I've heard from friends who have enjoyed praying Seek God for the City this year, asking when we'll publish more. I am already crafting more prayers to be published in the future. But to help people form their own best prayers right now—or anytime—I created Fresh Prayer. Check the latest issue of FreshPrayer, posted on the WayMakers website (http://waymakers.org/pray/freshprayer/) as a no-cost, downloadable pdf. Every issue of FreshPrayer contains specific ideas to guide robust, insightful praying for people near to you that are still far from God. The latest issue comes from 1 Thessalonians 5, “For God to fulfill His call.”
Here’s the story of how this particular issue came about:
One of the key leaders of my church once asked me to pray for his son, who had gotten into some kind of trouble. Instead of doing the praying myself, I urged him to say a few words of prayer and then I would echo his prayer. He looked blankly at me, mumbling something about not knowing what to pray. “Well,” I asked him, “what has God been doing already? What scripture can we pray?” His father-heart was anguished, but he still had no idea what could be prayed. Right then I mentioned a short line of scripture: “Faithful is He who calls you, who will bring it to pass.” I quoted that verse and urged him to pray with that truth. Wow. You should have heard him pray. Suddenly he was praying with articulate passion and hope about the calling God had placed on his son’s life.
This issue of FreshPrayer can help you, and others you know, to pray for others with refreshed clarity from the Bible. Each issue comes with a page of creative ideas to stimulate and guide others to pray. It’s all part of how we’re trying to help ordinary people pray with persistence and confidence. Sign up for FreshPrayer updates.
Yours in hope,
Steve Hawthorne
Director, WayMakers
P.S. The past couple of weeks a lot of people have expressed interest in the “Ways to Pray” prayer guides. Take another look at these pocketsize booklets to see whether they might not be fitting for you or others to pray effectively in situations in your community or your mission efforts in distant lands (http://waymakers.org/pray/ways-to-pray/).
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Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 211 | Wed 22 May 2013
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR): THREAT OF THE LRA
by Elizabeth Kendal
As reported in last week's RLPB 210, a rebel army known as Seleka ('alliance') has seized control of Central African Republic. What international media and human rights organisations are failing to acknowledge is that while CAR is French-speaking and 76 percent Christian, the supposedly poor and marginalised yet exceedingly well-armed rebels are Arabic-speaking Muslims with many foreign jihadis in their ranks. While France (the colonial power) refused to aid the government - something that triggered angry protests outside the French Embassy in Bangui - French soldiers are now patrolling the streets at the behest of the rebels. Targeted attacks against churches and religious workers have led church leaders to question Seleka's intentions. Many other questions remain unanswered too, such as: 'Who backed this regime change and why?'
As if this were not bad enough, another threat hangs over the Christians of CAR: the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA is a Ugandan rebel militia that emerged to wreak terror in Uganda's impoverished and marginalised north in the 1980s. However, when the Islamic regime in Sudan started sponsoring it, LRA activities expanded to fighting all of Khartoum's 'enemies', such as Uganda and its allies in southern Sudan. LRA terror escalated markedly in late 2002 such that, in May 2003, this prayer ministry (then under the auspices of WEA RLC) launched an international prayer campaign, triggering an intensive spiritual battle. The first call to prayer (RLP 219) went out on 14 May 2003. This was immediately followed by an unprecedented mass of defections from the LRA to the Acholi Religious Leaders' Peace Initiative. Kony responded on 14 June 2003 by ordering his troops to 'kill all clergy'. An urgent call to prayer was immediately issued, that God would 'bind all the demonic spirits allied with Joseph Kony and the LRA, to keep drawing defectors from all ranks of the LRA, and to effect the escape and rescue of hundreds of abducted children.' We prayed also for God to protect and bless all 'clergy, nuns, and Christian workers, especially those in front-line danger.' (RLP 224, 17 June 2003). To each request, God answered, "Yes!" Over the next 12-18 months, intercessors continued to battle against the LRA. Eventually the group was so decimated that violence had subsided greatly and redevelopment had begun.
But the LRA was not dead! Now just a band of some 200 fighters, the LRA still conducts hit and run raids, usually just for food, rarely to kidnap, but sometimes just to kill. In recent years the LRA has moved its operations into northern Congo and CAR. In February 2010 they killed two and wounded many others in an attack on a church in the southern CAR town of Rafai. Today the LRA has sanctuary in Sudan's contested territory of Kafia Kingi in southern Darfur bordering north-east CAR. In October 2011 US Special Operations troops entered CAR to assist African troops in the hunt for LRA leader, Joseph Kony, a former Catholic altar-boy turned blood-thirsty spirit medium. The Seleka coup has brought that to a halt. Analysts fear the chaos and insecurity in CAR will work to the LRA's advantage, enabling it to re-group and replenish supplies. The LRA has weapons from Sudan, but what they need is children. According to Voice of America, the US is now waiting to see 'how Seleka might pursue Kony'. One of the problems with the hunt for Kony has been the militarisation of large regions where soldiers tend to abuse civilians just as much as the LRA does! Because the hunt is so profoundly fruitless - Kony has been a wanted man for some 30 years - it well may be that the thousands of soldiers being paid to hunt Kony believe it is not in their economic interests to find him. If the US brokers a deal with Seleka on the pretext that Seleka rebels will 'pursue Kony' - maybe even arming and funding them to do so - then the threat to the Church will only be multiplied. The Church in CAR desperately needs our prayers.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -
* God will confuse and confound the rebels to bring down their illegitimate rule and end their reign of terror.
* the Lord of justice will liberate Bangui, restore security to CAR and raise up Godly leadership for the nation.
'He [the wicked] makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.' (Psalm 7:15,16 ESV. See also Psalm 57:6.)
* the Holy Spirit will revive the Church in CAR, awakening her faith to fuel prayer. (While she may not have any allies amongst the nations, she does have an ally in Yahweh Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts! See Isaiah 40:10.)
* the Lord will so shield all CAR's children and all CAR's families (Isaiah 40:11) that they will know the Lord of justice is there for them; may their faith be multiplied.
* the Lord will bind the demonic forces that empower Joseph Kony (Matthew 18:18); may the Lord of Hosts bring an end to Joseph Kony and may all the world know that God alone has done it! (Isaiah 37:20)
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
Christians in Central African Republic (CAR) are at risk from the rebel army, Seleka, and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). LRA is an occultic militia with sanctuary in southern Darfur, Sudan, and now believed to be in CAR. Whilst the LRA has been severely diminished and reduced to scavenging, the chaos in CAR could provide it with an opportunity to re-group and also kidnap children to use as soldiers and sex-slaves. LRA leader, Joseph Kony, is a blood-thirsty spirit medium. Amazingly, over 30 years, Ugandan, South Sudanese, Congolese, CAR and US troops have all failed to find him! May the Lord liberate CAR from Seleka, protect CAR's children from the LRA, bring down Joseph Kony, and raise up Godly leadership for CAR. Please pray for the Church in CAR.
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 for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.
Elizabeth Kendal is the author of
'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books, Dec. 2012)
http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html
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.
