my perverted heart to His delight.

What I have shared here comes from my praying and thinking about this verse. But there is more in it. Let me encourage you to take some time to meditate on these words and see what God reveals to you. It would thrill me if some of you commented on it. Next week I will share more that is in this verse. And your meditation will give you deeper understanding of the verse and even of my musings on it.

^{^[1]} The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 37:4). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

[2] http://www.amazon.com/Joy-David-Young/product-reviews/1477665579/ref=sr_cr_hist_all?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Urgent Call to Prayer

Posted by Lillian Penner on May 22, 2014 at 12:08

Today our nation is being attacked like never before educationally, socially, financially and spiritually. Christianity itself is under assault, and parents and grandparents are involved in a tug of war for the hearts and minds of their children.

There is a real urgency at this time in our world to pray for these dear grandchildren for their physical, emotional and spiritual protection. The enemy is hard at work to distract and steal our children and grandchildren from the truth of God’s Word

That is why Christian Grandparenting Network is calling grandparents throughout the world to join in prayer for their families, especially in these crucial times. I hope you have been thinking and praying how you will get involved in the movement for Grandparents’ Day of Prayer, September 7 on National Grandparents Day.

Will you ask God how you can be part of this special event? At this time we are also asking for volunteers who will take the lead to organize an event in their church, in their home, in their retirement complex or any meeting location you choose. It’s not a complicated process. We will supply you with resources and a step-by-step guide to help you create a successful event.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer,

please follow the steps below.

Check out this website for blogs, endorsements, testimonials and promotional materials and free downloads. www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com.

For additional information, contact me - Lillian Penner,

National Prayer Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net.

By Lillian Penner

Do You Have Abundance to Share?

Posted by Rob Griepentrog on May 22, 2014 at 7:36

Jesus, as recorded in Luke 11, shared a hypothetical, yet realistic, situation with his disciples.

Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity (boldness- NIV 84) he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” - Luke 11:5-13

Jesus points his disciples toward the importance of praying; seeking God in persistent prayer to provide the good things He makes available to us (especially His Holy Spirit).

But let's consider the one who finds himself needing bread for a visiting friend in a moment's notice.

Handling Abundance

In America, most of us are only one or two generations removed from a time of storing up and sharing abundance. You may have neighbors, parents, grandparents, great grandparents, or other relatives who planted huge gardens each year. When the produce was ripe to pick, much of it was canned and stored away to provide sustenance out of season, or to share with friends, family, or neighbors. Many would store up for themselves and for others at the same time. It was a time when a mindset of healthy storing up and/or sharing abundance (for the sheer joy of it or to meet the needs of others) was valued more greatly than it seems today.

Today, our culture tells us to "live for now," or "get only what you need for today." Sometimes we see this played out when people make multiple trips to a bank, grocery, or shopping store during a day or week. Some people also handle relationships with this type of mindset. But the "get what I need for today" mentality can extend far beyond financial, relational, or practical things- even into the spiritual.

Spiritual Consumerism

In our modern thinking, abundance is seldom stored up; it's picked from and devoured at a moment's notice. Many Christians consume just enough spiritual content each day or week to reach a point where they feel they'll "get by" or have just enough. Whether it's listening to segments on Christian radio, consuming a five-minute devotional, going to church for fellowship one or more times per week, or something else, a brief time of "plugging into God" or "touching base" with Him seems to satisfy a momentary want or need.

Yet the abundance God makes readily available in continual relationship with Him and His Word isn't stored up to share with others when one only seeks for their own spiritual needs to be met in the moment!

What happens when a friend, acquaintance, or stranger personally approaches with a need (maybe the need to hear the gospel clearly or lovingly presented- but that need is masked or contained within another need)? Do we have any spiritual bread or sustenance left in the cupboard to share?

If we only consume (keeping for ourselves) what the Bible, church leaders, pastors, or writers tell us, we can be found empty-handed with nothing extra to share when need arises- and we'll likely need to outsource or find someone else to help meet the need.

If we're unprepared, with nothing of substance to offer, someone with an unmet need (spiritual, or otherwise) will likely move on to seek another answer or source of provision. Often times, those other sources they discover will meet needs without a Christ-centered foundation or biblical worldview. That could lead to a double defeat- especially if the seeking person is greatly influenced by the non-Christian worldview they encountered simply because the Christian was not originally prepared when opportunity arose.

Preparation happens before a need arises. If it begins at the point when a need occurs, opportunity and blessing will be lost.

Paul, in 2 Timothy 4, tells Timothy to be prepared.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. - 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (emphases added)

As friends to others, how prepared are we to pray with someone, to accurately and lovingly share the gospel, to give patient and careful instruction in season and out of season (when we feel ready and when we might not feel so ready); to discharge all the duties of our personal ministries?

While many outsource to pastors or church leaders for answers and solutions (it's not totally wrong to do so), as maturing Christians- if we're maturing beyond only consuming for ourselves, we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to those in a lost world all around us. This includes storing up and growing in biblical truth, sharing it with others as we learn, and assisting others in their maturation in Jesus Christ. It's not only a pastor or spiritual leader's responsibility! We all share in this abundance.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, - Matthew 6:20

It's more than consuming spiritual food for ourselves for today- but storing up and sharing for eternal treasures.

Seeking Who Provides Instead of Only the Abundance Itself

In a consumer-based culture, it's easy to become distracted by the items of abundance. While we pray, "give us our daily bread," let's keep the Provider forefront in our thinking and worship instead of only obsessing over the bread or material items alone.

