Pray Network Forum

Prayer is not simply mouthing a few words spoken in the morning or at the dinner table. That us of course an important part  prayer. But prayer is the opportunity to live our whole lives in God’s grace. Early this morning I read the story of the raising of Lazarus in John chapter 11. This passage gives us a vivid picture of living in God’s grace. While Jesus and His disciples were in Galilee they received word from Martha and Mary that their brother Lazarus was seriously ill. The message simply read, “He whom you love is ill.” Let me point out two simple yet difficult perspectives of living in God’s grace.

1. Waiting in His love

         2. Walking in His light

http://daveswatch.com/

http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

The excitement of a first time grandparent is always the beginning of a new journey.  As most grandparents, I was very excited to become a grandparent even though I was only 42 years old. Now I have 9 grandchildren with 3 married and 2 great-grandchildren and each additional family member brings more happiness.  

Nothing is more important to me than for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and future generations to be living within God’s design for their lives.

I am happy to announce that I have prepared an eBook “Reflecting on my Grandparenting Journey” for you.  My prayer is that it will be a bless you, encourage you and you will share this eBook with your friends. To receive a free copy, send me an email at info@grandparentingwithapurpose.com and I will send you the eBook. The eBook is taken from the book Grandparenting with a Purpose available at www.gdptpr.com.

Lillian Penner

Author of Grandparenting with a Purpose

Nat’l Prayer Coordinator, Christian Grandparenting Network

“Cannons and fire-arms are cruel and damnable machines;

I believe them to have been the direct suggestion of the Devil.

If Adam had seen in a vision the horrible instruments his children were to invent,

he would have died of grief.”

- Martin Luther

At times it feels there are hawks everywhere—but a Dove is on the believer’s shoulder.

Benjamin Franklin was certainly right—“there never was a good war or a bad peace.”

Incredibly, this world seems to thrive on war—over 100,000 killed in Syria so far!

Afghanistan and Iraq have been battlegrounds for years, and are not yet quiet.

Millions have died in combat, with “the war to end all wars” not yet fought.

Ukraine trembles in the shadow of her giant threatening neighbor Russia.

Will America’s paratroopers in Poland keep the menacing bear at bay?

“Wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6) pervade the daily news.  

Peace at last is the promise of Scripture—God speed the day!

“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. ”

Isaiah 2:4 ESV

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

Our adversary, Satan, knows Scriptures well and is one who works to twist meanings to his own ends.  For many Christians, when they read this passage, they surrender, thinking, "I know my sins and my sinful triggers.  I'm not righteous as God is righteous.  Therefore, God doesn't hear or answer my prayers because they're neither powerful or effective.  What's the point of praying?"

But our adversary doesn't have the last word... not even close!

⁹ What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. ¹⁰ As it is written:

¹⁹ Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. ²⁰ Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. - Romans 3:9-20

Here, Paul writes that nobody is righteous by their thoughts, words, or deeds.  There's no natural righteousness in self.  To think one's self to be righteous, apart from God, is to be deceived.  But then he continues...

²¹ But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²² This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— ²⁶ he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. - Romans 3:21-26

Here, Paul completes the rest of the story and answers our question.  While nobody is righteous on their own, Jesus gives us His righteousness through faith in His shed blood on the cross.


For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Cor 5:21 (ESV)

Let's Resume Our Relationship with God

If you've been wrestling in any way with concerns that your life isn't good enough for your prayers to be heard and effective, the matter is settled.  Christ settled it on the cross and with His resurrection from the dead.  If you believe that Jesus did this, your responsibilities are to confess your sins (all sin is sin against God- whether done privately, to somebody else, or a group of people), and grow in deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.  Prayer is the means in which we do both.  Resume praying now and continue growing in love, faith, trust, and depth with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!  Your prayers are powerful and effective; made so by the righteousness of Jesus Christ- given to all who believe in Him!

*Portions of this devotional were written by OnSite prayer partner, Ruth Jackson.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 257 | Wed 23 Apr 2014

NIGERIA: BOKO HARAM RAIDS CHRISTIAN ENCLAVE
- 187 teenage girls still missing from Chibok, Borno

by Elizabeth Kendal

On 25 February 2014 Boko Haram militants slaughtered at least 59 teenage boys boarding at the Federal Government College in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, Nigeria. After rounding up the female students, the militants sent them off with orders to abandon their education and get married. [See RLPB 249 Feb Update.] According to Morning Star News, in a subsequent video released on March 23, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau threatened to kidnap schoolgirls. Escalating violence across Borno had already forced the temporary closure of the state's 85 secondary schools.

At 11pm on Sunday 13 April, Boko Haram militants invaded the Christian enclave of Chibok in the south of Borno State. After looting and burning shops and homes, the militants attacked the local Government Girls Secondary School where some 300 girls aged between 16 and 18 were sleeping, having come to sit for a physics exam. The attack, which lasted until 4am Monday, culminated in the abduction of around 270 girls, some of whom managed to escape as they were being sped away in open trucks. The Rev Titus Pona, chairman of Borno State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) told Morning Star News most of the kidnapped girls were members of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN). Christians in Borno are at a loss to explain how such violence and terrorism can continue with impunity in a state under emergency rule.