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 had the most amazing time in the presence of God this a.m. He gave me a message to warn all people to prepare for HIs return. He is speaking loud and clear that He is soon to coming for His church as He so promised. John 14:
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
So get your life and house in order for the return of our Savior. He is coming back ready or not! Prepare to meet Him. Receive Salvation and Be ready!
PrayOn!
Mary J. Crosby
“And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing" (Isaiah 35:1, 2).
Have you ever been in the desert? I’ve been in many deserts, both physically and spiritually. My husband likes to minister to people who live in the desert where there are miles and miles of sand. There are huge sand dunes with nothing else that the eye can see. Miles and miles of sand everywhere. We’ve spent a lot of time in Australia as well where there are vast amounts of unpopulated areas throughout the middle of the country. Vast wastelands.
We were given a desert rose from North Africa that was forged under heat and pressure in that vast desert area. Even in the driest of situation, toughest of places, there is life. I cherish that special rose made out of rock and sand. It is so beautiful and so meaningful to me. See a desert rose.
During those personal times in the desert you may feel like everything has shut down for you. You may not sense favor where you once did. You may feel that your relationships are more distant and may even feel that God has abandoned you. But I want to say to you, “Do not fear. God is in the desert. He is developing you into a rose."
God brings us into the desert in our spiritual life, often not because we are doing something wrong, but because He wants more of us. He wants our undivided attention. He may even take us out of a busy and fruitful time, and this may seem so inconvenient and unnecessary to the carnal mind. But always know this: your Father knows exactly what He is doing.
What are you leaning on for your support? Is it ministry, popularity, or money? God wants you to lean solely on Him. He will make you strong in days when everything else is shaking. He is always strategic and purposeful in all that He does. If you are in a desert experience, He has set you apart for Himself in this season for a purpose.
Learn to Sing
“I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably to her, and she shall sing there” (Hosea 2:14).
In the desert we must learn to sing. Our natural tendency is to have a gloomy outlook and give up, but this is exactly when we need to learn to sing with all our heart.
When we are in this situation in our life, how can we get the most out of our desert experience? Here are some ways:
- Fix your eyes on God. Walk in faith. This may not be an easy time. After all, you are in a desert where most things have dried up. But it’s you and God alone and this is most valuable to Him. He desires our intimacy. Jesus alone is your “Bread of Life”.
- Resist the enemy. If the enemy is telling you that there is no way out and that your situation is hopeless, resist him and stand firm in your faith. This is a time when the enemy comes in with his relentless lies. He did this with Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4).
- Embrace the desert. Embrace it wholeheartedly by the grace of God. See the tremendous value of this time in your life, and thank God for it.
- Examine your heart and invite God’s purifying fire. During this time God will show you areas that need change. Cooperate with His Spirit and invite Him to change you deeply on the inside. Ask Him to remove every barrier that keeps you from Him and His purposes for you.
- Get a journal and write down what God is saying to you. He is always speaking, and now you have no distractions from hearing His voice. By faith believe that He wants to share His secrets with you during this time and listen expectantly.
- Study whole books of the Bible. Especially study the Song of Solomon because it is all about intimacy with God.
- Pray God’s Word out loud back to Him. This is God’s personal season with you. Personalize the Bible. Take a phrase and pray it. Listen to God's voice carefully throughout the day.
- Learn to sing in the desert. Sing praises to God instead of complaining. Watch your tongue very carefully and keep from negativity. Become an extravagant worshipper.
- Study the attributes of God daily. Worship God for who He is, not just for what He gives you. Dwell and meditate on His attributes. Sing and pray those attributes back to Him.
This is the time to learn to sing with all your heart. We must not only sing with our voice, but we must sing with our words, our eyes, our attitudes, our prayers, our writing, our praise, and everything else.
We must come to the place where all that is within us gives praise to God.
Study the Song of Solomon
“Set me as a seal upon your arm, as a seal upon your heart, for love is as strong as death, its jealousy as ardent as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord” (Song 8:6).
The desert is a wonderful place to study the Song of Solomon in the Bible. The Song of Solomon is an eight-chapter love song revealing the passionate desire of God for His Bride. If you want to understand how God sees you and feels about you, then this is a good book to study while in the desert. Nothing will empower your heart more than having a revelation of God’s affection for you personally. God will empower your heart to trust Him in this season of your life.
The Song of Solomon is Mike Bickle’s most popular teaching series here at the International House of Prayer. He studied it for 20 years. I recommend his teachings and am planning on writing more articles on it in the future. For a 24-part series by Mike Bickle, see Song of Songs.
It’s time to shake off the lies and begin to enjoy the desert. Sing! Sing in your heart and thank Him for this time. It is time for you and Him without any distractions. Waters will break out in your desert, and you will find streams that will water all those you come in contact with. Don’ despise this time but learn to enjoy it. What looks like an endless desert with no life will turn into springs of water. God is preparing you now for what He has for you in the future. He will bring forth flowers in your desert, and He has a plan for you. You are not forgotten but God wants to speak tenderly to you. You are His beloved and He cherishes every moment you are with Him in the desert. You are His desert rose.
“Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water….” (Isaiah 35:6, 7)
Intercessors Arise News
- I have published 4 new books on prayer and intercession with a 20% discount on each book - See the links to find a description, how to purchase them, and use the discount code - PL6G7Y59.
Breakthrough Prayer: Praying God's Truth, Destroying Enemy Lies - http://www.createspace.com/3420713
24/7 Prayer Arise: Building the House of Prayer in Your City - http://www.createspace.com/3420712
Deeper Still: Secrets to a Deeper Prayer Life - http://www.createspace.com/3420707
Ascending the Heights in Prayer: Touching Heaven, Changing Earth - http://www.createspace.com/3420711
- Have your friends sign up for Intercessors Arise here!
- If you would like to pray for us and get monthly updates, sign up here at Norm and Debbie's Prayer Partner.
- Become a member of the Intercessors Arise International Network here. Connect with intercessors and what God is doing in prayer worldwide! Discover many resources and training on prayer in this network.
Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
International House of Prayer (IHOP) KC Staff
deb@intercessorsarise.org
www.intercessorsarise.org
“At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:26-29).
God is shaking everything that can be shaken. That which is true and righteous will remain. He is awakening us out of slumber and apathy, and challenging us to a radically obedient lifestyle. There is not one of us who does not struggle in our Christian walk with the reality of radical obedience. We may obey in the big issues of life, but when it comes down to every single detail every day, we find it difficult. It is just too hard, but Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount that we must be perfect in our obedience just as our Father is in heaven (Matthew 5:48).
How can this be possible? We know we cannot attain perfection in this life, but we can do this by seeking to walk in all the light that the Spirit gives us in every season of our life.
Let’s make this our primary goal in life: To walk in all the light we have and to live radically obedient for God.
If we look back in history, there are several instances where we see how God moved powerfully when His people walked in radical obedience. An obedient lifestyle is key to those who want a powerful prayer life. We read in James 5:16b: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This is an important verse for intercessors. We must walk in obedience and righteousness if we want a powerful prayer life.