...how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

As we daily seek God to provide for our physical and emotional needs, let's remember to ask Him to fill, shape, and guide us with His Spirit living and working within us. There's the abundance we can have and offer to others! It may produce an internal battle at times when our flesh resists a leading, prompting, or direction He gives, but His Spirit helps us to pray, to speak the gospel in truth and love, to read, ingest, apply, share His Word, and more. Let's ask with Him in mind!

By ourselves, we do no better than when we make a New Year's resolution. Try as we might, we eventually become tired, distracted, exhausted, and lose drive. By the Spirit's empowering, God is glorified through our weaknesses as He helps us through and past them- to do what He empowers us to do by His power. And His outcome is always better than what we attempt to produce on our own!

Ask, seek, knock. He provides. But as we seek God, let's also be sure to ask for His perspective for ours, and others', needs- and how He might work in and through us to draw others to Himself for His glory alone!

Father, you are God of all. In you we have all we need. Help me to see beyond myself, my perceived needs and desires, and to see with your perspective- with vision far clearer and wisdom-filled than my own. I expect I'll be wowed and amazed with what you show me and how you draw me closer in relationship with yourself. I want you to fill my day; may waking and sleeping hours alike. Have your way in me, and help me to store up treasures in heaven; to approach today with an eternal perspective that only you can give me. Thank you for your grace, patience, love, mercy, truth, and so much more. Continue to meet me where I am- for your glory alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*Portions of this originated from sermon notes by Pastor John Parker of Westfield, Indiana.

Grown in Prayer

Posted by Rob Griepentrog on May 21, 2014 at 10:09

"Prayer changes things" is a phrase I hear spoken every once in awhile. While prayer is a method or tool that God created for us to communicate with him, God is the one who changes things. He changes us and/or the circumstances we experience when we pray.

So, let me ask you this question. What needs changing today?

I imagine, almost instantly, your mind is filling with personal concerns or matters in which you'd like to see change. For some, political thoughts or ideas are sweeping in. For others still, it may be the circumstances or the needs of others. It's possible too that you're content with life and the circumstances you experience.

Whatever the need, and whatever the experience, meet it first in prayer.

Seek God to change the heart (your own, and for others you pray for). Remember to worship Him as you pray.

Seek God to adjust circumstances (ask Him to show you how to pray for each one).

Seek God to glorify Himself in the outworking of His will in each circumstance.

Release control of the outcome to Him- He who does and is immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Then, watch how He answers. Listen and be attentive to Him. He may instruct you to pray differently than you've been praying. That's okay. Follow Him in the way(s) He desires you to pray.

His outcomes are always greater than whatever we can come up with on our own! Sometimes His outcome may change us more than the circumstance or matter we're praying for. That's okay too! It's good to allow Him to grow you as you pray.

Praying for Revival

Despite people who cast doom-and-gloom reports on the growth or shrinkage of Christianity in our world, the gospel continues to spread- and in many places it's spreading rapidly!

A local glimpse/snapshot: Around 700 people received and began following Christ two weeks ago in Central Indiana! The Lord did this through Christians, some brand new in their faith, sharing individually and in small groups. This may be a small number, but the good news is that He's continuing to do this today!

But how does revival and awakening begin? Does it happen by a number of people putting their heads together to organize a massive plan or people-gathering campaign? Does it form when Christians try harder to live good, Christ-honoring, lives?

Revival begins, and grows, first by prayer. Are you catching the message here?

Watch this. Grown with Prayer- China's Revival

This revival has only just begun. What if we prayed for revival in other countries? What if we prayed for revival in our country? What more will God change? How much more will he change us?

SUDANESE CHRISTIAN WOMAN FACES DEATH FOR APOSTASY

Posted by Ron Clough on May 21, 2014 at 7:20

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 261 | Wed 21 May 2014

SUDAN: CHRISTIAN WOMAN FACES DEATH FOR APOSTASY

by Elizabeth Kendal

On Thursday 15 May a court in Khartoum, Sudan, convicted Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag (27) of apostasy and sentenced her to death by hanging. Having deemed her marriage to a Christian man null and void, the court also found Meriam guilty of adultery, for which she was sentenced to 100 lashes. The court ruled that Meriam, who is 8 months pregnant, should receive the 100 lashes once she has recovered from giving birth. She will be hanged in two years' time after she has weaned her infant. Meriam and her first-born son, Martin Ibrahim (now 20 months), have been in Omdurman Federal Women's Prison since 17 February. Daniel Wani, Meriam's husband and Martin's father, is a South Sudanese American citizen. He is deeply concerned about the conditions under which Meriam will give birth. Daniel's appeals to the US Embassy in Khartoum went unheeded for far too long.

Some sources say that Meriam was raised as a Christian by an Ethiopian Christian mother and, as such, never apostasised because she was never a Muslim. Others say Meriam was raised Muslim by a Muslim mother from a Muslim tribe, but then disappeared for several years before turning up again professing Christ and married to a Christian man. The details however are irrelevant as every human being - no matter how or where they were raised and irrespective of their occupation or status - must be free to seek after God.