When Borno governor Kashim Shettima later visited Chibok, parents presented him with 234 names of missing girls. Distressed and frustrated from lack of action, parents and volunteers formed a search party on Maundy Thursday (17 April) and set off on some 1500 motorcycles to storm Sambisa forest where it is believed Boko Haram is hiding and where it is presumed the girls are being held captive. Deep in the forest they found makeshift camps and met people who claimed to have seen their daughters. Eventually they came across a man who confirmed that the base camp was near, but warned them that the militants were heavily armed and would not hesitate to kill. Without military back-up, there was nothing the parents and volunteers could do. Returning to Chibok empty-handed, they appealed to Governor Shettima to deploy security forces and rescue the girls.

On Easter Saturday (19 April) Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau released a video in which he claimed responsibility for the 14 April terror attack at the Nyanya Motor Park in the national capital, Abuja, which claimed at least 75 lives and left over 120 wounded. He said the bombing was a 'tiny incident' compared with what was coming. Chuckling and tapping his chest, he said, 'This is me, Abubakar Shekau whose turban you don't like seeing; whose armoured shirt you so much hate; this is my usual gun with which I kill. Get more annoyed, because I am still here; yes, I am the Shekau that does not like Christians, and I don't like Muslims that relate with Christians. We have been commanded by Allah not to associate with infidels because they cannot be trusted until they accept your religion. So you cannot say you are a believer and then go and follow democracy; we cannot allow you to ridicule the religion of God; never!' [See http://quran.com/3/118 & http://quran.com/5/57]

On Easter Sunday (20 April) the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter, announced three days of prayer and fasting for the immediate release of the abducted schoolgirls. On Tuesday 22 April, parents confirmed that more than 40 girls had escaped and 187 were still missing. Grave concerns are held for the girls' welfare as they are doubtless being used as human shields and possibly also as wives or slave-girls with whom sexual relations are lawful according to Islam [http://quran.com/23/1-7]. Please pray!

'The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.' (James 5:16b-18 ESV)

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT OUR FAITHFUL GOD WILL -

* protect and sustain the captive girls spiritually, emotionally and physically, and give special grace to those who know him so they will encourage, care for and witness to the girls who do not. May God be glorified!

* open the way for the girls to be liberated and reunited with their families. May God be glorified!

* call to account Boko Haram's wicked, arrogant leader Abubakar Shekau [see Psalm 10]; may Boko Haram become leaderless and the militants be beset with confusion.

* cause Nigeria's Muslim masses to reject violence and intolerance, and may the wisdom and beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ be evident to all. May Christ build his Church and may God be glorified!


* SYRIA: THE BATTLE FOR ALEPPO

With the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) ascendant in the south, the rebels are escalating their attacks in the north - seizing Kessab (see RLPB 253) and escalating the Battle for Aleppo. Christians in Aleppo are again facing siege conditions as rebels advance, cutting supplies to government-held areas and leaving Christians without food, water and electricity. By Maundy Thursday (17 April) one Christian pastor in Aleppo was expressing his fear that the Battle for Aleppo would result in the Christian quarter being overrun by Islamists. This pastor was so concerned for people's safety that he chose not to advertise Easter services. However, on Good Friday some 100 people braved the rockets and mortars to come to his church telling the pastor, 'We would rather die worshipping in our church than sitting in our homes.' A local doctor told World Magazine reporter Mindy Belz that the endless bombing and rocket fire has felt 'like an earthquake'. Dozens have been killed. By Easter Sunday the SAA had reportedly regained control of al-Ramouseh road, restoring some supplies. The fighting continues and the trauma is profound, as is the danger. Pray that the Lord of Hosts will protect and provide for his faithful people in Aleppo. May God bring peace to Syria.

ALSO: At the behest of Saudi Arabia (the world's leading sponsor of international terrorism) the US is now supplying sophisticated armour-piercing weapons to the 'good' and 'moderate' rebels, despite the fact that the Free Syrian Army openly aligns with the al-Qaeda linked al-Nusrah Front and routinely stages joint operations with their 'brothers in Islam', including against Christian communities. The US is so committed to regime change in Damascus that it simply seems not to care about costs or consequences. Pray that God will thwart every wicked scheme that threatens his precious children.

SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

EASTER TRAUMA IN NIGERIA & SYRIA

Easter was a time of great distress for the parents of 187 teenage girls kidnapped by Boko Haram militants from the Christian enclave of Chibok, in Nigeria's Borno State. On 17 April parents and volunteers on some 1500 motorcycles found the militants deep in the Sambisa forest but without military backing there was nothing they could do. Weeks have passed since the mass abduction and the girls still have not been rescued. Pray that God will liberate these girls. Meanwhile, in Syria, the Battle for Aleppo has intensified. The Syrian Army is fighting rebels who are attempting to invade Christian areas. Shaken by rockets and bombs, traumatised and besieged Christians have been without food, water and medical supplies for weeks. Please pray for the Church in Aleppo.


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

Praying Into Another Person’s Vision-an act of Love and Friendship

We live in a highly individualistic society—which carries over into our prayer life—many of us pray alone—and we justify that by showing in the Bible various occasions where Christ went and prayed alone.—We also look at the prayer closet (Matthew 6: 6)—as reason to pray alone.  Even with these times mentioned in the Bible when Christ prayed alone, the Bible also mentions about Christ taking a few of his disciples with him to pray.  Matthew 17: 1-9  

When we look at prayer, and fundamental points of prayer—which can be called elements, (See ‘Prayer Elements’ at the following link:  http://wheatlandministries.blogspot.com/2010/11/prayer-elements.html), these Prayer elements work together in a way that might be called acts of love of a person on the behalf of others.  (See ‘Prayer is an Act of Love’—link: http://wheatlandministries.blogspot.com/2007/01/prayer-is-act-of-love_04.html) .