The Sermon on the Mount Lifestyle
“In every detail of their lives—in business, pleasure, in Christian service, in civil duties—they took the Sermon on the Mount as a lamp to their feet.” Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians
The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest evaluation of an obedient lifestyle. It gets down to the nitty-gritty issues of daily life and of whether we are walking in obedience or not. The Sermon on the Mount is the core values of the Kingdom. It is the lithmus test to accurately measure our spiritual development and ministry impact.
The Sermon on the Mount was central for the prayer movement and for the revivals. Two examples in history where the practice of a Sermon on the Mount lifestyle brought great results in the spiritual realm were:
- Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians - Their dedication to prayer and the Sermon on the Mount lifestyle led to a 100-year prayer meeting and a worldwide mission’s movement.
- The Welsh Revival - Evan Roberts, the young man who was used so powerfully by God in the Welsh revival of 1904, prayed passionately that God would purify and bend the Church.
Evan Roberts prayed that God would break his own heart over the condition of mankind. His heart was set on obedience, and agonizing prayer was his daily life style. He believed and preached perfect obedience.
“Evan Roberts captured the spirit of the whole revival with the theme: Bend the Church and Save the World. James E. Stewart claimed that this is the secret of every true awakening. Christians must humble themselves and get right with God so that the Spirit can break through in converting power upon the unsaved. There must be no hypocrisy; the Christian must bend to all the will of God for His life in perfect obedience before the Spirit of God is released. When we are bent to the will of God we will be intercessors, because as He ‘ever lives to intercede’ for His people, if we are abiding in Him we will do the same.” Rick Joynor
Revival and Radical Obedience
Look at Joshua and how he obeyed God. From the standpoint of the human mind, walking seven times around Jericho did not appear to be a wise thing to do for spiritual success. Imagine the pressure and tension he was facing before that battle. Joshua obeyed God and was victorious. It was exactly what God wanted. He loves obedience even when it doesn’t make sense.
We must learn to say “yes” to the purposes of God every day of our lives. Many of us are praying for revival. If we want to see revival, you and I must be revived ourselves. God is after us—all of us. He is raising-up a Church that is steadfast and radically obedient.
When I was a brand-new missionary many years ago, living on an old ship that sailed from nation to nation preaching the Gospel and encouraging the Church, I remember how I felt after the ship left port from my own beloved country. We were sailing towards South America and would be there for the next two years.
I felt so lost and lonely, not knowing the language and so new to the whole mission’s world. Being young and inexperienced, I felt like two years on board that ship was a lifetime. We had no e-mail in those days, and I would call home only once a year. I was with over three hundred strangers from over forty nations on board and had left everything behind except for a few personal belongings. I was living in a tiny cabin with three others from three different nations, and we had nothing in common but our commitment to Christ.
Not being a seasoned sailor, I would often feel the movement of the seas and didn’t even know how to swim. And here we were, all sailing by faith towards South America in an immense ocean and with an unknown future. I was feeling deeply the cost of commitment and obedience to God. It was a big step for me during those days, but I knew that God was inviting me to live a life of radical obedience. Since that time years ago, God has challenged me again and again with the same level of obedience:
- Am I willing to give up everything for the cause of Christ?
- Will I let God have His way with me each and every day?
- Am I willing to pay the price of commitment and radical obedience?
- Do I really want revival and a visitation from God?
Where are you with God? Is He wrestling with you over some issue in your life? Can you say “yes” to Him today? Can you say: “Lord, have Your way with me. I will pray for this end-time revival and choose to obey You at all costs. I will live out commitment in my life each and every day in prayer. I am Yours totally, and I accept your invitation to radical obedience.”Are you willing to pray this prayer and pay this price for revival?
When crowds of people came to visit our ship and when there were endless lines of people waiting to get on board, we realized that obedience is no small thing. We had to work when we didn’t feel like working, we had to serve when we didn’t feel like serving, we had to pray when we didn’t feel like praying, and we had to smile when we didn’t feel like smiling. The result? Many came into the Kingdom and turned their lives over to Christ.
Revival and a visitation from God are not going to be all fun, excitement, and dancing. It will be sheer commitment and a dedicated life style of radical obedience for all of us. Are we ready for God’s visitation? Are we ready for revival? God is raising up a Church that is willing to pay the price.
In whatever way God is challenging your life today, take a small step forward and say “yes” to Him. It’s step-by-step, choice-by-choice, yes-by-yes, one day at a time and one act of self-denial at a time where you will find true life. Jesus calls you to radical obedience and says in Matthew 16:24-25:
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”
When we accept this invitation to radical obedience in following Christ, we find real fulfillment. Let’s prepare for this worldwide revival. It is in daily obedience that we find life and are ready for a true visitation from God. Let's live a radically obedient life and worship God with reverence and awe. He is a consuming fire.
“When you pray for revival and a visitation from God, you’re asking God for life-shaking experiences that will cost you plenty. Revival is agonizing: It so terrorizes you over your sin that you repent deeply. Revival is consuming: It leaves you no time for hobbies, for chores around the house, for work, for sleep. Revival wrecks your appointment calendar, interrupts TV times, demands your full attention.”
Intercessors Arise News
- I offer to you four books on prayer with a 20% discount - See the links to find a description and use the discount code - PL6G7Y59.
Breakthrough Prayer: Praying God's Truth, Destroying Enemy Lies
24/7 Prayer Arise: Building the House of Prayer in Your City
Deeper Still: Secrets to a Deeper Prayer Life
Ascending the Heights in Prayer: Touching Heaven, Changing Earth
- Have your friends sign up for Intercessors Arise here!
- If you would like to pray for us and get monthly updates, sign up at Norm and Debbie's Prayer Partner.
- Become a member of the Intercessors Arise International Network here. Connect with intercessors and discover many resources on prayer in this network.
Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise
International House of Prayer (IHOP) KC Staff
deb@intercessorsarise.org
www.intercessorsarise.org
I am confident that when most of us ask God for something we're very serious about it. We SO want that person to be healed, a friend's marriage to be restored or someone in our church to receive comfort. We passionately desire our children to be godly, our relationships to be whole and our unbelieving friend to know Christ.
However, there are times when in our praying we may be trying a bit too hard and we start to add some of our own extras that God really doesn't need and that won't get us extra results. Let me suggest a few cautions:
Don't talk louder. Some people even like to yell. I've heard pastors especially in their passion imply that talking to God with higher volume will get a greater response. I doubt it. If anything it just scares people and certainly isn't suggested in the Word. They may mean well or be overcome with concern but perhaps it should not be the norm. I don't want my kids yelling at me when they want something, do you? Does God?
Don't pray longer. Yes, we need to spend time in God's presence but I'm pretty sure that God looks at the intent and purity of our heart more than the length of our prayer. He wants time with us, for sure, but isn't likely interested in long lengthy descriptions of the needs that He knows even before we ask HIm.
Don't use bigger words. I've heard many pastors who literally change their vocabulary once they start to pray, focusing on five dollar words and lofty spiritual language. But I have a hunch that God views prayer as more of a conversation and won't change his response if we just step up our terms.
