Pray Network Forum

We have taken the Bible, prayer and the Ten Commandments out of our schools and the public arena. The vast majority of our young people no longer have a moral compass. Broken homes, the corruption of our culture and the secularization of society have led to an entire generation of young people feeling lonely and hopeless. In many cases, they are seeking relief using dangerous and potentially deadly chemicals. Not only are they abusing prescribed medications, smoking herbal marijuana alternatives, injecting and ingesting the synthetic bath salts drugs, teenagers are even getting drunk by using hand sanitizers.

After visiting our web page, please prayerfully consider how you can urge others to participate in our upcoming weekend of prayer and fasting for the addicted.

http://justprayno.org/click-here-for-information-on-the-annual-worldwide-weekend-of-prayer/

In His Name and For His Glory, Steven L. Sherman, Founder of "Just Pray NO!" Ltd.

“How are you doing today?” That’s the question I’ve often asked people over the years.

But I’ve concluded that this is probably the wrong question. I’m thinking of trying out a new query for the people I encounter:

“How’s your TRAJECTORY today?”

This is a much better question, isn’t it? Although I hope you’re having a good day, it’s much more important that the overall trajectory of your life is upward.

Perhaps your finances aren’t great today, but hopefully they are better than they used to be. You may not be in perfect health, but I pray you’re keeping those New Year’s Resolutions to make your health better than last year.

And the real question about your marriage or your relationships with your kids is not how they’re doing right now. Instead, the question is whether you are sowing positive seeds today for a better trajectory tomorrow. 

How long has it been since you’ve applied the trajectory question to the various facets of your life? Maybe it’s time to ask whether your employer’s cash flow is on a sustainable path. Or perhaps you have to face the question of whether your church is on an upward trajectory, stuck on a plateau, or declining—with everyone just getting old and dying off.

Trajectory is a Biblical concept, after all. The pathway of a righteous person is supposed to shine “ever brighter” (Proverbs 4:18). As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, our spiritual trajectory should be a transformation from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). And since our destiny is to become like Jesus, we should show evidence of becoming more like Him every day (Romans 8:29, 1 John 3:2-3, 2 Peter 1:5-8).

Perhaps you’ve experienced times of failure in the past, but you can’t allow that to determine your trajectory today. And no matter how things are going at the moment, remember that you are called “UPWARD” (Philippians 3:13-14).

If you’re not happy with your life’s trajectory today, there’s good news. We serve the God of resurrection and new beginnings. He can take a tailspin and turn it around.

But the trajectory question is a reality check. You can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. 

My grandmother’s example of her faith in Jesus Christ to see her through the difficult times in life made a significant imprint on my life.

While I was attending college in her town, I had many opportunities to visit my widowed grandmother often. She shared with me that in her loneliness she was placing her trust in God to care for her by claiming the promise Jesus gave His disciples after His resurrection. “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world” Matthew 28:20 (KJV

 My grandmother’s faith that God would always be there for her made a great impact on my life. Her testimony influenced me to incorporate that verse into my daily experiences. Since those early adult years, whenever life has been difficult, disappointing, or downright discouraging, I have claimed that same scripture verse. My prayer is that I will have opportunities to reflect my life experiences of trusting God during my difficult times to my children and grandchildren.

In Proverbs 27:19 we read, “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.” We glorify God when we reveal or manifest his character by the way we live by demonstrating God’s love to those around us. When we meditate on God’s Word and grow in our relationship with God, we will reflect God’s glory as we are being transformed into His image.

I am very thankful for the lasting impression my grandmother imprinted on my life as she reflected her faith in trusting God’s provision to sustain her during her difficult times. Grandparents who love the Lord have a responsibility to reflect a godly life to their grandchildren. When we reflect God’s love to our grandchildren and they are walking with the Lord, our love for God will keep on living through our grandchildren and future generations.

 Ask yourself:

What does the reflection of my life look like to my grandchildren?

Do I want my grandchildren to imitate my spiritual life?

Will they want my Jesus?

Pray that your love for God will keep on living through your grandchildren, even after you are deceased. 

Prayer

Lord, forgive me when I have not taken the time to be in Your Word

 or modeled the life of a godly grandparent.

Lord, help me develop an intimate relationship with you.

 I want to be able to reflect your face in the heart

of my dear grandchildren and future generations.

In Jesus name.

Please share how someone left an imprint on your life.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 197 | Wed 13 Feb 2013

NORTH KOREA: EXPOSING THE TERRORS OF THE GULAG

by Elizabeth Kendal

In North Korea loyalty to and worship of the ruling Kim family is mandatory, as is acquiescence to the doctrine of juche (self-reliance). The official website of North Korea (DPRK) states: 'The Juche idea is based on the philosophical principle that man is the master of everything and decides everything. It is the man-centred world outlook and also a political philosophy to materialise the independence of the popular masses . . .' Consequently, being a Christian is a serious political crime in North Korea. Some 200,000 'criminals' are incarcerated in the secretive State's gulag, including tens of thousands of Christians. Possession of a Bible is punishable by public execution. To eliminate disloyal family lines, the regime's policy dictates that three generations of any dissident be incarcerated in concentration labour camps where starvation and gross cruelty ensure the death rate is kept high. It is almost beyond belief that this horrific reality could have endured for more than 60 years. Refugee survivors such as Soon Ok Lee have testified that Christian prisoners are treated even more harshly than other political prisoners. As survivors' testimonies become available, the terrors of the North Korean gulag are exposed.