The context of prayer being made on the behalf of others, can refer to both individual and corporate prayer when it comes to upholding someone else, especially if they have share a vision with you about what they sense God wants them to do.  Part of that prayer could be—in a practical sense prayer..:

• That their vision will be aligned with God’s Word
• For their vision- that the Lord will work the details out—including the nitty gritty details—
• For needed recourse including financing or other need,
• Asking people to join in prayer as prayer partners,
• Asking for people to join as advisors or a board--people who have a similar vision or calling (we need to ask the Lord to bring these people together).

Here is why those prayer points above are important.  Many times, the Lord has given each of us a vision, but we seem stymied.  Others when they pray, often pray once or twice for someone’s vision, but regular praying into that vision—er—uh—oops—we don’t do it very well—and we often move on praying for other things once we prayed once or twice.  I do know there are some intercessors who will take the challenge to regularly pray for someone’s vision—but they are few in number. 

Taking the time to regularly pray for a friend’s vision could make a difference of your friend being able to move ahead.  It seems that sometimes the Lord waits to answer until others join together in their prayers—exactly what may be happening in the spiritual realm that causes hold back of our prayers being answered, and keeping us from moving forward — is not always clear.  When that happens, it could also be a time of needed preparation or training for us.  Even when answers seem long in coming and there is sometimes a wait in seeing a vision come about, the principle agreeing together is Biblical, in accordance with Matthew 18:19, must not be neglected.  It is important to keep that vision before the Lord.  Consider the example of the woman who kept a request before a judge.  See Luke 18:2-8.  I believe that when Christ shared that story in Luke 18:2-8, He was teaching us to keep our requests before Him.  Praying regularly for someone’s vision is doing just that. 

Perhaps the gist of what I am bringing up here is—would you be willing to join with someone and pray for their vision-regularly?

Now if one does desire to pray for someone, and seeks the Lord on how to pray into that person’s vision—how do we know what to pray for—????  We all like to see clearly, but the Bible says we see through a glass dimly (I Corinthians 13:12).  The result is that we have to depend on God to lead us one item at a time.  This may also require reading between the lines, and asking the Lord for wisdom and discernment on the issues at hand. This would be difficult for someone, but with God’s help it can be done.  Also, it takes a willingness to sense someone else’s burden and involve yourself with that person and learn first hand about their vision/burden.  Once you have an understanding of their vision—what it is, joining together with them in prayer is like taking a weight off a weary traveler.  The action of Aaron and Hur made it possible for Moses to hold up his arms in a major battle when Joshua fought Amalek.  See Exodus 17: 9-13.  Watching out for, praying for, and helping each other is the action that can make it possible to complete/move forward on accomplishing their vision.  That is the action of a true friend.  

In considering what the action of a friend can do in the area of prayer, we need to remember that man was not meant to walk alone.  We need to encourage each other.  We need others to listen to us, listen to the Lord, and seeking God’s word—to help us in seeking God’s thoughts—not only our thoughts, but thoughts and actions that help each other.

In addition to praying for your friend, we should also seek the Lord to include those in our churches to pray for our vision that:

• That your friend’s church will encourage and pray for the vision.

Why pray for their church?—perhaps that church is so self focused—churches are like people—that they fail to bring in help that the Lord provides—which may be what the individual needs to move ahead with the vision the Lord has given.

What is happening when we pray into a friend’s vision—that action is a true act of friendship that is important in helping your friend move ahead.  Proverbs 18: 24 says:  “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Also Hebrews 3: 13 says to “…exhort one another daily,” and such action is a true act of friendship.

Praying with a friend for their vision is honoring to God and encourages each other which the Word of God says we are to do. 

Thoughts-Reflection

**Have you prayed for someone’s desire or vision to serve?  What can you share from that experience that would encourage us on how the Lord worked when you and others prayed for a vision?

**What does it mean pray without ceasing when it comes to praying for someone’s vision?

**Does the individualism that impacts our society, keep us from praying for someone else’s desire to serve the Lord or their vision?

**Do we understand the importance of importunate prayer (link: 

http://christianresourceministry.com/2013/12/26/bible-study-on-importunate-prayer/

) when it comes to praying for someone else and their vision?

**there may be other reasons not touched on in the above reflection questions of items that affect our praying for the vision of someone else.  Would you be kind enough to share some?

©2014 Lewis Turner

“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation” (Luke 3:4-6).

We are right now living in desperate days. The Church in many parts of the world needs revival, and God wants to use each one of us to prepare the way for a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. I am sure that you sense the urgency of the hour. It is not hard to see that everything is not right. God is trying to get our full attention. It is truly time to cry out to the Lord and become men and women of fervent prayer. We need God's intervention in our cities and nations. The valleys of defeat must be filled, the mountains of disbelief must be leveled, the crooked places of dishonesty must be straightened, and the rough places of disobedience must be made smooth.  
 