Don't demand from God. We love to claim, count on and cajole things from God when prayer is to be more about a conversation with the Father, coming into agreement and fellowship with Him about what He knows is best. Does God answer specific requests? Or course, He does, but He also gives us gifts as His children, not as union workers who require a pay raise because we were sure it was promised to us.
Don't bargain with God. I travel overseas a good bit and know there are places where we can wheel and deal with vendors about souvenirs and gifts. It's OK, normal and expected there. But not in Heaven. God isn't in the bargaining business even though He loves us more than we can know. We're better to "make our requests known unto God," and then rest in the peace of God promised as well in Philippians 4.
Passionate about praying? Good for you. Don't quit. Just make sure you're not trying too hard to make something happen. That's up to God.
In 2009 the Grandparents.com website stated that 66% of grandparents had never celebrated Grandparents Day. However, Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN) is wanting to change that statistic by proclaiming National Grandparents Day on September 8 as Grandparents Day of Prayer.
CGN is calling all grandparents
in their churches, community and around the world to unite in prayer for the next generation. We are living in a troubled, disturbed world. Perhaps no time in history have our families been attacked by the culture and governing bodies with such hostility. It seems like every day we hear of new attacks on the family. However, as grandparents we have the power of prayer to keep the hearts and minds of our grandchildren from falling captive to the enemy’s deception and lies.
To join the movement "LIKE" https://www.facebook.com/GrandparentDayOfPrayer?ref=hl.
Sign up for a free download of a chapter from the book Grandparenting wtih a Purpose titled "Communicate your Faith to your Grandchildren.". Please help us promote this special day of prayer by sharing this message with your friends on facebook and other social media resources.
You will find additional information and promotional resources on the CGN website at http://www.christiangrandparenting.net/day-of-prayer-home.
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Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 210 | Wed 15 May 2013
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR): SEIZED BY MUSLIM REBELS
by Elizabeth Kendal
As the rebel army, Seleka, advanced towards Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic (CAR), CAR President Francois Bozize appealed to France (the colonial power) and the US for help. However, this was to no avail, even though French troops were already in the country. Desperate for support, Bozize appealed to South African president Jacob Zuma, who did send troops. But on 23 March, after fierce fighting, Seleka defeated the South African Defence Force, paving the way for the rebels to enter Bangui on Sunday 24 March unhindered. Seleka then embarked on a campaign of raping, killing, looting and pillaging. Micopax, the European Union-funded peace-keeping force in CAR, has made no effort to engage the rebels. International Crisis Group (ICG) finds this 'disturbing' and wonders if Micopax has been instructed to stand aside. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), 'One of the first targets was the Bangui Cathedral, where Seleka rebels entered the church, fired in the air, and robbed the worshippers.' Something both HRW and ICG fail to mention is that the rebels who have seized power are Arabic-speaking Muslims, whereas CAR is a French-speaking, mostly Christian country (76 percent Christian according to Operation World).
The rebels, who claim to be liberating CAR from the dictator Bozize, hail from the Vakaga district, a poor, remote north-east region of CAR bordering Chad and Sudan. Vakaga is the only part of the CAR where Arabic is the common language and Islam the dominant religion. Despite their poverty, the rebels entered Bangui wearing brand new military uniforms, driving brand new pickups and brandishing brand new weapons. Amongst them were janjaweed (Islamic militiamen) from Darfur, Sudan, and jihadis from Mali and Northern Nigeria. In a FIDES press release, Church leaders in CAR denounce 'a rebellion characterised by religious extremism'. They describe a systematic and 'planned desecration and destruction of religious Christian buildings, and in particular the Catholic and Protestant churches'. They lament the heavy price the Church is paying, with churches destroyed and 'priests and religious women' attacked.
Archbishop Dieudonne Nzapalainga has written a courageous letter to the self-proclaimed new president, rebel leader Michel Djotodia, listing Seleka's crimes: 'threats, terror, and psychological torture . . . rape of young girls and women, some of whom have committed suicide [and] recruitment of child soldiers'. Observing that Seleka consists 'largely of foreign Muslims and some from the nation', the prelate notes that 'the Muslim population [in Bangui] was largely spared looting', and asks, 'What are the real intentions of this movement against our Christian institutions?' According to one missionary's blog, hospitals and charities have all been looted. 'Rebels do not save anybody or anything,' she writes, 'except for mosques and Muslim traders, who buy the stolen property from them.'
The questions arising out of this crisis are enormous and ugly. Who is funding and equipping Seleka and with what aim? Why did France not intervene in CAR, when it intervened in Ivory Coast (to support Islamic rebels) and in Mali (to fight Islamic rebels)? Why is the US refusing to send aid? Why did the EU-funded Micopax not protect CAR civilians as it is paid to do? In early 2011, Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo - who believed in advancing African rather than Western interests - found himself the victim of regime change at the hands of Islamic forces backed by Western powers pursuing Western 'interests'. Could the same be happening in CAR? President Bozize had recently signed oil concessions over to Chinese and South African companies. Soon after proclaiming himself president, rebel leader Michel Djotodia promised to 'sort out' CAR's mining and oil contracts. If these contracts are handed to Western powers, then we will have most of our answers. Meanwhile, Seleka has seized control of CAR's extensive diamond industry. The global body of Christ must stand united, demanding truth - no matter how unpalatable - and justice. She must speak up for the Church in CAR and remember them in prayer as they have to navigate this crisis.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -
* God will shine light into the darkness so that truth will be revealed; may the Lord himself bring justice, righteousness and liberty to CAR. (Habakkuk 2:6b-14)
'The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.' (Psalm 33:13-15 NLT)
* the body of Christ in the world will stand as one against greed, megalomania, violence, deceit, repression and all manner of evil presently at work in CAR. 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' (John 1:5 ESV)
* the Holy Spirit will draw CAR's Christians to himself, gracing them with faith and prayer, comfort and peace. May he bless, protect and sustain all those who put their faith in him. (Romans 8:31-39)
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
MUSLIM REBELS SEIZE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
On 24 March a rebel army named Seleka seized control of Bangui, capital of Central African Republic (CAR), in an orgy of killing, raping and looting. The rebels are from the Vakaga district, a poor, remote north-east region of CAR bordering Chad and Sudan. Whilst CAR is French-speaking and 76 percent Christian, Vakaga is Arabic-speaking and Muslim. The 'poor' rebels are very well armed and amongst them are Islamic militiamen from Darfur, Sudan, and jihadis from Mali and Northern Nigeria. Churches have been destroyed and looted and Christian workers attacked, while the Muslim community of Bangui has been spared. Rebel leader Michel Djotodia has proclaimed himself president. EU peacekeepers did not engage the rebels. French forces (though present) and the US refused to help. Please pray for the Church in CAR.
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 for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.
Elizabeth Kendal is the author of
'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books, Dec. 2012)
http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html
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.
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>.