One detail that is consistent though is that Meriam's father is Muslim. In Islam, religion is a state matter, as distinct from a faith matter. Sharia Law (Islamic law) mandates that children inherit the religion of their father. Consequently, any child born to a Muslim man is regarded as Muslim from birth and leaving Islam is forbidden. Sharia mandates that a Muslim woman cannot marry a Christian man unless he first converts to Islam to ensure the children are born Muslim. Anyone who says the rulings in Khartoum are contrary to Islam is either misinformed or is wanting to misinform. Islam underpins not only these rulings, but many thousands of honour killings committed annually, along with the impunity afforded the killers. [For a full explanation see Religious Liberty Monitoring: 'Khartoum's rulings are totally consistent with Islam', 21 May 2014.]

Concerned somewhat by the extensive international outcry, the authorities in Khartoum have opened an escape hatch, letting it be known that the ruling is not final and can yet be appealed. However, the reality is, even if Meriam is acquitted on appeal or is eventually released on compassionate grounds, this family will remain gravely imperilled just as they are gravely imperilled right now. They are at risk from those who would spare no effort to take Islamic law into their own hands, restoring Islam's honour and eradicating fitna (temptation, strife, chaos). This family needs to be rescued out of Sudan.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD -

* the giver of life (Isaiah 42:5), will intervene in power to preserve the lives of Daniel, Meriam, little Martin and the new baby.

* the creator of families, will intervene in mercy and faithfulness to protect and preserve this faithful Christian family. '... they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.' (Matthew 19:6 ESV)

* the Redeemer, will redeem this suffering - and all the suffering caused by Islam - by using it for his ultimate purpose: to bring down false religion so that God alone (the only Saviour) will be exalted. (See Isaiah 2:12-18.); may momentum continue against the unreasonableness and inhumanity of Islam.

SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

SUDANESE CHRISTIAN WOMAN FACES DEATH FOR APOSTASY

Professing Christians, Daniel Wani, a South Sudanese US citizen, and Meriam Ibrahim were married in Khartoum, Sudan, in 2012. However, according to Islam, Meriam is a Muslim because her father is a Muslim. As it is illegal for a Muslim woman to marry a Christian man, in September 2013 officials in Khartoum deemed Daniel's and Meriam's marriage void. Accordingly she was charged with adultery and sentenced to 100 lashes. When she protested that she was a Christian, she was charged with apostasy (leaving Islam). She was found guilty on 15 May and sentenced to hang. The case has attracted international condemnation. This family - Daniel, Meriam, Martin (aged 20 months) and the baby due very soon - are gravely imperilled. They need to be rescued out of Sudan. Please pray.

To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We suggest that churches and fellowships using the Summary above might also provide a copy of the listed prayer points to be used in their worship by people who are leading in prayer.

This RLPB was written by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate. Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

RLPBs are issued as a ministry of the Evangelical Alliance in Australia.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of 'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today'

(Deror Books, Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html

If this bulletin was forwarded to you, you may receive future weekly issues direct by sending a blank email

to join-rlpb@hub.xc.org

How To Be Ready for Battle

Posted by Deborah Perkins on May 19, 2014 at 20:10

It has been said that the best defense is a good offense. As I have continued to meditate on the Psalms this week, I believe that is true, but with a qualification. (Click here to read more: http://goo.gl/gJr7uT)

"Hey mister...got anything for me?"

Posted by Paul Covert on May 19, 2014 at 18:00

In 1984 Annie and I moved to Arizona to start a church. We did it the hard way with no people and no place to meet except our living room. In time, we rented a facility and God graciously sent us some people to love and lead.

I remember our first Thanksgiving as a church so clearly (we were only eleven months old and had seventy five people). Our infant church collected food and had enough to help four different families with their Thanksgiving meals. I recall feeling very proud that we were able to help some people during that first Thanksgiving season and truthfully, was really hoping that we would have the chance to assist many others as the years went by.

We met at the church and divided into four cars, each taking an entire meal to a struggling family. Bill and I drove to an apartment in a rough part of Phoenix’s inner city. You know how it goes… it took forever to find the right apartment in the maze of similar looking buildings and doors. When we finally found the right place we greeted the family and unloaded four boxes of food. I again experienced pride that we were far enough along that we could help others at this key time.

As we left, a small 8 year old boy called out to us. His words haunt me to this day “Hey mister, do you have anything for me?” We didn’t. The wonderful feelings we were enjoying escaped as I told him we had given everything we had away. I failed that day. I should have gone to the store and pulled out my nearly maxed out credit card and purchased some food for his family also. But I didn’t. I am ashamed of that.

I determined that day to never let that happen again.

Those words have lived with me all these years and I hear them in other places too. Like in church on Sunday mornings, or when I am greeting people as they file in. No one says those words audibly but I know that almost everyone is thinking them as they attend Central for the first time. Their spirits are screaming at them as they walk in the doors, “Hey mister do you have anything for me?”

Every time I have the chance to greet someone new, counsel a new friend who is in trouble, smile when my eyes meet the eyes of another, or have the chance to pray with attendees at the end of a service, those words help me to stay focused and care more. I hope they help you as well.

The joy of lost ones turning to God

Posted by Stephanie Tucker on May 19, 2014 at 14:01

We sometimes find it difficult and challenging to pray with real faith and love for Muslim people. Struggles with unbelief, anger or fear keep us from voicing what God longs to do for them. Most of us have Muslim friends or neighbors. How can we pray with real hope that God will fulfill all He has promised for these people who are so precious to Him?