It was almost 25 years ago on the mission field when I wrote the following two paragraphs in a newsletter. I find that today I must still ask myself the same questions I asked then:  

"Am I desperate enough for revival? Do I realize the desperate condition of my country?” And if I trust in religious organization, material wealth, popular preaching, shallow evangelistic crusades, there will never be revival. But when confidence in my flesh is smashed and I realize my desperate wretchedness and emptiness before God, then and only then will God break through. "Lord, make me ready for revival. Revive me."
 
I challenge you to join me in prayer for revival for our lives and for the nations. I call for prayer that is strong, prevailing, believing, God-moving, hell-defeating, devil-routing, sinner-saving, believer-sanctifying, Christ-exalting and worker-producing—prayer that takes all that we are and have. God Himself will motivate us to pray these prayers that have extraordinary consequences if we are only willing, willing to pay the price. Pray that God may fill us all with the very passion of Christ, with the power and persistence of the Holy Spirit, with the burdening sense of the Church’s plight and world’s appalling need, that the wheels of revival may be set in motion.

"Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:18-19).
 
How do we Personally Prepare the Way for Revival?
 
“The coming revival must begin with a great prayer revival. It is in the closet, with the door shut, that the sound of abundant revival will be first heard. An increase in the secret prayer of ministers and members will be the sure herald of blessing.” Andrew Murray

• Prepare yourself in the way of blessing through intensive prayer - Pray with all your heart, asking God to enlarge your prayer and worship life. Make time for God, and practice fasting. 
  
  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray…” (2 Chronicles 7:14a).
  
  
• Be serious about personal revival - Instead of watching TV, pray. Don’t get caught up in the ways of the world. Lay aside those worldly pursuits. 
  
  "... and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14b).
  
  
• Become dissatisfied with sin and ask God to convict your heart - Be sensitive to His conviction. 
  
  “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
  
  
• Repent thoroughly - Don’t tolerate sin in your own life. Let godly sorrow over your sin touch you deeply. 
  
  “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight… Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place” (Psalm 51:4-6).
  
  
• Make restitution whenever possible - Make sure that your relationships are right. 
  
  “Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).        
  
  
• Practice living the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5 - 7 is the job description of holy living. Ask God to transform your life and teach you to live to please Him. Prayerfully study the Sermon on the Mount regularly.
  
  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:3-4).
  
  
• Choose to narrow your interests - If you narrow your interests, God will enlarge your heart. We can so easily be distracted from prayer, but revival calls for a focused vision on what really matters. This is the time to pray and hunger after God wholeheartedly. 
  
  “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands” (Psalm 119:10).
  
  
• Make a new commitment to reach out to the lost - Pray an ask God for opportunities, and He will help you. Begin to pray, care and share Christ with those who do not know Him. Follow the example of Jesus. 
  
  “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).
  
  
• Have faith in God - Begin to expect God to move through your prayers. Believe that He does want to pour out His spirit and bring revival. 
  
  “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
  
  

Revival begins with us.  It is each one of us getting our lives straight and turning from the crooked paths. Take seriously the need for personal revival. Take seriously the need for prayer. God is dealing with His Church. 
 
“The great work of intercession is needed for this returning to the Lord. It is here that the coming revival must find its strength. Let us begin as individuals to plead with God, confessing whatever we see of sin or hindrance in ourselves or others. If there were no other sin, surely the lack of prayer is matter enough for repentance, confession, and returning to the Lord." Andrew Murray

• 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.
• For financial contribution to Intercessors Arise see donate button. Tax deductible receipts are available for U.S. taxpayers.

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

Prayer is a powerful expression of divine love in our lives. Most of us misunderstand this because our society has redefined love as romance. But love is not simply romantic feelings but expressing selflessness. When scripture tells a man to love his wife it is not necessarily telling him to be romantic. It may be when that is what his wife wants and needs. But romance usually focuses on how we feel about a person or how someone makes us feel. That is anti-love.

We pray because we love people and focus on their needs. We even pray because we want to love people that we don’t or can’t feel good about. Prayer is fundamental to stretching our love. I put the name of a person on a prayer list because he has wronged me or I know he will harm me or because he rubs me the wrong way. I am making a commitment to pray for that person however I feel. I have been angry and frustrated with someone and set aside a full hour to pray for her. Nothing develops such an attitude of love for a person like prayer.

In prayer we connect with the love of God, with His great love for us and with the power of His love through us.

http://daveswatch.com/

http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

Easter is the highest holy day of the Christian faith. All life is transformed by the Presence of our victorious Lord.

“The Easter message tells us that our enemies, sin, the curse and death, are beaten.

Ultimately they can no longer start mischief.

They may still behave as though the game were not decided, the battle not fought;

we must still reckon with them, but fundamentally we must cease to fear them anymore.”

- Karl Barth

The resurrection of Jesus is a fact we could never have imagined, a reality changing our destiny.

His resurrection was not merely the product of hallucinatory desperation or wishful thinking.

The disciples were not convinced by an empty tomb—personal encounter convinced them.

“I have seen the Lord!” canceled their doubt and dispelled their fear—today, it still does.

An empty tomb never proved resurrection; but a heart full of love is strong evidence.

Because He lives, enemies are beaten, all life changed.

Despair is not the last word—hope indeed springs eternal.

The grave is not a prison—the body will decay, but the soul is free.

Death is not the finale of the symphony of life—eternal life is the encore.

Aging will not have the final say—a glorious body will replace a humiliating one.