Wake up, America!
by Maureen Bravo 05-14-13
To my sisters and brothers in Christ...If you are discouraged at the news reports of what has been taking place in our government of late, you need only look at what is called the "church" in our nation to see why we are in this mess. Like those who are affiliated with and deceived by political ideologies that allow them to support liars, thieves and murderers, many "church attendees" are also deluded and are supporting leaders who are shamelessly using their positions and influence to build their own "kingdoms"…and to do that, they milk the sheep. False doctrines (ie. we are all going to heaven because God is so nice that He wouldn't condemn anyone to hell "if there is one") abound and there is silence because scriptures (ie. not touching the man of God) have been twisted to protect those who do and support evil.
Why are we surprised when we see spiritual leaders fall if they are no different than those governmental leaders in the secular world? If we want it to stop, we must be about our Father's business...and "clean up the temple"...NOW!
We know that judgment starts in the house of God. Before we can point a finger or demand a change in our government, we ourselves need to be right with God! There are no "double standards" with Him! Instead of running from Him, let us return to Him, repent, acknowledge His Lordship and embrace His Word. Let's believe it...act on it...share it...nurture it...and sound the alarm to our families, our friends and those in our circles of influence! Let the fire on the altars of the hearts of those in every congregation be reignited, so that they will "awaken, arise and adore Him... consecrate themselves to Him anew and once again, begin to worship Him over this nation".
• Pray fervently for the redemption of the hearts and minds of the people of this nation, that they will be freed from deception and able to embrace the truth.
• Pray that they will begin to hunger and thirst for righteousness...for Liberty and Justice.
• Pray that life, liberty and the pursuit of VIRTUE will be our common goal!
The blessed Freedoms that we enjoy today were hard won... and then preserved at great price...through the blood, sweat and tears of generations of God-fearing, patriotic Americans. We need to wake up now...before it's too late!
Some time ago, in preparation for a class I was to teach, as I searched the dictionary for the word “intimate,” my eyes fell upon the words “intercept” and “interchange.” In that moment it seemed that the Holy Spirit spoke to me, “Alice, this is how the Kingdom of God destroys the kingdom of darkness.”
The word “intercept” is an action verb. To intercept something one must stop or interrupt its course. “Intercession,” as you know, is to stand in the gap between what is actually happening and what God wants to happen.
The word “Interchange” means to put one thing in the place of another. So, the intercessor intercepts the plan of the enemy and initiates a spiritual interchange.
Professor David F. Wells states, “What, then, is the nature of petitionary prayer? It is in essence, rebellion—rebellion against the world and its fallenness; the absolute and undying refusal to accept as normal what is pervasively abnormal. It is in this negative aspect, the refusal of every agenda, every scheme, and every interpretation that is at odds with the norm as originally established by God.”
In other words, petitionary prayer (intercession) is a holy dissatisfaction with the way things are, and taking steps to bring change through prayer. Here are three steps we intercessors should follow.
Step 1: Accept the burden from the Lord. The Lord is a gentleman who will never force us to bear a burden unwillingly. He has chosen to partner with each of us that together we may see the Great Commission fulfilled; but when we won’t help, He’ll find another. Isaiah 59:16 says, “He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intercede: so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.” God “triggers” us to intercede in various ways. Sometimes for no apparent reason we may sense a heaviness come over us. In our minds we know we are not in sin; our families are fine; and things are great. Yet, an unexplainable heaviness hangs over us. This is often God’s way of saying, “go pray.”
At other times an overwhelming desire to weep comes upon us, and for no apparent reason. Again, the Lord may be asking us to slip away and intercede for something or someone. Most often He will not reveal to us the next step until we obey the first.
I’m amazed at the number of Christians who take anti-depressant medication, feeling they are emotionally and mentally depressed. In many cases they are receiving a call to intercede. Should this happen to you, say like Samuel did when he realized the Lord was speaking to him: ”Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:10).
Step Two: Identify with God’s desire to intervene in the situation. Once we accept the assignment to pray, we must recognize that God desires to intervene. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).
We are being asked to “stand in the gap” between what the enemy is doing and what the Father wants to do. Entering into prayer, we should thank the Lord for the opportunity to see the Kingdom of God displace the kingdom of darkness.
Next, exercising our priestly authority, we should ask the Lord to intercept and thwart the devil’s plan to “steal, kill and destroy” (Jas. 2:13).
Step Three: Intercede by faith for breakthrough in the matter. Pray for God’s plan to be established in the situation. Pray until you feel that the breakthrough and the interchange have occurred. The Lord is looking for those of us who will persevere in the prayer closet. The prayer closet is the arena which produces the overcomer! Around our group of intercessors we have a slogan, “P.U.S.H.! Pray until something happens.”
George Muller, a great intercessor of days gone by said, “When once I am persuaded that a thing is right, I go on praying for it ‘til the end comes. I never give up ‘til the answer comes. The great fault of the children of God is that they do not continue in prayer. They do not preserver. If they desire anything for God’s glory, they should pray until they get it.”
I envision a day when millions of praying Christians with militant and abandoned love for Jesus will stand up on behalf of lost humanity and refuse to quit until the Lord answers. John the Baptist was radical! Paul was radical! When it comes to prayer, are we radical?
The story is told that in the darkest hour of the war with Germany, when the destiny of civilization was trembling in the balance, the Congress of Allied Women, meeting in Paris adopted the ringing slogan, “Believe victory! Preach victory! Live victory!”
We would do well to adopt this slogan in these turbulent days of fierce spiritual battle.
When we launched the U.S. Prayer Center by faith in 1993, as requested by Dr. C. Peter Wagner, I (Eddie) asked him how much it paid. He said, “Whatever you can trust God for.” <Smile> I was warned by some that “Christians will support missions, missionaries and evangelism; but they’ll never support prayer ministries.” It’s true that prayer seems to “fly under the radar” of some in terms of their giving; and that many aren’t aware that our ministries extend far beyond the topic of prayer. We continually invest ourselves in equipping and assisting Christians around the world with various discipleship issues.
Now, 20 years later, we are so grateful for you and people like you who continue to underwrite the ministry of the U.S. Prayer Center, which isn’t to say things are easy today. In fact, in the past year we’ve seen our support drop approximately 30% from the year before. As a result we’ve tightened our fiscal belts and reduced expenses to compensate, yet things are still tight; as they likely are for you and yours. Secondly, we’ve focused on the needs of a dozen or so other effective, life-giving ministries around the world that we support, some of which we’ve supported for years. We’ve been “on the ground” with them, know and love them. We’ve seen the result of their efforts. We must do what we can to see that their needs not go unmet.
Plus, we’ve learned in our almost 43 years of marriage and ministry that we’re more blessed to give than to receive, and that the Father who monitors our giving will bless us accordingly. Obviously you agree or you would not be receiving this letter. So, thanks again for your support. Enclosed you will find a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which you can send your best offering this month.
God bless you for your generosity!
The word “intercept” is an action verb. To intercept something one must stop or interrupt its course. “Intercession,” as you know, is to stand in the gap between what is actually happening and what God wants to happen.
The word “Interchange” means to put one thing in the place of another. So, the intercessor intercepts the plan of the enemy and initiates a spiritual interchange.