On Tuesday 19 February refugee survivors Shin Dong-Hyuk and Kang Chol-Hwan will headline the 5th annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. The event is organised by a coalition of some 20 non-government organisations (NGOs) headed by UN Watch. We must pray that their testimonies are widely reported and effective in raising awareness of this horror. When Kang addressed the Oslo Freedom Forum in 2010, he described conditions in the camps as 'similar to that of Hitler's Auschwitz'.

Shin Dong-Hyuk's testimony is unique as he is the only known surviving escapee from a North Korean 'total control zone' camp. Three generations of Shin's family had been incarcerated after the Korean War as punishment for his grandfather's and uncle's defections. Shin was born and raised in Camp 14. When he was about 22 Shin met a new prisoner, Park, who had been on the outside and even in China. Until then, Shin had been totally unaware that an alternative reality even existed. One day the starving pair decided to escape. Park died in the attempt, but Shin eventually found his way to China and subsequently to South Korea. His testimony of life in Camp 14 is absolutely shocking. He says perpetual starvation drives prisoners to hunt rats and insects for food. He recalls the public execution of his mother and brother, along with the torture meted out to him when he was 13. The transcript and video of Shin's testimony, 'Three Generations of Punishment', is available on the CBS News and Geneva Summit websites. (Visit the RLPB blog for links.)

When three generations of Kang Chol-hwan's family were incarcerated in 1977, he was only 9. Kang survived 10 years in Camp 15 at Yodok. His testimony is remarkably similar to Shin's, except that Kang was released in 1987 after his 'disloyal' grandparents died. Kang subsequently fled to China after being alerted that security police were coming to arrest him for listening to foreign radio broadcasts. Kang became a Christian in South Korea where he lives today working as a journalist and human rights advocate. In 2005 when US President GW Bush read his biography - The Aquariums of Pyongyang - he invited Kang to Washington. Kang saw the incredible exposure that meeting gave his cause as an answer to his prayers. Eight years later Kang is still praying and raising awareness at every opportunity.

North Korea has the fourth largest army in the world and is the most militarised nation on the planet. Military personnel are privileged - they get food and heating! The regime does not care about anyone else - they can all starve! North Korea wants re-unification, but only on its terms - the regime desires the day when the North will devour the South. The only thing keeping North Korea from swallowing up South Korea is the US, which is why North Korea wants American forces out of South Korea. On Tuesday 12 February North Korea conducted another nuclear test, the dual purpose of which is deterrence and maintenance. 'Without this threat,' writes Sohn Gwang Joo, Director of Daily NK, 'there would be no other way for Pyongyang to obtain Washington's attention. A North Korea without nuclear weapons is just a regime burdened by economic woes, inflicting human rights abuses on its people, suffering defections and battling with bottom-up marketisation. Only with nuclear weapons are they able to maintain their regime, hidden away from the world. This is how they keep their people in chains: through military tension.'


PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT THE LORD WILL:

* bless Shin and Kang and use their testimonies to awaken multitudes to the reality of North Korea; may international fascination with the entertaining yet criminal Kims be replaced with a commitment to ending the appalling suffering of multitudes.

* draw his Church into prayer for North Korea - and then answer her prayer, giving a spirit of wisdom to those making decisions and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate (see Isaiah 28:5,6).

* infiltrate North Korea in a new and surprising way, bringing peace and liberty to his Korean people. 'The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof . . . Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.' (Psalm 24:1a,9 ESV)

* use Shin and Kang's testimonies to soften the hearts of South Koreans that they might have the love and sacrificial generosity required to heal North Korea after its more than 60 years of captivity.


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

EXPOSING THE TERRORS OF THE NORTH KOREA GULAG

It is a serious political crime to be a Christian in North Korea. Three generations of a criminal's family are incarcerated in the gulag where starvation and gross cruelty ensure the death rate remains high. Possession of a Bible is a capital offence. It is almost unbelievable that this horrific reality could have lasted more than 60 years. Today, up to 200,000 Koreans are incarcerated , including tens of thousands of Christians. As testimonies of refugees become known, the terrors of the gulag are exposed. On 19 February Shin Dong-Hyuk and Kang Chol-Hwan, two refugees who have survived the gulag, will headline the 5th annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. Please pray God will use these testimonies and bring peace and liberty to his Korean people.


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>.

Dear praying friends,

Have you taken a look at Seek God for the City 2013? What do you think? The days of united prayer begin this Wednesday, February 13 and continue through Palm Sunday, March 24.

Would you consider suggesting this great resource to your blog, network, or list of friends? Now is a perfect time to download the app and get ready to pray with many thousands of others.

http://www.waymakers.org/app

In hope,

Steve Hawthorne

In the 15^th century, Martin Luther wanted to renew genuine worship. For centuries monks had kept the scriptures and sacred music locked away in monasteries. But after printing press put the Gutenberg bible back in the hands of the common man in the 1450’s, Luther worked to put worship back in the hands, and minds of the common man to fuel the revival that swept Europe. History says that Luther wrote new hymns to bar tunes and folk songs. His goal to implant the seed of God’s word deep in the hearts and minds of his listeners centered around these common melodies. He hoped that when men  went about their daily routines, the Holy Spirit could bring to mind eternal truth. Charles Wesley continued this approach when we wrote over 6000 songs for Christian worship on the 18^th century.

Between Luther and Wesley’s day, the Protestant Reformation gave birth to another explosive renewal in the arts. Symphonic composers like Handel, Beethoven and Mozart rose to the forefront of their craft, and many of their works were dedicated to the King of Kings, and Lords of Lords. Today, concert hall audiences still stand and sing along at the climax of Handel’s Messiah. Imagine pipe organs and orchestras performing the Halleluiah Chorus on stately cathedrals and vaulted concert halls throughout the last 3 centuries. Classic music in the 21^st century, Handel and Beethoven were contemporary musicians of the 16^th and 17^th century.