Our God is continually on a “search and rescue” mission. If you were to read Luke 15, you would quickly see how Jesus describes God relentlessly seeking the people He has lost. God wants us to open our hearts to sense with Him His deep yearning for those so dear to Him. Our prayers can be empowered by His amazing joy when lost ones turn to Him again.

This year Ramadan is June 28-July 27. This is an ideal time to pray for Muslim people as it is a when they are seeking God in special ways. Beginning on June 28, 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World prayer guide will help everyday Christians learn how to pray for Muslim people to know and follow Jesus Christ. This guide will help you pray with informed wisdom and hope for Muslim neighbors across the street, as well as Muslims around the world.

Check out some sample pages of the full-color, illustrated guide, and place your order at www.waymakers.org/30-days. The Just for Kids edition, with many fun activities, is also available. It is easy to order online for your church and family.

Let’s join our faith with believers around the world as we pray for God’s light to shine in the darkest of places. Let’s stand firm in faith, asking God to exert His amazing excellence of calling Muslim peoples out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Stephanie Tucker
WayMakers

512.419.7729

Whose Time Is It Anyway?

Posted by Rob Griepentrog on May 18, 2014 at 22:04

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ²Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

³And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. ⁵God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

¹⁴And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, ¹⁵and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. ¹⁶God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. ¹⁷God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, ¹⁸to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. ¹⁹And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. - Genesis 1:1-5, 14-19

God created time to help bring order to our lives. Day and night was established to mark sacred times, and days and years (v. 14). Do you ever marvel at God's desire for order and structure instead of chaos? Time brings order to our lives and exists to help us align our hearts, minds, tasks, and all things before God.

Time was Created for Man

God exists both within and outside of time- all at the same time. This can be difficult to ponder. For God to create time, He had to already be existing outside of time. Once he created time, He was both within and outside of time- as God does not abandon His creation or works.

As created beings made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), God ordained that we live, work, and worship within a structure called, "time." When God created time, He saw it was good (Gen. 1:19). His whole work of creation was completed in 7 days. Have you ever considered that days did not exist prior to creation? Even the existence of days point us toward God and many of His perfect attributes! What a perfectly wise God we serve and worship!

The Fall of Man

Those familiar with the creation account in the beginning of Genesis are aware that by chapter 3, Adam and Eve fell into sin. Sin brought a curse that affected all of creation, including man and time (Gen. 3:17-19). Since then, all of creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. (Romans 8:22)

Taking a Good Thing too Far

Often in our fallen, sinful, world, time can seem to become a burdensome yoke or restrictive slave master. This was not God's original design. While time exists to help bring order to our lives, we can easily take orderliness too far- to a point where it can dominate our thoughts, actions, and attention. When this happens, our relationship with God is the first to suffer.

Sin has warped how we see and utilize time in our daily lives. It has caused activities, others-focused priorities, and self to usurp God's #1 place in our moment-to-moment lives.

Sadly, in our culture, doing things (whether to please God or self) often take priority over the abiding, deepening, relationship that God desires to have with us on a moment-by-moment basis. When this happens, time can easily become an idol. Activities on to-do lists are exalted before time with God, and our flesh becomes the driver of our lives instead of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. When this happens, and happens with increasing frequency, our awe and wonder of God, His power, perfections, and other attributes, are dimmed- often to a point where God may seem distant or even irrelevant. Time, and the act of filling our time to accomplish things, replaces a deepening relationship with the Holy, Perfect, Sovereign, Mighty God of all.

When Attention to Time Overpowers the Holy Spirit

Have you ever been in a time of corporate prayer or worship (where two or more are gathered in prayer) that ended seemingly before the Holy Spirit had finished the work He was doing in that time? Maybe somebody began repeatedly interjecting the word, "Amen" into the prayer meeting in hopes it would end so they could leave for their next activity. Maybe the meeting was forced to end because the prayer leader had somewhere else they felt they or others needed to be at that time. Or maybe the Holy Spirit was halted early in doing a ministering work because there was another church service to follow (and it was expected to begin on time). Maybe a service was on the verge of becoming too long compared to how some attendees were conditioned to stay. The Holy Spirit was chased away due to somebody's set time schedule. Sadly, these kind of things happen more than we'd care to admit.

The Holy Spirit does not often perfectly fit into our schedules, our set-aside times with Him, or the clock on the wall. What if He desires to minister to or through you beyond, or outside, of your scheduled quiet time? Will you let Him, or will you permit your other priorities to quench Him?

Some Pertinent Reminders:

God is sovereign (He can freely choose to do whatever He pleases whenever it pleases Him to do so).

God is our King. He engages us as He pleases. Who are we to dictate to Him when He should meet with us?

God is not restricted by time.

His ways are above our ways!

He sees the past, present, and future all at the same time.

He knows how He will resolve the meeting, service, or appointment that He'll make you late for- if you stay with Him until He's finished meeting with you. He also knows how He'll glorify Himself to or through you if you'll let Him complete what He desires to do in that moment. Will you trust Him to do so and permit Him to complete the deeper work in you He desires to do?

He knows how He will adjust your circumstances (in ways only He can) so that you'll completely receive what He desires you to hear or experience when you're deeply in prayer, meditation, relationship, or worship with Him. Will you stay with Him long enough to permit Him to do so?

God is a Perfect Gentleman. Because He is, so is Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. He will not force us to be in communion, meditation, or worship beyond whatever else or whom we prioritize before Him. He allows us to choose others before Him- but at our own loss.