Funerals are not a final good-bye to loved ones—hellos will echo in heaven’s reunion.

Rough roads are not permanent–when time’s journey is over, saints will stroll golden streets.

Sin’s nightmare will not last forever—pain and tears will disappear when God’s dream comes true.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again

to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1 Peter 1:3 ESV

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

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

Holy Week is a good time to reflect on the price our Redeemer paid for our salvation.

“It has been the cross which has revealed to good men that their goodness has not been good enough.”

- Johann Hieronymus Schroeder

Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, restored to his former position as Joseph predicted, should have at least said thanks.

However, he promptly forgot all about Joseph, “never giving him another thought”  (Genesis 40:23 NLT)

This Old Testament non-example prompts Christians to remember our Redeemer.

We should remember our Savior with heartfelt gratitude – visualizing the cup of wine symbolizing His blood.

We should remember the Master by the way we humbly serve—joyfully being a cup-bearer for the King.

We should remember Christ in integrity—purifying the cup inside, not just polishing the outside.  

We should remember the Lord in hallelujahs—drinking from a cup filled beyond the brim.

We should remember Jesus by persevering—drinking a bitter cup without complaint.

We should remember Christ in hope—anticipating His toast to life in heaven.

“He took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

‘This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.

I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.’”

Mark 14:23-24 NLT

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

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

[This devotion based on/adapted from Day 28 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 256 | Tue 15 Apr 2014

PERSECUTED BECAUSE OF THE CROSS

by Elizabeth Kendal

To those who believe that Jesus of Nazareth was a mere man, the Cross is a symbol of Christian foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18). 'Jesus was executed,' they scoff, 'and it is ridiculous to suggest that a dead man would rise.'

To Muslims, who believe that Jesus was a mere prophet of Allah, the Cross is a symbol of Christian blasphemy. 'Jesus was never crucified,' they object, 'and it is blasphemous to suggest that Allah would permit such a thing.' (http://quran.com/4/157-159)

To Satan, who knows exactly who Christ is, the Cross is a symbol of his defeat. 'It must not be seen,' he demands, 'and it must not be heard, lest people come to understand what it means.'

To Christians, who believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah), the Cross is a symbol of everything we believe about sin, judgment, justice, redemption, salvation, hope . . . and most of all, love. 'It is in the Cross that God shows his love for us,' we say, 'because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' (Romans 5:8)

On 4 November 2013, as part of Australia's 'Festival of Dangerous Ideas', an episode of the ABC program 'Q&A' was broadcast from the Sydney Opera House. Peter Hitchens, the lone conservative and Christian amongst a panel and audience of 'progressives', was laughed at, mocked and pilloried for an hour. Finally the panellists were asked: 'Which so-called dangerous idea do you each think would have the greatest potential to change the world for the better if it were implemented?'

Peter Hitchens responded, 'The most dangerous idea in human history and philosophy remains the belief that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and rose from the dead and that is the most dangerous idea you will ever encounter.'

The panel and audience laughed and cheered until they realised that something must be wrong if they were agreeing with Peter Hitchens! At that point, confusion took over and Peter was asked to explain. 'Because,' he said, 'it alters the whole of human behaviour and all our responsibilities. It turns the universe from a meaningless chaos into a designed place in which there is justice and there is hope and, therefore, we all have a duty to discover the nature of that justice and work towards that hope. It alters us all. If we reject it, it alters us all as well. It is incredibly dangerous. It's why so many people turn against it.'

[Video and transcript - http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/txt/s3868791.htm ]

To fallen humanity, the Cross represents a truly dangerous idea, a dangerous choice. For some the Cross represents a threat to their personal sovereignty, sexual freedom and status in the world. For those in hostile environments the Cross represents a threat to their family, liberty and even life. Across the world, including Kosovo, Egypt, Raqqa (Syria) and Zhejiang (China), crosses have been pulled down and smashed, sending a loud message to the Church and the local population that 'Christianity is not welcome here'.

The Cross will always be a symbol of persecution at the hands of a hostile world that wants to be rid of Christ. But for those who understand and believe, the Cross will always be wondrous, a symbol of divine love, hope and life in all its fullness.


WE THANK YOU LORD for your amazing love, which led you to the Cross for us.

WE PRAISE YOU LORD for your perfection, which meant death could not hold you and now cannot hold any who are 'in Christ'.

MAY WE never be ashamed of the Cross of Christ our Saviour.

MAY WE never be ashamed of those who are persecuted because of the Cross of Christ.

LORD GIVE US boldness and faith to exalt your Cross at all times so that peoples and nations might see, hear, understand and believe.

AMEN


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

PERSECUTED BECAUSE OF THE CROSS

The Cross of Christ is the most obvious and enduring of all Christian symbols. Satan cannot abide the Cross for it symbolises his defeat. Fallen humanity hates the Cross because it threatens personal autonomy, sexual freedom, power and all that fallen humanity holds dear. In many parts of the world today the Cross is under attack and Christians are suffering persecution because of the Cross of Christ. In Kosovo, Egypt, Raqqa (Syria), Zhejiang (China) and beyond, crosses have been pulled down and smashed to send a loud message to the Church and the local population that 'Christianity is not welcome here'. But for Christians, the Cross will remain a symbol of all we believe and hold dear. The spiritual battle continues - please pray for the persecuted Church this Easter.