In the 20^th century, the Jesus movement and the charismatic outpouring that flowed across the American church gave birth to another revolution in contemporary music. Even though the traditional church was hesitant to change, today contemporary Christian music is on its way to becoming traditions for the 21^st century church.

Worship is never about the outer form, or style of music. Worship is about the heart of the worshipper. Whenever our hearts are more concerned about what is on the outside than the whole hearted devotion on the inside, we are in need of another revival. Real worship must be genuine, contemporary worshiper, heartfelt, and surrendered.

Looking into the scriptures, another idea is essential to genuine worship. Abraham stood at the foot of Mt Moriah. He’d waited for 25 years for his son Isaac, raised him for another 13, and now he’d traveled three days to a mountain’s name whose name means “God will see” to offer him, at God’s request, as a sacrafice.

Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. (Gen 22.5 KJV)

Abraham’s worship included:

• He was obeying God, without hesitation.
• He was going with the full intent of sacrificing his son.
• His faith and relationship with God was so deep, that he knew that Isaac was the son that God had promised.
• He intended to kill his son, not to please god, but to obey him
• He knew that he would also return with his son, because God is faithful to keep his promises.

Genuine worship, praise and prayer that changes our hearts and pleases God includes personal cost. Abraham learned the lesson by obeying God, and trusting him with the results. David also said that he wouldn’t offer a sacrifice that didn’t’ come at personal cost to himself, and he learned these hard lessons the same way – by what he did.

And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground. And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, "To buy the threshing floor of thee, to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed from the people. And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood. All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The Lord thy God accept thee. And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. (2 Sam 24.20-24 KJV)

Genuine praise, worship and prayer aren’t about how we feel. These essential pieces of a Christ-centered life aren’t about the environment around us, or the music we listen to. Genuine worship flows from a heart that’s surrendered to God, loves Him, gives up your rights voluntarily, obeys Him and follows wherever He leads.

I love word clouds. These computer-generated word assortments depict the frequency, size, or relative importance of the words on a website or print document.

The main thing I love about word clouds is that they don’t lie. You may think the theme of your website or document is one thing, but the word cloud will tell you what your REAL message is.

If you do a word cloud of the Gospel of Matthew, for example, it should be no surprise that the name Jesus is very BIG. The other key words are God and Kingdom.

In contrast, the word “church” is only used in two passages of Matthew (16:18 & 18:17), and these are the only times it is mentioned in the four Gospels. Think about this for a moment. Is it possible we’ve sometimes been guilty of magnifying the church as even bigger than the kingdom—or even bigger than Jesus Himself?

The beauty of word clouds is not only the words that turn out to be BIG and bold, but also the ones that are SMALL and faint. What a wonderful illustration of life’s priorities.

So, what if someone created a word cloud of your life—your words, thoughts, motives, and actions? What words would be BIG, and which ones would be SMALL? Would JESUS and KINGDOM be big or small? Would you be encouraged by your life’s word cloud, or embarrassed? Would you be willing to have the words projected on a screen for all to see?

The good news is that there’s still time to improve your life’s word cloud. Of course, this won’t be an easy process. You will have to deny yourself daily, take up your cross, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).

But changing your word cloud will be worth it. Just think of the beautiful new picture God will create as Jesus increases and you decrease (John 3:30).

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February 2013
IRM on the web www.prayersummits.net Upcoming Prayer Summits/Events Church of the Valley Prayer Summit Feb 4-7 Cannon Beach, OR ~~ Click Here to visit the IRM Calendar  The 6:4 Fellowship The 6:4 Fellowship is a pastor-to-pastor community that exists to encourage, equip and connect pastors toward the priorities of prayer and the ministry of the Word.  Every pastor could benefit by being a member of this ministry.  Great encouragement in a great direction. Abide Ministries abide.prayersummits.net	A Call to Prayer Again, I am thanking you for your prayers for the last couple weeks.  I sensed much grace as I was in various ministry situations. I have just three requests for you at this point.  Please join me in praying for… Prayer Close to Home February 13th. This is the first day of a 40 day prayer emphasis leading up to Palm Sunday.  Each year Waymakers does a prayer emphasis called “Seek God for the City.”  This is an excellent prayer tool for individuals, families, and cities.  Many thousands of people across the nation are using this tool.  You can find out more information at... http://www.waymakers.org.    Also, this year, we here in Clark County, WA are following the same dates but using a guide we wrote specifically for Clark County.   Over 4,000 people will be using this guide called “Praying Like Paul… for Clark County”.  You can see more information about this here.   We are having an Evening of Prayer for Clark County on February 13th to start together. Please pray that these tools would be translated into many effective prayers! Prayer Far Away  The Abide Team in Columbia. Jody Mayhew and Calvn and Julie Tadema have been in South America (Colombia) teaching local churches and local church pastors. They brought another Abide School to the area and also Marriage Rx, a ministry that focuses on teaching couples about incarnational marriage,  how marriage is to reflect the nature and character of God. The Mayhews and Tademas have just released a book titled, Marriage Rx - Prescription for a radical marriage taken from these teachings.  Please pray that the material that has been taught will continue to influence the church in the area. Several attendees said they intended to plant churches based on the concepts of sonship and covenant that the team taught. Prayer for Comfort Finally, please pray for Sally Palmer (and the rest of the Palmer family) as she adjusts to life after the death of her husband Richard.  Dick Palmer was a major influence in IRM.  He was a full-time volunteer for many years and served on the board till 2 years ago.  He received his “crown of righteousness” on January 14th.  He lived well, loved well, and died well.  He passed peacefully at his home outside of Dallas, TX with his family nearby.  Please pray for all those affected by his departure. Thanks again to each of you who prays for me and for IRM.  See the calendar for other events to pray for.   We truly appreciate knowing that you are praying. If you have time,  click here when you have taken these requests before the throne. This will take you to a page where you can let us know you are partnering with us so we can thank you personally.    Thanks again for your heart for Jesus and us!   Dennis