The Spirit always ministers in the present moment. He can not be delayed, DVR'ed, or Tivoed (recorded, and then watched/listened to at a different time)!

The Holy Spirit can be quenched (doused, chased away, grieved). Through disobedience, prioritization of others or other things before God, the Spirit can be quenched or grieved.

We can miss much, if not all, of what the Spirit may desire to teach or do. This can happen by boxing God into specified appointed times in our schedules. If we're inflexible with aligning our schedules with God's, we miss out on God's best for us in that moment and afterward.

Liberty Within Prayer

During corporate prayer and worship (where two or more are together doing so), it could be made known to all in advance that all in attendance have liberty to come and go as they please. This permits the Holy Spirit to continue His work within that time until He's finished with those He's ministering to or through- should they choose to wait for Him.

He extends liberty to us in each moment- to choose whether we'll invite or ask Him to fill, use us, or show us anything we're missing in that moment. As a Perfect Gentleman, He always leaves the decision up to us. That's liberty (for better or worse)!

When the Lord has completed showing, teaching, or doing what He desires, He'll release you to your next assignment, activity, etc. He is trustworthy!

Keeping the First Thing the First Thing

Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

We belong to God. We are created to be in constant relationship with Him. He desires our attention, affection, worship, joy, meditation, lives, hearts, minds; all of us, always to be centered upon and within Him. Time belongs to God. The clock gives structure to our days and nights, but He should always rule over time- the time He's given us to live, serve, love, and worship.

Aligning ourselves with God will help us see Him more completely, and catch the greater depths of relationship He desires to have with us. This is sometimes referred to as redeeming the time.

Let's redeem the time well and yield to the Holy Spirit in His timing!

Lord, you are my all-in-all. Everything I have and am is Yours. The time you've given me this day belongs solely to You. Thank you for giving me this day and night ahead. I desire to utilize the time you've given me in fellowship with You- even while I work, serve, and do all things as unto You. Have Your way in me and through me. Help me to realize things I hold on too tightly to, and grasp You more fully in my heart, mind, life, and soul. Be glorified and magnified in this day. Teach me Your ways and show me greater depths of Your heart for me and others. You are the One I seek. I worship You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dispelling a Lie about God and Prayer

Posted by Rob Griepentrog on May 18, 2014 at 20:51

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,
²turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
³indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
⁵then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
⁶For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
⁸for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

⁹Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
¹⁰For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
¹¹Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.
¹²Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,
¹³who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
¹⁴who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
¹⁵whose 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. ²This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³but 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.

Learning From Hannah's Prayers and Praises

Posted by Rob Griepentrog on May 18, 2014 at 20:35

In 1 Samuel chapter 1, we read about Elkanah and his wives Penninah and Hannah. God had given favor to Penninah. She birthed sons and daughters to Elkanah. Hannah, however, was barren.

Each year, as Elkanah would travel with his wives and children to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord, Penninah would, at some point, provoke and irritate Hannah over her barrenness. This troubled Hannah to the point of weeping and being unable to eat.

But then we read Hannah's prayer in verse 11: "“Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

In verse 12, we read that this wasn't a one-time or one-off prayer. "As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard." Her prayer was a prayer of desperation.

For full context, read 1 Samuel 1 in its entirety. Later, she stops praying after Eli blesses her by agreeing with her desire for the Lord to grant her favor.

Hannah, certainly frustrated, then provoked in her barrenness, could have tried to do many things to overcome her frustration. But she went to the Person she knew would make a difference; the Lord! She humbled herself and prayed. She didn't hide her fear, frustration, tears, or shame. She let it out before the Lord- to the point where she could no longer speak her prayers aloud (God still knew her heart- even if others around her didn't).

Hannah humbled herself before God (and around others, too) in prayer. God gave her favor (as she had specifically prayed), opened her womb, and gave her a son. In return, she was thankful and obedient to fulfill her vows to the Lord; giving her son (one of the specific answers to her prayers), Samuel, at a very young age to serve the Lord.

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” - James 4:6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. ⁷Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
⁸This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones. - Proverbs 3:5-8

Chapter 2 opens with Hannah's prayer of praise, truth, wisdom, understanding, and strength. We can learn a lot about God, and ourselves, by what Hannah prays here!

“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
    in the Lord my horn ^(strength) is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
    for I delight in your deliverance.
²“There is no one holy like the Lord;
    there is no one besides you;
    there is no Rock like our God.

“Do not keep talking so proudly

    or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
    and by him deeds are weighed.
⁴“The bows of the warriors are broken,
    but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
⁵Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
    but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
    but she who has had many sons pines away.
⁶“The Lord brings death and makes alive;
    he brings down to the grave and raises up.
⁷The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
    he humbles and he exalts.
⁸He raises the poor from the dust
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
    and has them inherit a throne of honor.
“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
    on them he has set the world.
⁹He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
    but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

“It is not by strength that one prevails;
¹⁰ those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

“He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

Hannah remembered to give thanks to the Lord! But she did more than give a simple thank you to God. She offered Him praise and honor; bringing glory to His name- for she recognized that all that happened was done by Him. She worshiped Him, thanked Him, prayed truth about Him and others. All this helped remind her, and others, of the mightiness of God and the low position of man before Him.