Professor David F. Wells states, “What, then, is the nature of petitionary prayer? It is in essence, rebellion—rebellion against the world and its fallenness; the absolute and undying refusal to accept as normal what is pervasively abnormal. It is in this negative aspect, the refusal of every agenda, every scheme, and every interpretation that is at odds with the norm as originally established by God.”
In other words, petitionary prayer (intercession) is a holy dissatisfaction with the way things are, and taking steps to bring change through prayer. Here are three steps we intercessors should follow.
Step 1: Accept the burden from the Lord. The Lord is a gentleman who will never force us to bear a burden unwillingly. He has chosen to partner with each of us that together we may see the Great Commission fulfilled; but when we won’t help, He’ll find another. Isaiah 59:16 says, “He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intercede: so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.” God “triggers” us to intercede in various ways. Sometimes for no apparent reason we may sense a heaviness come over us. In our minds we know we are not in sin; our families are fine; and things are great. Yet, an unexplainable heaviness hangs over us. This is often God’s way of saying, “go pray.”
At other times an overwhelming desire to weep comes upon us, and for no apparent reason. Again, the Lord may be asking us to slip away and intercede for something or someone. Most often He will not reveal to us the next step until we obey the first.
I’m amazed at the number of Christians who take anti-depressant medication, feeling they are emotionally and mentally depressed. In many cases they are receiving a call to intercede. Should this happen to you, say like Samuel did when he realized the Lord was speaking to him: ”Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:10).
Step Two: Identify with God’s desire to intervene in the situation. Once we accept the assignment to pray, we must recognize that God desires to intervene. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).
We are being asked to “stand in the gap” between what the enemy is doing and what the Father wants to do. Entering into prayer, we should thank the Lord for the opportunity to see the Kingdom of God displace the kingdom of darkness.
Next, exercising our priestly authority, we should ask the Lord to intercept and thwart the devil’s plan to “steal, kill and destroy” (Jas. 2:13).
Step Three: Intercede by faith for breakthrough in the matter. Pray for God’s plan to be established in the situation. Pray until you feel that the breakthrough and the interchange have occurred. The Lord is looking for those of us who will persevere in the prayer closet. The prayer closet is the arena which produces the overcomer! Around our group of intercessors we have a slogan, “P.U.S.H.! Pray until something happens.”
George Muller, a great intercessor of days gone by said, “When once I am persuaded that a thing is right, I go on praying for it ‘til the end comes. I never give up ‘til the answer comes. The great fault of the children of God is that they do not continue in prayer. They do not preserver. If they desire anything for God’s glory, they should pray until they get it.”
I envision a day when millions of praying Christians with militant and abandoned love for Jesus will stand up on behalf of lost humanity and refuse to quit until the Lord answers. John the Baptist was radical! Paul was radical! When it comes to prayer, are we radical?
The story is told that in the darkest hour of the war with Germany, when the destiny of civilization was trembling in the balance, the Congress of Allied Women, meeting in Paris adopted the ringing slogan, “Believe victory! Preach victory! Live victory!”
We would do well to adopt this slogan in these turbulent days of fierce spiritual battle.
When we launched the U.S. Prayer Center by faith in 1993, as requested by Dr. C. Peter Wagner, I (Eddie) asked him how much it paid. He said, “Whatever you can trust God for.” <Smile> I was warned by some that “Christians will support missions, missionaries and evangelism; but they’ll never support prayer ministries.” It’s true that prayer seems to “fly under the radar” of some in terms of their giving; and that many aren’t aware that our ministries extend far beyond the topic of prayer. We continually invest ourselves in equipping and assisting Christians around the world with various discipleship issues.
Now, 20 years later, we are so grateful for you and people like you who continue to underwrite the ministry of the U.S. Prayer Center, which isn’t to say things are easy today. In fact, in the past year we’ve seen our support drop approximately 30% from the year before. As a result we’ve tightened our fiscal belts and reduced expenses to compensate, yet things are still tight; as they likely are for you and yours. Secondly, we’ve focused on the needs of a dozen or so other effective, life-giving ministries around the world that we support, some of which we’ve supported for years. We’ve been “on the ground” with them, know and love them. We’ve seen the result of their efforts. We must do what we can to see that their needs not go unmet.
Plus, we’ve learned in our almost 43 years of marriage and ministry that we’re more blessed to give than to receive, and that the Father who monitors our giving will bless us accordingly. Obviously you agree or you would not be receiving this letter. So, thanks again for your support. Enclosed you will find a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which you can send your best offering this month.
God bless you for your generosity!
Alice and Eddie
P.S. Will you join us in ministry. Your investment today will bear kingdom interest tomorrow!
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The Four Things God Wants in Our Prayers
Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer, a wonderful and sacred time-honored American tradition. The effort is headed by the NDP Task Force, led by our friend and Focus emeritus board member Shirley Dobson. I’ll be recognizing the day in California with some colleagues and other ministry partners, but our team will be gathering on campus to spend some concentrated time in prayer.
On this eve of this very special day, I would like to pose a few questions.
Why should believers take a day to focus on prayer? Why pray for our fellow citizens, our leaders and the needs and challenges facing America?
Simply put, I believe God invites us to do so and promises a blessing when we do. In the book of 2 Chronicles, God says, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (7:14).
I’ve heard people suggest that God answers every prayer from His children – but sometimes the answer is “no.” I think that’s a true statement, but if we only look at prayer as a transaction we’re likely to miss the richness of prayer itself.
Are you familiar with the acronym (adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication)? I find that to be a helpful guide for how we should approach our Heavenly Father. In addition to that, I believe God's looking for four things from us when we pray:
1. He wants humility: That's a tough one. We can be so proud of our accomplishments, our inventions, our lifestyles - you name it. I'm afraid humility isn't one of our strengths as a nation or individually.
2. He wants to talk with us: God wants to engage in the dialogue of prayer. About the only prayer I knew growing up was one of those stock prayers recited over meals. Now that I'm older, I know what God longs for is an ongoing conversation with us. He cares about the details of our lives. He invites us to bring to Him our fears, pain, sadness, confession, joy, hopes, dreams - you name it, He's waiting for us to talk with Him about it.
3. He wants us to seek His face: I've read that the word "seek" carries with it the sense of pursuing God with a "burning desire." With passion. With gusto. At some points in life that is not as easy, is it? Ever wonder why not? Maybe a good place to start is to ask Him that question: Why am I not passionate about seeking Your face at this time in my life?
4. God wants us to experience the freedom and joy that comes through confession and turning from our sin: It's one thing to say, "I'm sorry God for my sinful choices" and another thing to do something about it, namely, turning from our sin and embracing what's right.
Prayer is a critical practice for any Christian, but it's also something that, since we do so often, we run the risk of taking too lightly. How often have we ended a conversation with a friend or loved one by assuring them, "I'll pray for you" but the failing to do so? Or how frequently have we been the one asking for prayer ourselves, but not thinking too deeply about the significance of the request?
Habits and routines can be good—but they can also cause us to get into an easy rut and maybe forget just how awesome a privilege it is to be in communion and conversation with the Creator of the universe.