International Renewal Ministries 1400 NE 136th Avenue Suite 201 Vancouver, Washington 98684 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 196 | Wed 06 Feb 2013

SYRIA: DESCENDING INTO 'HELL'

by Elizabeth Kendal

Historically one of the safest, most hospitable places for Christians in the Middle East, Syria is descending into 'hell'. Hijacked by the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafis, the 'Arab Spring' has morphed into a Sunni Ascendency in which intolerant, totalitarian, fundamentalist Islam is rising to subjugate all moderate, secular and pluralist elements, while terrorists seek to eliminate them.

George Shalhoub (63) is the founder and pastor of St Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Livonia, a western suburb of Detroit, Michigan, USA. He grew up in the Christian quarter of Hama, Syria, and told the Detroit Free Press that it was 'an idyllic life'. He notes that the Christians were safe whilst surrounded by Muslims. 'We played in their mosques, and they played in the courtyard of our church. We were safe. We visited each other, and were part of each other's lives. I never once felt discriminated against by the Muslims. It was the happiest time of my life.' Today, however, there is only sectarian strife and bloodshed. Rev Joseph Antypasc (65), pastor at St George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Troy (about 30km north of Detroit), adds that before the uprising, Syria was 'extremely secular . . . You had equal opportunity, rights for women . . . separation of church and state.' Today, however, Islamic jihadists are destroying churches and driving Christians out through intimidation - including death threats - and forced Islamisation. Antypasc's testimony confirms other reports that Islamists are setting up Emirs (Muslim rulers) and enacting Sharia law in areas they control. 'Our country (the US) is fighting against al-Qaida in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but in Syria, we're supporting them,' Antipasc observes. 'That's bewildering to me.'

In December 2012 the West recognised the Syrian National Coalition (SNC) while proscribing al-Qaeda in Iraq's al-Nusrah Front as a terrorist organisation. The SNC denounced this, maintaining that al-Nusrah is an ally, a label 29 Syrian opposition groups rose to support. Now Turkey (a US ally) is using al-Nusrah as a proxy to fight the Kurds (another US ally). Recently al-Nusrah banded with nine other jihadist groups in the Syrian province of Deir al Zour and formed a Mujahideen Shura Council, the aim of which is to integrate jihadist groups under a central command. On 21 January 2013 Stratfor Intelligence reported that eleven Syrian opposition groups had declared the formation of the 'Unified Syrian Islamic Front'. Whilst the al-Nusrah Front has refused to join, the groups will co-ordinate in the field. Furthermore, 'The two sides will establish a joint Sharia court that is called "Sharia Society Court in the City of Aleppo".' So the West is supporting the 'good' jihadists which are openly and unashamedly allied to the 'bad' jihadists (al-Qaeda)! When has this strategy ever worked?Fides reports that kidnappings for ransom and intimidation are becoming endemic, especially in the Kurdish and Assyrian/Syriac-dominated north-east, south of Kurdish-dominated eastern Turkey and west of Assyrian-homeland Nineveh Province, northern Iraq. Fides reported on 4 February that in recent weeks 'there were fifty kidnappings, and almost half against Christians' in the city of Al-Hasakah, Syria (about 120km due west of Mosul, Iraq).

A Protestant pastor writes from Aleppo: 'The people of Aleppo are living without fuel for heating homes, no gas for cooking, no water, no electricity, no medicines, no doctors, no bread, and the prices of the daily necessities are five times more.' He tells of people begging for heating fuel, crying for bread and medicines and trying in vain to sell their possessions in order to buy basic necessities. He reports that extreme stress is leaving new mothers unable to produce milk for their babies, while families who have become homeless are literally starving and freezing. No longer moved by bombs and bullets, acquiring food is their only thought. Clearly aid is desperately needed. 'Our Shelter and Refuge is our LORD (Psalm 91),' he writes. 'HE is keeping us . . . HE is our HOPE.' The pastor says that while most church activities are 'frozen', he 'thanks God that every Sunday morning, 75-85 people are coming to church for Worship Service'. They are risking their lives to walk there, just so they can pray together 'for the Prince of Peace to change people's hearts and minds, [so that] human beings [will] live peacefully with God and with each other'.

[An expanded version of this prayer bulletin will be available on Religious Liberty Monitoring (RLM).]

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -

* the Holy Spirit will awaken Syrian believers and churches to the critical need for spiritual unity and Christian solidarity amidst suffering; may the fear that fuels self-interest and suspicion be decisively, supernaturally countered by an infusion of brotherly love and radical faith in our Sovereign Lord.

* God our Father will draw his people into prayer and then answer their prayers, energising their faith and providing their needs according to his promise: 'Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things [basic necessities] will be added to you' (from Matthew 6:25-34). 'Ask, and it will be given to you . . . [For] how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!' (from Matthew 7:7-11 ESV).

* the Prince of Peace - the risen Lord Jesus Christ - will awaken people to the folly and hopelessness of their ways; may people's hearts and minds be drawn to peace and reconciliation with God and with each other, so that peace and life might return to Syria, outwitting the one who seeks 'only to steal and kill and destroy' (John 10:10 ESV).