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 praise and 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

I never understood spiritual warfare until I got heavily involved in global evangelism and intercessory prayer. Two things that greatly irritate Satan and cause him to attack are the sharing of the Christian faith with intent to convert, and intercessory prayer for the non-believer and the backsliding believer. When Christians do things that lead non-Christians to change their affiliation from Satan’s Kingdom to God’s Kingdom, Satan gets upset and goes on the attack. When Christians do things that cause wandering believers to return to their first love of Jesus, Satan gets upset and goes on the attack. Concerning Satan and witnessing, Martin Luther said, “Where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel.” Concerning Satan and prayer, Corrie ten Boom said, “When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy,” and William Cowper wrote, “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon their knees.” When Paul finished describing the armor of God, he wrote, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:18-19). Let’s make Satan mad this week

Read more from Dr. Dan at  http://discipleallnations.org/blog/

There is an underlying message in what the Bible, especially Jesus, says about prayer. We need God’s hand in everything we do. You cannot pray, you cannot think, you cannot live as a believer without God's help. In John 5:30a Jesus said, “By myself I can do nothing.” If Jesus was totally dependent upon His Father, should we be any less? Earlier in the same dialogue Jesus said. “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself.” Are you a child of God? You too are dependent on Him.

I would like to share a guest blog that I found to help parents pray for their teenagers on the iMOM.com website. Grandparents often ask me, “How can I pray for my teenager?” I think this will be a great resource for grandparents to pray for their teenagers. Check out the website and share with you grandchildren’s mothers.

Even if you’ve never been the type to pray consistently, being the parent of a teenager will take you there! The challenges and risks surrounding your children at this age are great, and the help of a loving Heavenly Father can calm anxious parents and guide adolescents. Below are ten specific ways you can pray for your teen. Download the printable version. 

1. Pray for a love for God. Even if your child has been engaged in a personal relationship with Christ from an early age, the teen years can bring confusion and questions. Pray that they wouldn’t push back from their faith, but that God would “open my [their] eyes that I [they] may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18)

2. Pray for their friendships. Teens naturally pull away from family relationships and focus more on their friendships, making it all the more important that they have the right friends. (“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harms.” Proverbs 13:20)

3. Pray for honesty. Teenagers can face many tempting situations that test their honesty—honesty with you, their teachers, other adults, and their friends.  Pray that they will have the courage to be honest in all situations. (“Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1)

4. Pray for their protection from drinking, drugs and pornography. An addiction in any of these three areas can ruin a person’s life.  Pray that your teen will have the strength and wisdom to withstand these temptations.  (“No temptation has overtaken  you that is not common to man. God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to withstand.”  1 Corinthians 10:13)

5. Pray for their purity. Making one’s way through the jungle of modern teenage relationships with your purity intact is no small order. You can parent and talk until you’re out of breath, but eventually it will come down to a decision your child has to make in a moment alone with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Pray that they will understand the value of waiting, and that God’s commands with regard to our sexual relationships are for our own good. (“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18)

6. Pray for safety. If you’ve never prayed this one before, it’s because your teen hasn’t passed his driver’s test yet. During these years when you have to let them experience life occasionally without your supervision, fear can be a parent’s constant companion. Pray that God will protect your child, and calm your heart. (“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8)

7. Pray for their humility. If your child can learn to put others before himself and to see each person as a unique and valuable individual, he will learn humility.  (“Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4)

8. Pray for contentment. Adolescence is often characterized by restlessness and a desire for gratification of some sort. Pray that your child will learn to be content with what God has provided for today, and that she won’t use discontentment as a springboard into bad decisions. Wise people have the ability to endure and wait on God, even when things aren’t perfect (i.e. waiting for Mr. Right, the perfect job, etc.).

9. Pray for their marriage. While it may seem a bit premature, it’s never too early to pray for God to bring the right spouse for your child one day. Pray that the husband or wife that God has for your child is growing in wisdom and faith until they are together in a marriage built on mutual values.

10. For their future. Your teenager is amazingly close to a series of important decisions: which college, which major, where to live, etc. Choosing wisely and following through with hard work during young adulthood will have a major impact on their future success and opportunities. Pray that they will listen to God’s guidance and make good choices today, so they can enjoy the fruit of those decisions tomorrow. (“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11)

Don’t have teenagers yet?  Here are 10 Ways to Pray for Your Child.  You can also pray for your husband with iMOM’s 10 Ways to Pray for Your Husband.

"Copyright 2012 iMOM. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission. For more resources for moms, visit iMOM.com.”

By Lillian Penner

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 255 | Wed 09 Apr 2014

CHINA: THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY AND THE CROSS

by Elizabeth Kendal

With a population of some 10 million, Wenzhou, in China's eastern Zhejiang Province, is one of China's great coastal megacities. A 480km drive south of Shanghai on the East China Sea. Wenzhou is often referred to as 'China's Jerusalem' as it is believed to have the largest Christian population of any city in China - possibly as high as 30 percent. Wenzhou is a business hub known for its many successful Christian entrepreneurs who actively promote Christianity in their workplaces. Whilst the Christian entrepreneurs do strive to maintain good relations with local authorities, that they hold considerable economic power in Wenzhou is doubtless one reason why the churches seem able to be quite active. According to China expert, Dr Kurt Selles, Wenzhou has some 1800 churches which operate openly despite most not being registered with the government. For more than a decade, the success of Wenzhou's Christianity-infused businesses has aroused government interest in the link between Protestant Christianity and successful capitalism. [See the RLPB blog for related articles.] This demonstrable link has created a dilemma for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which is keen to exploit any business model that generates wealth, yet believes it must rein in and control Christianity lest it undermine Communist Party authority.