The Lord has answered many prayers in my life – from trying to decide whether I should play football in college, to finding the love of my life, to permitting me the privilege of being a father. He’s also said “no” to my prayers, too. Like all of you, I’ve had to shoulder the burdens of managing difficult people and wondering why loved ones die all too soon.
Indeed, God answers prayer just as sure as the sun rose this morning and will set tonight. I would love to hearyour story, and learn of how the Lord has responded to you. Scripture tells us to publicly acknowledge and give praise for His good works and kindness to us including answered prayer. Psalm 105:1 says “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people!”
So, how about it? How has God answered your prayer?
National Day of Prayer 2013 is a day to remember forever and ever. PrayOn Ministries along with other prayer leaders came together for a conference on Marriages, Families and Relationships. We had a conference call on that night. Many people joined in to learn more about how to strengthen their marriages, families and relationships. It was awesome. We had many questions asked during our question and answer session. Prayer took us to a new level of understanding that our relationships with others should model our relationship with God.
PrayOn!
WayMakers would like to commend this very timely prayer guide called 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World. As you may know, Muslims observe a 30-day period of fasting, prayer and seeking God every year that they call "Ramadan." This is an ideal time to pray for God's purposes of love to be fulfilled in their lives and families. This year Ramadan falls on July 9 to August 7, 2013. An international movement of intercession for the Muslim world has prepared this marvelous prayer guide. Because it is translated in more than 20 languages, there will be Christians from all over the world praying for Muslims.
The turbulence of today’s world may be slowly hardening the hearts of some Christians against the Muslim world. Bible trusting Christians are among those most likely to pray for Muslim neighbors and nations. I urge you to get your personal copy soon. As you look through the guide, think of other friends who you will want to invite to join with you. Order copies for them. Think of involving your church in this special time.
This full-color, illustrated prayer guide is a proven tool to help Christians pray with informed wisdom and hope for Muslim neighbors across the street, and Muslim people around the world. Each day focuses on a specific issue or area of the Islamic world. As you read through it and pray, you’ll gain a better understanding of Muslims and find your hope increase for God’s purpose among all peoples. A special “Just for Kids” edition is also available.
Check out a few sample pages and order this 56-page guide at www.waymakers.org/pray/30-days/#sample-pages. WayMakers has made it easy to order from our website or by phone. The cost begins at $3 for a single copy ($3.50 for kids) with discounts as great as 60% when ordered in quantity. Check out the details online at www.waymakers.org/pray/30-days or call me at 512.419.7729.
Attributed to renowned investor Warren Buffet, “skin in the game” is a term describing the willingness of a company’s top executives to invest some of their own money in a project. It’s a sign of good faith and their confidence in the outcome.
The concept makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. Why should you or I want to invest in a company or a project if the insiders don’t believe in it enough to risk their own money?
But the skin-in-the-game principle actually started long before the days of Warren Buffet.
Perhaps you’ve heard the story of three-year-old Jenny, who was terrified by a fierce thunderstorm one night. With each flash of lightning or clap of thunder, she screamed in fear, pulling the covers over her head for protection. And when the covers proved inadequate to comfort her, she ran downstairs, where her mom was still working in the kitchen.
“I’m scared, Mommy!” she said, firmly wrapping her little arms around her mother’s legs.
“Go back to your room, Jenny,” her mom told her. “God will take care of you.”
“OK, mommy,” she reluctantly agreed.
But no sooner was she back in bed than another roar of thunder shook her room, once again sending Jenny back to the kitchen, where she wept as she clung to mom.
“What did I tell you, Jenny? God will take care of you,” the mother said, getting somewhat irritated.
“But mommy, God doesn’t have any skin on Him!” the little girl protested.
Well, even though we surely can sympathize with Jenny’s point, the good news is that God did, in fact, come to us with skin on. We’re told in John 1:14 that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Not content to remain hidden away somewhere in the heavenlies, our Lord became Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Yes, God put skin in the game. Real skin. You see, He believed enough in His “redemption project” to become personally involved—fully invested, we might say.
Notice that He didn’t just send His Word through prophets, angels, stone tablets, or handwriting on the wall. He came Himself and lived among us.
However, this doesn’t totally negate Jenny’s point. People today still are looking for “God with skin on.” They need something more than a pat answer or an encouraging Bible tweet. They’re longing to see and interact with other human beings who are filled with the presence and power of Christ (Colossians 1:27).
So the next time you send a tweet, post a blog, or put something on your Facebook wall, remember this sobering statement by the apostle Paul: “We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also OUR OWN LIVES, because you had become dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
If Paul was still around today, I’m sure he would be using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and every other possible means of sending out the gospel. Yet, even more importantly, he would be modeling an “incarnational” faith and investing his life into people he loved.
For Paul, presenting our bodies as “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) wasn’t just theology or theory. It meant putting our skin in the game.
As you interact with people through social media on your computer or smart phone today, don’t forget to also put some of your “skin” in the game. Your friends and followers may need to see you in person from time to time. Like Jenny, they may even need a hug.
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 209 | Wed 08 May 2013
SUDAN: REPRESSION ESCALATES AS REBELS ADVANCE
by Elizabeth Kendal
The Arab-supremacist, Islamist regime in Khartoum, Sudan, has been escalating its campaign of systematic persecution against the Church since at least April of 2012. Also targeted are 'Southerners' (predominantly Christian Africans from South Sudan) and 'blacks' (predominantly Christian Africans from Sudan's Nuba Mountains). The persecution appears aimed at driving Christians and non-Arabs out of Sudan, or at least out of Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman. Christian ministries (including schools) have been closed and their foreign staff deported. In February, National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) officials arrested staff members of a university campus ministry. After interrogating them for a week, confiscating everything of value and deporting three members to South Sudan, the NISS released the believers who were ordered to report weekly. The officers also threatened the Christians, saying they would be 'buried alive' if they fail to provide information about who is supporting Christian activities in Sudan. On 17 April 2013 Sudan's Minister of Guidance and Endowments, Al-Fatih Taj El-sir, announced that no new licences for building churches will be issued on the grounds that new churches are not needed - Christians are leaving and churches are closing.
The escalating persecution coincides with the mounting pressure being felt by the regime. This is due to economic stress and widespread disaffection, and with military gains being made by rebel forces. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement - North (SPLM-N) has made great gains in South Kordofan and now holds most of the Nuba Mountains. Meanwhile, rebels in Darfur have made great gains in south Darfur. Led by the SPLM-N, the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) is an alliance of rebel forces fighting for a new constitution and a government of national unity in an inclusive, secular, democratic state. This state is much along the lines of the 'New Sudan' vision that Southern leader Dr John Garang had championed. Formed in November 2011, the SRF has gone from strength to strength. (See RLPB 148, http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com.au, 28 Feb 2012, for important background.) Recently the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) from Darfur dropped its demand for Sharia Law in Darfur, embraced the national agenda and joined the alliance. On 27 April 2013 the expanded SRF fought as a united front under a single command to seize territory in North Kordofan - just 480km from Khartoum and 100km from a government airbase - and hold it for several hours. According to SPLM-N Secretary General Yassir Arman (a close aide of the late Dr John Garang), this is now 'a fully-fledged war'.