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

SYRIA - DESCENDING INTO 'HELL'

Historically one of the most hospitable places for Christians in the Middle East, Syria is descending into 'hell'. Hijacked by the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafis, the 'Arab Spring' has morphed into a Sunni Ascendency in which intolerant, fundamentalist Islam is subjugating and eliminating moderate and pluralist elements. The West is allied to the 'good' jihadists who in turn are allied to the 'bad' jihadists (al-Qaeda). Sectarian bloodletting is replacing co-existence. Islamisation is replacing secularism. Jihadists are kidnapping, terrorising and killing Christians and destroying churches. Like most civilians caught up in this civil war, Christians are suffering extreme hardship without medicines, doctors, heating, food and water. A Protestant pastor reports from Aleppo that starvation is now a greater concern than bombs. Please pray for the Church in Syria.


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>.

A Leadership Lesson From Super Bowl Parents

From its beginning, the Super Bowl has been filled with larger-than-life personalities. One of the most memorable for me was Super Bowl III MVP Joe Namath, who famously “guaranteed” a victory for his underdog New York Jets.

Since then we’ve seen famed quarterbacks such as Roger Staubach, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, and John Elway. And many notable coaches have spanned Super Bowl history, from Vince Lombardi to Tom Landry, Bill Walsh, and Bill Belichick.

But my vote for the most intriguing Super Bowl personalities of all time would go to two people who’ve never played one snap of Super Bowl football. In fact, they’ve never been on the payroll of an NFL team. Until recently, few people had even heard of them.

My vote would go to Jack and Jackie Harbaugh, parents of John and Jim Harbaugh, coaches in Super Bowl XLVII. It’s no easy task to raise just one Super Bowl coach—but two? That’s quite a feat.

What a reminder about what true leadership is all about. Jack and Jackie won’t be remembered as much for their individual accomplishments as for the success they instilled in others. Their children built upon their legacy and took it farther than they could have ever dreamed.

So instead of worrying so much about our own credentials or accomplishments today, let’s learn from Jack and Jackie Harbaugh’s example. Let’s raise up kids, disciples, and protégés who dream their own dreams and do great things in life—far surpassing our own achievements.

This was the spirit behind Jesus’ message to His disciples before He left the work of the Kingdom in their hands: “Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works” (John 14:12).

After all, that’s what real leadership involves: helping those around us to accomplish “even greater works.”

But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

God will hear and answer them – Even the one who sits enthroned forever…

Selah

Psalm 55:16-19a

This Psalm was written on the other side of the Jordan River when David had been betrayed by His son Absalom.  He was fleeing because he did not want to shed the blood of his son and other countrymen.  In this Psalm David has shared his heart with God.  In these three and one-half verses he shares his principles of the sureness of God’s intervention in His life.  Here are those verses in summary form with the principle clearly stated.

Father, here is the first key principle you have shown me about answered prayer: I am confident that I can cry out to You and you will save me.

Father, I have learned another principle and that is that I can call out to you anytime, day or night, and I know that you hear me.

Father, this is the third thing You have taught me about answered prayer: I know that no matter the kind of battle that is being waged against me and there may be many who oppose me that you will rescue me unharmed.

Father, there is one more awesome principle that You have taught me and I know it works.  Here it is: Just as sure as You are on Your throne in heaven, I know that you will hear and answer me.

Principle # 1: I can be confident that when I cry out to God that He will save me!

Principle # 2: I can be sure that no matter when it is that I can call out to You and You will hear me.

Principle # 3: I can stake my life on the fact that You will rescue me from my opponents.

Principle # 4: I can bet the farm on the fact that the Father hears and answers the prayers of those who have great faith.  (This is shown in being sure that He sits on His throne.)

Prayer: Father I am banking all of me on the sureness of these promises.

Final Note: Notice the word SELAH at the end of this section.  It implies a time to stop and reflect, meditate, rest and relax in what has just been said. 

Why not stop right now and have a time of SELAH.

Friends,
 
I want to pass on to you some of what I've been hearing from others. Even in the midst of reports in the continuing decline of morals or the disarray of some mission conviction, I've been encouraged to hear from several leaders who are sensing that Christians are responding positively, even eagerly, to their appeals to pray for their community and their country. There is increasing disbelief that quick political fixes or economic upturns will ever be able to change our trajectory very easily. Perhaps that very pessimism is turning Christians, with a kind of holy desperation, to pray.
 
I think it's wise in these days to be calling fellow believers to turn pessimism to passionate hope by praying together with scripture. One leader used these words to call others to unite their prayers in hope: "Pray greater!"
 
Of course, I think the tool Seek God for the City 2013 will prove helpful to many to lift and focus their prayers. Whether or not you use Seek God for the City, please find some way to urge others to pray with confidence that Christ will advance and fulfill His long-standing purposes.
 
Yours in hope,
 
Steve Hawthorne
Director
 
PS: It's not too late to get copies in time for the beginning of the 40 days. If you call our office (800-264-5214) or order online (www.waymakers.org) by midday next Monday (February 4), we can still get copies to most places in the USA using standard shipping.
 
PPS: The app format enhances the experience for those with the booklet and involves many others who prefer to pray with their mobile device. Check out the app for smartphones or tablets at www.waymakers.org/app

"God's Faithfulness" is never altered nor decided by our "merited perfection" or by our "poor performance"; because the inerrancy of HIS ways, the immutability of HIS character, and the infallibility of HIS word and will - have been eternally settled, and not contingent upon "human" ability, consistency or integrity.