Our sinful nature, spurred on by our flesh, the world's influence, and our adversary, often tempts us to do this or that; ignore this matter, or make a bigger deal out of something than it really is- all as a means to distract us from God; the One who knows us, hears us, loves us, and does all of this and more in degrees far beyond what we understand or comprehend! We miss out on so much of God by trying to solve matters out of our own knowledge or strength first; often leaving the humbling of ourselves in prayer to be the very last thing we'll do or consider.

Then, the same forces working against us will do whatever possible to distract us from remembering God when He gives us favor. We often miss out on glorifying God when He gives favor because of busyness, distractions, stealing a little bit of the favor or credit for ourselves, etc.

Humbling ourselves before God, in matters great and small, places and keeps God before us (keeps Him first in our minds, hearts, and more). The more we do so, the more we'll see and know Him. If He truly is our Source, Strength, and All-in-All, we should want more of Him and much less of ourselves!

While we often think of prayer as a means of humbling ourselves before God when we pray, we also do so when we worship Him. Humbling ourselves aligns our hearts in the right position of where we stand before the Perfect, Holy, Almighty, Omniscient, Omnipresent, God of all. The Holy Spirit helps us to do so when we yield to Him. Without His help, it's difficult, if not impossible to do so on our own. Simply put, God is first. Everyone and everything else (including ourselves) comes after Him. When we get out of order, we suffer in many ways (great, and sometimes in imperceptible ways).

There are many lessons to learn from Hannah's story, praises, and prayers.

What are one or two take-aways for you?

Lord, there is no Rock like You. You are our God. My heart rejoices in You; for You are lifted high. In You I find deliverance and delight. You bring poverty and wealth; you humble and exalt. The foundations of the earth are the Lord's, and you've set the world upon them.

Continue to teach us to pray- not only for our growth and edification, but ultimately for Your glory- in heaven and on earth. Lead us in prayer far beyond what's written here. Holy Spirit, lead us now as we continue to pray...

Go Beyond Thoughts Toward Actually Praying

Posted by Rob Griepentrog on May 18, 2014 at 19:30

In our day and age, many people express words of encouragement to others by saying, "I'm thinking of you today," or "My thoughts and prayers are with you." Statements like these express care and concern and are meaningful to many who receive them. Kind thoughts and words can momentarily bolster someone who's experienced a loss; is struggling with loneliness, or may be struggling in one way or another.

While expressions of encouragement are useful, there's a difference between thoughts and prayers. What are they?

Wishful Thinking vs. Difference-Making Prayer

"I hope you feel better soon."

"I wish there was something I could do."

"I'm thinking of you. Sending good thoughts your way."

These, and other similar expressions, express heartfelt concern and care. While they may be encouraging and express care, how far do they go? On what is the hope, wish, or thought based?

While it's good to express care and concern, it's also good to be careful not to make caring and concern about self. Phrases like, "I'm sending good thoughts your way" can stem from a puffed-up view of one's self- as though that person is a/the source of good things, thoughts, or activities. It may also be that the person saying this presumes to know that they're stronger or in a better position than the one they're expressing concern for. Regardless, that statement can come off as self-centered or as at least self-glorifying.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. - Romans 7:18

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Romans 15:1-7

One way to build up our neighbor (friends, family, others around us) is to pray. Praying for someone else sets them ahead of ourselves. God brings encouragement to the person praying, as well as the person receiving prayer, as we seek Him to accomplish His will in that person's life.

This passage also points toward the Scriptures as the source of endurance, encouragement, and hope. In Scripture we, and others we pray for, find hope. It's a good reminder to search the Scriptures for appropriate verses and passages to pray for/with those we pray for!

Prayer is much different than merely thinking. Going to the Creator, Author and Perfecter of our faith; the All-Knowing, Ever-present, Loving, Gracious, Merciful, Just, Righteous, Wise, All-Powerful God in prayer is where significant differences are made! Prayer goes beyond simple wishful thinking and whimsical hope. When we pray, we carry the concern, problem, or matter directly to the One who can alter circumstances and outcomes. He fully knows all the circumstances and lives surrounding the person or matter in question- but He's also waiting on His children to invite Him to act! He is a Perfect Gentleman- and will not intrude, even if He desires to do so. He wants His children to prayerfully engage Him first!

Caution Against Presumptive Praying

Most people are curious and caring people. When praying for someone in stress or distress, it's often tempting to imagine or guess what the person is thinking or going through right at that moment. Based on that guess or assumption, one may feel led to pray based on that imagination. But can we be sure that our assumption or imagination is accurate or how God would have us pray?

A Better Way to First Pray Instead of Presuming

A very simply way to unclutter one's heart from taking on thoughts that might lead to praying presumptively is to simply pray something like, "Lord, I give my mind and heart to You. Align them with Yours. Please instruct me how You'd have me pray for ___________ at this time."

Then be still and listen for His prompting on how to pray.

God, who is all-knowing, knows exactly where the person is physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He also knows perfectly what He desires to do in or around that person's life (emotionally and spiritually, too)! As praying people, we desire to see our prayers answered and God glorified as He answers. An excellent way to do so is to ask God how He'd have us pray (seeking His will to be done, instead of our own).

Real Hope

The Lord sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.