Though the rebels are talking about entering Khartoum, that is unlikely. Even if they did enter Khartoum, they most certainly could not hold it. However, they don't need to take Khartoum to paralyse the government as they only need to hold South Kordofan, where Sudan's last remaining oil reserves are located. But while the SRF is strong - and getting stronger as nomadic tribal Arabs and Muslim Africans defect from Khartoum to support the SRF - the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) have probably double the number of troops as well as air power and political control at the centre. The most likely scenario is a vicious deadlock. Meanwhile, the regime is employing its well-worn strategy of targeting civilian populations suspected of supporting the rebels. Some 700,000 have been displaced by Khartoum's aerial bombardments and the 436,000 who are displaced within rebel-held areas are facing famine due to the regime's aid blockade. Whilst devastating to civilians, the stalemate - the fact that Khartoum cannot win - could pave the way for negotiations where the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) could be re-addressed. This would be especially likely if pressure is brought to bear from outside, something the West - to its shame - has been unwilling to do.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -
* God will 'break' the regime's power (Psalm 10:15); may Arab Sudanese decide they are sick of war; may support for the regime drain away; may political and military defections increase; may the regime be forced to negotiate; may the 'New Sudan' vision of a united, diverse, inclusive, secular and free Sudan be embraced even in the heart of Khartoum (which would be a miracle).
'The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.' (Proverbs 21:1 ESV)
* the Church will know the sustaining power and comforting presence of the Holy Spirit of God; may she stand firm, growing in faith and numerically despite the opposition she faces; may her righteousness and grace bear witness to the truth of the Gospel.
'And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.' (Romans 8:28 ESV)
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
REPRESSION ESCALATES IN SUDAN AS REBELS ADVANCE
Persecution is escalating in Sudan, especially in Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman, as the racist, Islamist regime continues its campaign of intimidation, ministry closures, deportations and media disinformation along with impunity for persecutors. This coincides with escalating economic and social woes and military advances by rebel forces. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement - North (SPLM-N) has made great gains in South Kordofan, now holding most of the Nuba Mountains. An alliance of rebel forces led by the SPLM-N is fighting for an inclusive, secular state and recently seized territory in North Kordofan only 480 km from Khartoum. The regime is fighting back by bombing civilians and denying international food aid entry to rebel-held areas. Please pray that God will liberate Sudan and sustain his Church.
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 for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.
Elizabeth Kendal is the author of
'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books, Dec. 2012)
http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html
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.
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Sometimes we’re on the brink of our breakthrough, but something is holding us back. Can you relate?
After Moses’ death, Joshua found himself on the banks of the Jordan River, overlooking the Promised Land on the other side. God was telling him to take the Israelites over the river and into their destiny—but there was a problem.
Forty years earlier, Joshua had been one of the 12 spies sent to view the Promised Land before the Israelites entered (Numbers 13 – 14). The spies all gave a glowing report about what a wonderful land it was, but 10 of the spies said there were fierce enemies and “giants” in the land. It was much too dangerous to risk entry, they warned.
Joshua and Caleb were the only spies who said the Israelites should obey God and trust Him to give them the land. But their report was rejected, and more than a million people chose to wander in the wilderness rather than enter the Promised Land.
Now Joshua had come full circle, right back to this place where he had boldly proclaimed God’s provision—but where he suffered an agonizing and humiliating defeat when his message was rejected. Forty years had passed, but he still was traumatized by the memories.
Perhaps you find yourself in a similar place. You are on the brink of the Promised Land. You have tasted its fruit before, and you know it’s an incredibly good land. Yet you also remember the painful experiences associated with this. Fear and apprehension rise up within you when you consider the prospect of taking a step of faith to cross over and face the giants.
God has brought you to this place, not so He can torment you, but so He can heal you. He is telling you, just as He told Joshua, (Joshua 1:9).
You’ve the Promised Land before, and here you are again—right on the brink. The Lord has brought you full circle so you can face your fears and find your destiny.
You are SO close, and you can succeed this time. Don’t let anything, or anyone, hold you back. I’m convinced the call toward your future is stronger than the tormenting chains of your past.
GOD SHOWS WHO CONTROLS THE HEAVENS!
Jesus parted the Red Sea for Moses 3500 years ago, and today, the LORD Himself did not stop an annoying rainstorm. He literally sent the rain again around Springfield, Illinois to
the North and East...and the snow and ice over to the North West up the state of Illinois into Wisconsin!
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| SPRINGFIELD, IL MAYOR MIKE HOUSTON READS THE NDP 2013 PROCLAMATION |
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| PASTOR STAN PRATT PRAYS FOR GOV'T LEADERS |
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| MY WIFE VICKI LUTCHMAN SINGS"LORD, I BELIEVE IN YOU" |
This is another Miraculous answer to intense praying for days. While there were several days of sunshine leading up to our outdoor National Day of Prayer Worship Service on the main steps of the Illinois State Capitol, the forecast and weather radar were devastating for our meticulously planned city wide event. As the Lord brought out
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| PASTOR ROY NEWMAN FRESH VISIONS COMM. CHURCH |
the hot bright.......
READ THE REST OF THIS POST BY CLICKING HERE
Salt is beneficial for health, it’s an essential nutrient of the daily diet for humans and animals. It has many uses, from deicing streets in the winter to seasoning our food in the summer when we barbeque.
Jesus tells the disciples, “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.”¹
Today our world is decaying morally and spiritually. However, those of us who follow Jesus are called to be the salt of the earth, flavoring the world with His love and compassion into the lives of our grandchildren and their parents pointing them to God.
As grandparents, let’s be salt to our grandchildren, their parents and to the world with intentional prayer as they navigate in the unsettled, post-Christian time we live in today. Let’s create a thirst for Jesus in our grandchildren.
- Ask God to help you bring out the God-flavor of God’s love in your grandchildren and make them thirsty for His love.
- Ask God to keep your grandchildren safe with guardrails of his protection physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
¹ Matthew 5:13 (The Message)
By Lillian Penner
A Hymn for Our Nation
(tune: Finlandia)
Lord of the nations, we pray for our country
with gratitude for how we have been blest.
Your hand of mercy shields us with protection
when we are gripped by terror's countless tests.
Your gracious presence has been our salvation
as acts of violence steal our peace and rest.
Lord of the nations, we pray for our country
with knowledge of its willful godless ways.
We are devoid of moral acts and choices
as darkness clouds Your light from each new day.
We seek forgiveness for our many failures
and pray for grace to trust You and obey.
Lord of the nations, we pray for our country
with hope our leaders will acknowledge You.
They need Your help to navigate dissension
and strive for unity in all they do.
They need to understand the cost of conflict
and count the toll of righteousness eschewed.
by Greg Asimakoupoulos
We need to develop strategies to pray against the evil coming on the face of the earth, Christ predicted in Matthew 24 and also unite our resources and skills, and collaborate with leaders in Crime and Violence. Pray Psalm 91 and 23 daily over your communities.