But, we will not see HIM as HE really is - if we don't deliberately ask or pursue those promises from God's word, by confessing and claiming them "in faith"; recognizing that through Christ's finished work at Calvary, HE has made all the promises "yes and amen"! So, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23 NKJV)

The Lord is "faithful" when we are "faithless", and even while we deeply question whether HE will fulfill or satisfy HIS promises in our lives or not! But, especially when we misspeak or arrogantly assume things based upon fear or presumption, and not faith in "God's faithfulness alone"!

'For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us." (Hebrews 6:16-18 NKJV)

Somehow, we seem to believe that "everyone else qualifies, but us"! And often, that is because we make the fulfillment of HIS word about "us", and not HIS unalterable and unchanging oath through the New Covenant; coupled with our complete acceptance and acknowledgment of it!

"And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (II Corinthians 3:4-6 NKJV)

A major problem amongst God's people is the prevalence of a religious mindset without a true heart commitment, so we labor to "get God to bless us" without understanding the importance of entering into HIS rest for ourselves!

"Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it . For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." (Hebrews 4:1-3 NKJV)

If we don't decide to enter into HIS rest, by renouncing the lingering pride and "unbelief" that is vying for the affection of our hearts - we will forfeit our inheritance in Christ; which HE established from the foundation of the earth, and end up becoming suspicious and not properly discerning the Mind of the Spirit.

As an example of this, I've noticed throughout the years that when believers experience the reality of "being abased" and "being abound" without our minds properly renewed to the Word of God, we think God is nitpicking about the things we "like" to do, and is correcting us for our heart's desires; when HIS leadership in our lives is not petty-investigative work about insignificant things.

"For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:10-12 NKJV)

As the Lord matures HIS people, HE begins to foster balance in our lives, so that where we have misplaced priorities and fleshly (carnal) thinking; HE can pinpoint it in the fire of the circumstances and difficulties that often brings us to a greater degree of clarity in our openness to hear and grow more reliant upon HIM!

Jesus is our "Perfect Example" of what it means to be balanced without ever succumbing to self-dependence apart from the Father's explicit directions and instructions to HIM. And, because Jesus was also "moved with compassion" by being completely yielded to the Father's heart, HE NEVER:

#1 - Allowed self-centered investments to move HIM to "manipulatively sow to reap", people's allegiance or support;

#2 - Became unconscious or misdirected in HIS assignment, by being distracted by human applause or fanfare; and

#3 - Developed an arrogant attitude of entitlement about "being served".

"Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:22, 23 NKJV)

We've all got a long way to go in learning to walk faithfully before The Lord, but you should know that your heartfelt gratitude and humility - while you live free from condemnation and fear - by walking in the spirit; is God's gift to us all!

God answering our prayers for "stuff", should never replace the importance of the singular devotion through intentional submission and ongoing surrender that we must have to our family, faith in Christ, and freedom to live without fear of God ever NOT being faithful!

“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." (Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV)

The Body of Christ is God's vehicle in this New Testament Reality; used to express the fullness of His presence and power in the earth. But, without "dying to self" as a priority, we will hinder the work of the Holy Spirit through us!

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Galatians 2:20, 21 NKJV)

To the degree we're fully surrendered and available to the Inexhaustible Headship of Jesus Christ, will mirror the extent or magnitude in which HIS Glory will be revealed!

So, HIS faithfulness is never gauged by the vacillating faith, inconsistent giving or wavering devotion of HIS people to HIS Cause. But, it does represent the degree in which our usefulness to HIM will be made known.

Saints, "comfort and convenience" is not synonymous with "faith and grace", so the pressure God permits in our lives - must become "revelation"; as we learn to unpack the truths delivered in bundles of faith-building exercises, which should keep us growing more dependent upon HIM - during every one of life's toughest turns and darkest trials!

GOD IS FAITHFUL - even when we don't deserve it; so, don't make it about "you", at all!

Let God get the glory for being - who HE IS!

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the mind of the Lord ? Or who has become His counselor?” “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:33-36 NKJV)

WS-3

I can’t tell you for sure whether America’s Founding Fathers were influenced by the New Age or infiltrated by the Illuminati. But some of the Latin phrases they used are pretty intriguing.

Recently I took a look at Annuit Coeptis, which is found on the Great Seal and the back of our dollar bills. This Latin phrase can be translated “He (or Providence) favors our undertakings” or “He has prospered our endeavors.”

Wow. Our Founders somehow realized they never would have succeeded without divine favor. This recognition of the need for God’s favor should be our testimony as well.

A psalm attributed to Moses reflects this passion very well:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17).

Of course, there are two sides of this “favor” issue. In one sense, if we are positioned in Christ, we already have as much of God’s favor as we could ever have (Romans 8:31-32). It’s surely not a commodity we can earn.

Yet we’re also given examples in Scripture of people—including Jesus Himself—who “GREW in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Isn’t it good to know you can have MORE of God’s favor tomorrow than you have today?

So my prayer for you is that you recognize the incredible favor God offers you through your position in His beloved Son (Matthew 3:17). And then may you GROW in His wisdom, so you can experience an ever-increasing outpouring of His favor on your endeavors.

Annuit Coeptis can be the testimony of your life! 

Secrets to Facilitating Corporate Prayer

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 195 | Wed 30 Jan 2013

by Elizabeth Kendal

WELCOME to the intercessors who have joined the list this month.

'Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer . . . ' (Psalm 10:15a ESV), the 'arm' being the machinery of action that facilitates evil: military and economic supply lines; power structures, relationships and networks; forums that disseminate ideologies of death. Lord, break them all!

JANUARY 2013 UPDATE - During January we prayed concerning . . .

* SUDAN (RLPB 194), where the Nuba and other African tribes across the 'new south' (Abyei, Sth Kordfan and Blue Nile) are facing genocide at the hands of the Islamist and racist, Arab-supremacist regime in Khartoum.