On 8 January 2014 Zhejiang's Communist Party secretary, Xia Baolong, was conducting an inspection in Zhoushan (north-east Zhejiang) and was shocked by the proliferation of large churches. While passing a church in Baiquan town, Xia reportedly objected that the cross atop the church was 'too conspicuous', and demanded that the local Religious Affairs Bureau 'rectify' the problem by removing it. The CCP might want to reap the benefits of Christianity, but it certainly does not want the Church to grow! And so began a campaign to de-Christianise the landscapes and skylines of Zhejiang.

On 27 February officials from the Zhoushan Religious Affairs Bureau demanded that believers at the government sanctioned church in Baiquan, Zhoushan, help tear down the cross on top of their building. The Christians refused and a stand-off ensued. The cross on a government sanctioned church in the Yuhang Disctict of Hangzhou (Zhejiang's provincial capital) was forcibly removed on the same day after the authorities deemed it 'too conspicuous'. Two other local churches reportedly had their crosses forcibly removed also that day. Believers told ChinaAid that forced cross removals were also taking place in neighbouring Anhui Province as well.

Sanjiang church in Wenzhou's Ou Bei township at eight storeys tall and covering 1000 square metres is large by any standards. It has spaces for worship, teaching and accommodating the elderly. The church is registered with the authorities and is part of the government-controlled Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM). The members, along with many relatives working overseas, raised the US$4.8 million for the construction. Everything was approved by the Wenzhou municipal government, which designated the church a 'model project' in September 2013. When the Christians refused to remove the cross and several spires from the rooftop, the authorities responded by threatening to demolish the entire building, falsely accusing the church of adding illegal structures in violation of building codes that rendered it structurally unsound. Meanwhile, demolition notices were reportedly also sent to churches in Taishun, Wencheng and Ruian townships. A church in Yongjia County also is understood to have been ordered to remove its cross and the top floor of the church.

On 25 March members of Sanjiang church commenced a protest and on 3 April the pastors were notified that the church would be demolished by 18 April (Good Friday). Since then some 5000 local Christians have been participating in round-the-clock prayer vigils and sit-ins, praying that the church might be saved from demolition. He Hongying (81) said she would stay in the church day and night for as long as necessary. 'We feel at peace,' she said, 'and fearless when we are with our God.'

The struggle for Sanjiang church has come to represent the struggle between Chinese Christians who are unashamed of the transformative power of the Gospel and abusive CCP officials who love money and despise the Cross.

'For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.' (Ephesians 6:12,13 ESV)

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL -

* use the crisis at the Sanjiang church to open the eyes and ears of multitudes of Chinese, locally, nationally and inside the CCP; may they believe what the Church has been showing - that Christianity is good not only for business, but for families and all of society, because Jesus cleanses from sin, the Holy Spirit enables righteousness, and God's wisdom is truth!

* raise up voices for justice across Wenzhou and throughout Zhejiang, so that CCP officials will be forced to relent and stop abusing their power to attack the churches.

* protect and bless all those believers who are risking their security and liberty to stand for their right to lift up the Cross of Christ as the hope of the nation; may the Lord hear their prayers and bring revival to Zhejiang.

'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.' (Isaiah 55:8,9 ESV)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY AND THE CROSS

Wenzhou, in China's eastern Zhejiang Province, is a coastal megacity of some 10 million residents. Known as 'China's Jerusalem', it is home to as many as three million Christians. They include many Christian entrepreneurs. Objecting to the 'conspicuous' nature of large crosses atop many large churches, Zhejiang's Communist Party secretary recently demanded that authorities 'rectify' the situation by removing the crosses. The campaign to de-Christianise landscapes and skylines across Zhejiang is coming to a head in Wenzhou where a major stand-off is under way at the eight-storey, 1000 square metre Sanjiang church. When the church refused to remove its cross and spires, authorities ordered the church's demolition. Some 5000 local Christians are participating in prayer vigils and sit-ins, day and night, to prevent demolition. Please join them in prayer.


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

You Can Make a Difference - PRAY NO! to drugs

CHRISTIAN NEWS SERVICE, April 7, 2014 — The 24th Annual “Just Pray NO!” weekend for the addicted is scheduled for April 26 – 27, 2014. The event is designated as the “Just Pray NO!” to drugs Worldwide Weekend of Prayer and Fasting.

Since April 7, 1991 “Just Pray NO!” has united millions of Christians from 150 nations and territories around the world in intercessory prayer on behalf of the addicted and their families.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” –James 5:16

Not only is substance abuse America’s number one health problem, the devastation of alcoholism and other drug addiction has impacted families and communities worldwide. Substance abuse has been directly linked to violence and sexual immorality and is a major source of income for organized crime and terrorist activities.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” –Ephesians 6:12

Make a formal commitment to join with believers in Christ from around the globe this coming April. Put on the full armor of God and fervently pray in spirit and in truth. We are seeking to enlist millions of prayer warriors from around the world to join us in battle!