- Psalm 147:6,10-11

Praying people humble themselves before God. The promise above mentions that God sustains the humble. Praying people, while humbling themselves, are also expressing fear of the Lord (defined as awe, wonder, yielding to His majesty, power, and perfection). The Lord delights in them; those who put their hope in his unfailing love (verse 11). Here, hope is placed in the Lord, our Difference-Maker; not in self, or in some wishful ethereal place, thought, or desire.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13

God is our source of hope, joy, and peace as we trust in Him. Hoping or searching for joy, peace, and other things from other sources will always fall flat in comparison. The power of God, through the Holy Spirit, provides hope that is solid and sustaining!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. - 1 John 3:1-3

Hoping in and seeking God purifies (renews) our minds, hearts, and lives. In Him we receive His limitless love. In Him we're called children of God. What a title and position He's given us! Let's continually fix our prayers, hope, focus, attention, love, and more on God the Father and Jesus Christ!

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand. - "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"

Following Through in Prayer

God knows our thoughts and minds. While we can think good things and hopes toward others, prayer is what puts those thoughts into motion. Prayer is what moves caring, concerned (but idle) thoughts into active pleas and sets those pleas before God- who can make a substantive difference in that moment, person, or matter.

So, move beyond merely thinking and wishing. Take the matter to Him. Engage God in prayer! You'll likely notice a difference both in the person/matter you're praying for- as well as in yourself as God meets you, grows your faith, and more!

Healing Our Wounded Hearts

Posted by Debbie Przybylski on May 16, 2014 at 20:48

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

I doubt if very many of God’s people wake up in the morning with the amazing thought, “I am made in God’s image!” Instead quite the opposite often occurs—many feel down about themselves with feelings of insecurity, insignificance, and a lack of self worth. If we want the freedom to pray wholeheartedly, we must understand some of the things that are hindering our wholeheartedness in prayer. When there is negative traffic in our hearts, we are distracted in prayer. We are consumed with our own needs. We are not free to fully serve God in every area of life, especially in prayer.

How did we get into such a difficult place?

Let’s look back to creation and the garden where it all started. Yes, we are made in God’s image. The very origin of relationship was the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were in perfect relationship—they were in perfect harmony, with perfect communication and respect. And they said, “Let us create man in our own image.”

God’s original intention for our world was that our needs would be met through our family, society, and creation. Our parents are supposed to represent God’s character. Children are to know they are loved, cared for, and provided for in every way. They are to be secure in who they are (identity), who they will be (destiny), and in their relationships (belonging). Even in society our relationships and government should be characterized by love, unselfishness, wisdom, mutual respect, and appreciation. There should not be injustice, greed, and abuse.

Unfortunately this is not true. We see the breakdown of society and the family in every dimension of life. Many of us are appalled by what is happening with human trafficking, murder within families, school shootings, and the rise of immorality and pornography worldwide. The nearly 300 young girls recently kidnapped from their Nigerian school by terrorists, many who are probably being sold into human trafficking, has shocked the world. Over 9000 girls are kidnapped annually in sub-sahara Africa!

This is not what God desires. In creation everything should work together in harmony under His Lordship. Can you imagine our world with no disease, no abuse, and no disasters? This is how God made the earth and what He wanted.

But man rebelled and everything changed. Our world went completely out of control, and what once was a perfect world is now one in complete disarray because of sin.

The fall brought serious disruption to everything—the family, society, and all of creation. The result was woundedness—we now have broken relationships, fragmented nations, and decay and disorder everywhere. I once heard it said, “Be kind to everyone for everyone is going through some kind of battle.” The truth is that everyone struggles because we live in a fallen world.

Many people hop from one job to another, from one marriage to another, or from one church to another, hoping to find fulfillment and completeness. The truth is that we won’t be fully satisfied until Heaven. We are made for something so far greater than what earth can offer. We are made for eternity, and God has set it in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Imagine a secure and perfect world without sin. If we felt secure we would have a greater ability to withstand difficulty in life. It would be far easier to make long-term friendships and have good relationships with parents and authority figures. We would be able to trust on a far deeper level. We would have a good self-esteem with a positive and hopeful belief system about ourselves, our family, and about society.

But the problem is that many, if not most of us, feel very insecure in a broken and wounded world. Our basic human needs are often unmet, and there is a huge increase of fear all around the world.

Our Basic Human Needs

We all have the same basic human needs. These needs are God-given. They are the need for:

A sense of worth - We need a sense of identity and self-esteem. Everyone is worth loving and has intrinsic value. We are made in God’s image.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).
A sense of significance - We all need meaning and purpose in our life. We need to feel that we matter and our contribution is valued. God has promised us an abundant life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10a).
A sense of belonging and security - We need to know we are loved and accepted. We need a family. God has said that we are His children. We belong in His family.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Unmet needs become apparent in our relationships. When our needs are unmet, there is a lack of security, a lack of significance, and a lack of self-worth. When we are insecure we can have a sense of rejection, a sense of not belonging, and of feeling unloved and insecure. When we lack significance, we can doubt our purpose and meaning. If we lack personal self-worth, we can have self-doubt, self-rejection, and self-hated.

Look around your world. How many feel this way in their secret heart? Why is there so much violence in families and society?

The Wounded Spirit

“A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness but a wounded spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14)

Our unmet needs lead to wounds. A child who is not cherished, fed, and affirmed will have wounds. The spirit is impacted by neglect, rejection, and maltreatment. Having a wounded spirit leads to physical illness and disease, emotional and personality disorders. Wounds lead to isolation, a sense of rejection, abandonment, or violation. This can lead to the conclusion, “There must be something wrong with me.”

What is the answer to our broken hearts? Who can heal our deepest wounds?