UPDATE: On Friday 25 January some 350 African Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) presented their appeal to the African Union (AU) for action concerning the 'war in South Kordofan and Blue Nile'. Meanwhile, senior leaders of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), including Yassir Arman and Malik Agar, met with the US envoy Princeton Lyman in Washington to appeal for action to prevent genocide. Lyman, however, merely exhorted them to renounce violence and lay down their arms, adding that the Obama administration leans towards a political resolution and believes 'the ongoing tracks are acceptable'. Well, God does not find the situation acceptable! So let us put our trust in God, not humanity, and pray Psalm 10, that he will intervene in Sudan.


* CHECHNYA, SOUTH RUSSIA (RLPB 193), where remnant Christians live with considerable insecurity.

UPDATE: Two senior jihadist commanders from the 'Islamic Caucasus Emirate', brothers Khuseyn and Muslim Gakayev, were amongst eleven jihadists killed during a military operation in Chechnya on 24 January. The Gakayevs were complicit in numerous terrorist attacks and had been on Russia's proscribed terrorist list for eleven years. Pray for peace, with an end to jihad. Pray especially for God to grace Chechnya with a spirit of peace and that Muslim hearts might be open to receive the gospel.


* BURMA (RLPB 192), where the Buddhist and racist, Burman-supremacist regime in Naypyidaw has launched a full-scale war against the Christian Kachin, deploying helicopter gunships and bomber jets against civilians in Laiza.

UPDATE: Guy Horton of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, says the fighting is unlike anything he has previously witnessed in Burma. He writes from northern Kachin State: 'The churches are open on a 24-hour basis. The people pray for deliverance from a conflict where Kachin soldiers, with the support of tens of thousands of civilians, are fighting for survival against an army several times their number.' He notes that the Kachin people are 'bonded by their Christian faith', adding that they are targeted by the Burmese army precisely because of 'their religion and their ethnicity. The law of genocide thus applies.' Horton reports: 'Kachin fixed defensive positions protecting civilians are probably unsustainable. Confronted with jet bombers, artillery, heavy mortars and overwhelming numbers of ground troops, Kachin soldiers may be unable to protect their civilians in the long- or even medium-term.' He expects not a mere humanitarian disaster but 'appalling human rights violations' and regards the West's silence as 'complicity with evil'. (For more detail see Religious Liberty Monitoring.) Pray Psalm 10 for Burma.


JANUARY 2013 ROUND-UP -- also this month . . .

* EGYPT: WHOLE FAMILY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS' JAIL FOR APOSTASY

The criminal court of Beni Suef (115km south of Cairo) has sentenced an entire family to prison for converting to Christianity. Nadia Mohamed Ali, who was born into a Christian family, converted to Islam when she married Mustafa Mohamed Abdel-Wahab 23 years ago. When Mustufa died in 1991 Nadia decided to return to Christianity, bringing her seven children with her. In 2004 the family decided to take Christian names and have their identity cards amended. Seven Registry Office officials facilitated this. Now Nadia and her seven children have been convicted of apostasy and sentenced to 15 years' jail, while the seven Registry Office officials have each received 5-year sentences. Pray that as Islam reveals its true nature, God will open many Muslim hearts to receive the gospel.

* ERITREA: REGIME'S GRIP IS FRAGILE (updating RLPB 185)

The regime of President Isaias Afewerki is one of the most cruel and repressive in the world. Since 2002 thousands of Christians have suffered imprisonment and torture simply because of their faith. Some have died in custody whilst others have perished in horrific circumstances while fleeing. But, as was noted in RLPB 185, change is looming! On 21 January 2013, up to 200 soldiers and officers seized control of the Ministry of Information building, which also houses the state television network. A newsreader read out their demands on live television, including the release of all political prisoners and the implementation of the 1997 constitution which calls for a democratically elected government. Troops loyal to Afewerki encircled the building and eventually put down the coup which was reportedly organised by several senior military figures, possibly even the Army and Air Force chiefs (both now reportedly dead). See prayer points on RLPB 185. Pray Psalm 10 for Eritrea.

* EU: CHRISTIANS LOSE IN THE BATTLE OF THE RIGHTS

On 15 January 2013, the European Court of Human Rights delivered a landmark ruling against two British Christians who had been seeking redress for what they believed were unfair dismissals. Gary McFarlane, a Relate counsellor, had been sacked for seeking to be exempted from providing sexual therapy to homosexual couples, and Lillian Ladele, a marriage registrar, had been sacked for seeking to be exempted from solemnising same-sex relationships. Their employers deemed their conscientious objection to affirming homosexual lifestyle was in breach of Equality laws. The UK courts agreed. (See RLM, label 'UK'.)

So the pair appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, seeking 'reasonable accommodation' for their convictions. The court threw out the cases and it is now being widely acknowledged that those who cannot affirm homosexual sex and same-sex marriage may be lawfully excluded from many public sector jobs. Homosexual magazine queerty.com lampooned the pair as 'a couple of bigoted Brits'. Pinknews.co.uk maintained it was a victory for freedom: Christians are totally free to keep their beliefs and totally free to go and get another job. As British barrister Paul Diamond observes: 'Tuesday's judgment in the European Court on cases affecting the rights of Christians in Britain is a Magna Carta moment. Its verdicts will have a profound impact on the civil and religious liberties of millions of people in the UK and beyond.' (See BBC News video clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ37Ql2uk7k )

* IRAN (updating RLPBs 191 & 192)

Pastor Vruir Avanessian, arrested on 27 December 2012, was released on 10 January after posting $60,000 bail, using real estate as security. Avanessian requires regular dialysis. According to Middle East Concern, the date of his trial is not yet known and no formal charges have been brought against him.