“We are not only praying for the release of those bound by substance abuse but also for people to be delivered from pornography, gambling, obesity and smoking,” said Steven Sherman, “Just Pray NO!” founder. “We seek individuals and groups which are willing to commit to pray weekly on behalf of the addicted and their families, and then join with multitudes of other committed Christians from around the world in prayer and fasting April 26 – 27, 2014.”

If you believe that God is calling you to intercede for the addicted please contact us. To find help for addiction throughprayer and Christian ministries log on to our web site: www.justprayno.org. To learn how groups can participate in our annual prayer event, click on “Information on the Annual Worldwide Weekend of Prayer” or email: justprayno@aol.com.

For a personal interview with “Just Pray NO!”  Founder and Author Steven L. Sherman, in the U.S.A. call: (727) 647-6467 or email: justprayno@aol.com.

We often use God as a spare tire, not a steering wheel. There is a better way to live!

“How often we look upon God as our last and feeblest resource!

We go to him because we have nowhere else to go.

And then we learn that the storms of life have driven us,

not upon the rocks, but into the desired haven.”

- George Macdonald

God is our best resource for help—sadly, we frequently seek Him only in an emergency.

Our Heavenly Father, who knows us best, is able, willing, and ready to help us.

Yet often we use Him as a spare tire instead of our steering wheel.

In pain, we pray;  in desperation, we cry out for help.

Ultimately we find God our Greatest Friend.

The Lord was with Joseph in a pit, a prison, and a palace.

When all his brothers deserted him, God stayed.

Serving foreigners, God walked with him.

In prison, God was his Cellmate.

Unfailingly God is with us.

We march in a victory parade as servants of the King of kings.

Hearing His future melody, we whistle a hopeful tune now.

Even at midnight, His Spirit inspires hymns of praise.

In the storms of life we are never left alone.

Unreservedly thank God for God!

“He took Joseph and threw him into the prison, where the king’s prisoners were held.

But the Lord was  with Joseph there, too.”

Genesis 39:20, 21 NLT

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized  (copy and paste to browser)

[This devotion based on/adapted from Day 27 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Life is good because God is good.

“No man is in true health who cannot stand in the free air of heaven, with his feet on God’s free turf,

and thank his Creator for the simple luxury of physical existence.”

- T. W. Higginson (1823-1911) American clergyman and writer

God embroiders elaborate rainbow-hued relationships.

He orchestrates events for your benefit in kaleidoscopic patterns.

Your robe is not just one color—variegated threads make life anything but drab.

God conducts the full orchestra of His instruments—time, place, people, circumstances—

drowning out monotony’s sour note of pessimism and playing His never-ending love symphony.

Thank God for the privilege of physical life – every breath and heartbeat is His gift.

Thank God for the pleasure of abundant life – He does not orphan you in the storms of life.

Thank God for the promise of eternal life – you will live with Him in a tearless, deathless, painless place.

Wrapped around your vision field is a full-color spectrum—

an azure sky of hope, green grass of life, purple violets of royalty,

red roses of pardon, snow-white lilies of purity, golden sunsets of triumph.

Proudly wear your richly ornamented coat every day until the Lord Jesus Christ

drapes an immaculate heavenly robe fashioned for you around your redeemed shoulders.

“Jacob loved Joseph, so he gave Joseph a special gift—a beautiful robe—a coat of many colours.”

(Genesis 37:3 NLT, KJV)

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized  (copy and paste to browser)

[This devotion based on/adapted from Day 26 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Have you ever thought about the fact that The Lord's Prayer is plural? It begins "Our Father." It continues with "Give us. . .", "Lead us. . .", "Deliver us. . ." I believe there is a sense in which our most public prayers should be prayed as if we were closeted with God. And yet there is a sense in which our most private prayers are prayed as a church. We are to pray in union with one another. I once had a covenant with a Christian brother that when either of us was tempted sexually he would immediately pray for the other. We need to pray as children of the same Father facing a common enemy. We are to see one another's hurts and hopes and needs as our own. We are to come to our Father as a family.

Last week I shared about the history of Easter traditions. This week I want to share a few ideas for grandparents to share the real meaning of Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and some fun activities to do with your grandchildren. 

Easter is a great time to connect with our grandchildren, whether they live down the street, across town or far away away.  When was the last time you told your grandchildren you are praying for them? God has given us an awesome responsibility and privilege to have a part in the lives of those dear grandchildren. Our prayers and encouragement can make a significant impact on their lives. Let’s make this Easter a special celebration of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ for our grandchildren.

Here are a few suggestions you can use during this Easter season.

• Send your grandchildren an Easter card with a Bible verse and/or a note that you are praying for them. Grandchildren enjoy getting mail from their grandparents.
• Send a CARE package: Easter egg coloring kit, Easter craft, Easter paper plates, napkins, and cups for a family dinner or a storybook with the true meaning of Easter. Of course, Easter would not be complete without some traditional candy.
• Email an electronic Easter card (www.dayspring.com has great cards)
• Send them “Resurrection eggs”. You can purchase them at your local Christian bookstore or online at http://www.christianbook.com.
• Make resurrection rolls with grandchildren. 

http://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com/2012/03/an-easter-idea-for-your-grandchildren/      

• For additional suggestions  go to my Pinterest page: http//www.pinterest.com/grandptpurpose/easter/

I hope you will have a great time during this Easter season with your grandchildren.

By Lillian Penner