Jesus Came to Heal the Wounded Heart

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

God is the answer through Jesus. His love has become visible through Christ. God gives us a purpose for living, a job to do (Gen. 1:28, Jn. 15:16). We are sons and daughters with God being our Father. We are a chosen race and a royal priesthood. We belong to God and are made in His image (Genesis 1:26). We are accepted by God and are not condemned (Romans 8:33,34). God demonstrates a heart of compassion and a desire to restore us. Jesus has come to give us an abundant life (John 10:10).

We can come to God and ask Him to heal our wounded hearts. Take time to be still before God and let Him touch your heart. Put on some soft worship music and let Him speak to you. Tell God about any wounds in your heart. With pen and paper beside you, write down anything that comes to mind. Here are some things you can do that will help facilitate God's healing in your heart:

Face your pain with Jesus and bring it to the cross - You can transfer your pain to Jesus. He went through everything on the cross and he understands all your hurts (Isaiah 53:4).
Forgive those who have hurt you - Healing always involves forgiveness. Forgive and ask God to forgive you for any way you have hurt others. Receive His forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Know and meditate on God’s Word - God’s truth sets us free (John 8:32).
Develop a daily dialogue with the Holy Spirit - He will teach you the truth about your life and about others. The Holy Spirit helps us to deal with our past and our unmet needs (John 14:16, 26).
Ask God for a revelation of His heart - Listen to His voice. He may speak through a verse, a word, or a picture. When you get a revelation of His heart for you, everything changes (John 10:27).
Make a new commitment to seek intimacy with God - Discover your redeemer in a deeper way (Meditate on Psalm 42).

Be encouraged because God is in the process of healing our wounded hearts. We have so much to live for and all eternity is before us. In God and through Jesus we have worth and identity, significance and purpose, and security and acceptance. We can be wholehearted in prayer. We are children of God and in His family. Our God wants to heal our wounded hearts!

This video will bless you - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGFBYuCdQ-8

"There is nothing that transforms our hearts and satisfies us more than when the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us." Mike Bickle

Intercessors Arise News

Four facebook pages for my books on prayer: Breakthrough Prayer, Ascending the Height in Prayer, Deeper Still, and 24/7 Prayer Arise.
Join and like the Intercessors Arise facebook page for daily encouragement in your prayer life.
Have your friends sign up for Intercessors Arise here.
An Intercessors Arise International School of Prayer is in the initial stages. See The Fire of Prayer blog site.

Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
International House of Prayer (IHOP) KC Staff
deb@intercessorsarise.org
www.intercessorsarise.org

Grace Momentum

Posted by Johnny Russell Almond on May 15, 2014 at 15:10

"Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back!" my father used to say. So how did the turtle get on such a lofty perch on that fence post?

“There is a Power whose care / Teaches the way along that pathless coast.

The desert and illimitable air / Lone wandering, but not lost.”

- William Cullen Bryant, “To a Waterfowl” (1818)

Taking a break from the hectic human race to review our life is beneficial—

Looking back, we realize God’s faithfulness in meeting all of our needs.

Skeptics question God’s care, but experience has taught us better.

All of our lifelong odyssey, to this day, God has been our Pastor.

When we were exhausted, He let us rest in green meadows.

When we were distressed, He steered us to serene havens.

When devastated by our guilt, He helped us to our feet.

When disoriented, He charted a course in our mind.

When we trembled in the dark, He was our light.

Surrounded by enemies, He was our shield.

Discouraged, His goodness reinforced us.

Grace momentum inspired our journey.

Jesus is gently shepherding us home.

Taking His hand, we learn to dance.

“The God who shepherded me through life to this moment…”

Genesis 48:15 MLB

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

[This devotion based on/adapted from Day 34 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized (copy & paste to browser for blog & book info)

Special Book Offer - God’s Design for Grandparents

Posted by Lillian Penner on May 15, 2014 at 12:58

Do you believe God has a design/purpose for Grandparents?

Just as David was chosen for his generation God has positioned us, as grandparents for our generation. God chose us, as grandparents for this generation, for our specific children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We are not living in the past or the future generations.

God has a purpose for us to love, nurture, and pray for our grandchildren to know and follow Christ wholeheartedly.

Ask yourself what is God’s design for me in grandparenting my grandchildren. The book “Grandparenting with a Purpose" will challenge you and give you suggestions to grandparent with a purpose. The book is available on this website for a reduced cost of $10.50 including shipping at this time.

Lord, how do you want me to fulfill your purpose

for my grandchildren and their parents?

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOCUSING ON FOOT

Posted by David Young on May 15, 2014 at 12:50

Have you had trouble maintaining focus in prayer? I often have that trouble. It is embarrassing to write it out like this, but it is still the truth. Every day I pray for God’s anointing to keep me focused as I go through prayer lists. It can be an even greater problem as I try to pray for one person or a single concern. I did something this week that helped a great deal. I walked my prayer.

Many of us understand the value of prayer-walking to pray for a street or neighborhood. But it also seems to help me focus on whatever I am praying for. Twice this week I walked through our neighborhood praying for a single loved one. As I walked I did pray briefly for houses and people I saw. But most of my prayer was for the person I was concerned about. In both cases I did not exactly know what to pray for. And I am not sure I knew better when I finished the walks, but I was overwhelmed with peace and joy as I concluded the prayer walks.

I have not heard anyone else give this benefit of prayer-walking. I would like to know if others of you have found walking helped you focus your prayers.

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“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

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