On 27 January an Iranian Revolutionary Court sentenced US pastor Saeed Abedini (32) to eight years in prison on charges of endangering national security. The charges relate to house churches he founded after his conversion in 2000. In 2005 Abedini was arrested for his Christian work, but released after pledging never to work in the house church movement again. Abedini is now a US citizen with an American wife and two young children in Idaho. Whilst he returns to Iran regularly to visit relatives, he maintains he has always honoured his pledge. In detention since mid-2012, Abedini was not permitted to attend his own trial. His Iranian family tried to visit him during the week only to find he was missing, reportedly receiving medical treatment after being beaten and tortured. Abedini's wife, Nagmeh, is greatly distressed and confused by the US State Department's silence and inaction. Pray for this family and for all Iran's Christian prisoners. Pray that Iran, a strategic nation, might be freed from its captivity.

* VIETNAM: REPRESSING THE HOUSE CHURCHES

A new religious decree came into force in Vietnam on 1 January 2013. Replacing Decree 22/2005 ND-CP, Decree 92/2012 ND-CP will give a 'veneer of legality' to a policy of religious repression. Protestant human rights lawyer and religious liberty advocate Nguyen Van Dai maintains, 'the goal of Decree 92/2012 ND-CP is to completely abolish the organisational structure and religious operations of the Protestant denominations that were formed less than 20 years ago and have not been registered according to Decree 22/2005 ND-CP. This is a step backward in the right to freedoms of belief and religion in Vietnam.' Catholic leaders have decried the degree as a 'draconian' and 'backward' measure that violates the 'rights of citizens' by placing 'severe restrictions' on freedom of worship. The Vietnam Evangelical Fellowship, an umbrella organisation for about 25 house church organisations, issued a letter on 23 January calling for prayer and fasting, as Decree 92 effectively makes house churches illegal. Pray for wisdom, grace and divine protection.


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 usually provide a summary to use in news-sheets unable to  run the whole of an RLPB. As a summary is not practicable with this monthly update posting we suggest one or more of the above items be used instead. 

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>.

The next day after Jesus had His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and had cleared the temple of those who were gouging the public with their sales and money changing, Jesus was going back to Jerusalem.

He and the disciples had gone to Bethany for the night and on their way back, Jesus got hungry. He saw a fig tree ahead and since it was a public domain type of tree, He thought He would eat a few figs from it.

When they got there were only leaves on the tree. Jesus looked at the big fig tree and said to it that it would no longer be able to bear fruit and it immediately withered. (By saying this Jesus indicated that the tree could still bear fruit by what He said.)

The disciple’s eyes dropped open like they had millstones attached to their eyelids. They said to Jesus, Whoa back up the fig tree destruction a minute and tell us why the tree withered in an instant.

Ok, He said, gather around the base of this tree and let me teach you a lesson about faith.

When they were all seated He told them that it took great faith to do this. Listen carefully, if you have faith and do not doubt you can also do what I have done to the tree. As a matter of belief you can say to a mountain to be removed from where it is and be deposited in a sea.

I am telling you clearly, that whatever you ask for in prayer and believe without doubt you will receive. For this to happen you will need great faith. This is a faith that forsakes all obstacles in God’s way so the prayer can be answered. When this is being done that the Father will answer.
So today, what is your obstacle to receiving answers to prayer?

Do you have a relationship that has gone bad? Then go to the person and apologize, even if they were almost all at fault and then come and bring your prayer to the Father.

Are you sick? Then set aside unhealthy eating practices and begin to exercise as you are able. Then ask the Father for health again.

Do you have a friend, relative or enemy who needs to come to Jesus? Then spend the time with the Father on a protracted basis for days and weeks and months and years until something happens.

Do you have a lousy work situation? Remove all the barriers and obstacles you can and at the same time pray persistently for Him to work.

Finally, the best way to remove barriers is to spend time in fasting and praying before the Lord on your face. When you are fasting ask Almighty God to show you what to do. As you are sacrificing this way your spirit is more open to His voice and purposes for your life.

Have you ever tried to pray while in the midst of worry?  It’s not pleasant.

Worry may sometimes motivate a person to pray, but it should not be the heart-position one routinely takes when going to God in prayer. 

Often, while praying from a position of worry, our prayers are very self-centered or world-focused (instead of God-centered).  Worry fixes our eyes on worldly circumstances and has a strong tendency to hold our eyes there; looking away from God.  When this happens, God becomes small as the circumstance centered in worry consumes our earthly minds.  The matter can become so consuming that it spins off additional worries.  This pattern can lead to physical diseases, mental breakdown, spiritual bondage, and even breaking of an ongoing relationship with God.

But the truth is that God is greater than any and all circumstances that can come our way!  He is faithful, trustworthy, and true in all ways!

God wants us to be honest about where our hearts are at.  If we’re worrying, we should confess to him that we aren’t seeing or thinking about him appropriately in context of the circumstance.  We can ask God to renew our understanding of His immensity, and then give us His view of all that is happening.  Finally, we can ask him how we should pray for His will to be done in and around the circumstance.

When we do this, some things begin to change:

• God repositions our hearts to worship and see Him for who He truly is.
• God helps us begin to see the matter from His perspective (instead of just our own).
• God increases our trust and faith in Him.
• God receives glory (instead of the circumstance or matter stealing it away).

Worry no longer needs to imprison our lives or prayers.  Jesus came to set captives free.  Let’s believe Him and allow Him to do so!

More prayer tune-ups at: http://www.prayonsite.org/prayer-tune